Windmills - Acute Bereavement Support for Children & Young People in Staffordshire
(Registered charity, number 1187408) Financial Statements for the year ended 30 March 2024
| Page | Contents |
|---|---|
| 2 - 5 | Trustees’ annual report |
| 6 | Independent examiner’s report |
| 7 | Receipts & Payments Account |
| 8 | Statement of Assets & Liabilities |
| 9 | Notes to the Accounts |
Windmills - Acute Bereavement Support for Children & Young People in Staffordshire
Trustees’ Annual Report for the year ended 30 March 2024
Full name Windmills - Acute Bereavement Support for Children & Young People in Staffordshire
Registered charity number 1187408
Principal address
62, Windermere Road Clayton Newcastle-Under-Lyme Staffordshire ST5 3HN
Trustees
Lindsey Wilmer Nicola Wrench Emma Hine
Bankers
CAF
Independent examiner
Daryl Denson ACMA VAST The Dudson Centre Hope Street Hanley Stoke on Trent ST1 5DD
Governance and management
The charity is a CIO and operated under the rules of its constitution adopted 16[th] January 2020.
Aims and objectives
To preserve and protect the physical and mental health of children and young people when someone significant in their life is dying or has died by providing bespoke, focused and supportive acute bereavement care.
Summary of the main activities undertaken for the public benefit
Windmills is a registered charity that provides direct specialist bereavement care and support for children and young people who are experiencing severe emotional distress at the impending death of a loved-one, or someone very close, or who are struggling to understand or manage their grieving after such a death.
This might be the sudden, often unexpected death of a sibling, parent, or friend, or of a limited-life diagnosis of a loved-one due to a terminal illness. There are no other specialist acute bereavement services available in the Staffordshire region (either charity or NHS) that provide the direct caring service and memory making therapies that are unique to Windmills.
Families can often feel uncomfortable talking about death with their children and the subject can become taboo, leaving the child even more confused and uninformed. This lack of communication with the child can be the opposite of what's best for them, not talking about important issues and events can be more harmful than talking about them. For sensitive, vulnerable, and confused children the impacts and emotional response to death can become even more devastating because of this lack of information, understanding and preparation.
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Windmills - Acute Bereavement Support for Children & Young People in Staffordshire Trustees’ Annual Report (continued) for the year ended 30 March 2024
When children are excluded from such difficult conversations they will begin to shape and imagine all manner of misinterpretations and unfounded thoughts as to why the death occurred or why it is happening - often these misconceptions can result in the child thinking that it was their fault because "they were" bad.
Facing the sudden reality or news of the death of such a loved one can be deeply traumatic and disorientating for the surviving child. Often the response is a cauldron of confusions and emotions; anger, disbelief, guilt, anguish, withdrawal, detachment and numbing fears for all that is yet to come. Without expert and trusted care and support such responses can irrevocably scar and derail a young person's life and outlook and negatively shape their relationships, not only with death itself, but with life and living, themselves, their family, and their friends and the wider community.
Public Benefit
The trustees of the Charity are aware of the Charity Commission’s guidance on public benefit and have had regard to it in their administration of the Charity.
Summary of the main achievements during the year
At Windmills, our commitment to supporting children and young people extends beyond individual assistance; it encompasses a broad range of benefits that positively impact society as a whole. The following highlights the keyways in which our services contributed to the wider community in the 2023/2024 period:
1. Group Education at Schools and Colleges
- We provided educational programs designed to help students understand and navigate grief, emotional health, and coping strategies. By equipping young people with knowledge and skills to manage their feelings, we foster resilience, empathy, and healthier emotional responses in their academic and social environments.
2. Ripple Effect of Child Support
The support we provide to children creates a ripple effect that positively influences their families and friends. When children feel supported and understood, it not only aids their emotional development but also enhances family dynamics and encourages healthier relationships within their social circles. This nurturing environment promotes overall community well-being.
3. Advocate for Children and Young People
- We are dedicated to advocating for the rights and needs of children and young people who may not have a voice. Our advocacy work ensures that their concerns are addressed, fostering a more inclusive and supportive community that values the perspectives and experiences of its younger members.
4. Changing Perceptions
Through our educational efforts and outreach, we strive to change negative perceptions held by schools regarding children’s behavioural and emotional responses to grief. By informing educators about the anticipated reactions to loss and living grief, we work to build a more compassionate understanding within educational environments, reducing stigma and promoting acceptance.
5. Filling Gaps in Service
Many schools face limited resources when it comes to addressing the emotional and psychological needs of their students. Windmills Charity fills this gap by offering accessible and free services to all their schools. Our presence ensures that children receive the support they need, irrespective of their school’s resources, thus making a significant difference in their educational experience.
