2024-03-31-accounts

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01.

Chairperson’s Report

02.

Our team

03.

Our vision, mission & values

04.

Our history

05.

Our strategic aims

6-7.

Our highlights

8-9.

Community fundraising

10-18.

Statistics

19-21.

The difference we have made

22-25.

Feedback

26.

Acknowledgements

T R U S T E E S R E P O R T Y E A R E N D I N G 3 1 S T M A R C H 2 0 2 4

Well, what a successful but incredibly challenging year at the Freedom Project. Thank you to everyone who has contributed, in any way, to the continued success of our amazing charity.

We have spent time as a team reviewing our strategic themes and the progress we have made against each one and I am delighted to report that we have made significant progress against each one;

Raising awareness

Growing our impact
Breaking the cycle of abuse and
A continual focus on our structure and governance.

We plan to retain these themes as we move into delivery year 24/25 with an

increased focus on some specific areas, all with the intent of breaking the cycle of domestic abuse.

Unfortunately, we have seen a significant increase in demand for our services particularly across children and young people and specific categories of female victims. We have responded by scaling our service with increased funding, revising our delivery structure, recruiting additional support workers and increasing their case oversight responsibilities.

We have been challenged by some very distressing client outcomes and

safeguarding issues this year. We have taken the opportunity of each event to undertake a ‘learning from experience’ event, review our processes and where necessary enhancing our governance. In all cases I can report confidently that our response and processes were appropriate and followed correctly. An absolute credit to the Freedom Project delivery team and Board of Trustees.

Bedrock has afforded us the opportunity to continue to develop the skills of the leadership team and recruit an additional leadership role, that of Service Manager. We continue to be grateful to their continued support.

We have continued the best practice of regularly reviewing the Trustee skills, roles and accountabilities and I’m delighted that we have recruited an additional Trustee to enhance the skills of the Board.

Exciting news in that we are expanding our services across the whole of Cumbria and have changed our trading name to The Freedom Project Cumbria, no longer referencing ‘West’ Cumbria.

Our main focus over the next 12 month will be to increase our service offering to support the increasing demand, developing our educational awareness plan with the aim to breaking the cycle and reaching out to areas across Cumbria who have potentially not been able to engage in our services, regionally and hard to reach. On behalf of the Board of Trustees can I thank everyone who supports the Freedom Project, in any capacity. We can only provide the incredible service we do as a result of our funders, the delivery team, volunteers, the board of Trustees and our local supporters.

Looking forward to another successful year delivering our very important mission to an extended reach and ultimately breaking the cycle.

Lesley

Chair of the Trustees

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OUR TEAM!

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MESSAGE FROM OUR TRUSTEES

WCDVS Trustees review the aims, objectives and activities of the charity each year in March. This report looks at what the charity has achieved and the outcomes of its work in the reporting period.

Our Vision

To deliver effective, co-ordinated, responsive and accessible services for victims, perpetrators and children who are living with, or have lived with, domestic and sexual abuse. Breaking the cycle of abuse now and for future generations.

Our Mission

To help break the cycle of domestic abuse.

Our values

We care
We are inclusive
We do not judge
We take our responsibilities seriously We are client focussed
We provide a safe space

" Our values and mission are central to our approach, which includes placing the needs of our clients first and “walking the extra mile” to help bring change to those whose lives have been affected by abuse

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OUR HISTORY

1997

Our charity is celebrating 27 years of helping people this year- after it's birth in which the three founders Carole Launder, Susan James and Shirley Fawcett sat around a kitchen table with a hope for change. They recognised a need for support for domestic violence victims in the area.

We’ve seen a huge change in how domestic abuse is perceived. When our charity started its work, domestic violence was either not talked about or simply brushed off as ‘a domestic’. There was nowhere for victims to turn. That has changed profoundly. TV and radio dramas have played an important role. Powerful storylines in Eastenders, Emmerdale, and The Archers have brought the subject into our living rooms.

The need for our service grew and grew over the years, which led us to increase our scope: to work with perpetrators in 2008 and Children and Young people in 2010.

2024

Today we provide a free, holistic, family-based approach, working with victims, perpetrators and children suffering from trauma and the effects of domestic and sexual abuse. We provide emotional support, practical support, 1-1 counselling and group work with the ultimate aim of trying to break the cycle of abuse, helping people recover and move on with their lives.

Here in West Cumbria, rates of domestic abuse are five per cent above the national average and referrals to our service are increasing. We are the only organisation in our area offering free, long-term, community-based support to the whole family. We’ve seen a collaborative, multi-agency approach develop in recent years. Even though we’ve come a long way, there’s a lot more to do. If we continue to work together and raise awareness, we can eradicate domestic abuse.

This year the trustees have worked extremely hard and put in many hours of voluntary time to improving our governance, using The Charity Governance Code to help us ensure this has been developed to a high level. Via support from the Bedrock programme, we were able to confirm our mission, vision and set our values. Various workshops were held with the trustees and key members of staff to develop our strategy up until 2026.

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OUR STRATEGIC AIMS FOR 2023-2024

Raising awareness

We will seek to understand who we are and who we are not reaching We will raise awareness of our services across Cumbria through an active and engaging communication strategy (awards, media, plan etc)

We will collaborate with other agencies to become better than the sum of our parts.

Growing our impact

Develop methodologies to obtain feedback on our service. Launch service user groups to inform service design Document our service offering & understand our client journey Research & implement a menu of services to provide options to supplement long term counselling

Review our counselling model to ensure value & appropriate outcomes

Breaking the cycle of abuse

Establish Links with education/research bodies

Develop the evidence base, build and identify the data needed in order to inform future research & analysis

Charity structure and governance

Embed current organisational changes to our operating model to ensure effective delivery Introduce independent oversight of case management including in-house clinical supervision

Ensure a clear safeguarding line-of-sight throughout the organisation

At the March Board meeting, the trustees signed off on our strategy for 2024 – 2026 with the above objectives continuing as we move forward.

