CLASP Annual Report 2024
Mill House Brook Street Crewe CW2 7DE 01270 250629 Qinfo southcheshireclas www.southcheshireclas .or .or registered charity num.be.r= 1188608
Contents: Organisational Structure & Governance page 4 Charity Values and Objectives page 5 3. Chairman's Report page 7 4. A Snapshot of 2024 page 8 5. Achievements page 12 6. Acknowledgements & Thanks page 14 7. Appendix- Financial Reports page 15
Organisational Structure & Governance: South Cheshire CLASP is govemed by its Constitution adopted on 12 June 2020. The governing body isthe board of Trustee5. As at3iSt Decernber 20241 there were 6 members. Trustees are recruited annually atthe AGM or can be co-opted on tothe board. Decision making takes place at bi-monthly Trustee meetings. Trustees: Chris Wenlock Gemma Harris (Lone Parent Representative) Graham Bushill (Safeguarding Lead) John Colclough (Chairman) Rachel Jones Ruth Grimshaw (Treasurer) Staff: Emma Culleton (Support Worker) Jan Wenlock (Supportworker) Jill Lloyd (Support Assistant) Julia Wood (Chief Executive) Lucy Secker (Finance Officer) Lynne Davies (Finance Officer) Marie Harrison (Cleaner) Rachael Doherty (Children's Work Manager) Sandra Tatton {Parent Supportworker) Sarah Blake-Appleton {Counsellor) Sarah Mankazana (Administrator) Sharon Hickson {Counselling Service Manager) Sharon Stowell (Funding Manager) Stuartwatson (Counsellor} Sue Chapman (Projert Manager) Volunteers= Christel Remond Gemma Harris Jean Bradshaw Margaret Whyley Maureen Joy Natalie Clowes Ray Breen
Values and Objectives The Charity is an expression of care and support for 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 status in 2002 under charity numberio934D. In 2020 the Charity became a CIO with the new Charity Number of 1188608. Charitable Object5: The objects of the CIO are= For the public benefit and within a Christian ethos to advance the education and development of children and lone parents living in the South Cheshire area, in particular but not exclusively by= a) providing child development and parenting skills training to parents- b) providing safe group play and other artivities designed to support children'5 social and emotional development- c) providing support, activities and signposting to advice which develop the capabilities, competences, skills and understanding of parents,- d) providing activities and services designed to preserve and protect the physical and emotional 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 occvpation of children and their parents with the object of improving their conditions of life. Vision Statement: To reach out and support those in the community who are affected by the difficulties associated with parenting alone, whatever their circumstances. We offer friendly support and encouragement to assist with the progression from crisis to wholeness, and a positive future forthe whole family. Values CARING ACCEPTING RESPECTFUL EMPOWERING
Overarching Aimsand Objectives Lone parents and their children will experience an increase in confidence and self- esteem Lane parents and their children will experience improved family relationships Lone parents and their children will be able to better cope with family breakdownltheir family situation Lone parents and their children will report improved emotional health and wellbeing
Ch3.ii'mari's Reiiort l am delighted, as CLASP'S Chaimian, to introduce ourAnnual Report for 2024. It was another excellentyear. The biggestobvious change was our move of premisesfrom Jubilee House to Mill House. We were wrryto say goodbye after manyyearsto ourfriends and colleagues atwishing Well,- hOwevertheO organisations combined had OLrtgrown the building. We have much better accommodation and facilities at Mill House. and we have been made very welcome by My CWA. We started the year anticipating a large in-year defici¢ which was eventually bridged because of a huge fundraising effort- very well done! The new Cheshire East contact was prescriptive, resulting in our inabiltyto bid forthe work. Our previous