# **REGISTERED COMPANY NUMBER: 12593856 (England and Wales) REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER: 1189533**
## **REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES AND**
**UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MAY 2024**
## **FOR**
## **SUNSHINE BABY BANK**
Goldwyns Limited Chartered Accountants Rutland House 90-92 Baxter Avenue Southend on Sea Essex SS2 6HZ
**SUNSHINE BABY BANK**
## **CONTENTS OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MAY 2024**
|||**Page**||
|---|---|---|---|
|**Report of the Trustees**|1|to|13|
|**Independent Examiner's Report**||14||
|**Statement of Financial Activities**||15||
|**Balance Sheet**||16||
|**Notes to the Financial Statements**|17|to|22|
## **SUNSHINE BABY BANK (REGISTERED NUMBER: 12593856)**
## **REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MAY 2024**
## **OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES**
## **Objectives and aims**
Sunshine Baby Bank is a charity registered on 18 May 2020 following incorporation as a company limited by guarantee on 11 May 2020 and commencing charitable and trading activities on 20 June 2020.
The charity's objectives are:
(1) the prevention or relief of poverty or financial hardship by providing grants, items and services to individuals in need and/or charities and other organisations working to prevent or relieve poverty and financial hardship; and (2) the advancement of health and wellbeing;
in particular (but not exclusively) in Rochford, Southend-on-Sea and the surrounding area.
Whilst the objectives are drawn widely for any future geographical reach, from the outset the demand for the Baby Bank's delivery was focused on the Southend-on-Sea City area. Since 2020 the charity has operated from dedicated premises, in Westcliff-on-Sea under a peppercorn lease. Known as Labyrinth House, as well as housing the Baby Bank, in the course of 2023 it has evolved into an innovative 'Family Hub' and has two additional functions: a) as a seed bed centre for start-up charities and public bodies sharing the same objectives, mission, aims and objectives of the charity and b) an exemplar Family Hub addressing child poverty, educational development and other related community services.
## **Funding and related activity**
The reserves and opening cash balance of £82,723 from previous charitable gifts, HMRC Gift Aid and donations was used to deliver the charity's objectives, expand the delivery infrastructure and eBaby Bank online service.
This was another significant year consolidating a number of milestones for the charity from the previous year. The operational expansion of family hub delivery at Labyrinth House and establishment of permanent staff support, flexible part-time and casual support. In the course of the financial year donations, grant funding and rental income as planned has helped the charity to diversify the funding and revenue streams to £81,382 for the year comprising:
(1) £3,962 cash donations and gift aid of £12,541 from previous year donations;
(2) based on commercial market rental values, the peppercorn lease is valued as an 'income contribution' of £30,000;
(3) £9,380 from rental, room and sessional hire; and
(4) grant funding in the year: £10,000 Community Investment Board (CIB), £23,500 A Better Start Southend (ABSS).
Total expenditure amounted to £99,870 with the main items of expenditure during the accounting period including: (1) Baby Bank equipment and item purchases of £3,405 and donations from stock / new recycled amounting to approximately £4,000 to support the charity's objectives - the latter amount is not shown in the accounts as a distribution from stock and in addition, a significant amount of new items were purchased by volunteers;
(2) grant funded project costs £11,272;
(3) staff / direct cost overheads of £40,932;
(4) running cost overheads of £41,465 covering the 'donated £30,000 peppercorn lease' shown in reverse in the accounts as a cost of the same amount, heat, light, power, premises improvements funded by grants and other running costs; and
(5) financial / administration overheads £4,916 covering insurances, legal, financial and accounting services.
The net outflow of funds for the year amounted to £18,488 with the year-end cash reserves standing at £64,124.
The project funds have been used for the delivery of the following objectives and activities:
(1) to provide the essential items of equipment, clothing, toys, baby products of immediate use to mums, babies, children up to age 5 (and above) free of charge;
(2) to provide support to address the urgent acute needs of pregnant women, new born babies, home births, neo-natal babies, including babies born premature, sick and their parents facing isolation, mental health and wellbeing challenges;
(3) to support key workers from multi-agencies and providers working with babies and children in poverty, to deliver their services;
(4) to provide services that can be accessed by families and providers of Baby Bank services and supporting children living in poverty;
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## **SUNSHINE BABY BANK (REGISTERED NUMBER: 12593856)**
## **REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MAY 2024**
(5) to deliver the objectives and outcomes for the grant funded projects; and
(6) to operate Labyrinth House as a seed bed centre by offering serviced rooms for lease and hire for charities, public bodies and like-minded organisations focusing on relief of child poverty, education, therapeutic services and community services.
## **OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES**
## **Significant activities**
The trustees consider both the supply of essential items of equipment, clothing, toys for learning and other products of immediate use to mums, babies and children up to age 5 and the Labyrinth House 'Family Hub' serviced seed bed centre to be its significant activities. The trustees actively seek to support suitable projects that they consider will achieve the charity's objectives.
## **Public benefit**
When planning activities for the accounting period, the trustees have considered the Charity Commission's guidance on public benefit. The charity is seeking to alleviate poverty in the local area, as the charity grows.
## **Staffing and volunteers**
In July and September 2022, SBB employed a part-time Baby Bank Support worker and a full-time Operations Manager respectfully, to manage the increased workload at Labyrinth House and to support the volunteers / trustees. Across Summer 2023, a further 4 part-time staff were working on the ABSS and Arts Council grant funded projects together with a part-time receptionist funded by the CIB grant. In previous years, the charity's day to day operations were reliant on the support of unpaid volunteers, who provide help to the trustees and to individuals being assisted by the charity. The varied nature of this support given make it impossible to quantify the time spent or number of people involved. In addition the charity's trustees all serve on a voluntary basis.