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OUR HIGHLIGHTS

01 OPEN DAY

We held an open day to show off our new premises and spread awareness of our work. Local MP’s, the police, Children’s Services, Health, Housing and other third sector and domestic abuse organisations attended. Lots of positive conversations were had which have resulted in a number of collaborations.

02 COLLABORATIONS

We have had a busy year working on our mission to help break the cycle of abuse, realising this cannot be done alone. We are collaborating with a number of other organisations and partners to provide the best support to those suffering from abuse in Cumbria:

Cumberland Council - we are providing drop-in sessions in the new family hub.
Together We - partnership to discuss complex referrals and decide which local provider would be best suited to provide support.
SafetyNet - to provide counselling support to survivors and children living in supported accommodation throughout Cumbria.

All Together Cumbria and Inspira - to pilot an

Employability Programme in 2024 for our service users at the end of their journey who would like help returning to/ gaining employment.
Transforming West Cumbria Partnership - funded through the Sellafield Ltd social impact, multiplied (SiX) programme and delivered by Cumbria Community Foundation, focusses on addressing the area's most entrenched social issues and inequalities.

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OUR HIGHLIGHTS

03 CHOSEN CHARITY OF THE YEAR

We were delighted to be chosen as ‘Charity of the Year’ which resulted in lots of awareness raising for our charity, new connections and much needed unrestricted funding. British Energy Coast Business Cluster (BECBC) raised £6,702 and Beth Dixon, Mayor of Workington for 2023-2024 raised £ 808.00

FOUR NEW TEAM MEMBERS

Due to the Bedrock Programme, we were able to increase our core team. We recruited a Service Manager, creating headroom for our current team to take on additional management development and for our Charity Manager to develop her role to focus more on our charity's strategic direction, fundraising and raising our profile locally. In January 2024 we recruited three additional Support Workers.

FIVE NEW VOLUNTEERS RECRUITED

1 volunteer to support in our weekly women’s group, 3 volunteers who are police officers. They attend every month to offer advice and support and 1 new trustee joined our board.

NEW SERVICE LINE ADDED

Via the Transforming West Cumbria Partnership we have been able to recruit a McKenzie Friend- to support disadvantaged women in West Cumbria who need help, advice, and support through the family courts process.

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Our community fundraising has continued to grow and members of our local community have been busy raising funds for us via The Great North Run, New Years Eve Dip, Christmas Jumper Days, a Fire Walk and much more!

WEAR PURPLE TO WORK IN OCTOBER FOR DOMESTIC ABUSE AWARENESS MONTH

Workington Town Council Staff

Hi-Def Ariel Surveying Limited Staff

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Services Delivered

We have an extremely dedicated and knowledgeable team who are passionate about the charity and the service users we support and help.

1-1 Counselling Sessions Attended

This year’s data shows an increase in the number of sessions delivered against the previous 2 years (counselling for adults and children).

94%

of planned sessions were attended in 23-24

4.7% increase on 22-23

1452 calls to our 73 sessions of our helpline survivors group was delivered

72 sessions of our children’s group was delivered

McKenzie Friend project started Sept 23. 25 women supported , 59 children benefitting.

of total new referrals engaged with our service 97% via 1-1 support, 1-1 counselling, group work and the helpline (an increase of 2% on the previous 12 months).

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Now lets look at the numbers...

We have had an extremely busy year with demand for our service continually growing. Referrals have increased by 22.7% over the previous 12 months. On 1st Apr 2023 the seven established Cumbrian authorities transitioned to two new unitary authorities. The areas of Allerdale, Carlisle and Copeland are now serviced by Cumberland Council, with Barrow, Eden and South Lakeland coming under Westmorland and Furness Council.

Clients Actively Engaging at 1st Apr 2023

325 clients were actively engaging in service.

New referrals to Service 1st Apr 23-31st Mar 24

356 people were referred who had never accessed our service before.

----- Start of picture text -----
681 people directly supported over the last 12 -month period
31% increase on 22-23
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New referral data

We carried out a deep dive into our new referrals to:-

understand where our referrals were coming from
understand the areas we are not reaching
develop a communications plan to reach the areas our data shows we are not currently reaching.

Area of new referrals

Age range of new referrals

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Source of new referrals

Adult female victims (235)

13% of female victims were aged 20-25

43% of female victims were aged 26-40

40%

of female victims were aged 41-64

of female victims were aged 65+

Referrals for female victims increased by 22.3% on previous 12 months.

46%

of total referrals for female victims were from statutory services. 30% were self referrals.

Adult Male Victims (25)

Referrals for male victims increased by 66% on previous 12 months.

8% 24%

of male victims were of male victims were aged 20-25 aged 26-40

60% 8%

of male victims were of male victims were aged 41-64 aged 65+

52% of total referrals for malevictims were from Mental Health Services

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CYP new referral breakdown

Children and young people impacted(79)

52%

of total referrals for CYP were from statutory services

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41% 59%
of CYP were male of CYP were female
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"
28% (22) of
CYP were
referred due
to showing
abusive
behaviours. 13
were female, 9
were male
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New referrals

Perpetrators (17)

64%

18%

of perpetrators of perpetrators were aged 20-25 were aged 26-40

18%

of perpetrators were aged 41-64

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14 3
perpetrators were perpetrators were
male female
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Referrals dropped by 10% from the previous 12 months

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Summary of total clients supported

With those clients already open and engaging in services and the new referrals received, we have directly supported 681 people from Cumbria during the period 1st April 2023- 31st March 2024.