contrartwtth the local aLTthorty had given us an annual income of over £40,000- for CLASP, this was a huge sum of moneyto lose. Our reseNes meantthatwe could continue our activrties at the same level for one year, but this is unsustainable in future. Going forward. trustees (in conjunrtion wrth stsff. volunteers and service users) must make hard decisions to ensure thatCLASP remain5 a flourishing and viable charrty. Rachel Jonesjoined theTrvstee Board in summer 20241 she has already made an excellent contribution to the board's role of overseeing the management of CLASP, and I look foNard to our working together in the years to come. l also saythanks once moretothe restof ourtrustees, as well as staff and volvnteers. We have all built up a greatorganisation that continues to provide much-needed supportto lone parent families in the local area. John Colclough Chairrnan
A Snapshot of 2024 Atthe end of last year we were just moving into our new Brook Street premises, we httthe ground running and since then have supported more than 300 people and received 232 new referrals. The year has been a great success filled with exciting activities and skills building with a big focus on resilience. Our 2024 services included our professional counselling service, 1=1 parent supporti peer support groups, parenting courses, lifeski11s workshops, wellbeing activtties, SUPPOrt for children and young people, holiday artivities and volunteering opportunities. - We have completed more than 900 hours of counselling in Schools and our new counselling rooms. Offering a safe and confidential space ft)r 1=1 counsellingi family therapy and playtherapy. - Our coffee n. chat groups have provided a platForm for peer support signposting and information sharing and more than 400 cups of tea and coffee! - We worked hard to bridge the funding gap left due to the end of our commissioned contract and successfully raised over £iook in 2024. 29 children have graduated from primary plus and we have supported 20 young people in ourtherapeutic groups in High Schools. 15 parents have received i.'I support to help achieve the goals that they had set for 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. - We have spentthe school holidays having the BEST daysoutwith CLASPfamilies, splashing in the sea, building sandcastles. eating ice-creams, building derbs, Visiting farms. kayaking and canoeing, picnicking in the park, hiking up the Cloudi picking pumpkin5 and booing atthe bad guys atthe panto! Our brilliant team have listened to the needs of the families we svpport and have created brilliant opportunities to learn new skills, improve their quality of life and to have fun doing
i Yiiuii THIINK Y(iuii Thank you letter from a grateful child THIINK yiiu!I rn* a(e Visittothe farm Den building in the school holidays!
Achievements 2024 V-. Iicve 4 main OLJtcome5 runn'r,9 Gcross è':1 of Odr Jroiects, u- we'.1 cs èddit";onal outcomes.'elGting .0 ind vi'.di)?I pro:,ects. The folscwpng showc o."1 prcsrpss acrcss t-.e.se &.ryEin okn.tcomes. Outcome i. Lone parents and their children will benefit from an increased 2bility to cope with family breakdown andlor their family situation Outcome 2. Lone parents and their children will benefit from improved family relationships Outcome 3. Lone pafenls and their ¢hildiEn ivill benefii frorr. incie•5td confidencelself-esteem Outcome 4. Lone parents and their children will report improved ernotional health and wellbeing. CLASP Outcomes 2024 90 Gl 72 oui:oni-. ? io
