CLASP Annual Report 2023 /lill House 8rook Str&eL CreiN CIN? 7DE Irk 01270 25Ou29 IWl.50uihcJle>hirecla .oro.uk regisiered charity number-. 1188608 Contents: i. Organisational Stnjctvre & Governance page 4 2. Chartyvalues and Objectives page 5 3. Chairman's Report page7 4. Asnapshotof 2023 page 8 5. Achievements page 6. Acknowledgements & Thank5 page4 7. Appendix- Financial Reports page 15 Organisational Structure & Governance: South Cheshire CLASP is govemed by rts constit￿[￿0￿ adopted on uth June 2020. The governing body is the board of Tru5tee5. As at 31st December 2022, there were 6 member5. TruJXees are recruried annvaltyatthe AGM or can be co-opted on to the board. - Décision makingtakes place at bi-monthlyTrv5tee meetings. Trustees: Chris Wenlock Gemma Harris (Parent Representative) Graham Bu5hill (Safeguarding Lead) John Colclough {Chairman) Ruth Grimshaw ffrea5urer) Staff.. Emma Culleton (Support Wo-, ker) Jan ￿'enIOCk (Support Worker) Jill Lloyd (Support A55iX> ant) Julia Wood (Chief fxecutive) Lynne Davies (Financa OrPicer) Marie Harrison (Cleaner) Rachael Dohety (Children's Work Manager) Sandra Tatton (Parent Svpport WorkeF) Sarah 813ke-Appleton ICouns:Ilor) Sarah Manrtazana IAdmini5trator) Sharon Hickson (Counsolling Setvice Manager) Charon Stowell (Funding i¥lanager) Stuartwatson (Counsellor) Sue C4apman (Project Mana9er) Volunteers.. Ann2 Murray Christel Remond Jean Bradsiiaw Margaret W4yley Mai5reen Joy NaLalie CIo'Nes 9ay BrAen Values and Objectives The Charity is an expression of care and supportfor all lone parents in the locality, whatever their circumstances and regardless of howthey became lone parents. South Cheshire CLASP was first established in 1998 and obtained charity statu5 in 31)02 undercharity numberio934N. In 2020 the Charity became a CIO with the new Charity Numberof 1188608. Charitable Objects: The objects of the CIO are= Forthe public benefft and within a Christian eth05to advance the education and development of children and lone parents living in the Sovth Cheshire area, in particular but not exclusively by= a) providing child development and parenting ski115training to parents- b) providing safe group play and other activities designed to support children'5 social and ernotional development- c) providing support, activities and signposting to advice which develop the capabilities, competences, skills and under5tsnding of parents- d) providing activities and seNices designed to preserve and protect the physical ènd ernotional health and wellbeing of children and their parents; e) providing or assisting in the provision of facilities in the interests of social welfare for recreation or other leisure time occupation of children and their parents with the object of improving their conditions of life. Vision Statement: To reach out and supportthose in the community who are affected by the difficulties associated with parenting alone, whatever their circumstances. We offerfriendly support and encouragementto assist with the progression from crisis to wholeness, and a positive future forthe whole family. Value5 CARING ACCEPTING RESPECTFUL EMPOWERING Overarching Aims and Objertives Lone parents and their children will experience an increase in confidence and self- esteem Lone parents and their children will experience improved family relationships Lone parents and their children will be able to better cope with family breakdo,￿1th￿Ir famity situation Lone parcants and their children will r4port improved emotional heakh and wellbeing Chairman's Report 2023was anothergood yearfor CLASP. This wasthe firstfrjllyear afterthe Covid pandemiq and oursemces all operated wrthout restrictions. Nationallyi inflation alld the cost-of-liwng crlsis hit many lone-parent families, 50 It Wa5 no surprisethat demand for ourcomprehen5ive ran9e of sUPPOrt remained high. It isalways encouraging to read the quarterly outcomes rep(Yts that consistently reflect hlgh levels of satisfaction from people who access our services. Atthe end of the year we moved to more appropriate accommodation, which will help us to provide a welcoming environment for counselling