Gender & role

Area

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THE DIFFERENCE WE HAVE MADE

1. Improved mental health and wellbeing

97% of victims reported.... 68% of perpetrators reported.... 72% of CYP reported.....

My mental health has improved

85% of victims reported.... 82% of perpetrators reported.... 66% of CYP reported.....

My self confidence has improved

100% of victims, CYP and Perpetrators reported....

I feel better I have someone to talk to

85% of victims reported.... relationships 80% of perpetrators reported.... with others 78% of CYP reported..... have improved

Things are 85% of victims reported.... 80% of perpetrators reported.... happier at 78% of CYP reported..... home

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THE DIFFERENCE WE HAVE MADE

2. Breaking the cycle of abuse

I understand 98% of victims reported.... the impact 100% of perpetrators reported.... abuse has on myself and my family

I understand the signs for 85% of victims reported.... avoiding future abusive relationships I feel better 94% of perpetrators reported..... able to control 84% of CYP reported..... my emotions

I have a plan 100% of perpetrators reported..... in place to manage my anger

I understand that the things that 100% of CYP reported..... happen at home are not my fault

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THE DIFFERENCE WE HAVE MADE

2. Improved safety

100% of victims and CYP reported....

I know what to do if I ever feel unsafe in the future

65% of victims reported.... 80% of CYP reported.....

I feel safe at home

92% of victims reported..... 100% of perpetrators reported.... 88% of CYP reported

I could fully open up to my counsellor

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I have always felt safe and supported in all contact with the service from sessions to wrap around care amazing service

My support has been amazing, to say the least. I have been helped and supported through my process and the worst scariest time in my life and help is still continuing. Brilliant service!

Saved my life . I was suicidal when I contacted the organisation now I work and " am almost back to me My counsellor sorts my jumbled thoughts out and helps me see a clearer path. My ex put in for an appeal. It was denied but two days later he tried again so I have months of waiting to The FP have been so find out again. Freedom really is my supportive. Before I went I was sure I would be judged lifeline, I cant thank for my behaviour...but not at you all enough!

The FP have been so supportive. Before I went I was sure I would be judged for my behaviour...but not at all. I was listened to for the first time in my life. ...without judgement and that meant such a lot. Not saying they thought my violent behaviour was ok...they encouraged me to look at myself and the impact I had on others.

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This service has been
monumental in my life, giving
me the help I need to better
deal with my issues by myself,
but also not alone as they’re
always there should I need
them
I love going to the FP. We
do lots of drawing and play
games. We talk about my
feelings and feed my
worries to the 'worry
monster'
My dad was so scary when he
lived at home with us. I still get
nightmares that he might come
and take me away. We talk
about my dreams and my
worries and this makes me feel
better ad not so scared.
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I don't usually say anything but
Mandy really helped me sort
my head out. I can recognise
when I'm getting angry and
remove myself from the
situation. Cheers Mandy
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" I can’t tell you how much I appreciate the support calls I get while I wait for counselling. I love how this charity works by supporting me while I am waiting and not being left in the dark alone for months like other organisations have done.

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I’ve found Emma proactive, very patient and careful to ensure things weren’t missed. She’s kept me calm at the worst time of my life and really helped me to stay with things when I felt overwhelmed.

the support has been amazing and Emma has been the only source of stable and proactive support i have received

She explains everything clearly and has made me feel very supported and cared for in " navigating the family courts- a process that What would I is extremely uncertain suggest? nothing! and frightening Just more of Emma

What would I suggest? nothing! Just more of Emma and the team! They do a fantastic job and I am so grateful that they have helped me. I don’t think I would be here today if it wasn’t for Emma. Emma has an ability to make every life matter and I’m so grateful

what a brilliant service! I used to feel so alone in my choas until I was referred to the McKenzie Friend. Emma is a star!

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"

Victim Support I just wanted to get in touch as we recently had our last team meeting of the year and I gave the staff the opportunity to share any feedback about local services.

My team could not praise your service enough, you were described as reliable,

caring and a wonderful service. Our clients show significantly better outcomes after engaging with you and our staff wanted your staff to know how much we appreciate you all.

"

Lynchpin Support I have a very good friend who’s had a really awful time in the last 18 months and the service that has had the most positive impact on her (and her children) is yours. By a long, long way. I knew when I put her in touch with you that you would of course support her - but yet again I’m blown away by the combination of

compassion & expertise that you all have in bucketloads.

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A massive thank you to our amazing team of staff, volunteers and therapists for your care, dedication, and hard work over the past twelve months. Your individual and collective efforts are nothing short of extraordinary and are deeply valued.

To our supporters and funders, we thank you for your continued support in our efforts to contribute to breaking the cycle of abuse in Cumbria.

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WEST CUMBRIA DOMESTIC VIOLEf4CE SUPPORT CIO TRUSTEES. REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2024 CHARITY NUMBER 1187765 ROBIIYSON UDALE Chartered Accountants & Tax Advisors The Old Bar 41 King Str¢et Penrith Cumbria CAI 17AY

WEST CUMBRIA DOMESTIC VIOLENCE SUPPORT FINANCIAL STATEMENTS YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2024 CONTENTS PAGE Legal and adrninistsztive illforniation Trust¢es annual rq)ort Indep¢nd¢nt Exarniner5 Report Statement of fanCIal activities Balance sheet Cash Flow Statement Notes to the fuvdncial statements 10-17 Trustee a¢hsevement and perforniance annual report See separate doeumellt

