2024-12-31-accounts

UNAUDITED TRUSTEE’S ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

CHARITY REGISTRATION NUMBER: 1185499

LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION

Trustees	Fiona Corless (Chair)
	Matthew Longley (Treasurer)
	Samuel Davis
	Carolyn Watson
Charity Number	1185499
Registered office	10 Clevedale
	Bristol
	BS16 2SQ
Independent Examiner	Sophie Barry FCCA
	19 Drury Lane
	Loddon
	Norfolk
	NR14 6LB
Bankers	Lloyds Banking Group Plc
	25 Gresham Street
	London
	EC2V 7HN

CONTENTS

	Page
Trustees’ Report	1 – 10
Independent Examiner’s Report	11
Statement of Financial Activities	12
Balance Sheet	13
Statement of Cash Flows	14
Notes to the financial statements	15 - 19

TRUSTEES’ REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

Introduction

The Trustees present their report and unaudited financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2024.

The financial statements comply with the Charities Act 2011 and the Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective January 2019).

The charity is a charitable trust and is constituted and governed by its charitable trust deed dated 2 December 2018. The trust was registered with the Charity Commission, number 1185499, 25 September 2019.

Trustees

Trustees who served during the year were:

• Fiona Corless

• Matthew Longley

• Samuel Davis

• Carolyn Watson

There must be at least three trustees. The Trustees are ultimately responsible for the policies, activities and assets of the charity. They are in regular and frequent contact to review the developments with regard to the charity, its activities and to make important decisions. The Board of Trustees meets formally at least three times a year, with at least one ‘in person’ meeting, to ascertain the level of funds available for distribution. New trustees are appointed with regard to the need for an appropriate mix of skills on the Trustee Board.

Objectives and activities

The object of the charity is for the advancement of health and relieving the needs of children and families affected by childhood cancer, other serious childhood illness or bereavement and to those that individuals that support them in particular but not exclusively by raising awareness of childhood cancer, child bereavement and their related issues, and the provision of resources and grants.

The charity's vision is to ensure that all parents/carers and families that have a child with cancer, a life limiting condition or that has died will receive appropriate social, emotional and mental health support at the time they need it, in a way that is accessible to them.

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TRUSTEES’ REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

This is done through the provision of:

• Free bereavement therapy for parents for as long as it is needed

• Self-care boxes for bereaved parents and siblings

• Bereavement Libraries

• Keepsakes and Headstones

• Food Vouchers/meals for bereaved parents and families in hospitals

• Relaxation Flashcards

• Activity Packs for children in hospital for long periods of time or children requiring isolation

• Princess hats for children that have lost their hair through treatment

• Bespoke requests to support families with specific health and/or social care needs.

The Trustees aim to ensure that appropriate levels of cash are available in order to meet the ongoing needs of the charity, particularly that there is sufficient cash to fund any ongoing therapy to bereaved parents for at least the next twelve months.

Risk

The Trustees have considered where there may be risks to which the Charity is exposed and confirm that systems are established to mitigate against them.

Public benefit requirement

The Trustees have given due consideration to Charity Commission published guidance on the operation of public benefit requirement.

Achievements, performance and financial review

The financial activities are summarised on page 12 of the accounts. The charity has generated a surplus for the year ended 31 December 2024 of £2,007 (2023: deficit of £5,022).

During the year the charity has funded the following activities and services:

Bereavement Therapy

We have provided over 315 therapy sessions (2023: 185) for 15 bereaved families (2023: 12), which has been a vital component of supporting them with managing their grief. We received 30 requests for therapy and as a result of the huge demand are currently operating a waiting list for families.

“I just wanted to pass on some feedback I have had from the parents of a child who died suddenly. RoC is generously funding couples counselling for his parents. They told me how invaluable their sessions are. The support is really sustaining them. She highlighted how important and enormously helpful it was that you found the therapist for them, which was crucial because she is certain they would not have had the energy to do that and would have missed out the support for that reason. She could not be more grateful at this desperately difficult time.” - Bereavement Nurse

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TRUSTEES’ REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

Self Care Boxes

We have delivered over 125 (2023: 110 – 14% increase) Self Care Boxes to bereaved parents. These have usually been requested around significant dates such as birthdays and anniversaries of death and have been hugely appreciated by the parents with all reporting they have found them comforting.

