2025-03-31-accounts - Music Relief Foundation

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Trustees Annual Report and Financial Statements Registered Charity Number: 118574 For the year 1 April 2024 to 31 March 2025

Statements

Music Relief Foundation Registered Charity Number: 1185747 Financial Year: 1 April 2024 31 March 2025

1. Reference and Administrative Details

Registered Address

Thornton Heath Leisure Centre 100 High Street Thornton Heath CR7 8LF

Trustees Who Served During the Year

Kofi Dwinfour Chair (served until his death in December 2024)

Blyth Weston Treasurer
Adrian Thompson
Magdalene Usikaro
Valeria Ehrenheim

Debbie Ariyo OBE Appointed and elected Chair in January 2025

Trustee Changes

Following the death of former Chair Mr Bob-Amara in December 2023, passing in December 2024, the Board convened in January 2025 and

experience leading AFRUCA Safeguarding Children and provides strong governance and safeguarding expertise.

2. Structure, Governance and Management

Music Relief Foundation is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) governed by its Constitution, adopted at the time of registration. The Board

of Trustees meets quarterly and is responsible for governance, strategic direction, risk management, financial oversight, safeguarding, and programme development.

New trustees undertake a structured induction covering governance responsibilities, charity finance, safeguarding, and operational processes. Day-to-day delivery is carried out by administrative staff, sessional youth workers and freelance musicians under the leadership of the CEO, with ongoing oversight from the Trustees.

3. Objectives and Activities

Charitable Objectives

The charity exists to support socially and economically disadvantaged young people by:

Advancing development and improving life outcomes through music-based learning, recreation, and creative activities
Developing skills, confidence, and resilience , enabling positive participation in society
Promoting social inclusion for young people at risk of isolation or marginalisation
Relieving unemployment by supporting access to training, employability pathways, and personal development opportunities

Public Benefit Statement

The Trustees confirm that they have complied with the Charity

benefit principles underpin all programme design and delivery.

4. Achievements and Performance

During 2024/25, Music Relief Foundation delivered several impactful programmes:

4.1 MRF Music School

The music school, launched in 2021, underwent a full review and restructuring to support operational sustainability. Key improvements included:

Updated and more equitable fee structure
Tutor and student handbooks
Refined terms and conditions to strengthen accountability Administrative processes to support a long-term self-sustaining model

During the financial year, 60 young people were enrolled at the Music School and developed new musical skills across a wide range of disciplines, including guitar , piano, violin, viola, flute, drums, cello, saxophone, choir, band practice, and other ensemble activities. Our learners ranged in age from 5 to 80 to music education.

Several students successfully achieved Entry Level and Grade One qualifications from the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music (ABRSM). Students who completed Grade One are now progressing towards their Grade Two assessments, marking an important milestone in their musical development.

Through our participation in the Jack Petchey Foundation Awards , we were proud to nominate and celebrate several students for their commitment, progress, and leadership. Attending the awards programme provided an invaluable opportunity to raise aspirations, build confidence, and encourage positive leadership qualities among our young people.

We extend our sincere thanks to all our dedicated tutors, whose passion, professionalism, and commitment make the work of the Music School possible. Without their continued support, we would not be able to reach and inspire so many children and learners in our community.

Quotes from parents

1. Absolutely amazing music school, with affordable music lessons. Magdalene is attentive and friendly, and the music teachers are patient, enthusiastic and experienced. I cannot recommend MRF enough!

2. Such a lovely organisation. Affordable music lessons in the community, taught by great teachers. My son did guitar lessons at MRF and really enjoyed them. He learnt new skills, read music and made friends. I highly recommend MRF!

3. Outstanding!!! MRF offer an invaluable service to the community. You CAN'T say you get what you pay for here, but you definitely get more! The prices are very affordable, but the teachers (guitar, keyboard, and vocal) are of a very high standard. Both my 11yr old daughter and I have taken music lessons, and we are both very pleased with the teaching we received.