WEST CUMBRIA DOMESTIC VIOLENCE SUPPORT FINANCIAL STATEMENTS YEAR ENDED 31ST WJiCH 2024 LEGAL AND ADMINtSTRATIVE INFORMATION CharRty Number 1187765 The board of trllstees S Fawceit S James H Bell (Vice Chasrm2n) L Bowen (Chairman) M Burns R Deakin E Stsuthward T Weston- Resigned August 2023 E Teasdale- Appointed September 2023 Registered office First Floor Offices Unit l Dobies Cumbria Ltd Dobies Business Park Lillyhall West Workington CA14 4HX Independent E5aminer8 Robinson Udale Limited Chartered Accountants & Tax Advisors The Old Bank 41 King Street Penrith CurnbrRa CA117AY

WEST CUMBRIA DOMESTIC VIOLEE4CE SUPPORT TRUSTEES REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2024 The Tn]stees present thew rew)rt and the fAnancial staternents for the year ending 31 March 2024. The Trustees wkn Serv during the yearalld up to the date of thi5 report are listed on page l. Strueture, GovernaD¢e and Management West Cumbria Domestic Violence Support is a Charitable Lncooattd Organisation registejrd 25 a ¢haTity on 5 February 2020 and the chariry number 15 1187765. The ctmrity is regulated by the Charity Comjnission for Eng]and and Wales and is subject to charity law. The chan'ties trustees a150 fom] the management committe of the organisation, ad they are elected at the Antll]al GeDerdl Meeting. The Board of Trustees euryentiy has a membership of 8 people. Some are representatives of partnerorEanisations such Cwnbria County Council and Health services. They have fast knowledge and experience in the issues surrounding domestic abuse and woA(ing with victims of abuse alld their ¢hildren. Ourchair is the head of Perfomiance and Talent with our biggest local employer, Sellafield Ltd. our vice Chair is a Progran)me Assurance Lesd at Kellogg Brown & Root IU.K.} Ltd and our treaStr is a chartered accountant and director of her 0) company. The Board meets monthly atjd MO frequently if Jwuired. The Board is Tesponsbl le for the strategic direction and policy of the organisation and for robustgovernance and ngorous financial managemenL The Charity Nlanager holds the day-to-day responsibility forthe operationaI management of the organisatioll. and foi the day-trpday provision of services. The service is delivered via a combinatiorj of 8 professional counsellors {7 adult and I Child and young person'5 counsellor). a Helpline Operdtive, 5 trdined volunteers and 10 membero of salaried staff comprising of the Charity Manager, Operations Manager. Service Manager, l Administrdtion AssistanL 5 Support Workers for victi[nSu[v1vors and l McKenzie Friend for all disadvanthged women. Objectives aud Activities The Fjredom Project is l1qUe in West Cumbria in providing a free holistic family approach. working with victims, pyetrators and children suff&ing from the trduma and effects of domestic and sexual abuse. Our mission is to help break the cycle of abuse in Cumbria through the following obje¢tives.' Supporting clients by impmving their safery and security for themselves and tbeir children. Supporting survivors to move on, equipped with the S111tCe and skilis to avoid tUre abusive relationships. Help childreDJyoung people who are Caught up in domestic abuse, as a victun. or witness, ad those starting to display challenKing and abusive behaviour5, to cope with diificult sitsjations a[ manage their emotional al physical responses in a healthy and positive way. Help pCetratorS to change their behaviour so that they cease to abuse. Work with panner agencies to promote better integrated setvices to victims and perpetrators and rdise awareness on domestic abuse Act as an advocate 50 that domestic abuse is kept high on the policy and deci5ion-mthn8 agendas.

WEST CUMBRIA DOMESTIC VIOLENCE SUPPORT TRUSTEES REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2024 (Continued) Ourmain servi¢¢s are delivered through the Freedom Proje¢L which consists of.. A Confidential Helpline offering practical and emotional SUPPOTL This is th¢ route to which many of our referrals are received. one-to-one assessment of need where c]ient and sUPPOrt workerdecide which counsdling support service pathway (group session& one-to-one session& or both) is most wiropriate for then1Ve% amd their family one-to-one and individual coullselling for victims, peipetrator4 and childrenl young people Volunteer befri'ending and support service (including pre counselling sessions- provided to c]ients on the waiting list that feel they need immediate support. attending courts, helping with thport) a rolling progranll of gmp se&sions Kryth adult victitnsUrviV0ts. a rollillg programme of up sessions for children (prTmary age and under) a rolling programme of group sessions for older childrenlyoung people {seeondary age up to 181 Providing McKenzie Friend support to all disadvantaged who need help, advice, and support thmugh the family courts process. Our values and mission a central t(> OUT approach, which includes placing the needs of ourclients first and "walking the extra mile" to help bring change to those whose lives have been affected by domestic abuse. Public Benefit The trustees have complied with their responsibility to have due regard to the Commission's guidance on public benefit in exercising theirpowers and dutie5. frustees are fully aware of their roles and re5EK)nsibilitie5 and in planning their activities forthe year have kept in mind the Charity Cornmission's guidance at Trustee meetings. West Cumbria Domestic Violence Support brings benefit to th¢ public in ]ine with its objects through its range of services (detailed above) that are freely accessible to the public affected by domestsc abuse including victim& their children and families a[ perpetrdtors.