“Thank you so much for my box. It has really cheered me up. Such a wonderful thing you do. Thank you again for your kindness” - Bereaved Parent

“Thank you so much for my box. It was a complete surprise and unexpectedly had me in tears. The work you guys do is amazing and really appreciate.” - Bereaved Parent

“ Amazing, such a beautiful idea. It had such lovely things inside and you can tell a lot of thought has gone into it. People tell me I need to be kind to myself, this will help.” - Bereaved Parent

Keepsakes and Headstones

We have provided keepsakes for 28 families (2023: 21) and received 47 Headstone requests (2023: 30) to families, which has helped families to remember their children when they otherwise would not have been able to. This is an increase in demand of 33% and 57% respectively on the previous year.

“Thank you so much for supporting us with a headstone. It has helped me and my children massively.” - Bereaved Parent

“I just want to say thank you to your charity. I finally got a headstone for my baby girl in time for Christmas. I feel so much at ease and I really do appreciate all your support.” - Bereaved Parent

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TRUSTEES’ REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

Food Vouchers/Meals

Over 1,970 meals have been given to bereaved parents which is an increase of over 64% on 2023 (1,200). Due to the demand for this support we no longer offer vouchers to hospital wards but still support families of children with life limiting conditions where there is a social need through our links with hospices, together for short lives and young lives vs cancer.

“Being able to give some of the families we support a cook voucher has been so helpful. When a family has been staying at the hospice or hospital at the end of their life, it has meant that when the time comes for them to go home they can do this without the additional stress or worry about where their next meal will come from.” - Young Live Vs Cancer Social Worker

Activity Packs and Relaxation Flashcards

We have provided 53 activities (2023: 21) for children with cancer/life limiting conditions. We have delivered 23 (2023: 27) relaxation flashcards to hospitals and hospices working with children going through treatment and bereaved siblings, we have also delivered the cards directly to families.

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TRUSTEES’ REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

Bespoke Requests

All our bespoke requests are paid to the companies rather than direct to families to ensure it covers the support being requested. We have helped 11 families (2023: 6) with such requests including:

• Driving lessons for a family of a child with a life limiting condition to give them access to the wider community and help build their confidence and provide opportunities for the family to enjoy leisure time together and have positive experiences and be able to get to important medical appointments.

• Caskets and funeral flowers for several families with the financial burden of the funeral for their children that have died.

• Help for families struggling with the cost of living through providing financial support with bills, food and furnishings.

• Ashes jewellery and requests for specialist lego sets and trains that we diverted to our keepsake and activity parcel orders to fulfil.

We have delivered 1 princess hat this year (2023: 5) to a child going through treatment for cancer.

Bereavement Libraries

We have provided 7 (2023: 7) bereavement libraries this year to hospitals, hospices, school and community bereavement groups at:

• NHSBT Southampton

• Haven House Children’s Hospice, Woodford

• Paediatric Palliative Care team, Leeds General Infirmary

• Child Bereavement Team, Queens Medical Centre, Nottingham

• Child Death Review Nursing Team, East Sussex

• Uplands Primary School, Fareham

• Bereavement and Family Support Service, Southampton General Hospital

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TRUSTEES’ REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

Progress against our Strategy

The charity strategy for 2023-2026 outlines our priorities over the next 3 years. In 2024, as well as our ongoing delivery we have made progress against our strategic areas of focus through the below activities:

• Priority 1: High Quality, Responsive and Equitable Services to Children and Families o This year we are engaged the services of a well-being coordinator to support us respond to the increasing demand for our services.

• We have introduced our headstone step-by-step guide and headstone fundraising guide to support families and professionals to navigate the system of purchasing a headstone.

