Annual Report and Financial Statements
For the period from: 01/04/23 to 31/03/24
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Contents
Legal and Administrative Information……………………………………………………………………………3
Objectives and Activities………………………………………………………………………………………….4
Achievements and
Performance…………………………………………………………………………………7
Financial
Review…………………………………………………………………………………………………..8 Structure, Governance and Management……………………………………………………………………...10
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Legal and Administrative Information
Name of the Charity: Menstruation Matters
Charity Structure: Menstruation Matters is a charitable incorporated organisation (CIO)
Charity Registration Number: 1185177
Jurisdiction in Which the Charity is Registered: England and Wales
Address of the Principal Office:
The Circle 33 Rockingham Lane Sheffield S1 4FW
Trustees:
Tabitha Bowman (Chair and Treasurer)
Sophie Vibhishanan (Outreach Coordinator)
Charlotte Stern (Outreach Coordinator)
Emily Milne (Campaigns Officer) Hannah Jackson (Zero Waste Officer)
Website: www.menstruationmatters.co.uk
Contact: generalenquiries@menstruationmatters.co.uk
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Objectives and Activities
Charity Objectives (as stated in governing document):
The objectives of the CIO are for the public benefit, to relieve period poverty of women living in Yorkshire and the Humber by supplying free sanitary products to women who otherwise cannot afford them. Also for the public benefit, to advance environmental protection by increasing awareness of and advocating the use of reusable sanitary products to the people of Yorkshire.
The Main Activities Undertaken to Fulfil the Charity Objectives:
Objective 1: To supply free menstrual products to women who otherwise cannot afford them.
Menstruation Matters fulfils this objective by forming connections with local organisations who help vulnerable women who are unable to afford period products. We accept donations from the general public and other organisations in the form of either period products, in order to distribute to our connected organisations, or monetary donations, with which we use to purchase period products for distribution.
We have a donation box within the University of Sheffield Medical School for the public to place their product donations, but also collect larger donations from groups/societies directly. Most of the monetary donations are raised via fundraising events. To make donating to Menstruation Matters more accessible, we also registered with For Common Good, where the public can purchase products from our wishlist to be sent directly to us.
The list of organisations that we supply with free menstrual products grows on a yearly basis and now includes groups such as young careers, mother and baby groups, and community hubs. Products are packaged into discrete parcels, with enough period products to last at least one menstrual cycle. We endeavour to provide a range of different types of product with varying absorbancies and customise the contents of the parcels on the request of our outreach beneficiaries.
Objective 2: Increasing awareness of Menstruation Matters, period poverty, and reusable menstrual products.
To raise awareness of Menstruation Matters, we have organised and attended both in person and virtual events, some of which have been educational and others have simply been to raise awareness of not just our charity, but period poverty itself. From talking to the public, we have found that many members of our community are unfamiliar with menstrual inequities that people living in the UK can experience. We wish to highlight this as an issue, and thus, have utilised every available opportunity to talk about period poverty with people who have attended any of our events.
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To raise awareness of period poverty and raise funds for the charity this year, we ran our second Life Drawing event in May 2023. This time, we collaborated with Anomaly Life Drawing who are experienced in hosting life drawing sessions. Again, we promoted the event as a safe space for women and non-binary people to discuss the issue of period poverty, to raise awareness of the charity, and as an opportunity for people to practise their drawing skills. We even invited Chella Quint, founder of the Period Positive movement and Yorkshire local, to speak at the event and help us widen our discussions on period poverty.
In December 2023, we hosted an inclusive mini Football tournament called What a Bloody Goal!. We promoted the event as a safe space for all people, regardless of experience, to play some friendly matches. We ran this event in conjunction with Student Action for Refugees at the U-Mix centre in Sheffield to unite people from all backgrounds and raise awareness of the impact period poverty can have on refugees. Although tickets for the event were free, we encouraged the participants to make a donation at the end of the event. To further promote our message of inclusivity, we donated half of all funds raised to Lesbian Asylum Support Sheffield.
We continued running our free reusable pad sewing workshops with support from the University of Sheffield’s Residence Life service for students living in the University Halls. These involve giving a small group of students the opportunity to create their own reusable pad using our vintage hand-crank sewing machines. As a charity, we are interested in educating the general public about period poverty and reusable menstrual products as we feel increasing education will help to reduce the stigma surrounding menstruation. Hosting these workshops allow us to have these conversations and meant that the students took home a personalised menstrual pad, which is environmentally friendly and economical. We plan to continue running these events biannually with the Resident services.
As part of our commitment to ensure our charitable activities are as sustainable as possible, we continue to invest in organic, zero-plastic menstrual products for donation from a company called ‘Here We Flo’.
Main Activities Undertaken to Further the Charity’s Purposes for the Public Benefit:
The ‘benefit aspect’:
Menstruation Matters has fulfilled this aspect of the public benefit requirement by:
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Providing free menstrual products to those living in Yorkshire and the Humber who experience period poverty.