This level of staffing and volunteers continued to the 31 May 2024 year end / start of Summer 2024
## **ACHIEVEMENT AND PERFORMANCE**
## **Charitable activities**
Sunshine Baby Bank (SBB) was formed as part of the emergency charity response protocols during the very early stages of the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. The initial objectives and delivery plan was aimed at providing an innovative online / contact free baby bank service during a period when most baby banks, charities, shops had closed their doors and /or operations as a result of the public health controls.
Setting up SBB and the delivery service was successfully achieved in very short timescales; from identifying the emerging need in late March 2020, to the concept / prototype stage in April to the launch of the service in June 2020.
Since 2020 a number of local baby banks have opened in the locality where we operate. Mostly although not exclusively, they recycle and re-purpose used equipment, items and clothing and work on a walk-in model. At SBB we are geared-up as an 'eBaby Bank'. Instead of direct walk-in contact, we re-direct beneficiaries through statutory and voluntary organisations that use our online portals for referrals and fulfilment of deliveries.
As reported last year, SBB provides a bespoke service and has increasingly focused on the supply of new essential equipment and items for children living in poverty. SBB have found that the demand for recycled items is being met by other charities / baby bank providers. Donation offers of used items are mostly re-directed to their nearest recycle baby bank. Further analysis and use of the service is outlined below.
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## **SUNSHINE BABY BANK (REGISTERED NUMBER: 12593856)**
## **REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MAY 2024**
## **ACHIEVEMENT AND PERFORMANCE**
## **Organisations and key workers accessing the charity**
Using the referrals portal on the charity's website www.sunshinebabybank.org.uk referrals only come from organisations with robust standards of safeguarding children and vulnerable people e.g. public, third sector, other providers and their key workers interfacing with families, babies, young children experiencing poverty, health and education related needs.
The following organisations and respective key workers used the charity's services in 2024 shown as a percentage of referrals. The figures in the second column shows the numbers for 2023 for comparison purposes.
## **Organisations**
**----- Start of picture text -----**
2024 2023
Southend-On-Sea Borough Council - Children Services 11% 22%
Southend-On-Sea Borough Council - Public Health 12% 1%
Southend-On-Sea Borough Council - Education and Early Years 12% 27%
Southend NHS Trust 22% 6%
Voluntary Sector Southend 13% 20%
Voluntary Sector national / regional / county 22% 22%
Provider - public health and well being 7% 1%
Provider - housing 1% 1%
Key workers roles
2024 2023
Midwife 19% 7%
Health visitor 15% 1%
Specialist health 1% 0%
Social worker 10% 1%
Children / parent support worker 13% 25%
Family / support / engagement 28% 45%
Early years education 1% 1%
Special Eduction Needs and Disability (SEND) 6% 6%
Housing / accommodation support 0% 0%
Family nurse 1% 0%
Victims slave support 4% 7%
Migrant caseworker 1% 3%
Citizens Advice worker 1% 4%
**----- End of picture text -----**
## **Beneficiaries - analysis of referrals**
The age, gender and residential locations of referral analysis:
## Locations / Wards
||**2024**|**2023**|
|---|---|---|
|Blenheim|1%|0%|
|Chalkwell|1%|3%|
|Eastwood|1%|1%|
|Kursaal|5%|14%|
|Leigh|4%|7%|
|Milton|16%|19%|
|Prittlewell|1%|1%|
|Shoeburyness|9%|9%|
|Southchurch|11%|6%|
|St Luke's|10%|4%|
|Victoria|8%|7%|
|Westborough|6%|4%|
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## **SUNSHINE BABY BANK (REGISTERED NUMBER: 12593856)**
## **REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MAY 2024**
## **ACHIEVEMENT AND PERFORMANCE**
**----- Start of picture text -----**
Other (e.g Essex, Rochford, London - where the beneficiary is located in
South East Essex) 27% 25%
Age range of children
2024 2023
Pre-Natal (3rs semester) 23% 28%
0 to 3 months 23% 9%
3 to 6 months 9% 14%
6 to 9 months 5% 12%
9 to 12 months 4% 3%
12 to 18 months 10% 9%
18 months to 24 months 8% 4%
2 to 3 years old 6% 10%
3 to 4 years old 6% 4%
4 to 5 years old 6% 7%
Gender
2024 2023
Male 41% 42%
Female 49% 52%
Not known 10% 6%
**----- End of picture text -----**
## Reasons for the referral and addressing needs
Referral agencies and the respective key workers recorded the following needs / reasons for the referral. Nearly all referrals recorded low household income together with other multiple needs and reasons for the referral, listed below is the main reason for referral. For comparison purposes the figures for 2023 are in the second column:
|Needs / reason for referral|||
|---|---|---|
|Lockdown assistance|**2024**
0%|**2023**
0%|
|Self-isolating / shielding|0%|0%|
|Low household income|66%|64%|
|Welfare benefit day|0%|0%|
|Unable to access public funds|11%|12%|
|Unemployment|1%|1%|
|Homeless / temporary accommodation|4%|4%|
|Domestic / sexual abuse|4%|3%|
|Learning / physical disability|0%|3%|
|Mental health / emotional wellbeing|1%|0%|
|Single parent|0%|3%|
|Young / new parent|4%|3%|
|Refugee / asylum seeker|9%|7%|
## **Observations and changes in referral characteristics 2024 vs previous years**
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## **SUNSHINE BABY BANK (REGISTERED NUMBER: 12593856)**
## **REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MAY 2024**
## **ACHIEVEMENT AND PERFORMANCE**
Sunshine Baby Bank is unique being the first eBaby Bank specifically designed to cope with the health and personal interaction constraints that existed during COVID lock downs. Referrals are generated online through the website referral portal where organisations and key workers can quickly and easily pick and mix their selection of equipment and items using mobile devices. Key workers and support staff collect their requisitions from Labyrinth House and deliver them in person to their client / beneficiary. The eBaby Bank approach of minimum contact with the beneficiaries remains the preferred approach with key worker and the referral agencies using our services.