4.2 MRF Bi-annual Soirées

Launched July 2024, these events:

Celebrated student achievements
Strengthened parental and community engagement
Began generating modest income
Built confidence and performance skills among young people

During the financial year, we held two soirees in June and December 2024. These events were a major community activity, with over 200 children and their families attending each. Each event served as a music festival for young people, with our various students performing and showcasing their musical skills. Additionally, some of our adult students participated, including our Choir group, who gave strong performances and renditions to the delight of the audience. The soirees have become a staple in the Croydon calendar, and we would continue to hold these events with the community's support.

Quote from a parent for the soiree -

'My child has performed in the soirée four times, and each time he performs, his confidence increases and his performance has greatly improved.'

Quote from an adult student for the soiree

I love that the soirees are open to adults like me. As an adult learner, having always loved to play an instrument but never learned earlier. I especially love the fact that my tutor is very attentive to my needs and fully

understands, and that I get to display what I have been learning. It is very scary to perform in front of an audience, especially when you are not very competent at playing, but the soirees are much more than a showcase; they are about bringing the MRF family together.

4.3 MRF Afterschool Club

Made possible through the Million Hours Fund , delivered in partnership with the National Lottery. Achievements:

Recruitment of a dedicated Project Coordinator
Improved structure, planning and delivery
Higher quality support for children and young people

During the year, [100] young people attended the after-school club, which offered [music and mentoring sessions]. This also enabled us to provide safe after-school environments for children, helping keep them off the streets and engage them in positive activities during this period.

Quotes from the young people

I enjoy taking part in the sessions

I feel comfortable and welcome here

I feel connected to other young people

I am learning a new skill

4.4 Amplify Her Voice

Funded by the National Lottery and launched in November 2023. The programme:

Created a safe space for girls to discuss issues impacting their wellbeing
Drew inspiration from national conversations on violence against women and girls
Was selected by Media Trust for specialist volunteer support from media professionals

Media Trust supported the programme by coordinating a day of pro-bono volunteer support from professionals at organisations including Channel 4, Microsoft, and independent advertising agencies. These volunteers shared valuable digital marketing expertise, helping us strengthen how the programme is promoted and supporting our aim of building a movement of empowered girls who feel confident speaking out against violence.

The insight and strategies provided helped to shape both the design and engagement, responses, and participation.

During the financial year, the programme directly supported 24 girls , delivering targeted sessions on financial literacy, drug awareness, mental health and wellbeing, gangs and crime prevention, and other issues affecting their safety, confidence, and life chances.

Quote from Chris William Head of Music Department, Archbishop Tenison School

relationships were built with the students. I know from speaking with some of them just how impactful the sessions have been. Despite a few hiccups along the way, I genuinely believe that Amplify Her Voice has added real value to our school building further opportunities for collaboration between Music Relief and Archbishop

Responses from the girls

What makes the Girl's forum fun for you?

The activities and being with people I know

Everything

The games that we play help us understand the topics

and we learn at the same time

I like all the knowledge we get from the topics we learn, and I love interacting with others

I like how interactive the sessions and games are.

The engagement

Being able to talk about different topics every week

The interactive activities, having people come in and teach us about certain topics

4.5 Key Operational Insights

The Project Coordinator strengthened systems, pricing, planning and financial discipline
Programmes allowed outreach to multiple new schools
Community awareness and visibility of the charity increased

5. Financial Review

Total Income: £120,934.73

Total Expenditure: £94,889.75

While income exceeded expenditure, the majority of funds were restricted and unavailable for core running costs.

Restricted Income: approximately £90,350 (project-specific funding)
Unrestricted Income: £11,985.14
Unrestricted Expenditure: £94,889.75

This resulted in a significant operational deficit , highlighting the ongoing challenge of sustainably funding core costs.