and group work- also to offera better working environment for staff. The Treasurerfs report outlines the strong financial posttion that we were able to maintain, whilst acknowledging the challenges that lie ahead. Maintsining Sufficient income from grants and other sources is a constant battle- our 5ucces5 rate is a testimony to both the strength of ourwork andthe qualtyof ourbids tofunders. Finallyi I thank once again our dedicated team of workers and volunteer5, and of course my fellowtrustees. John Colclovgh Chairman A Snapshot of 2023 Our Coffee n, Chat groups have offered a safe space for parents to have open discussions aboutthe challengesthey have faced overthe lastyear. Common themes include. School bullying holidays safety family court and contact parenting children with addFtional needs applying for DLA and EHCPS lack of supportfrom family how to cope with lack of sleep dtfficulty makingfriends as aduFts household fund moving house pregnenry loss volunteering healthy eating autism awarene5S having children when yov are young the cost of living crisis experiences wtiLh slxial cère planning to ratum to work As a result ￿lie have been able to signpost parents for further support, share informaticn nd plan relevant courses inclvding Autisn Awarpnrh55 and Life Skilis forfir5ttime parentr. Ther2peutic groups in scho￿5 Prirnary Plus has been running in 9 difftsrent pritnary Schools and ourtherapeutic group for high >chool children has beèn running in 2 high ?chool> throu9hoLTt the year. Th•se groups are 8rrended by children referred the schools and provide saj e grovp play and other activrcies designed tg 5JJppofL children's social 3nHd eTr,ot_ionul dAvelopment ar.d hèlp them dealivith "he 1s5uei ￿SoCIat￿d Wrih fami]y bi eakdown or bereavemenT. SUPPOrtino 62 children and yovng people in ll diffi erent schools. HolidèyActivrties 111: haiie b￿an 301= to arrango an 2a?ttei egg hiJnj 71 m.-ty kayak-.ngl a day trip to the 52a5id> a trip to Snugbup/? ikne cr2ai11 jarm, a picnic in the park, den b¥Jildifig& family cTrfts, heali4y eating >e?5ions ènd a ￿￿gICal panto uip for Christms35! More than 50 famili05 have joined v5 forthe holiday attLIIITtIts￿ . We asked families whatthey enjoyed most aboutthe artivities, here's whatthey said. Relaxing and spendingtime with friends inthe5unshine lovely to See our families relaxing & making friend5, trying newthings and having fvn. Really good day spent with friends- I loved paddling in the Sea Spending time wtth my children and seeing them enjoyingthemsefves Wonderful dayi l enjoyed walking along the pier and paddling in the sea Fresh air and beach - Seeing my daughter smile It was a lovely atrnosphere and there was no judgement when my 50n wasn* copingi only support. Seeing the kids have so much fun- Watching my daughter gain confidence Really appreciate the opportunity to have a day out which otherwise we wouldnt have been able to experience i:1 parent Support i:1 parent support has helped parents achieve goa15 that they had set themselves, increasing confidence and resilience. Many parents have received support with parenting skills, budgeting or housing issues and reduced isolation by attending groups and courses. Support has inclvded: Budgeting Making phone calls and dealing wfch beneffts, energy companies etc Making and attending appointments Making links in the community and attending groups and social activities. Parenting courses (along with well being course and life skills course} Practical help in the home, helping families to declLrtter. Support wtth parenting skills, rovtine5, and boundaries. Referring on to othertypes of support 19 farnilies received support during in 2023 Here to listen weekly check in calls Facilitated by CLASP volunteers and developed a5 a result of the succe55 and very apparent need for check in calls throughout lockdown. This projett has become a 'lrfeline' for parents who may not meetthe criteria for counselling but feel isolated and in need of a listening ear or to be signposted to additional support. The feedback from this service has been extremely posttive. During 2023 volunteers dedicated