• We have started a review of our self-care boxes with families requesting feedback about the items in the boxes to make sure we are sending the most helpful items for families.

• Priority 2: Collaboration with Charities Services and Businesses

• We were shortlisted for charity times award 2024 for Charity Collaboration of the Year for our work with Noah’s Ark Children’s Hospice.

• Through the Coop Community Fund and our partnership with Coop Fareham, Highlands Road we have seen so many self-care and activity donations through their instore drop off point, as well as their support in several fundraising events throughout the year.

• We have worked with local organisations such as Community First Fareham, Portchester Gala and Whitley’s Shopping Centre all of whom have helped us to raise awareness of the work that we do at Ripples of Compassion.

• We have started a new partnership with Tropic with Sophie Ward through which we have received some amazing donations towards our self-care boxes.

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TRUSTEES’ REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

• We continue to be supported by:

• Fareham Heathens who have raised £445 for us through quiz nights, horse racing and collections throughout the year

• Purple Cobras (and their sponsors Powder Monkey) who partner with us to hold our annual rugby family fun day, as well as our sponsors, Trafalgar and CTECH Business Solutions.

• Over the rainbow Children’s Entertainment who have supported our afternoon tea and Rugby fundraising events.

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TRUSTEES’ REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

• Maker’s House Fareham who have raised £237 through their Halloween Trail and Cake with Father Christmas events. As well as supporting us with a donation point for activity and self-care items.

• Salon 58 who provide Ripples Sweet Treats goodies to their customers helping us to raise £135

• Crochet and Craft by Cailey who continue to support the fundraising efforts of Ripples Sweet Treats and Crafty Creations. Which of course leads to the ongoing support of all the volunteers from Ripples Sweet Treats and Craft Creations who raised a staggering £2,677 with their efforts in 2024.

• We have introduced our Ripples of Compassion training offer this year providing 2 sessions to 17 professionals on: “Working Compassionately when supporting bereaved parents”. This has helped us to bring in £555 to the charity.

“Fantastic training! Delivered by someone who has experienced the death of a chlid, it offered practical and insightful information to support families and has made me think about myself when working with parents.” - Bereavement Professional

• Priority 3: Culture of Volunteering

• This year we have introduced our Ripples Runners with a team of runners that have taken on a range of events throughout the year collectively raising over £3,200 for us. We have a stock of running vests and hope to continue to build our running support.

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TRUSTEES’ REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

• 2024 has also seen the official recognition of our “Ripplers” named by the volunteers themselves. These are our smallest volunteers that help with making sweets, self-care boxes and posting parcels (with adult supervision of course).

 Priority 4: Financially Sustainable Growth

• We owe a huge thank you to the organisations that have given us grants throughout 2024 to support our charitable activities including:

• Coop £8,322

• Albert Hunt £3,000

• National Lottery £18,900

• Tesco £2,250

• Communities First Fareham £1,000

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TRUSTEES’ REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

• We launched our first Ripples Christmas toy appeal in the run up to December 2024 with outstanding generosity of gifts in-kind from our supporters. We plan for this to be an ongoing event that reduces the amount we have to spend on self-care and activity boxes through in-kind donations.

• We have introduced “Feedback Friday’s” on our social media to regularly share the impact of the work that we do. All of our promotional material now includes details of how to donate to the charity.

• We have conducted a short review of our services and have amended our cook voucher offer to focus on bereavement due to an increase in demand but also other charities that are now supporting families in hospital. This allows us to make best use of our limited funds whilst still supporting families with this much valued resources.

• We have updated our headstone offer so that these are reviewed on a 3 monthly basis and we now offer a fixed contribution of £500 to each family to manage the continued increasing demand in this space.

• We have reviewed our banking processes and looked at opportunities to optimise our savings and associated investment income.

• Following the success of our bereavement training we are looking at opportunities to expand this as a regular source of income for the charity.

• Our collaborations and volunteer initiatives already highlighted in priority 2 and 3 will help us to continue to grow in a financially sustainable way.