Reserves Policy

The charity aims to build unrestricted reserves equivalent to three months of core operating costs . This target has not yet been achieved.

Going Concern

Despite pressures on unrestricted funding, Trustees consider the charity a going concern, supported by strong restricted income streams, clear community need, and active fundraising plans.

6. Plans for Future Periods

The charity will:

Strengthen unrestricted fundraising and individual giving
Expand music provision in both high-need and more affluent communities
Further develop a sustainable Music School model
Build new partnerships, grants, and community collaborations
Improve internal financial controls and long-term planning

7. Risk Management

----- Start of picture text -----
Key Risk Mitigation
Diversified fundraising, corporate training delivery by
Unrestricted
the CEO, increased individual giving, and new funder
funding shortfall
engagement
Operational Clearer job descriptions, improved onboarding, and
capacity reduced micro-management
Safeguarding Ongoing training and strict compliance procedures
Trustee succession Strengthened recruitment and induction processes
----- End of picture text -----

The Trustees are responsible for:

Preparing financial statements in accordance with UK GAAP and Charity SORP (FRS 102)
Ensuring accounts give a true and fair view
Maintaining adequate accounting records
Safeguarding assets and preventing fraud
Preparing accounts on a going-concern basis

This report has been prepared under the (Companies Act 2006, Section 415A).

9. Approval

[22/01/26]

Signed on behalf of the trustees by:

Debbie Ariyo OBE Chair of Trustees Music Relief Foundation

Music Relief Foundation Stalement of Flnancial Activitles For The year ended 31st March 2025 Charity Fund5 Unrestricted Restricted Total INCOME CommLJnity Events Music School 623.00 623.00 18,099.08 18.099.08 6,787.50 7.410.50 24,886.58 25,509.58 Total Donations Grants 5,074.64 5,074.64 90,350.51 95,425.15 90,350.51 90,350.51 5,074.64 Total Income 108,449.59 12,485.14 120,934.73 Restricted Unrestricted Total Expenditure Community Events Travel and SLJbsistence 83.51 83.51 Purchases 120.00 120.00 Holiday Club Purchase5 801.05 801.05 Muslc School Subcontractors Musical instruments 31,199.10 1.720.81 33.924.47 31,199.10 1.720.81 33.924.47 Sub Total Administration Accountancy fees Advertising Expense Bank charges General Adminislrative Expenses Insurance 720.00 720.00 1,171.47 410.24 1,880.15 748.04 1,171.47 410.24 1,880.15 748.04 Training Website Cost Printing, Postage and Stationery Professional and Legal expense Office expenses Subscription Rent Salaries tax 118.71 118.71 402.91 402.91 1,698.26 7,065.00 1,118.98 1,335.96 2,520.00 3.330.67 1,432.03 1,698.26 7,065.00 1,118.98 1,335.96 2,520.00 3.330.67 1,432.03 Software & IT 12

Sub¢ontra¢tor Telephone & Internet Travel and Subsistence 451.46 1.619.02 4.603.10 30,339.28 60,965.28 451.46 1.619.02 4,603.10 30,339.28 60,965.28 Wages Sub Total Total Expenditure 94,889.75 94,889.75 Income 108.449.59 82.404.61 26.044.98 13

Muslc Rellef Foundatlon Statement of Financial Position For The year ended 31st March 2025 Charlty Funds Unrestricled Restricted Total Current Assets Bank Debtors 33,485 9,190 42,675 33,485 9,190 42,675 Credltors: Due wlthln one year Creditors Net Salaries Other Taxes & Social Securities 12,405 14,085 3,066 29.5 12,405 14,085 3.066 29.556 Net Current Assets 72,231 13,119 Creditors: Due over one year BankLoan 11.000 61.231 11.000 2,119 Total Net Assets Charlty Funds Opening Balance Equity Retalned Earnlngs Total Charity funds 79,185 108,450 187,635 103,111 82,405 185,516 23,926 26,045 2,119 14