**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 2025** 

## **FOR** 

## **SUNSHINE BABY BANK** 

Goldwyns Limited Chartered Accountants 1 Nelson Mews Southend on Sea Essex SS1 1AL 



**SUNSHINE BABY BANK** 

## **CONTENTS OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MAY 2025** 

||**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 21|





**SUNSHINE BABY BANK (REGISTERED NUMBER: 12593856)** 

## **REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MAY 2025** 

## **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. 

Over the period August to November 2024 the charity restructured and transitioned back to an 'eBaby Bank model'. This had operated under the strict COVID lockdown rules when 'personal contact restrictions' applied from time to time during the early years of the pandemic. 

The National Lottery funded Family Hub contract ended in July 2024. This was at a time of a difficult and limited voluntary sector funding opportunities, the new Labour administration's commitment to introduce  1,000 nurseries (in schools) and the reorganisation of Family Centres in the Southend-on Sea City Council area. Trustees and management had worked hard to extend existing contracts and secure new funding streams to support the family hub activities. These did not materialise to the scale required to secure a viable family  hub facility. 

On the lettings side anchor tenants had relocated and attracting replacement voluntary sector tenants had 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 had entailed fulfilling all contract and lettings obligations, supporting the relocation of the activities, beneficiaries and organisations. The full-time, part-time and casual staff and volunteers had successfully moved on to other things or found new employment in the local voluntary sector. 

On 3 December 2024 the charity surrendered the peppercorn lease and vacated the premises. 

The Trustees are very grateful for the excellent service and support by all of the stakeholders and 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 4 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 is now with a small part-time team and drawing on volunteers on an as need basis. 

## **Funding and related activity** 

The reserves and opening cash balance of £64,124 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. 

Page 1 



## **SUNSHINE BABY BANK (REGISTERED NUMBER: 12593856)** 

## **REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MAY 2025** 

This was a transition year downsizing the family hub activities as these contracts and tenancies came to an end with the decision to realign our focus on the core eBaby Bank delivery. The summer months of 2024 commenced with the phased exit of the family hub delivery contracts at Labyrinth House, together with the respective permanent staff, flexible part-time and casual support. 

Income amounted to £35,613 for the year comprising: 

(1) £4,999 donation from ShareGift. This charity use receipts from small holdings of shares for charitable purposes and was received on 4 April 2025. The donation has been applied to purchase of Baby Bank items for beneficiaries. 

(2) £8,000 donation from Wooden Spoon towards a sensory room in Labyrinth House with estimated costs of £8,264 to be supplied by Total Sensory Limited. The first grant installment from Wooden Spoon totalled £3,200 received in 2024 on 29 May 2024 and in turn a payment deposit of £3,200 was paid to Total Sensory on 27 June 2024. The final grant payment of £4,800 was received on 14 August 2024 and a final payment of £5,064 was paid to Total Sensory on 19 August 2024. The balance £264 was financed from the reserves. 

(3) £2,677 residual funding from the Family Hub grant funded contracts. 

(4) £19,269 in kind based on commercial market rental values; the peppercorn lease for the period 1 June 2024 to 3 December 2024 is valued as an 'income contribution' of £15,000. In addition gas, electric and water charges totalling £4,269 was donated in kind by way of Labyrinth House Education and Therapeutics Limited (LHET) waiving the re-charges for these services due for the period 1 June 2024 to 3 December 2024. (5) £668 rental hire and miscellaneous income. 

Total expenditure amounted to £53,669 with the main items of expenditure during the accounting period including: 

(1) Baby Bank equipment and item purchases of £1,286 and donations from stock / new recycled amounting to approx. £3,000 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 £8,264; 

(3) Staff / direct cost overheads of £13,014; 

(4) Running cost overheads of £25,560 covering the 'donated £15,000 peppercorn lease' and £4,269 gas, electric and water shown in reverse in the accounts as a cost of the same amount; 

(5) Financial / administration overheads £5,545 covering insurances, legal, financial and accounting services. 

The net outflow of funds for the year amounted to £18,056 with the year-end cash reserves standing at £37,810. 

The project funds have been used for the delivery of the following objectives and activities: 

(1) 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) 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 supports to children living in poverty. 

(5) To deliver any remaining objectives and outcomes for the grant funded projects and manage the exit of these contracts. 