Some feedback from lone parents and children: Mum feels that the boys are beneftting from counsellingi and they absolutely love coming. It has been helpful to explore issues around parenting alone with a counsellor. My confidence and emotional wellbeing have increased. K learned to use newtools she ha5 never used before and learnt lots of new Skills, to tackle DIY tasks in the home. J feels that she can cope with her feelings better. Mum feels that F's confidence and self-esteem has slryrocketed. Mum says he is nowvery easy to parent. L brought the children to the Monkey Forest trip todayi which was fun for them all, she was able to chat and interact with the otherparents. After doing the ito i PP programme, M's Mum said,"1 think he understands feelings and emotions better." Counselling has helped M to express how he feels at home and to stay awayfrom trouble. P is a much calmer and happier child since attending counselling. Referrals received in 2024 for 232 families SINGLE PARINIS We inteiacted in some way with 250 lonelstep parents We provided supportto 232 children and young people li
Acknowledgements & Thanl<s The Trustees and Staff Team of South Cheshire CLASP wish to thank all the individuals and organisations who have supported usthroughout 2023, through donations, funding supporti partnership working, free training# volunteering1 and advice. All of our wonderful volunteers Ann Norburn Anonymous donors Avdlem Bapt15t Church CSB Compliance Group CVS Cheshire East Cheshire Communty Foundation Cheshire Connect {Dianne Parrish) Cheshire East Council- Children and Families Cheshire & Wirral Partnership Trust Crewe Rotary Custom Powders Dunelm (staff and customers) Everybody Health & Leisure George Heath Foundation Henry Smith Charity J & R Rivers Jan Ferguson Just Drop-ln L Gentil Local Primary & Secondary Schools Martin Corlett Moss Mornflake Staff donation Nantwich Churchwardens Merged Charty Peter Colyer St Bridget's Trust Stagecoach Giving forGood ComTnunity Fund Tesco Thandi and Emily The National Lottery Fund- Reaching Communfcies The Oakhanger Project Tim Setchell Trusthouse Charitable Foundation Visyon West St Christian Fellowship Wrenbury PCC 12
Appendix: Financial Reports Treasurerfs Report Receipts & Payments Accounts lor the period i" January 2024 to 31" December 2024 ior Charity Number 1188608 Tlie set of Accounts incluaes a statemer,t of Assets and Liabilities for tlie period, an analysis of Restrictec Fui)ds, noLes to the Account5 and Ilie Iiidependent Examiner's Repori Operatiiig for the Public Benefit: SLJe n frorp.. :. lie Project repo,, t V¥lfr ,...'(".' e rili e Ln [' leet OLJr ai nis aiid P->'.f.C.:.i',]l.)< ( Lifiio Lhe yearto prov,'de <upi)p.'t fTr! 'niie ?arar)t5 tiiid their Iijl(lit-i-. enaDling thewr to grow ai-.d deve.,op. 13
Treasurerfs Report l am pleased to report that we hève haa another good yearfinancially. Our total income forthe yearendino 31- December 2024 Wa5 £2131075 and expenditure iorthe Same period was £200,767, givino us a Dalance of Ei84,146 at the end of the year or which £25,496 wa5 in restricted fund5 and £158,650 in unrestricted fun(is. Restricted fund5 are as tne name Implies for specrfic projects and cannot be spent on otherthing:. Our Reserve Policy i5to reLèID. Cjiycient to cover s month5 expenditure of approximately £83,650 and this we have been able to do. During the year we secureo adGiIioD¢', funding -: rom Garfield Weston, CbsLorKI Powders an.d Peter Culye:- Creip4e Town Council, CCF, CVS and CBS. Ve are very orateful to tnese ap.d 041r orherfun.ders as well as Lhe ind,'vidiJals, triJstS and churche5 who h2ve g-. ovic,. d fiiio,Icial support during the year. We have starLed 2025 il r (300d f.:rr ici31 posiiion bu: as ekier ive ar depepdent upop, <ecur:r,g-ieio r 11-.d-'Ic to maio=iain our service';eiiel esgeciall ',)L-lij< year. Ruih Grimsilawi Trusteerr.. easb.er
SOUTH CHESHIRE CLASP Charity Commission Registered Number: 1188608 RECEIPTS & PAYMENTS ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDING 31st DECEMBER 2024 Total 2024 Total 2023 Funds Funds RECEIPTS Donations & Grants Receipts from OFerating Acbvit Tax Rewvered on Gift AKI Investm6nt Income Fundraising Activities Other Income 47,500 161,548 209,046 196,230 4,008 19 2,214 19 51.527 161.548 213.075 198,879 PAYMENTS Charitable Activities Staff Salarieslsessional Workersfinc Creche Volunteers Expenses DBS checks Counselling Supervision Staff Training Travel Parents CourseslActi)rities MaterialslResourc&s Refreshmentslmeals PartieslActivities 136.833 279 170,419 370 258 1.725 2.529 643 