Reserves policy

The Trustees have reviewed the reserves of the Trust and consider this level of free reserves to be appropriate to enable the Trust to continue its activities. As at 31 December 2024 total reserves amounted to £20,256 (2023: £18,249) including restricted funds of £7,042 (2023: £5,665) and designated funds of £10,000 to ensure sufficient contingency for continuation of existing parents bereavement therapy. Leaving £3,214 free reserves.

On behalf of the Board of Trustees

Fiona Corless Chair of Trustees Date: 22 July 2025

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INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF RIPPLES OF COMPASSION

I report to the charity trustees on my examination of the accounts of Ripples of Compassion (the Trust) for the year ended 31 December 2024.

Responsibilities and basis of report

As the charity trustees of the Trust 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 Act and in carrying out my examination I have followed all applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Act.

Independent examiner's statement

I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect:

1. accounting records were not kept in respect of the Trust as required by section 130 of the Act; or

2. the accounts do not accord with those records; or

3. the accounts do 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.

Sophie Barry, FCCA 19 Drury Lane Loddon Norfolk NR14 6LB

Date: 22 July 2025

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STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

----- Start of picture text -----
Unrestricted Restricted Total Total
funds funds 2024 2023
Note £ £ £ £
Income:
Donations 26,593 1,000 27,593 16,925
Grants 3,250 21,900 25,150 17,912
Investment income 298 - 298 37
Total income 30,141 22,900 53,041 34,874
Expenditure:
Charitable expenditure 25,534 21,523 47,057 35,852
Support costs 5 3,977 - 3,977 4,044
Total expenditure 29,511 21,523 51,034 39,896
Surplus/(deficit) for the year 630 1,377 2,007 (5,022)
Funds reconciliation:
Funds brought forward 8 12,584 5,665 18,249 23,271
Surplus/(deficit) for the year 8 630 1,377 2,007 (5,022)
Funds carried forward 8 13,214 7,042 20,256 18,249
----- End of picture text -----

The Statement of Financial Activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year.

All income and expenditure derives from continuing activities.

The notes on pages 15 to 19 form part of these financial statements.

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BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2024

----- Start of picture text -----
2024 2024 2023 2023
Notes £ £ £ £
Current assets
Debtors 2 611 2,810
Current asset investments 4 15,085 -
Cash at bank 5,180 15,909
20,876 18,719
Current liabilities
Creditors: amounts falling due 3 (620) (470)
within one year
Net current assets 20,256 18,249
Net assets 20,256 18,249
The funds of the charity
Unrestricted funds 8 13,214 12,584
Restricted funds 8 7,042 5,665
Total funds 8 20,256 18,249
----- End of picture text -----

The accounts were approved by the board and authorised for issue and signed on their behalf by:

Fiona Corless Matthew Longley Chair of Trustees Treasurer

Date: 22 July 2025

The notes on pages 15 to 19 form part of these financial statements.

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STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

----- Start of picture text -----
2024 2023
£ £
Cash flows from operating activities:
Surplus/(deficit) for the year 2,007 (5,022)
Investment income (298) -
Decrease/(Increase) in debtors 2,199 2,771
Increase/(decrease) in creditors 150 (665)
Net cash used in operating activities 4,058 (2,916)
Cash flows from investing activities:
-
Purchase of short term cash deposits (15,085)
Interest received 298 -
-
Net cash used in investing activities (14,787)
Net decrease in cash in the year (10,729) (2,916)
Cash at the beginning of the year 15,909 18,825
Cash at the end of the year 5,180 15,909
----- End of picture text -----

Analysis of changes in net funds:

	At 1 January 2024 £	Cash flows £	Other non- cash changes	At 31 December 2024 £
Cash	15,909	(10,729)	-	5,180
Total	15,909	(10,729)	-	5,180

The notes on pages 15 to 19 form part of these financial statements.

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NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

1. Accounting policies

1.1 Basis of preparation

Ripples of Compassion is a charitable trust constituted by way of a charitable trust deed. It is registered with the Charity Commission of England and Wales and its registered number is 1185499. The registered office is 10 Clevedale, Bristol, BS162SQ.