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Hosting workshops for the public to see their own reusable pads to encourage the use of more environmentally friendly menstrual products. We also purchase organic, zero-plastic sanitary products for donation to those living in period poverty.
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Tackling the stigma associated with menstruation through open discussions at both in person and virtual events.
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The ‘public aspect’:
Menstruation Matters has fulfilled this aspect of the public benefit requirement by:
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Tackling stigma surrounding menstruation, empowering women and those who menstruate in general to advocate for themselves and those in need.
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Encouraging the use of more environmentally friendly period products. The outcomes of using these types of products will benefit the public in general, as well as the individuals who use them.
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Providing free period products to those in period poverty. This benefits this group by not only providing them with more hygienic menstrual products, but it also means that period poverty will no longer prevent them from conducting daily life activities.
The Trustees confirm that they have complied with the duty in Section 17 of the Charities Act 2011 to have due regard to the public benefit guidance published by the Charity Commission in determining the activities undertaken by the Charity.
Signed on behalf of the Trustees,
………………………………………..
Achievements and Performance
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Menstruation Matters’ principal objective is the provision of free period products to those experiencing period poverty. In this respect, our main achievements are through fulfilling this objective. Connecting with the general public and other organisations has allowed us to increase awareness of our charitable objectives. This in turn has increased donations and participation from the wider community at our events.
During this period, we have utilised events to educate our local community on period poverty and Menstruation Matters. Education is paramount to reduce stigma, allowing for more women to advocate for their needs. The running of virtual and in person events this year has allowed us to integrate more with our local community.
Focusing on purchasing only low-plastic or plastic-free menstrual products for donation as well as reusable period products, and starting to host regular reusable pad workshops has been key in us promoting environmentally-friendly menstrual products this year. We also continue to offer to source reusable products such as menstrual cups and pads to anyone in our outreach that is interested.
Financial review
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For the financial year ending 31st March 2024, Menstruation Matters had received a total of £329 in income and expended a total of £1016. This makes a net income of -£687. Although our annual turnover is negative, we remain having large funds that have been carried over from the previous years, allowing us to continue functioning as a charity.
The income is made from a mixture of ticket sales from our fundraising event as well as general monetary donations from the public. Our Life Drawing fundraiser was a ticketed event, with the price of a ticket covering the cost of art supplies and refreshments as well as ensuring that the charity received a healthy donation. The event allowed us to raise vital funds as well as spread the awareness of Menstruation Matters and period poverty across Sheffield. The funds raised were split equally between ourselves, Anomaly Life Drawing and Chella Quint. We also raised funds from our What a Bloody Goal! fundraising event. The donations were completely voluntary as it wasn’t a ticketed event, therefore the donations ranged from £5 to £40 per person. The total funds were split evenly between ourselves and Lesbian Asylum Support Sheffield. Registering Menstruation Matters with EasyFundraising has also been a vital part of our fundraising as it means we can raise funds at no extra expense of the donator. The bank transfer of the raised donations every quarter has meant we can rely on regular income.
We continue to receive menstrual product donations from the public via our donation box in the University of Sheffield Medical School reception However, due to the growth in our outreach, we still need to regularly buy menstrual products in order to top up our stock. We continue to buy period pads and tampons from ‘Here We Flo’ as their products are plasticfree, made of organic cotton, and the packaging is biodegradable. Although eco-friendly products are generally more expensive than their plastic counterparts, we agreed that being environmentally conscious is a value that the charity should uphold and we are prepared to pay the price difference. A small amount of our expenditure each year is also spent purchasing stationery supplies, such as paper bags and stickers, to distribute the pads in.
Reserves Policy
Menstruation Matters has decided that it is unnecessary to hold reserves. This is due to multiple reasons.
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The size of the charity means we are able to rely on donations from the general public, in either monetary or physical sanitary product form. We have started increasing the frequency of our fundraising events and aim to introduce extra donations points in the next financial year. Although we occassionally purchase our own sanitary products, the monetary donations and grants received during the previous financial years have continued to financially support the charity, and the charity is still in a healthy financial position for the start of the next financial year.
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The charity does not have any recurring payments, such as rent or debt payments. This also means the expenditure of the charity varies from month-to-month,
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depending on the charity’s activities. This makes it difficult and impractical to suggest a reserve.
The decision to not spend all our monetary funds immediately on period products is dictated by our lack of space to store the products. We are not fortunate enough to have a storage facility, therefore any products are stored within the personal homes of our trustees. Therefore we buy as many products as we have the space for and replenish when needed. The need for a reserve will be reviewed at the end of every financial year.
Funds Materially in Deficit
The charity does not have any funds that are materially in deficit.
Investments
The charity does not have any investments.