406 762 796 3,380 167,443 337 211 2,038 437 799 91 258 1.725 2.529 225 418 656 477 3.380 899 557 3,256 319 34.778 Support Costs Utilities Insurance Subsoriptions StationeryrrelephonelPosl Repairs & Equipment DatabasellT AdvertisinglPrinting Slaff Unrfomis Fundraising Oth8r Move 146.510 181.288 175.976 10.980 2.207 10,980 2,207 7.700 2,118 303 1.195 842 5,724 1.479 399 25 1,625 250 1.339 25 2.993 877 1,368 627 337 721 3,357 337 721 19.479 202 400 19,963 16.122 Total Payments 38.135 162.632 200,767 195,939 Net Recelpts l (Payments) Transfer bebNeen Funds Net Movement in Funds 13.392 699 14.091 {1.0841 12,308 {1.783) 12.308 Total funds blfwd - 1 January Total funds clfivd - 31 December 144.559 158.650 27.279 25.496 171.838 184,146 168.898 171,838
SOUTH CHESHIRE CLASP Charity Commission Registered Number. 1188608 STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABIUTIES AS AT 31st DECEMBER 2024 Unrostricted Restricted Funds Funds Total 2024 Cash and Bank Balances Unrestricted Funds 158.650 158,650 Restricted FurKIs CCF Coffee and Chat CCF Tripsloutings Crewe Town Council GarfEld Weston National Lottery Reaching Communtties Total Cash & Bank Balances 2,101 1.462 2.101 1,462 9.579 12,309 25,496 9.579 12.309 184,146 158.650 Other Monetary Assets Debtors and PrtrPayments Investment Assets Fund to which asset belongs Original Current Book Cost Valu8 Assets Retalned for Charitys own use Fixed Assets Computers Fumiture & Equipment Totsl 6,860 633 7.493 2,711 126 2,837 Liabilities at the erKI of the year Total Value of Assets less Liabilities 186.983 Trustee's Signature Print Name J/+12 Trustee's Signatur6 Print Name f I
Date Approved SOUTH CHESHIRE CLASP Charity Commission Registered Number. 1188608 NOTES TO ACCOUNTS Reserves Policy Our currènt reserwes policy aims to stabilise our unrestricted cash arNJ bank balan at a level sufficient to cover our next five months worth of expenditure. This woukF suggest that our optimum cash balanc6s would be £83.652. At the end of 2024 our unrestricted cash baknces totalled £158.650. Depreclatlon Our furniturè arKI Offi equipment is depreciated over 5 TS Trustees Remuneration Trustees should not generally receive payment for being a L*arity trustee and no Trustee has reiVed any rernuneration. Janet Wenlock is empbyed by CLASP arKJ her husband Christopher Wenlock is a Iruslee. EmployTnent cost was £5.724 {inclLKling pensK)n contribulions). Christopher does not take part in any discussions regarding salary increases elc. Operatlng for the Public Benefrt As can be seen from the Project repor( we were able to meet our aims and objectives during thè year to provide support for lone parents and their thildren. enabling them to grow and develop. INDEPENDEpif EXAMINER'S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF SOUTH CHESHIRE CLASP I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of the South Ch8shire CL4SP (the Trust) for the year ended 31 December 2024. Responslbllltles and basis of report As the charity trustees of the Trust you are responsible for the preparalron of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 {'the Ad). I report in respect of my examination of the Trust's accounts carried out under seclion 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination I have followed all the applicab Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Act. Independent examlnerfs statement I have completed my exarnination. I confimi that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination givtng me cause to believe that in any material respect: accounting records were not kept in resFect of the Tnjst as r4u[l by section 130 of the Act; or the accounts do not accord with those re(x)rds. I have no conM$ and have come across no other matters in tt)nnection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this rep)rt in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
Signed.. Narne: A.P. Buchan- ACMA, CGMA Member of the Chartered Institute of Management Accountsnts {CIMA) 28 Cormorant Close Crewe Cheshire CW15LN Dale-