The most noticeable change from the analysis of the referral organisations data, has been the doubling of use by the NHS midwifery and the increase in public health / health visitors driven in part by opening-up free access at Labyrinth House to sessions run by midwives and ongoing support from health visitors.
There are noticeable changes to the age range of referrals, in particular those across Pre-Natal (3rd semester) and 0 to 3 months. By including 0 to 6 months this over half of all referrals at 55% continuing the upward trend over that last 2 years. Some of this increase has been through the cost of living pressures with parents unable to afford baby basics.
## **Equipment and items supplied**
In 2024 over 2,700 items were supplied compared with 1,900 in 2023. Nearly all items were fulfilled from new purchases using the charity's funds, stocks and new purchases from volunteers. Items and equipment are selected online from the Referrals portal and sourced, packaged by staff and volunteers and collected by the key worker from a single location at Labyrinth House, 258 Westborough Road, Westcliff, Southend-on-Sea City.
Data is shown for the supply across 9 categories together with the equipment and items supplied in each category. In some categories there are multiple items e.g. 'Summer Bundles' and in others only single items e.g. 'Things on wheels and on the move' Requisition requests and supply are averaging 4 categories per referral. The headline percentage shown for each category is an indication of the proportion of category supplied across all referrals. For each category there is a further breakdown of the percentage of items supplied. This is helpful information to understand and plan needs to adapt delivery to changing demands e.g. cost of living crisis, post-lockdown health demands etc. For comparison purposes, refer to the 2023 Report of the Trustees for the period 1 June 2022 to 31 May 2023.
## **61% Summer Bundles**
13% Expectant Mums; 30% Essentials for baby care; 28% Baby and children clothes; 16% Health and wellbeing; 13% Education and learning.
## **46% Things on wheels and on the move**
29% Prams / carry cot; 29% Pushchair / buggy; 11% Baby walker; 13% Sling; 11% Car seat (new); 7% other.
## **43% Sleeping and things for my bedroom**
7% Crib; 19% Moses basket; 3% Snuz; 9% Cot; 7% Cot bed; 3% Travel cot; 45% Sheets, blankets, bedding bundle (all items are supplied with new mattresses, bedding etc); 7% other.
## **41% Equipment and furniture**
36% Baby Bath; 31% Baby bouncer; 11% Stairgate; 20% Highchair; 2% other.
## **39% Things for playtime, activity and learning**
26% Baby Snug and activity tray; 33% Playmat and activity play; 41% Toy / book bundles.
## **41% Feeding and equipment**
26% Formula; 8% Baby food (up to 12 months); 23% Sterilisers; 29% Bottle bundles; 10% Feeding Pillows; 4% Weaning kits.
For any feeding and food request for children over 12 months are directed to their nearest foodbank.
## **56% Toiletries**
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## **SUNSHINE BABY BANK (REGISTERED NUMBER: 12593856)**
## **REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MAY 2024**
## **ACHIEVEMENT AND PERFORMANCE**
28% Nappies; 26% Wipes; 20% Baby toiletry sets (baby cream, shampoo, body wash, cotton wool etc); 14% Changing mat; 12% Changing bag.
## **65% Clothing**
20% Pre-Natal / newborn / one month; 16% 0 to 3 months; 5% 3 to 6 months; 9% 6 to 9 months; 8% 9 to 12 months; 8% 12 to 18 months; 4% 18 months to 24 months; 5% 2 to 3 years old; 5% 3 to 4 years old; 6% 4 to 5 years old; 14% Shoes; 0% other (old age groups).
## **51% For Parents**
47% Mum toiletry sets (sanitary towels, shampoo, shower gel etc); 23% Body care sets (body cream, hand cream, tissues); 23% Breast pads; 8% Nursing bra.
## **Observations and changes in equipment and items supplied in 2024 vs previous years**
The previous year change due to the cost of living crisis and inflation has consolidated. This has impacted more severely on families living in poverty, the increasing number that are finding it harder to pay their way and those just managing. As a result, there has been an increase in the supply of the more expensive items for the newly born and their feeding needs. There is also an increase in basic supplies such as feeding, toiletries and clothing. Compared with 2023 supplies of:
(1) prams / carry cots, push chairs / buggies have declined slightly (evidence of passing pushchairs to the next born);
(2) cribs, cots, cot beds is a constant demand as these are supplied new;
(3) feeding and feeding equipment items supplied has seen a 46% increase;
(4) toiletries items supplied has increased by 75%; and
- (5) clothing items supplied has increased by 58%
The cost of living crisis and the severe financial hardship that has no doubt caused the increase in these items, however, it is also attributable to the increase in referrals received for pre-natal and 0-3 month year olds.
## **Delivering Baby Bank Objectives**
Reviewing the above data, the trustees are satisfied that the service has delivered on assisting with the relief of child poverty so that young children living in poverty grow-up with the essential items of daily life; advancing the health and wellbeing of women and children; help and support during COVID-19. It has helped:
(1) to reduce financial pressure and hardship;
- (2) improve educational and healthy development; and
- (3) starting the journey to improve mental health and wellbeing amongst families and children.
By providing free essential equipment and items, the service has helped in changing lives for parents and the early life chances and opportunities for babies and early year's children.