ST CUMBRIA DOMFSTIC VIOLENCE SUPPORT TRUSTEES REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2024 (Continued) Fitlallcial reylew The net fi]nd5 for the amounted to £58,918. As of 31 Matth 2024, the charity hadrestricted fimds of £200,224 (2023. £139,853) and unrestricted funds of £120J71 (2023. £121,824). We are delighted to report that our fimding is stable and are extremely grate1 to our supporters, p8St and present., Frdll¢iS C SCO Grfield Weston, The Henry Smith Foundatiofy Cutnbria Community Foundation, BBC Children iti Nee¢L The Allen Lane Foundation, CFM Cash for Kid4 Cumbria Police ComrnissionerFund The Hadfield TrusL Sellafield Ltd. The Peel Trust, GDF Allerdale. GDF Copeland. Edward Gostling Foundation, National Lottery Community Fut, Cumberland Coun¢il, as w¢ll as several smaller grants from local businesspeople. However. we c82]not be complacent and a continuing to review the project's fmances on a regularbasis to identify any pos&ble shortfa115' and submit further applications *&$ary io ete that this vits] setvice continues to help the communities of West Cumbria. We are committed to keeping our service free so that it rellRins accessible to everyone irrespective of their income. There are enough barriers in place already which deter viciims and perpetsatots of abuse from se¢king help- we will not add abiliry to pay to that IISL Therefore, the service will always need 10 be paid for from sources other than fees charged to clients. In the past costs have been entirely met thtough granis from charities and fLmduJg agencies. We believe this will continue to be the case for the foreseeable future. However. we will gear our organizatiot] up to bid for c¢)ntrdCts which rnay be tendered by the Polsce. Health. Children's and Adult Sociai Sel¢es, the Home Office etc. We will respond to such opportL1t1eS on a full cost recovery basis. In the meantime, we will suppot1 ourTrustees and volunteers and continue to be morepro-active in temts of fimd- raising, including encouraging donations and business sponsothips. Reserve's policy WCDVS'S res¢rves policy aims to have incorne equivalent to at least 3 months runlll costs service costs enabling the organisation IL¥ meet both short tenn cash flow pressure5 and legal conunitments in the event of the organi&ation being unable to Continue to owate. The Board of Trustees keeps this policy under l£W as part of its ongoing monitoring of the fancial needs of thc organisation and managcment of risk. Risk Management The Ttusiees have a risk management strdtegy which composeq.'_ review of the risL8 the c1]ty may face.- the cstablishmenl of.%y.%ttms and pmcedures to mitigate those risks identified in the plan.. and the implementation of procedujrs designed to minimise any potentiBI impact on the charity should those risks maierialise. Plans for the Future We have spent time as a team reviewing our strategi¢ themes and the progress we have made against each one and we are delighted to report thai we have mad¢ significant progress against each one. Raising awarene5S Growing our impact Breaking the cycle of abuse and A continual focus on our structure and governance.

WT CIJMBRIA DOMESTIC VIOLEF4CE SUPPORT TRUSTEES REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST I¥IARCH 2024 (continued) We plan to retain these themes as we move into delivery year 24125 with on increased focus on some specific areas, all with the intent of breaking the cycle of domesti¢ abuse. Statement of trustees, responsibilities The trustee5 are responsible for prepaTing the Trustee5' Annual Report and the f]nan¢ial ststements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accouttting Practice). Law applicable to charities in England and Wales requires the trustees to prepare f]nancial statements for ea¢h financial year which Eive a true and fair view of ¢harity and of the incoming resource5 and application of resources of the cltsrity for that yw. In preparing these fllvmcial stateEnents trustees are required to: select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consi$t¢ntly' observe the methods and principles in the Charitits SORP; make judgements and tstimate5 that are redSI)nable and pNdenL state whether applicable UK Accounting Standards have been followed, subject to any tnaterial departures disclosed and explained in the fmancial statements" and prepare the f]nancial statements on the going concem b&8is unless it is inappropriate t(> presume that the charity will contmue in operation. The trustees are responsible for keeping proper accoLmting records which disclose with aSOnable accuracy at any time the Fan¢181 position of the charity and enable them to ensure that the fmancial staternents comply with the Charities Act 201 l and the Charity {Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008. fhey are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charity 8nd hence for taking reasonable steps for the ptevention and detection of fraud and otberitregularities. On behalf of the board q ...JLol.q 7QJ W

West Cubri2 Domestle Violence Support IDdepeDdent examlner's report to the trllstees on the Unadited fillanelal statements of West Curnbria Domestic Violence Support Group. I report on the accounts of West Culnbria Domestic Violence Support for the year ended 31 March 2024 as set out on pag&8 7- 17. Respective responsibilities of trustees 8tLd independent examiner The charitys tn]stees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. The charity's tTUStees cottsiderthat an audit is notNuired forth YearUtM]erti0rt 144 of the CltieS Act2011, (the 2011 Act) does notapply th thata independent examination is needed. It 15 my responsibility to examine the accounts under section 145 of the 2011 Act, to follow the procedures laid down in the Gelle1 Directions given by the ChaTity Commission under section 145(5}(b) of the 2011 ACL and to state whetherparticularmatters have com¢ to my att¢ntion. Basis of independent examiner's statement My examination was carr2ed out in accordance with the General Dittctions given by the Clwity Commission. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or dI10sureS in the accounts and seeking explanations from you as trnstees Concerning any such matte[5. The procedures undertaken do notprovide all the evidence that would be requtred in an audit, and consequently I do not expres5 an audit opinion on the view given by the accounts and the rem is limited to those rnatters set out in the sratement below. Independent examlner's statement tn connection Tny exll]natiOn, no matt¢r has corne to my atteniion: (il which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect the requirements.. keep proper accounting records in accordance with section 130 of the 2011 Act. and - to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and to comply with the accounting Tequirements tsf the 2011 Act have not been met; or to lil) io which, in my opinion, attention should be dravm in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be Ttach&J. Mr D Roper Robinson Udale Ltd Chartered Accountants and Tax Advisors The Old Bank 41 K]ng Street Penrith Cumbria CAI 17AY Date