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Windmills - Acute Bereavement Support for Children & Young People in Staffordshire Trustees’ Annual Report (continued) for the year ended 30 March 2024
6. Research and Awareness
We are actively engaged in research regarding critical issues, such as suicide rates among adults who experience bereavement as children and the links between youth offending and the death of a significant person in their lives. By conducting and sharing this research, we aim to raise awareness and inform policy decisions that could lead to better support systems for affected individuals and families. Our research helps highlight the long-term impacts of childhood grief and the necessary for appropriate interventions.
The benefits provided by Windmills Charity not only enhance the lives of individual children and young people but also contribute to creating a more compassionate, informed, and supportive society. Through education, advocacy, and accessible services, we are dedicated to fostering healthier communities that recognize and address the complexities of grief and emotional wellbeing.
Windmills Charity has experienced a significant surge in demand for its services during the 2023-2024 period. This increase in referrals is a result of a diverse range of sources, including hospices, schools, mental health services, and local social support networks. The growing need for assistance underscores the importance of our mission and these essential services we provide to the community.
During the reporting period, referrals to Windmills Charity have risen by an impressive 140%. This exponential growth reflects our expanding reach and the heightened awareness of the support we offer. The variety of referral sources highlights our collaborative approach to community engagement and the recognition of our services across different sectors.
In response to the increased demand for our services, Windmills Charity has employed a part time, permanent staff member. This strategic decision has substantially enhanced our operational capacity, allowing our two main volunteers and co-founders to concentrate more effectively on delivering direct services to those in need. By delegating administrative tasks to the new staff member, we have streamlined our operations and optimised our service delivery.
Furthermore, for a crucial period of 3-6 months, we were able to fund one of our co-founder to work full-time on the organisation. This initiative yielded profound results, providing the necessary time to focus on managing referrals, networking, and expanding our community of support. Collaborating with other local charities and similar organisations in the sector has been instrumental in building a strong network that enhance our service offerings.
Performance of Fundraising Objectives
During this period, Windmills Charity dedicated substantial efforts to developing Trust and Grant applications. Our commitment to securing funding paid off remarkably, with successful applications bringing in a total of approximately £120,000. Notable successes include:
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£24,910 from the Postcode Lottery, which will be instrumental in supporting our core services
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£15,000 from the David Riddell Memorial Grant, which will enable us to expand our reach and support more beneficiaries
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£19,000 via the ICCM's scheme, which will be used to enhance our programme and services
These funds are vital for sustaining our operations, expanding our services, and ensuring we can meet the growing demand.
In addition to these grants, our Community Fundraising income has significantly increased. Many local business connections and families that we support have stepped up to raise funds for us in various creative ways. This grassroots support reflects a growing recognition of our work and the desire within the community to contribute to our mission. The impact of this community engagement has strengthened our funding base and further solidified our presence in the region.
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Windmills - Acute Bereavement Support for Children & Young People in Staffordshire Trustees’ Annual Report (continued) for the year ended 30 March 2024
Other Information
We feel incredibly lucky to have been nominated for several local awards, which is a testament to the impact we are making within our community. These nominations not only validate our efforts but also motivate us to continue striving for excellence in our service delivery. Furthermore, we have been fortunate to receive pro bono support from various service providers who recognise the value in what we do. This support has been invaluable in helping us enhance our operations and broaden our reach.
Our strong Trustee team has played a crucial role in our success. Their unwavering support of our mission and goals has been instrumental in guiding our strategic direction and ensuring we remain focused on our objectives. Recognising the invaluable role of all of our volunteers, we have continued to develop our volunteer offering throughout 2023-2024. This area of focus will remain a priority for the upcoming 2024-2025 period. By strengthening our volunteer programme, we aim to build a robust team that can further enhance the support we provide to our beneficiaries.
As we move into 2024-2025, Windmills Charity is committed to addressing the increasing demand for our services while prioritising the development of our volunteer base. We will continue to leverage our network, apply for grants, and seek collaborative opportunities that align with our mission. With the ongoing support of our community and dedicated staff, we are optimistic about our ability to meet the needs of those we serve and expand our impact in the region.
In conclusion, Windmills Charity's achievements over the past year—marked by increased demand, strategic staffing changes, successful fundraising efforts, community recognition, and a strong Trustee team—have strengthened our foundation and enhanced our ability to serve our community effectively. We are excited about the future and the opportunities that lie ahead as we continue to expand our services and support for those in need.
The charities’ structure
Windmills Charity was founded by nurses Leeanne Clay and Zara Toussaint who currently provide services to children and families on a voluntary part-time basis as Acute Bereavement Practitioners. Both continue to work as nurses currently and it is their vision to transition fulltime to the work of Windmills Charity in order to provide a 24-hour service as death does not occur within the confines of normal working hours.