## **Labyrinth House Seedbed Centre and Lettings Activities**
In the course of 2022, the trustees have made significant progress with the opportunity to diversify into two inter-related strategic objectives of the charity. This is to set-up and operate:
(1) a seed bed centre for start-up charities and public bodies with like-minded and similar objectives to SBB; and
(2) a 'Family Hub' addressing child poverty, educational development and other related community services.
As planned, we are delighted that across 2023 and in the course of 2024 the Labyrinth House facility has provided the facilities, place and structure to enhance support to disadvantaged communities, families and children living in poverty and those with educational needs.
In April 2021, SBB entered into a peppercorn lease of Labyrinth House, 258 Westborough Road, Westcliff-on-Sea to March 2024 and this was extended with the provision of a break clause. The property is owned, predominantly by two trustees and the granting of a lease at a discount amounts to a donation by the owners recognised at £30,000 in the accounts.
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## **SUNSHINE BABY BANK (REGISTERED NUMBER: 12593856)**
## **REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MAY 2024**
## **ACHIEVEMENT AND PERFORMANCE**
This former GP surgery is now fully converted into a family wellbeing hub and centre focusing on relief of child poverty, education and therapeutic services. It is also a serviced seedbed centre for like-minded charities and public sector organisations that can take out short term leases, daytime, evening and weekend hire to deliver their services.
Labyrinth House is a caring place, providing tailored spaces created with collaboration in mind. Its unique array of small and large rooms are perfect for organisations working to make life better for children, young people and families. Off the back of the peppercorn lease, SBB is able to offer an array of rental opportunities for organisations. The Hall, large and small rooms can be rented, hired short- or long-term fully serviced. There is also sessional hire over daytime, evening and weekends to fit a multitude of requirements. A condition of any hire is that they must be focused on addressing the needs of children, young people and families.
After extensive refurbishment, funded by the owners, the property was ready for occupation in September 2022 by Sunshine Baby Bank and the first office tenant, Send the Right Message (STRM). They are a 'by and for' charity led by a neurodivergent committee who have lived experience, offering online support and face-to-face meetings for parents, carers and families of children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities. This indicative of the organisations that fit the profile and objectives of SBB and the Labyrinth House place.
Over the course of 2024 there has been a number of organisations using and hiring the facilities:
(1) under grant funding awarded to SBB by ABSS using the facilities for Stay and Plays; Southend Arts Council to use for Communication, Speech and Language and Art Therapy;
(2) daytime sessional hires Yoga for All, Liminal Space Psychology, STRM, Reach out for Mental Health, Positive Listening Space, Compass Community Schools; and
(3) NHS Infant Breast Feeding Groups, Labyrinth House Education and Therapeutics.
The revenue from the serviced leases and hire facilities are being used to further the charity's objectives and fund the staffing and operating costs of the charity and Labyrinth House. In addition, the reserves from sponsors and grant funding has enable SBB to provide free use for the delivery of local services that require the Labyrinth House family environment e.g. the NHS Midwives delivering Infant Breast Feeding as a drop-in service.
## **Family Hub Activities Charitable activities**
Sunshine Baby Bank focuses on child poverty whereas Labyrinth House was born out of a vision to put the emotional wellbeing of children and families at the heart of our community. They are complementary and share the mission that is rooted in providing every person who engages with SBB and steps through Labyrinth House with an environment where they feel respected, welcomed, valued and sincerely cared about.
At SBB, we are committed to supporting families in our local community, in particular those from conception to two years old - the first 1,001 days. This is considered to be the most important time in a child's life for development, more so than at any other time in their lives. And that's what it so important to assist child poverty in this age group and beyond, as poverty can disrupt and hinder early and then later years educational, social and emotional development.
To support this strategy SBB has been successful in securing grant funding in 2024 from the following organisations:
(1) Community Investment Board (CIB) hosted by Southend Association of Voluntary Organisations (SAVS) who manage funds (£1.5m in November 2021) allocated by Southend Borough Council. In May 2022, SBB were awarded £10,000 a year for two years from the CIB. The funds cover core running costs including cleaning, reception cover, nappy bin removal etc.
(2) A Better Start Southend (ABSS) - a partnership of the Local Council, NHS Trusts, Early Years Alliance etc. running a 10-year programme to develop and test new ways of supporting Southend's children and families - this £40m programme was funded by the National Lottery Community Fund in April 2015. In June 2023, SBB commenced delivering a two year grant funded programme 'Stay and Plays': supporting the wellbeing of children of pre-school age and their parents and carers via stay-and-plays with healthy snacks and an expressive arts element twice a week in term time (Tuesdays 9-12pm and Weds 9-11.30am).
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## **SUNSHINE BABY BANK (REGISTERED NUMBER: 12593856)**
## **REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MAY 2024**
## **ACHIEVEMENT AND PERFORMANCE**
Commencing in November 2023, the Southend Education Trust have awarded £2,000 for a six month project to provide and host an After School Party Club for Children with Additional Needs and / or Disabilities. This ran every fortnight from 4pm to 6pm.