(6) To operate and manage the exit at Labyrinth House as the charity's accommodation base and a seed bed centre that offered 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. 

Page 2 



## **SUNSHINE BABY BANK (REGISTERED NUMBER: 12593856)** 

## **REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MAY 2025** 

## **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 centre to be its significant activities following the exit of the Labyrinth House 'Family Hub' and serviced seed bed centre. The Trustees actively seek to support suitable projects and delivery arrangements 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** 

From June 2024 the charity 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 / Trustee and further 4 part-time staff were working on the run off of grant funded projects together. The Operations Manager was recruited to another local charity in September 2024 and the 4 part-time staff ended their work at the end of July. As 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. From December 2024 the part-time Baby Bank Support worker continued as salaried employee. 

## **ACHIEVEMENTS 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 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. 

Page 3 



**SUNSHINE BABY BANK (REGISTERED NUMBER: 12593856)** 

## **REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MAY 2025** 

## **ACHIEVEMENTS 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 2025 shown as a percentage (rounded) of referrals in the first column. The figures in the second column shows the numbers for 2024 for comparison purposes. 

## **Organisations** 

|**Organisations**|||
|---|---|---|
||**2025**|**2024**|
|Southend-On-Sea Borough Council - Children Services|15%|11%|
|Southend-On-Sea Borough Council - Public Health|12%|12%|
|Southend-On-Sea Borough Council - Education and Early Years|12%|12%|
|Southend NHS Trust|12%|22%|
|Voluntary Sector Southend|30%|13%|
|Voluntary Sector national / regional / county|15%|22%|
|Provider - public health and well being|3%|7%|
|Provider - housing|0%|1%|
|**Key workers roles**|||
||**2025**|**2024**|
|Midwife|9%|19%|
|Health visitor|15%|15%|
|Specialist health|3%|1%|
|Social worker|0%|10%|
|Children / parent support worker|18%|13%|
|Family / support / engagement|27%|27%|
|Early years education|6%|1%|
|Special Eduction Needs and Disability (SEND)|3%|6%|
|Housing / accommodation support|3%|0%|
|Family nurse|0%|1%|
|Victims slave support|9%|4%|
|Migrant caseworker|6%|1%|
|Citizens Advice worker|0%|1%|



## **Beneficiaries - analysis of referrals** 

The age, gender and residential locations of referral analysis: 

## Locations / Wards 

||**2025**|**2024**|
|---|---|---|
|Blenheim|0%|1%|
|Chalkwell|3%|1%|
|Eastwood|3%|1%|
|Kursaal|15%|5%|
|Leigh|0%|4%|
|Milton|24%|16%|
|Prittlewell|0%|1%|
|Shoeburyness|12%|9%|
|Southchurch|18%|11%|
|St Luke's|3%|10%|
|Victoria|6%|8%|
|Westborough|3%|6%|
|Other (e.g Essex, Rochford, London - where the beneficiary is|||
|located in South East Essex)|12%|25%|



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## **SUNSHINE BABY BANK (REGISTERED NUMBER: 12593856)** 

## **REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MAY 2025** 

## **ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE** Age range of children 

||**2025**|**2024**|
|---|---|---|
|Pre-Natal (3rd semester)|36%|23%|
|0 to 3 months|18%|23%|
|3 to 6 months|3%|9%|
|6 to 9 months|3%|5%|
|9 to 12 months|6%|4%|
|12 to 18 months|15%|10%|
|18 months to 24 months|3%|8%|
|2 to 3 years old|9%|6%|
|3 to 4 years old|6%|6%|
|4 to 5 years old|0%|6%|
|Gender|||
||**2025**|**2024**|
|Male|55%|41%|
|Female|33%|49%|
|Not known|12%|10%|



## Reasons for the referral and addressing needs 

Referral agencies and the respective key workers recorded the following main needs / reasons for the referral. The largest majority of referrals were recorded with low household income together with other multiple needs and reasons for the referral, this was substantially lower than the previous year. Listed below is the main reason for referral and for comparison purposes the figures for 2024 are in the second column: 