The financial statements are prepared under the historical cost convention and in accordance with applicable accounting standards.

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS102) (effective 1 January 2019) – (Charities SORP (FRS102)), the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS102).

The Trust is a Public Benefit Entity as defined by FRS 102.

The Trustees are confident that the charity will be able to meet its financial obligations as they fall due for the foreseeable future, being at least 12 months from the date of signing of these financial statements, and therefore consider it appropriate to prepare the financial statements on a going concern basis.

1.2 Financial instruments

The Trust only has financial assets and financial liabilities which are of a kind that qualify as basic financial instruments. Basic financial instruments are initially recognised at transaction value and subsequently at their settlement value.

1.3 Income recognition

Income relates to donations and grants which have been received by the charity and activities for raising funds relate to fundraising activities which have taken place through the year and are recognised when the charity has entitlement to the income.

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NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

1.4 Expenditure

All expenditure is included in the Statement of Financial Activities Liabilities are recognised as expenditure as soon as there is a legal or constructive obligation committing the charity to the expenditure. All expenditure is accounted for on an accrual basis.

Support costs are those costs which are not directly attributable to the direct charitable expenditure, but which are in respect of the general administration of the charity and overall management of the funds.

1.5 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 and which have not been designated for any other purpose. The charity also has restricted funds which represents funds donated for specific purposes.

1.6 Current asset investments

Current asset investments comprise short term cash deposits measured at cost. Short term cash deposits comprise cash at bank with maturity dates between 3 and 12 months.

2. Debtors

	2024 £ 2023 £
Other debtors Prepayments	275 2,557 336 253
	611 2,810

3. Creditors: amounts falling due within one year

	2024 £ 2023 £
Accruals	620 470
	620 470

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NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

4. Current asset investments

	2024 £ 2023 £
Short term cash deposits	15,085 -
	15,085 -

5. Support costs

	2024 £ 2023 £
Other	3,977 4,044
	3,977 4,044

6. Trustees

None of the trustees received any remuneration during the year (2023: none) however one of the trustees was reimbursed expenses totalling £365 (2023: £3,216) in relation to costs incurred in providing charity activities which were not able to be directly funded from the charity’s bank account.

7. Employees

There were no employees during the year (2023: none).

8. Related parties

During the year, one of the trustees was reimbursed expenses totalling £365 (2023: £3,216) in relation to costs incurred in providing charity activities which were not able to be directly funded from the charity’s bank account.

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NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

9. Statement of funds

	At 1 January 2024 £	Income £	Expenditure £	At 31 December 2024 £
Restricted funds
Tyler’s Friends	-	1,000	(1,000)	-
Albert Hunt	-	3,000	(2,077)	923
National LotteryGrant	-	18,900	(12,781)	6,119
Foyle Foundation	5,665	-	(5,665)	-
Total restricted funds	5,665	22,900	(21,523)	7,042
Unrestricted funds	12,584	30,141	(29,511)	13,214
Total funds	18,249	53,041	(51,034)	20,256

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NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

10. Statement of Financial Activities for the year ended 31 December 2023

----- Start of picture text -----
Unrestricted Restricted Total Total
funds funds 2023 2022
Note £ £ £ £
Income:
Donations 11,486 5,439 16,925 21,607
Grants 3,428 14,484 17,912 11,090
Investment income 37 - 37 -
Total income 14,951 19,923 34,874 32,697
Expenditure:
Charitable expenditure 21,594 14,258 35,852 38,187
Support costs 5 4,044 - 4,044 2,502
Total expenditure 25,638 14,258 39,896 40,689
(Deficit)/surplus for the (10,687) 5,665 (5,022) (7,992)
year
Funds reconciliation:
Funds brought forward 8 23,271 - 23,271 31,263
(Deficit)/surplus for the year 8 (10,687) 5,665 (5,022) (7,992)
Funds carried forward 8 12,584 5,665 18,249 23,271
----- End of picture text -----

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