WEST CUMBRIA DOMESTIC VIOLENCE SUPPORT FINANCIAL STATEMENTS YEAR EF4DED 31ST MARCH 2024 STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES Note Unrestricted Funds Restricted Fullds Total Funds 2024 Total Funds 2023 INCOMING RESOLryiCES: Donations and Legacies Income from investrnents tncome from Other Trdding Activities Other Income 57,750 614 495,630 553,380 614 384.146 359 7.483 Total IncoDiillg Resource5 58,364 495,630 553,994 391,988 RESOURCES EXPENDED Expenditure on :_ Charitable actEvities Fundraising activities 58,063 1,754 435,259 493,322 1,754 424,030 1,031 Totsl Re50urce5 Expended 59,817 435.259 495,076 425,061 Net incomellexpenditure) (1,453) 60J71 58,918 133,073} TraDsfer between funds Net movement in funds {1,453) 60,371 58,918 (33,073) Reconciliation of funds Funds Introduced Funds broughi forward 294,750 121,824 139,853 261,677 Funds carried forward 120,371 200,224 320,595 261,677 The statement of f]nancial activities includes all gaitts and losses in the year. All incorning resources and resources expended derive from continuing activities. The notes on pages 10 to 17 fomi part of the5c aountS

WEST CUMBRIA DOMESTIC VIOLENCE SUPPORT FINANCIAL STATEMENTS YEAR ENDED 31ST MAJiCH 2024 BALANCE SHEET Note 2024 2023 FIXED ASSETS 12 14,963 15,795 CURRENT ASSETS Debtors Cash at bank and in hand 13 2,813 312,426 15,670 238,698 315,239 254,368 CREDITORS: Amounts falling due ithin one year 14 9,607 8,486 NET CURRENT ASSETSI(LIABILITIES) 305,632 245,882 320,595 261,677 CREDITORS: Amounts fallillg due after more Than otle year 15 NET ASSETS FUNDS Re%tricted Income Funds Unrestricted Income Funds 17 200,224 120,371 139,853 121.824 TOTAL FUNDS Thes¢ financial ststements were approved by the trustees on L /!.g. 2021and are signed on their behalf by.. Bell Trustee- Vice Chair M Burns Tru5tee- Treasurer The notes on pages 10 10 17 forni part of these accounts

WEST CulBRIA DOMESTIC VIOLENCE SUPPORT FINAJ¥CIAL STATEMENTS YEAR ENDED 31ST LIIARCH 2024 STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2024 2024 2023 C2sh Used in Operatlng Actffivltles Net movement in Funds Add Back Depreciation Charge D¢creasel{Increase) in Debtors IDecrease}IInerease in Creditors 58,918 4,987 12,857 1,121 261,677 2.952 (15,6701 8.486 Net Cash used in operating 2etivities 77,883 257.445 Cash Flows from Investing Aetivitie$ Fixed Assets Introduced (10,3851 Purchase of Tangible Fixed A$5et5 {4,1551 {8,362) Cash Provided By (U$ed Illl IDvesting Activities (4,155) (18,7471 Increase in eash #lld cash equiYal¢llt$ in the Year Cash 8nd cash equivalent5 at the beginning of the Year 73,728 238,698 238,698 312,426 238,698 The notes on pages 10 to 17 fonn part of these accounts

WEST CUMBRIA DOLIIESTIC VIOLENCE SUPPORT FINANCIAL STATELWtENTS YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2024 NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS ACCOUNTtP4G POLICIES The principal accounting polieie5 are suinmarised below. The accounting policies have been applied CODSiStently tlwoughout the year al the pceding year. Basis of aeeounting The financial statements are prepared under the historical cost ¢onvention and in accordance with the Statement of ROrnMended PrdCtice'A¢counting and RePOrtll by Charities, preparing their accounL% in aecordance with the Financial Reporting Standard appli¢able in the UK and Rq)ublic of Ireland IFRS 102) (Effwtive l January20I5)-(ChlI1eS SOPP(FRS 102)) atKI the Companies Act 2006. The company constitut&s a public benefit entity as defthed by FRS102. The trustees consider that there are no ThterIal uncertainties aboutthe company's ability to continue as agtsing concern. Income Ail iThcome is included in the statement of financial activities when the charity is entit]ed to the income and the alnount e8n be quantified with reasonable accuracy. The following specific policies are applied to particular r¥tegories of iticorne.. Voluntary income is received by way of grants. donaisons and gifis and is included in full in the statement of financial activiues when receivable. Grajirs where entidement ig not conditional on the delivery of a wific perforn)an¢e by the Charity, we r¢cognised when the charity becomes uncondilionally entided to the granL Donated services and facilities are included at the value to the charity where this can be quantified. The value of Ice5 provided by volunieers has not been included. Gifts donated fOrrale are included a5 incorning resources within activitie5 for generdting fimd% when they are sold. Grants, including graois for the purchase of f]xed assets, are recognised in fvll in the statement of flnancial aLtivities in the year ij) ich they are receivable. Income from invesknents is included iTJ the yeat in whidi il is rcwivable. Expenditure Expenditure is recognised on an accrua] basis as a liabiliry is incurred. Expenditur¢ includes any VAT which caT)noi be fully recovcred and is rwrted as Part of the expendimre to which it relates. Cost5 of generniing fimd5 Comprise the costs associated with attracting voluntary income and the costs of trading for ndraising purposes in¢lu(bng. Charitsble expenditure cornprises those costs incutred by the ¢lwity in the delivery of its activities and services for its benefL¢iaries. It includes both cosrs that be allocated directly to such activities and th(>se cost8 of an nature necessary to sup1 theni. Support costs are those costs incurred directly in support of expenditsre on the obj¢ct5 Qf the charity and include project management. Tangible fixed asset5 and depreciation Tangible fixed assets are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation is provided at rdtes calculated to write off the cost less residual value of each asset over its expected use} lif¢, as follows.. Leasehold properties - Plant and machinery Fixtures, fittings and equiprnent. Strdight line overthe life of the lease 25 /0 reducing balance 25 % reducit]g bF41ance 10