## Needs / reason for referral 

|Needs / reason for referral|||
|---|---|---|
||**2025**|**2024**|
|Lockdown assistance|0%|0%|
|Self-isolating / shielding|0%|0%|
|Low household income|25%|66%|
|Welfare benefit day|2%|0%|
|Unable to access public funds|3%|11%|
|Unemployment|10%|1%|
|Homeless / temporary accommodation|13%|4%|
|Domestic / sexual abuse|7%|4%|
|Learning / physical disability|2%|0%|
|Mental health / emotional wellbeing|7%|1%|
|Single parent|11%|0%|
|Young / new parent|8%|4%|
|Refugee / asylum seeker|11%|9%|



## **Observations and changes in referral characteristics 2025 vs previous years** 

SBB 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 orgainsations and key workers can quickly and easily pick and mix their selection of equipment and items using mobile devices. Up until the end of November 2024, key workers and support staff collect their requisitions from Labyrinth House and delivered 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. SBB now engages with the referral agency / key worker in their designated meeting place to deliver their referral order and in turn they engage and deliver items to their clients. 

The most noticeable change from the analysis of the referral organisations data, has been the increase in  use by voluntary sector in Southend driven in part by collaboration and networking with organisations sharing the same grant funding agencies. 

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## **SUNSHINE BABY BANK (REGISTERED NUMBER: 12593856)** 

## **REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MAY 2025** 

## **ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE** 

With needs / reason for referral there has been an increase amongst the group of 'single parents', 'young / new parent' and 'refugee / asylum seeker' comprising a total of 30% whereas these three groups accounted for 13% in 2024. 

There are noticeable changes to the age range of referrals, in particular the increase across Pre-Natal (3rd semester) and 0 to 3 months. Some of this increase has been through the increased numbers of needs / referral reasons from the group outlined above. 

## **Equipment and items supplied** 

In 2025 over 886 items were supplied compared with 2,700 in 2024. 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. These were collected by the key workers from Labyrinth House, 258 Westborough Road, Westcliff, Southend-On-Sea  City until November 2024 and subsequently delivered to key workers as outlined above. 

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, changing demographics, health demands etc. For comparison purposes, refer to the 2024 Report of the Trustees for the period 1 June 2023 to 31 May 2024. 

## **67% Summer Bundles** 

14% Expectant Mums; 49% Essentials for baby care; 14% Baby & children clothes; 20% Health & wellbeing; 3% Education & learning. 

## **42% Things on wheels and on the move** 

4% Prams / carry cot; 63% Pushchair / buggy; 8% Baby walker; 17% Sling; 8% Car seat (new); 0% other. 

## **73% Sleeping and things for my bedroom** 

0% Crib; 23% Moses basket; 0% Snuz; 6% Cot; 3% Cot bed; 13% Travel Cot; 48% Sheets, blankets,  bedding bundle (all items are supplied with new mattresses, bedding etc); 6% other. 

## **39% Equipment and furniture** 

29% Baby Bath; 24% Baby bouncer; 19% Stairgate; 24% Highchair; 5% other. 

## **42% Things for playtime, activity and learning** 

11% Baby Snug and Activity tray; 50% Playmat and activity play; 39% Toy / Book Bundles; 0% other. 

## **24% Feeding and equipment** 

31% Formula; 6% Baby food (up to 12 months); 19% Sterilisers; 19% Bottle Bundles; 19% Feeding Pillows; 6% Weaning Kits; 0% Other. 

For any feeding and food request for children over 12 months are directed to their nearest foodbank. 

## **48% Toiletries** 

34% Nappies; 15% Wipes; 24% Baby Toiletry Sets - baby cream, shampoo, body wash, cotton wool etc; 15% Changing mat; 12% Changing Bag; other. 

## **21% Clothing** 

14% Pre-Natal / newborn / one month; 21% 0 to 3 months; 7% 3 to 6 months; 0% 6 to 9 months; 0% 9 to 12 months; 14% 12 to 18 months; 14% 18 months to 24 months; 7% 2 to 3 years old; 0% 3 to 4 years old; 7% 4 to 5 years old; 14% Shoes; 0% other (old age groups). 

Page 6 



**SUNSHINE BABY BANK (REGISTERED NUMBER: 12593856)** 

## **REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MAY 2025** 

## **ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE** 

## **39% For Parents** 

41% Mum toiletry sets - sanity towels, shampoo, shower gel etc; 22% Body care sets - body cream, hand cream, tissues; 33% Breast pads; 0% Nursing bra; 0% other. 