more than 50 hours to offer this service, completing 43 ca115 to parents in need. Parenting Courses CLASP wellbeing- sweeks based on the 5WayStowellbeing Life Skills including budgeting and healthy eating Parentingforprimaryyears Counselling S•Thice Tnose who have accessed CLASP counselling most report an improvement in health and w:Ilbeing, increased aoility to make a positive change and an improyement in their relationship with their children, both in the short and lon9 term. l/e havo received an increase in more complex referra15 for young people and work closely with CAMHS and CWP to manage th: increased complexit'.'25 and risk thanks to our responsNe and flaxible apprc*ach. The 5UPPOrt that the CAMHS crisis line ofver5 is both befieficial and important to help manage risk in compFex case>. Feedbackfrom CLASP counselling clients: '1 rnsD groleful for the support-my confiderjce undself-awarene55 huschonged sign(Icontly. Ifeel happierfor thefir5t time in ti long time. I ljave hodincredible supporY(odult molei '1 have hope for the future and increased self-confidence. (adult malel 'Mycounsellor iva< reallyecsy to oFproach ond that holped me to open up ond tolk aboJt myproblems. She v/as veyfriendly ondprovidedon atmosphere of wt7m?th'(adul>fvmale} '1 am gaining so much from the counselling sessions, which I did not expect to happen. My emotional health and family relationships hav: increased signfficantly. ladvlt female) 'Counsellino kras helwed nE to be r.ore open with my i55ue5. Mc confidence hos ifjrreasedondi can de&1 5tr.lth myangerbetler, (teeriGge airtj '1 haiien't had a panic attack since the sessions Started. My rnental health has improved, (teenage girl) Nly DaiJghter¢ ahilitLy to hondle home l.f? ondfv y relLltionltuation Outcome z. Lone parents and their chTldren will benefitfrom improved family relationships OuP.com- 3 Lone parents and thrLj". Children viill ba51efj" from increasad connd•nceJsglr-e?t&em Outcomti 4. Lone parents and their children will report improved emotional health and wellbeing. CLASP Outcomes 2023/4 78 92 77 G1J-C￿￿1- 12 Sorne feedback from volvnteers: CLASP is an amazing place! As a trainee counsellor, I really believe there is nowhere else I'd have been better off at. I've had freedom, I've not felt watched, and I've been trusted. IVS just great! A really nice place to be. Everyone's really friendly and supportive. It feels like a frdmily. I feel relaxed and looked afterhere. l enjoy corning. I really enjoy being with the children. IVS a very pleasant group. l enjoy working with the children. CLASP staff are very approachable and kind. I like doing sornething purposeful and continuing to use rny skills. Everyone's lovety- and everyone who attend5. It brings Confiden￿ in me. It gives me purpose. ft's time for rne. too. I can help single parents, which 15 c105e to my heart. And I feel 5VPPOrted and included. Everyone who works here is lovely. IV5 a really 5UPPOrtive environment. I love the clients. I likethe mix-it helps mydevelopment. rt Referra15 received in 2023 for 289 farnilies SINGLE PARENIS We interarted in some way with 282 lonelstep parents We provided supportto 296 children and young people 13 Acltarted 2024 in a stj ong financial po=tiLion buL as e'rfar we are andènL upon securing ne¥V funding LO maintain oiJr serwice level eSDecially a5 Lhe grant irom Cheshire & INirral PartD.ersh'.p NHS ce35es part way through 2024. Puth EJrimshaiv TruiTeefrrreasuJ er 16 SOUTH CHESHIRE CLASP Charity Commission Registered ￿rnber. 