WEST CUMBRJA DOMESTIC VIOLENCE SUPPORT GROUP FINANCIAL STATEMENTS YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2024 NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS DONATIONS AND LEGACIES Restrleted Funds Unrestrieted Flld5 Total Funds 2024 Total Funds 2023 Donations Curnbria Cornmuniiy Foundation Curnbria County Council BBC Children In Need HadfIeld Trust Cash For Kids Copeland Community Fund Police & Crime Commissioner Cumbria Henry Smith Morgan Sindall Edward Gostling Fowidation GDF Funding Clothworkers Foundaiion Sellafield Snowball Fund Bedrook Awards Awards For All Copeland Borough Council Allerdale Borough CoLllLciI Just Giving Francis C Scoit Garfjeld Weston Fund Souter Charitable TFUSt 29th May Charitable Trust David and Ruth Lewi5 Cumberland Council Cumberland Council Coalfields GDF Sou(h Copeland McKenzie Friend( Tiine To Change) National Lottery Community Fund 15,703 15.703 10.000 18,678 20,000 30,305 31,264 5,000 4,700 5.642 29,531 59,800 5.000 10,000 51.888 7.400 5.000 25.025 10,000 5,000 10,000 14.413 10.000 15.000 10,000 32,910 5.000 4,150 25,159 53.811 59.850 32,910 5.000 4.150 25.159 53,811 59,850 25,000 64,860 25,000 64,860 2,(X)O 85,000 2,000 85.000 7.047 15,000 15.000 5.000 7.047 15,000 15,000 5.000 3.000 7.500 16,022 5,000 5,000 10,000 7,868 84,000 16,022 5,000 5,000 i 0.000 7.868 84,000 495.630 57.750 553,380 384,146

WEST CUMBRIA DOMESTIC VIOLENCE SUPPORT FINANCIAL STATEMENTS YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2024 NOTES TO THE FINATr4CJAL STATEMENTS INCOME FROM INVESTMEf4TS Unrestricted Funds Restrieted Funds Tot Fund5 2024 Total Funds 2023 Bank Inierest Receivable 614 614 359 614 614 359 INCOME FROM OTHER TRADING ACTIVITIES Unrestricted Funds Re$trieted Funds Total Funds 2024 Total Funds 2023 Fundrnising Events OTHER INCOME Unrestricted Fund5 Restricted Funds Totgl Funds 2023 Total Funds 2022 Other Income 7,483 7.483 COSTS OF CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES BY FUND TYPE Unrestricted Restrlcted Total Total Funds Funds 2024 2023 Domesti¢ Violence Support 58.063 435.259 493,322 424.030 58.063 435,259 493,322 424.030 COSTS OF FUNDRAISING Unrestrieted RestrReted Total Total Funds Funds 2024 2023 Fundraising Expenditure 1,754 1,754 1.031 1,754 1,754 1.031 12

WEST CUMBRIA DOMESTIC VIOLENCE SUPPORT FINANCIAL STATEMENTS YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2024 NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS COSTS OF CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES BY AcfiviTY Aetivities Undertaken Support Total Total Dir¢¢tly Costs 2024 2023 Domestic Violellce Support 495,076 495,076 425,061 495,076 495,076 425,061 SUPPORT COSTS Total Total 2024 2023 Wages Legal and Profes8ional fees Office running cost5 Premises Costs Finance charges- Finance Lease Depreciation The Boord of Truste&s is of the opinion that every cost incurred, no matter what the expense, goes directly towards supporting th¢ victims. The support costs provide the infrastrncture which enables the direct counselling service to b¢ d¢liver¢d to our service users. 10. STAFF COSTS Total Total 2024 2023 Wages and Salaries EmployeTS National Insurance Pension Contributions 181,255 14,172 122.392 7.996 195,427 130.388 No employee received emoluments of more than £60,000 (2023.. £Nill 13

WEST CUMBRIA DOMESTIC VIOLENCE SUPPORT FINANCIAL STATEMENTS YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2024 A¥OTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS The average number of employees during the year, cal¢u]ated on a full-time equivalent basis was as follows= 2024 Number 2023 Number Managernent staff Administrdtive staff Support Workers Total 11. TRUSTEE'S EMOLUMENTS The tnteeS neither received nor waived any emoluments during the year (2023.. £Nil) 12. TAJ¥GIBLE FIXED ASSETS Short Fixtllres. Leasehold IT Fittillgs & Property Equipment Equiptnent Total COST At Isl April 2023 Additions Donaiion Received 12.542 4,155 6,205 18.747 4,155 Ai 31st March 2024 16.697 6,205 22.902 DEPRECIATION Ai 1st April 2023 Charge for the year 1,401 3,824 1,551 1,163 2,952 4,987 Ai 315t March 2024 5.225 2,714 7,939 NET BOOKVALUE At 3 1st March 2024 9Q At 315t March 2023 Included in tangible f]xed assets are assers held under finance leases or hir¢ pur¢hase conttacts as follows.. 2024 Depreciation Net CharEe Book Value 2023 Nel Book Value Depretlatio Charge Asset descriptioll Fixtures, fittings, and equipment 14