Across the hires and grant funded programmes there is an exciting, uplifting and vibrant mix of children, mothers, parents and family activities. Below is a list for a typical weekly timetable providing an indicative flavour of the regular activities, events and ad hoc sessions delivered daytime, after-school and evening:
- (1) Gentle Yoga for Carers - Stretch, Move & Relax Aimed at Carers and Guardians
- (2) Free Flowing Gentle Yoga (evenings paid class)
- (3) Breast Feeding Groups (provided by the NHS Foundation Trust and hosted free by SBB)
- (4) Autism Communication sessions (private)
- (5) Specialist Speech and Language Therapists sessions (referral only)
- (6) Yoga for Pregnancy - ABSS funded
(7) Yoga for Mum and baby - ABSS funded
- (8) Yoga Parent and Toddler - ABSS funded
- (9) Blossoming Buddies - (private child minders)
- (10) Reach out for Mental Health
(11) Sunshine Stay and Plays - ABSS registration required
- (12) Art Therapy Session - (NHS Foundation Trust - referral only)
(13) After School Party Club For Children with Additional Needs - Southend Education Trust (referral / booking)
(14) Baby and Big Buddha - (fee paying) Mindfulness, sharing and connection for mothers and babies/toddlers upwards
(15) Wellbeing Retreat for Teaching Staff - Liminal Space
(16) Inclusive Pre-School Ballet - ad hoc
- (17) Compass Community School support for their pupils
Many of the events are free, fully funded as well as fee paying sessions delivered in a secure and safe space for community and family wellbeing in Essex; delivered with love and care by our amazing staff, organisations and partners operating from Labyrinth House.
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## **SUNSHINE BABY BANK (REGISTERED NUMBER: 12593856)**
## **REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MAY 2024**
## **ACHIEVEMENT AND PERFORMANCE**
## **Partnerships, donors, sponsors and volunteers**
The charity has worked in partnership with local government, the NHS, the voluntary sector, private sector and local communities. The trustees extend their thanks to the enthusiasm and dedication that key workers continuously put in for their families and children caseloads.
In particular our thanks go to the following partners and their staff:
(1) Southend Borough Council including Children Services, Public Health, Education and Early Years
(2) A Better Start Southend (ABSS)
(3) NHS Foundation Trusts - Mid and South Essex; The Mid and South Essex Integrated Care System (partners)
(4) Southend Association of Voluntary Services (SAVS) and the Community Investment Board (CIB); the Southend Arts Council and the Southend Education Trust
(5) Labyrinth House Education and Therapeutics
- (6) SEND the Right Message
- (7) Liminal Space Psychology, Educational Psychology Reach-Out, Positive Listening Space.
Our thanks to the key donors in the year with the donation of cash gifts and the grant from Wooden Spoon to set-up a Sensory Room and the donation of property through the peppercorn lease of £30,000 per annum by Nicole Schnackenberg and Peter Cooper. Both are trustee directors.
Once again, the Trustees extend thanks and appreciation to the key workers, volunteers, businesses that have assisted the charity and beneficiaries including:
(1) the too many to mention Midwives and Health Visitors;
(2) Steve Hellier and Top Wax for donating a weekly cleaning service;
(3) our volunteers including Eddie and Sandra Kennedy that have helped with purchasing and delivery fulfilment;
(4) Michael Gibson for facilities and maintenance assistance;
(5) the local Food Banks and Baby Banks; and
(6) the beautiful knitted baby items from Lesley Barry and the knitting team colleagues.
Our thanks, in particular, go to the late Sir David Amess M.P. for his support in launching the service and the inspiration to continue the charity's work in his memory.
## **Fundraising standards**
Although the charity welcomes funds from the general public, most major donations received during the accounting period were from related parties.
## **FINANCIAL REVIEW**
## **Reserves position**
The trustees have reviewed the level of reserves required to be held in cash. The trustees have also considered the risk of exposure to any significant loss of income or unforeseen costs. The level of donations is expected to continue in the future.
The financial ability of the charity to continue to fulfill its objectives has been considered by the trustees. The trustees have concluded that the cash reserves of £64,124 at 31 May 2024 (£82,723 at 31 May 2023) are sufficient to meet immediate need as demonstrated in the fourth year of activity; and at the time of this report the charity being in its fifth year of operations.
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## **SUNSHINE BABY BANK (REGISTERED NUMBER: 12593856)**
## **REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MAY 2024**
## **FUTURE PLANS**
Evidence from the referrals demonstrates that family wellbeing, education needs and child poverty are the underpinning needs across agencies and key workers. There is an increasing number of referrals citing low income as the main reason for referral. This is a consequence of the rapid increase in the rate of inflation and cost of living crisis with prices and higher rates of inflation applying to essentials such a bread, milk, energy etc. These make-up a higher proportion of family budgets for low income families and in turn increasing the number of children living in relative and absolute poverty. The charity will continue to assist those on benefits, working families and children facing these challenges as too often subsistence living results in children going without essential equipment and items.
Grant funding from the Community Investment Board (CIB) to support operational costs and A Better Start Southend (ABSS) for the delivery of family hub activities ended in July 2024. The trustees and management have worked hard to extend existing contracts and secure new funding streams to support the family hub activities. These have not materialised to the scale required to secure a viable family hub facility beyond 2024. Furthermore, on the lettings side anchor tenants have relocated and attracting replacement voluntary sector tenants has been unsuccessful despite marketing through direct and indirect channels.
As maintaining family hub and the seed bed lettings to the voluntary sector would draw heavily on reserves at the expense of core baby bank activities the Board of Trustees at a meeting at the end of July 2024 decided to exit these services. The decision was also taken to exit the Labyrinth House peppercorn lease before the end of 2024 and to start a process of 'exiting excellently' on family hub and lettings over the course of the summer and autumn. This has entailed fulfilling all contract and lettings obligations, supporting the relocation of the activities, beneficiaries and organisations outlined above. The full-time, part-time and casual staff and volunteers have moved with the relocated services and / or found new employment in the local voluntary sector.
The trustees are very grateful for the excellent service and support by all of the people engaged and working on our activities over that last 3 years and record their thanks for the 'peppercorn lease' opportunity provided by the landlords and the achievements over the last 3.5 years operating from Labyrinth House.