Structure, Governance, and Management
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Board of Trustees
Menstruation Matters is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) registered with the UK’s Charity Commission. The Board of Trustees comprises 5 people who are responsible for the supervision of the management of all the affairs of Menstruation Matters. Board Meetings are held 6 times a year.
Type of Governing Document:
Menstruation Matters is governed by a CIO foundation constitution.
How the charity is constituted:
Charitable Incorporated Association.
Trustee Selection Methods:
Trustee recruitment and appointment is done based on the specific skills required, the nomination of an existing trustee and is voted upon. No other organisation or body has the right to appoint trustees to the charity.
Trustees’ Responsibilities
The board of trustees is responsible for ensuring that all the activities are within UK law and fall within the agreed charitable objectives.
Liability of Members
Menstruation Matters is a registered Charitable Incorporated Organisation, limited by guarantee. The trustees have guaranteed the liabilities of the charity up to £1 each.
Declaration
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The trustees declare that they have approved the trustees’ report above
----- Start of picture text -----
Signed on behalf of the charity’s trustees
Signature(s):
…………………………………………………...
Full Name(s):
Tabitha Deanna Bowman
…………………………………………………..
Position:
Chair
…………………………………………………..
Date:
07.08.24
…………………………………………………….
----- End of picture text -----
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| Menstruation Matters | Menstruation Matters | 1185177 | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Receipts and payments accounts | CC16a | ||||
| For the period from |
01-Apr-23 | To | 31-Mar-24 |
| Section A Receipts and payments | Section A Receipts and payments | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A1 Receipts | Unrestricted funds to the nearest £ 87 242 - - - - - 329 - - - 329 745 106 38 126 - - - - - 1,016 - - - 1,016 - 687 - 1,883 1,196 |
Restricted funds to the nearest £ - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - |
Endowment funds to the nearest £ - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - |
Total funds to the nearest £ 87 - 242 - - - - - 329 - - - 329 745 106 38 126 - - - - - 1,016 - - - 1,016 - 687 |
Last year to the nearest £ |
|
| VoluntaryReceipts / Donations | 87 | 133 | ||||
| Charitable Activities | ||||||
| Activities for GeneratingFunds | 242 | 127 | ||||
| Other | - | |||||
| - | - | |||||
| - | - | |||||
| - | - | |||||
| - | - | |||||
| Sub total(Gross income for AR) |
329 | 260 | ||||
| A2 Asset and investment sales, (see table). |
||||||
| - | ||||||
| - | - | |||||
| Sub total | - | - | ||||
| Total receipts A3 Payments |
||||||
| 260 | ||||||
Cost of Charitable Activities |
745 | 377 | ||||
| Governance Costs | 106 | 106 | ||||
| Administrative Costs | 38 | 114 | ||||
| FundraisingCosts | 126 | 61 | ||||
| - | - | |||||
| - | - | |||||
| - | - | |||||
| - | - | |||||
| - | - | |||||
| **Sub total ** | 1,016 | 658 | ||||
| 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 |
||||||
| 658 | ||||||
| - 687 | - | - | - 687 | - 398 | ||
| - | - | - | - | - | ||
| 1,883 | - | - | 1,883 | 2,281 | ||
| 1,196 | - | - | 1,196 | 1,883 |
CCXX R1 accounts (SS)
07/08/2024
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| Section B Statement of assets and liabilities at the end of the period | Section B Statement of assets and liabilities at the end of the period | 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 B5 Liabilities B3 Investment assets B2 Other monetary assets B4 Assets retained for the charity’s own use B1 Cash funds |
Details Details Total cash funds (agree balances with receipts and payments account(s)) Cash at bank Cash at hand Details Details Vintage Sewing Machines Menstruation Matters Trademark Details Signature |
Unrestricted funds Restricted funds to nearest £ to nearest £ 1,157 - 39 - - - 1,196 - OK OK Unrestricted funds Restricted funds to nearest £ to nearest £ - - - - - - - - - - - - Fund to which asset belongs Cost (optional) - - - - - Fund to which asset belongs Cost (optional) Unrestricted 170 Unrestricted - - - - - - - - Fund to which liability relates Amount due (optional) - - - - - Print Name TABITHA BOWMAN |
Endowment funds to nearest £ |
| - | |||
| - | |||
| - | |||
| - | |||
| OK | |||
| Endowment funds to nearest £ |
|||
| - | |||
| - | |||
| - | |||
| - | |||
| - | |||
| - | |||
| Current value (optional) |
|||
| - | |||
| - | |||
| - | |||
| - | |||
| - | |||
| Current value (optional) |
|||
| - | |||
| - | |||
| - | |||
| - | |||
| - | |||
| - | |||
| - | |||
| - | |||
| - | |||
| When due (optional) |
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| Date of approval |
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| TABITHA BOWMAN | 07/08/2024 | ||
CCXX R2 accounts (SS)
07/08/2024
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