WEST CUMBRIA DOMESTIC VIOLENCE SUPPORT FINANCIAL STATEMENTS YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2024 NOTES TO THE Fif4ANCIAL STATEMENTS 13. DEBTORS 2023 2022 Trade Debtors Prepayments 12,972 2.698 2,813 2,813 15,670 14. CREDITORS . (Amoullts falling due svithin one yearl 2024 2023 Net Obligations under FUnee leases Trade Creditors Other Taxes alld Social security Costs Acctuals and deferred incorne 6,062 1,845 1,700 5.748 1.094 9,607 8,486 Deferred Ineome At 1st April 2023 Resource& deferred in the y&v Amounts relead frorn previous year Deferred Income at 31st March 2024 The deferred incom¢ at 31st March 2024 relates to donation5 rcctived in advance 15. CREDrroRS {Amounts falling due after more than one year) 2024 2023 Net Obligations under finance leases Net Obligations under finance leases Repayable within one year Repayable within two and five yeaTS 15

WEST CUMBRIA DOMESTIC VIOLENCE SUPPORT FINANCIAL STATEMENTS YEAR ENDED 31ST IVIARCH 2024 NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 16. ANALYSIS OF F4ET ASSETS BETWEEN FUNDS Unrestricted Funds Restricted Funds TotAI Funds 2024 Total Funds 2023 Tangible Fixed Assets Current Assets Current Liabilities Long Terni Liabilities 3,353 126,625 (9,607) 11.610 188.614 14.963 315,239 (9,607) 15,795 254,368 18,486) Net A&sets at 3 1st March 2024 120,371 200224 320,595 261,677 17. RESTRICTED FUNDS At 1st April 2023 At 31st March 2024 Incoming Resource5 Outgolng Resourees Allerdale Borough Council Copeldnd Borough Council Cash For Kids Awards For All BBC Children In Need Kids Provision Cumbria Coutlty Council McKenzie FriendlTime To Change) Bedrock Awards Cumbetlartd Collncil Cumberland Collncil Cumbria Community Foundation Hadfield Trust GDF Funding GDF South Copeland Henry Smith Sellafield Ltd Grant Snowball Fund National Lottery Cornmunity Fund Morgan Sindall Edward Gostling Copeland Community Fund Police & Crime Commissioner Cumbria 13,051 Coalfields 7,501 5,000 (7.501) (5.000) (2.400) (7.500) 132.056) 114,572) (7,868) 143,775) (5.000) (1,120) 115,000) 11 0,000) 164,872) (2,500) {59,792) 13,713) (2,000) {73.148} (5.000} (7,830} {25.159} {39,453} 4,150 1,750 7,500 11,876 14.572 32.910 12,730 7,868 85,000 5,000 16,022 10,000 5,000 64,860 10,000 59,850 25,025 66,250 14,902 6,667 11,667 5,000 12 7,500 19,994 19.936 3,713 2,000 84,000 10,852 5,000 10,000 25,000 25,159 53,811 5,000 27,170 27,409 5,000 139,853 495,630 435.259 200,224 16

WEST CUMBRIA DOMESTIC VIOLENCE SUPPORT FINANCL4L STATEMENTS YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2024 NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMEFITS Purposes of re5tri¢ted fund5 The purpose of the BBC Children in Need fund is to contribute towards the costs of our children's provision. The purpose of Cumbria County Council grant is to fund an increase in service costs io tDeet increasing demand on Ollr service. The purpose of Copeland Cornmunity Fund is to be used against staff and support worker salaries and counselling Costs for Copeland residents. The purp95e of the Cumbria Community Foundation grants received was to part fvnd staff salaries and l-l ¢ounselling costs. The PUTP05e of Hadfield Trust fimd is to be used against pejpettxtor project costs. The purpose of the Henry Smith fund 15 to be used against staff salaries. The purpose of Edward Gosling Trust fund is to be used against stsff salaries and counselling costs. The purpose of Police & Crime Commissioners Cumbria fvnd is to be used against ¢ounselling costs. The purpose of National Lottery Community fi]nd is to be used against counselling costs. The purpose of Bedrock Awards fund is to be used against staff and support worker salaries. The purpose McKenzie Friend fund is to be used against staff ad support WOTker salaries. The charity'5 general restricted fi]nds ar¢ usually smaller grdnt&ldonations and are used as directed by the provider. 17

Table of Contents

01.

02.

03.

04.

05.

6-7.

8-9.

10-18.

19-21.

22-25.

26.

OUR TEAM!

MESSAGE FROM OUR TRUSTEES

Our Vision

Our Mission

Our values

OUR HISTORY

1997

2024

OUR STRATEGIC AIMS FOR 2023-2024

Raising awareness

Growing our impact

Breaking the cycle of abuse

Charity structure and governance

OUR HIGHLIGHTS

01

OPEN DAY

02

COLLABORATIONS

OUR HIGHLIGHTS

03

CHOSEN CHARITY OF THE YEAR

FOUR NEW TEAM MEMBERS

FIVE NEW VOLUNTEERS RECRUITED

NEW SERVICE LINE ADDED

WEAR PURPLE TO WORK IN OCTOBER FOR DOMESTIC ABUSE AWARENESS MONTH

Services Delivered

1-1 Counselling Sessions Attended

94%

Now lets look at the numbers...

Clients Actively Engaging at 1st Apr 2023

New referrals to Service 1st Apr 23-31st Mar 24

New referral data

Area of new referrals

Age range of new referrals

Source of new referrals

Adult female victims (235)

Adult Male Victims (25)

CYP new referral breakdown

Children and young people impacted(79)

New referrals

Perpetrators (17)

18%

Summary of total clients supported

Gender & role

Area

THE DIFFERENCE WE HAVE MADE

1. Improved mental health and wellbeing

THE DIFFERENCE WE HAVE MADE

2. Breaking the cycle of abuse

THE DIFFERENCE WE HAVE MADE

2. Improved safety

"

"