As outlined, the trustees have recommended a return to the core 'eBaby Bank' activities operating as an online delivery model for the supply of new items and equipment. This will be with a small part-time team and drawing on volunteers on an "as needed" basis.
With the new Government administration there are changes to early years education, SEND funding and we await more information on the impact of the Autumn Budget and subsequent policy development on child poverty. If there are niche areas of child poverty need and / or new opportunities to respond to local initiatives across the relief of child poverty, family support, SEND and early years education; the charity will explore these opportunities working with the successful track record of partnership built with the local public sector agencies and the voluntary sector.
## **STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT**
## **Governing document**
The organisation is constituted as a company limited by guarantee, as defined by the Companies Act 2006, and is therefore governed by its Memorandum and Articles of Association. It is registered as a charity with the Charity Commission.
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## **SUNSHINE BABY BANK (REGISTERED NUMBER: 12593856)**
## **REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MAY 2024**
## **STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT**
## **Recruitment and appointment of new trustees**
The Board of Trustees is authorised to appoint new trustees to fill vacancies arising. The Board of Trustees comprises six trustee directors with specific roles and / or expertise and includes independent trustees. They provide the charity with additional skills and complementary expertise across governance, finance, children services, operations, HR, IT, risk and safeguarding.
## **Organisational structure**
The size of the charity means that both day to day issues and key decisions can be dealt with by the Board of Trustees and Operations Management. The Board meets regularly to decide the strategic direction the charity should take and set the financial targets going forward, in addition there are operational meetings with trustees and management.
SBB operates across three organisational and functional areas with the respective roles and responsibilities carried out by staff and the trustees:
**eBaby Bank and direct services** - Relief of child poverty, advancement of health, wellbeing and educational development Blended online and direct delivery of essential equipment and items:
- (1) Governance of Baby Bank: family and children services, serviced accommodation
- (2) Business Plan, Operational Plan, Financial Forecasts
- (3) Applying for grants, donations, financial management and administration
- (4) Working in partnership & relationships with Government, Public, Charities and private sector
- (5) HR, Compliance, statutory regulation, safeguarding, quality, assurance and risk
(6) Online delivery services inc eBaby Bank, web, social media and direct delivery
(7) Engaging with key workers and agencies for referrals
- (8) Advice and guidance to children and adults living in poverty
- (9) Sourcing and supplying essential equipment and items to 0-18 yrs
(10) Delivering essential Baby Bank requisitions to Agency key workers and adults
- (11) Business development and revenue streams
- (12) Commissioning / contracting out services
- (13) Other services and enabling other related charitable objectives
**Labyrinth House (lettings)** - Serviced accommodation and seed bed centre for lease and hire for charities, public agencies and partners sharing the charity's objects and mission. Priority users and organisations engaged in
- (1) Relief child poverty and community services
- (2) Education and therapeutic services
- (3) Like minded organisations
- (4) Management of short term leases and hire
- (5) Property services, facilities management
- (6) Provision of common services
Marketing and online promotion:
- (1) Hire of rooms, hall and facilities
- (2) Daytime, evening, weekend hire
- (3) Sessional hire for community services
**Labyrinth House (delivery)** - Innovative Family Hub and children educational and therapeutic services
- (1) Advice and guidance to children, adults and families
- (2) Education, conference, training events - parents and professionals
- (3) Social and emotional development
- (4) Children educational, developmental and psychological services
(5) 1,001 days - development, health, wellbeing and learning (pregnancy to 2 years)
- (6) Special education needs and disabilities
- (7) Family, parent and children wellbeing and mental health
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## **SUNSHINE BABY BANK (REGISTERED NUMBER: 12593856)**
## **REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MAY 2024**
## **STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT**
(8) Family / Children Trauma
(9) Therapies - Clinics, Groups (turnaround / counselling based)
(10) Therapies - 1-2-1's, consultations, assessments, counselling
(11) Social prescribing (Primary Care / GP's, NHS Acute, Public Health)
(12) Activity Sessions -Yoga, Mindfulness, Art Therapy
## **Organisational structure**
## **Management, staffing and volunteers**
Sophie Cooper was appointed as the full-time Operations manager in August 2022 responsible for managing the charity's Baby Bank operations, family hub delivery activities, premises management and the seed bed serviced accommodation for lease / hire by charities and like-minded organisation as well as wider Labyrinth House services. Sally Fosh provides Baby Bank and family hub activities support and reception duties. During the year, on average the team comprised 4 x part-time staff engaged as speech and communication specialists, stay and play facilitators and expressive arts facilitators. As outlined, additional leadership support, purchasing / sourcing items and other support is provided by trustee directors on an "as needed" unpaid basis. With downsizing and the eventual exit of the Labyrinth House lettings and Family Hub delivery, staffing has reduced.
In September 2024, Sophie Cooper Operations Manager secured a similar role with a local charity. The team are now mostly re-engaged with other organisations providing similar stay and play services. Management is provided by trustee volunteers supported by part-time staffing support and volunteers
## **Safeguarding**
As appropriate trustees, staff and volunteers are Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checked via Verifile either as 'enhanced DBS' or 'standard DBS' according to their roles and interaction with children and vulnerable adults. Dr Nicole Schnakenberg is the Safeguarding Lead supported by the deputy safeguarding lead, Sophie Cooper.
## **Compliance, regulation, policies and risk**
The charity has a comprehensive range of policies to cover compliance and regulatory matters in the UK and the Charity Commission frameworks. Policies include data protection / GDPR, safeguarding, conflicts of interest, equality and diversity etc. and the many more covering the usual regulatory and compliance obligations and good practice. Across the charity's operations and the Labyrinth House premises there are health and safety policies, controls and risk assessment that management review at least twice a year.