Both are members of Support Staffordshire and The Childhood Bereavement Network and regulated through the Nursing and Midwifery Council. Leeanne and Zara are supported by a part-time administrator responsible for managing requests for support, scheduling bereavement support sessions, assisting with fundraising efforts and daily administrative tasks. This role is PAYE at national minimum wage and invaluable during the days where both co-founders/ bereavement practitioners are unavailable due to fulfilling their employed nursing roles.
Most decisions are agreed by both founders and trustees; however, some service delivery decisions are made by both co-founders only on a day-to-day basis as they arise. This is always explained and justified to all trustees though messaging platforms, verbally or at regularly planned meetings, either at the time or in retrospect.
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Windmills - Acute Bereavement Support for Children & Young People in Staffordshire Trustees’ Annual Report (continued) for the year ended 30 March 2024
Review of the financial position
Restricted funds used within time frame and for the purpose that it was granted. Use of unrestricted funds has directly benefited the service user for the purpose that which the charity was founded.
Principal Funding Source
Our principal source of funding is from fundraising – both applications to trust & grants and community activities/legacy donations.
The charity’s policy on reserves
As Windmills are unique and to ensure continuous service delivery, we aim to reserve a minimum of 1 month and no more than 3 months worth of funds to cover costs.
Signed on behalf of the charity’s trustees:
30/01/2025 Signed ______ Date _
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Independent examiner’s report to the trustees of Windmills - Acute Bereavement Support for Children & Young People in Staffordshire for the year ended 30 March 2024
I report to the charity trustees on my examination of the accounts of the charity for the period ended 30 March 2024 which are set out on pages 7 to 9.
Respective responsibilities of trustees and examiner
As the charity’s trustees of Windmills - Acute Bereavement Support for Children & Young People in Staffordshire, you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with requirements of the Charities Act 2011 (‘the Act).
I report in respect of my examination of Windmills - Acute Bereavement Support for Children & Young People in Staffordshire 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
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:
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Accounting records were not kept in respect of Windmills - Acute Bereavement Support For Children & Young People in Staffordshire as required by section 130 of the Act; or
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the accounts do not accord with those records; or
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the accounts to not comply with the accounting 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.
30/01/2025 Signed ____ Date _______ Daryl Denson ACMA VAST
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Windmills - Acute Bereavement Support for Children & Young People in Staffordshire Receipts & Payments Account for the year ended 30 March 2024
| Unrestricted Funds £ Receipts Donations 20,338 Fundraising 8,263 Gift Aid 7,488 Grant 28,328 Bank Interest 55 Sundries 477 Total receipts 64,949 Payments Accountancy - Bank fees 65 Business Rates 179 Car/Travel 3,763 Craft Supplies 54 Days Out Memory making 189 Event Costs - Fundraising 2,591 Insurance 1,663 Licences and memberships 107 Office costs 467 Phone & Internet 502 Professional costs 3,613 Promotion - Refreshments 610 Rent 5,500 Repayment - Sundries 445 Trustee meeting 95 Utilities - Volunteer costs 317 Wages 49,863 Total payments 4 70,023 Net receipts/(payments) (5,074) Cash funds at start of this period 84 Cash funds at end of this period 4,990 - |
Restricted Funds £ 945 4,854 - 83,660 - - 89,459 - - - 4,053 793 3,274 185 - 177 - 486 - 29,676 - 258 - - 442 - 100 212 36,202 39,344 50,115 8,029 58,144 |
2024 Total £ 21,283 13,117 7,488 111,988 55 477 154,408 - 65 179 7,816 847 3,463 185 2,591 1,840 107 953 502 33,289 - 868 5,500 - 887 95 100 529 86,065 145,881 8527 8,113 16,640 |
2023 Total £ 13,677 20,612 - 30,250 40 - |
|---|---|---|---|
| 64,579 | |||
| 612 126 - 12,285 1,468 4,471 - 15,018 350 120 2,077 547 4,463 332 219 5,100 854 222 98 380 672 39,546 |
|||
| 88,960 | |||
| (24,381) 32,494 |
|||
| 8,113 |
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Windmills - Acute Bereavement Support for Children & Young People in Staffordshire Statement of Assets and Liabilities at 30 March 2024
| Cash Assets Bank accounts |
2024 £ 16,640 16,640 |
2023 £ 8,113 |
|---|---|---|
| 8,113 |
These financial statements are accepted on behalf of the charity by:
30/01/2025 Signed _____ Dated _____
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Windmills - Acute Bereavement Support for Children & Young People in Staffordshire Notes to the Accounts for the year ended 30 March 2024
1. Receipts & payments accounts
Receipts and payments accounts are statements that summarise the movement of cash into and out of the charity during the financial year. In this context “cash” includes cash equivalents, for example, bank accounts where cash can be readily withdrawn to pay for debts as they become due. For the purposes of understanding a statement of assets and liabilities at the year-end has been included.
2. Trustees’ remuneration
Trustees received no expenses, remuneration or benefits in this year.
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