1188608 RECEIPTS & PAYMENTS ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDING 31st DECEMBER 2023 Total 2023 Total 2022 Funds Funds REceiprs Donatlons & Grdnts Receipls fmm Operatiry Activi￿$ Tax Rewvered on Gift A Investment Income Fundrak8ing ActNiti8S Other IrKome 68.731 127.499 196.230 187.994 241 438 2,214 435 2,214 435 71.380 127.4g9 PAYMENTS Charitablg Activltles Staff ￿lar￿SIsesSIOnal Worker5Tinc Creche Vdunteers Expenses DBS checks CoJnselling Supervision Staff Training Travel Parents CourseslActivlknes M*8ridslResources Refreshmentslmeds PartEslActbvities 31.555 135.888 167,443 337 211 2,038 437 164,765 228 562 2,640 211 76 192 1.962 245 295 730 557 163 557 3.255 616 1,072 34.277 141,699 175.976 171.662 Support Costs UtlilEs Insurance Cowultancy - Building Capabilities Subscriptions stationery￿eIePhoAelP0Sl Repalrs & Equipment Datab3sellT Advert￿In￿Print1r Stal Unrforrns Fundraislng Stai Unrforms Other 3.850 3.850 2,118 7.700 2,118 7.000 2.858 303 851 146 4,974 1.479 303 1.1g5 303 1.415 3,270 2,570 1.174 696 750 5,724 1.479 202 4QMJ 12.205 202 400 19.963 7.759 18,780 Total Payments 195.939 Ngt Recolptsj {Payments) Transfer be￿een Funds Net Moverwbenl in FurKJs 24,898 121.958) 2,940 (1,7691 21.898 {18,9581 2,940 (1,7691 Total funds blfwd- 1 January To181 funds clkn- 21 Oe¢ember 122.663 144.561 46.2&5 27,271 168.898 171.838 SOUTH CHESHIRE CLASP Charity C(vnrnission Registered Number. 1188608 srATEIAEN7 OF ASSETS AND LIABILMES AS AT 31st DECEIIBER 2tr Funds 2023 Cash end Bank BalaKes Utyestricted Funds 144.561 144,561 Restrict￿ Funds Ch&shir8 CornrnLFnty FundirNJ CCF Tripslouiings Crewe Ttrwn trwncil Henry Srnfth I n8xI irtstalmert due eaty ￿24} N8ntsvich churCthYarder￿ NEW AWARD N*ional Lottery N*ional Lott￿ Chlldren's wwk TnJ815yxJse Charitable Foundation 2,093 502 1.537 S02 1.537 68 8,951 6.010 1,007 7,109 8.951 6,010 1.007 7,1C Total Cash & Bank Bal￿¢¢5 144.561 27,277 Othermonetary Assets Debtots and Pr￿PaYMents Inveskn•nl Ass•ts to Q)riginal Current Cost B¢xk V2lue Assets Retalned for Charltys +y•m use t￿Or￿S F5xe£l As3•ts compth￿S Fumfture Totsi 4,082 252 Llabilibes al the en4 01 the year Total olkn-ets less Ljabilities 178,172 Trusteg's SignatLre Print Name LCLOk4 l Tustse's Sor*'.ure Print Name Dot$ Apuioved SOUTH CHESHIRE CLASP Charty Commission Registered Number: 1188608 NOTESTO ACCOUNTS Reserves Pollcy Our current reserves policy airns lo stabli ise our unrestricted cash and bank balances al a level surficienl lo cover our next three month5 Worth of expenditure. Thi5 would suggest rhat our optimum cash balances would be be￿en £40,CQO and £50.OCX). At the end of 2023 our unrestricted (ash balances lolalled £144,561 Debtors and Prepayinents are nil. Deprecialion oUr￿mIlUre and offKe equipment is deprecraled over 5 yews Trnsle8s Remuneration Trustees should not generally receive payment for being a charty trustee and no Trustee has recefved any remuneration. Janel Wenlock is employed by CLASP and her husband Christopher WenlrKk rs a trustee. Employment cost was £5503.18 induding pens¢on contribulions. C￿ls1Opher does not take part in 8ny discussions regarding salary increases etc. Opgrating for the Publlc Benefft As be seen from Ihe Project re￿rt. we were able to meet our aims and objectives dLwlng the year to provide support for lone parents and t￿1r thildren, enabling them to gruw and develop. INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF SOUTH CHESHIRE CLASP I report to the trustees on my examinalw of the accounts of the South Cheshire CLASP {Ihe Tnjstl for the year ended 31 December 2023. Responslbllltles and basls of report As charity InJslees of the TnJsl you are reSpO￿lbIe for the preparat￿n of the aco)unts in acrordance with the requirements ofthe Charities Act 2011 {'the A¢fl. I report in respect of my exarnination of the Trusys accounts ca¥ried out under sectton 145 of the 2011 Acl and in carying out eXaMinat￿n I have followed all the oppluble Dire¢b"ons given by the Charity commi8s￿ und 8ection 145{5llbl ol the Act. Indèpendent examinevs ststement I have completed my examination. I confirm Ihat no material maiters have come lo my attentton In connection wlh the examinztton giving me cause lo believe that in any material respect= 8ccounling records were not kept in ￿Pect of the Tru51 as required by section 130 of the ACL or the accounts do not occord with those reLxrds. I have no cOn￿r￿S and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to wnich attention should be drawn in this rewrt In order lo enalje a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached. Signed.. Name: A.P. 8uchan-ACMA, CGMA Member ol the Chartered Inslrtule of Management Accountarts (CIMAI 28 Cormorant Close Crewe Cheshire CW1 5LN Dale..