## **REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS**
## **Registered Company number**
12593856 (England and Wales)
## **Registered Charity number**
1189533
## **Registered office**
Goldwyns Limited 90-92 Baxter Avenue Southend on Sea Essex SS2 6HZ
## **Trustees**
P A Cooper Dr N M Schnackenberg Ms L M Cooper Mrs P Cooper R Ford Technical Project Officer Dr S L Sivers Educational Psychologist
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## **SUNSHINE BABY BANK (REGISTERED NUMBER: 12593856)**
## **REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MAY 2024**
## **REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS Company Secretary** Birketts Secretaries Limited
## **Independent Examiner**
S T Blundell FCA Goldwyns Limited Chartered Accountants Rutland House 90-92 Baxter Avenue Southend on Sea Essex SS2 6HZ
Approved by order of the board of trustees on 27 November 2024 and signed on its behalf by:
P A Cooper - Trustee
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## **INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF SUNSHINE BABY BANK**
## **Independent examiner's report to the trustees of Sunshine Baby Bank ('the Company')**
I report to the charity trustees on my examination of the accounts of the Company for the year ended 31 May 2024.
## **Responsibilities and basis of report**
As the charity's trustees of the Company (and also its directors for the purposes of company law) you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 ('the 2006 Act').
Having satisfied myself that the accounts of the Company are not required to be audited under Part 16 of the 2006 Act and are eligible for independent examination, I report in respect of my examination of your charity's accounts as carried out under Section 145 of the Charities Act 2011 ('the 2011 Act'). In carrying out my examination I have followed the Directions given by the Charity Commission under Section 145(5) (b) of the 2011 Act.
## **Independent examiner's statement**
I have completed my examination. I confirm that no matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe:
1. accounting records were not kept in respect of the Company as required by Section 386 of the 2006 Act; or
2. the accounts do not accord with those records; or
3. the accounts do not comply with the accounting requirements of Section 396 of the 2006 Act 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; or
4. the accounts have not been prepared in accordance with the methods and principles of the Statement of Recommended Practice for accounting and reporting by charities (applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102)).
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.
S T Blundell FCA The Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales
Goldwyns Limited Chartered Accountants Rutland House 90-92 Baxter Avenue Southend on Sea Essex SS2 6HZ
9 December 2024
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## **SUNSHINE BABY BANK**
## **STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MAY 2024**
|2024
Unrestricted
fund
Notes
£
**INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM**
Donations and legacies
46,502
**Charitable activities**
Family hub
25,500
Investment income
2
9,337
Other income
43
**Total**
81,382
**EXPENDITURE ON**
**Charitable activities**
Baby bank
3,405
Family hub
91,550
Other
4,915
**Total**
99,870
**NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE)**
(18,488)
**RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS**
Total funds brought forward
73,780
**TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD**
55,292|2023
Total
funds
£
80,491
12,814
4,800
392
98,497
3,938
69,584
3,791
77,313
21,184
52,596
73,780|
|---|---|
The notes form part of these financial statements
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## **SUNSHINE BABY BANK (REGISTERED NUMBER: 12593856)**
## **BALANCE SHEET 31 MAY 2024**
|2024
Unrestricted
fund
Notes
£
**CURRENT ASSETS**
Debtors
7
2,255
Cash at bank
64,124
66,379
**CREDITORS**
Amounts falling due within one year
8
(11,087)
**NET CURRENT ASSETS**
55,292
**TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT LIABILITIES**
55,292
**NET ASSETS**
55,292
**FUNDS**
10
Unrestricted funds
55,292
**TOTAL FUNDS**
55,292|2023
Total
funds
£
1,303
82,723
84,026
(10,246)
73,780
73,780
73,780
73,780
73,780|
|---|---|
The charitable company is entitled to exemption from audit under Section 477 of the Companies Act 2006 for the year ended 31 May 2024.
The members have not required the company to obtain an audit of its financial statements for the year ended 31 May 2024 in accordance with Section 476 of the Companies Act 2006.
## The trustees acknowledge their responsibilities for
- (a) ensuring that the charitable company keeps accounting records that comply with Sections 386 and 387 of the Companies Act 2006 and
- (b) preparing financial statements which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charitable company as at the end of each financial year and of its surplus or deficit for each financial year in accordance with the requirements of Sections 394 and 395 and which otherwise comply with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 relating to financial statements, so far as applicable to the charitable company.
These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to charitable companies subject to the small companies regime.
The financial statements were approved by the Board of Trustees and authorised for issue on 27 November 2024 and were signed on its behalf by:
P A Cooper - Trustee
The notes form part of these financial statements
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## **SUNSHINE BABY BANK**
## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MAY 2024**
## **1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES**
## **Basis of preparing the financial statements**
The financial statements of the charitable company, which is a public benefit entity under FRS 102, have been prepared in accordance with the Charities SORP (FRS 102) 'Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2019)', Financial Reporting Standard 102 'The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland' and the Companies Act 2006. The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention.
The charity is limited by guarantee and was incorporated in the UK.
The charity's place of business differs from the registered office, and is at Labyrinth House, 258 Westborough Road, Westcliff-on-Sea.
## **Income**
All income is recognised in the Statement of Financial Activities once the charity has entitlement to the funds, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount can be measured reliably.
## **Expenditure**
Liabilities are recognised as expenditure as soon as there is a legal or constructive obligation committing the charity to that expenditure, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefits will be required in settlement and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably. Expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis and has been classified under headings that aggregate all cost related to the category. Where costs cannot be directly attributed to particular headings they have been allocated to activities on a basis consistent with the use of resources.
## **Taxation**
The charity is exempt from corporation tax on its charitable activities.
## **Fund accounting**
Unrestricted funds can be used in accordance with the charitable objectives at the discretion of the trustees.
Restricted funds can only be used for particular restricted purposes within the objects of the charity. Restrictions arise when specified by the donor or when funds are raised for particular restricted purposes.
Further explanation of the nature and purpose of each fund is included in the notes to the financial statements.
## **Hire purchase and leasing commitments**
Rentals paid under operating leases are charged to the Statement of Financial Activities on a straight line basis over the period of the lease.
## **Pension costs and other post-retirement benefits**
The charitable company operates a defined contribution pension scheme. Contributions payable to the charitable company's pension scheme are charged to the Statement of Financial Activities in the period to which they relate.
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continued...
## **SUNSHINE BABY BANK**
## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MAY 2024**
## **2. INVESTMENT INCOME**
## **3.**
|**INVESTMENT INCOME**|||
|---|---|---|
||2024|2023|
||£|£|
|Rents received|9,337|4,800|
|**NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE)**|||
|Net income/(expenditure) is stated after charging/(crediting):|||
|Other operating leases|2024
£
30,000|2023
£
30,000|
|Examiners' fees - independent examination|2,100|1,920|
## **4. TRUSTEES' REMUNERATION AND BENEFITS**
There were no trustees' remuneration or other benefits for the year ended 31 May 2024 nor for the year ended 31 May 2023.
## **Trustees' expenses**
There were no trustees' expenses paid for the year ended 31 May 2024 nor for the year ended 31 May 2023.
## **5.**
## **STAFF COSTS**
|Wages and salaries
Social security costs
Other pension costs
The average monthly number of employees during the year was as follows:
Operations|2024
£
41,077
144
416
41,637
2024
2|2023
£
24,090
-
-
24,090
2023
1|
|---|---|---|
No employees received emoluments in excess of £60,000.
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continued...
## **SUNSHINE BABY BANK**
## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MAY 2024**
## **6. COMPARATIVES FOR THE STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES**
## **7.**
|**INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM**
Donations and legacies
**Charitable activities**
Family hub
Investment income
Other income
**Total**
**EXPENDITURE ON**
**Charitable activities**
Baby bank
Family hub
Other
**Total**
**NET INCOME**
**RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS**
Total funds brought forward
**TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD**
**DEBTORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR**
Prepayments|Unrestricted
fund
£
80,491
12,814
4,800
392
98,497
3,938
69,584
3,791
77,313
21,184
52,596
73,780
2024
2023
£
£
2,255
1,303|
|---|---|
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continued...
## **SUNSHINE BABY BANK**
## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MAY 2024**
## **8.**
## **CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR**
|Social security and other taxes
Accrued expenses|2024
£
1,082
10,005
11,087|2023
£
-
10,246
10,246|
|---|---|---|
Included with creditors are £3,200 of grant income deferred until the income recognition criteria have been met in the year ended 31 May 2025 (2023 - £nil).
## **9.**
## **LEASING AGREEMENTS**
In April 2021 the charity entered into a peppercorn lease, for offices and storage, at 258 Westborough Road, Westcliff-on-Sea, SS0 9PT which has since been extended to 31 March 2025 with a new mutual break clause.
It is estimated the true market value of this lease is £30,000 to £36,000 per annum. The granting of the lease at a discount therefore amounts to a donation by the owners (predominantly trustees of the charity) and hence has been recognised as donated facilities accordingly.
## **10. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS**
|**MOVEMENT IN FUNDS**||||
|---|---|---|---|
|**Unrestricted funds**|At 1.6.23
£|Net
movement
in funds
£|At
31.5.24
£|
|General fund|73,780|(18,488)|55,292|
|**TOTAL FUNDS**|73,780|(18,488)|55,292|
|Net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows:||||
|**Unrestricted funds**|Incoming
resources
£|Resources
expended
£|Movement
in funds
£|
|General fund|81,382|(99,870)|(18,488)|
|**TOTAL FUNDS**|81,382|(99,870)|(18,488)|
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continued...
## **SUNSHINE BABY BANK**
## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MAY 2024**
## **10. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS - continued**
## **Comparatives for movement in funds**
|||Net||
|---|---|---|---|
|||movement|At|
||At 1.6.22|in funds|31.5.23|
||£|£|£|
|**Unrestricted funds**||||
|General fund|52,596|21,184|73,780|
|**TOTAL FUNDS**|52,596|21,184|73,780|
|Comparative net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows:||||
|**Unrestricted funds**|Incoming
resources
£|Resources
expended
£|Movement
in funds
£|
|General fund|98,497|(77,313)|21,184|
|**TOTAL FUNDS**|98,497|(77,313)|21,184|
|A current year 12 months and prior year 12 months combined position is as follows:||||
|**Unrestricted funds**|At 1.6.22
£|Net
movement
in funds
£|At
31.5.24
£|
|General fund|52,596|2,696|55,292|
|**TOTAL FUNDS**|52,596|2,696|55,292|
A current year 12 months and prior year 12 months combined net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows:
|**Unrestricted funds**|Incoming
Resources
resources
expended
£
£|Movement
in funds
£|
|---|---|---|
|General fund|179,879
(177,183)|2,696|
|**TOTAL FUNDS**|179,879
(177,183)|2,696|
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continued...
## **SUNSHINE BABY BANK**
## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MAY 2024**
## **11. RELATED PARTY DISCLOSURES**
There were no related party transactions for the year ended 31 May 2024.
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