## **Observations and changes in equipment and items supplied in 2025 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. There is also a higher proportion of expectant mothers. As a result, there has been a shift to the supply of the more expensive items for the newly born such as such as push chairs / buggies and car seats. 

The cost of living crisis and the severe financial hardship that has no doubt contributed to this change, however, it is also attributable to the shift in proportion of referrals received for pre-natal and 0-3 month year olds. 

In 2025 there has been a two-thirds reduction in the number of items supplied 886 compared with 2,700 in 2024. This driven has been driven by referral agencies coming to SBB for the new expensive items and sourcing clothing through the local baby bank focusing of recycling of preloved items. The Family Hub also has resulted in more direct engagement of families and children living in poverty. This entails focusing more support on direct interaction, delivery and engagement such as the funded stay and play activities instead of marketing for referrals for SBB items. 

## **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) is 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** 

Under SBB's tenancy, running the grant funded projects and seed bed centre Labyrinth House has been caring place, providing tailored spaces created with collaboration in mind. Its unique array of small and large rooms were perfect for organisations working to make life better for children, young people and families. Off the back of the peppercorn lease, SBB has offered an array of rental opportunities for organisations. The Hall, large and small rooms were rented, hired short- or long-term fully serviced. It included sessional hire over daytime, evening and weekends to fit a multiple of requirements. A condition of any hire, is that they must be focused on addressing the needs of children, young people and families. 

Over the course of running off grant funded contracts that ended in July 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 & 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; 

(3) NHS Infant Breast Feeding Groups, Labyrinth House Education & Therapeutics. 

The revenue from the serviced leases and hire facilities have been used to further the charity's objectives  and fund the staffing and operating costs of the charity and Labyrinth House activities. 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. 

Page 7 



**SUNSHINE BABY BANK (REGISTERED NUMBER: 12593856)** 

## **REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MAY 2025** 

## **ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE** 

## **Family Hub Activities Charitable activities** 

SBB 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 why 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 had been successful in securing grant funding in 2024 and were run to exit across June and August of 2025 from: 

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). The contract was extended to the end of July 2024. 

Across the hires and grant funded programmes there was an exciting, uplifting and vibrant mix of 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) Baby and Big Buddha - (fee paying) Mindfulness, sharing and connection for mothers and babies / toddlers up 

(14) Wellbeing Retreat for Teaching Staff - Liminal Space 

(15) Inclusive Pre-School Ballet - ad hoc 

(16) Compass Community School support for their pupils. 

Many of the events were 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 that operated from Labyrinth House. 

Page 8 



**SUNSHINE BABY BANK (REGISTERED NUMBER: 12593856)** 

## **REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MAY 2025** 

## **ACHIEVEMENTS 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 & Therapeutics; 

(6) SEND the Right Message; and 

(7) Liminal Space Psychology, Educational Psychology Reach-Out, Positive Listening Space, Compass. 

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; waiving the cost of gas, electric and water by LHET; the donation of property  through the peppercorn lease 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: 

(1) the too many to mention Midwives and Health Visitors; 

(2) our volunteers including Eddie and Sandra Kennedy that have helped with purchasing and delivery fulfilment and Michael Gibson for facilities and maintenance assistance; and 

(3) the local Food Banks and Baby Banks. 

Now that these contacts and lease has ended the Trustees extend their thanks to the funding and delivery partners and staff for this unique chapter in the life of SBB responding to local needs. And the wonderful staff that have built life changing relationships with the families and children using SBB's family hub activities and seed bed services. 

Our thanks, as always, 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. Some donations are 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 reserves of £37,810 at 31 May 2025 (£64,124 at 31 May 2024) are  sufficient to meet immediate need as demonstrated in the fifth year of trading; and at the time of this report the charity being in its sixth year of activity. 

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## **SUNSHINE BABY BANK (REGISTERED NUMBER: 12593856)** 

## **REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MAY 2025** 

## **FUTURE PLANS** 

Evidence from the referrals demonstrates that family wellbeing, education needs and child poverty continue  to be the underpinning needs across agencies and key workers. With low incomes, the inflationary pressures and the continued impact of the cost of living crisis families living in poverty struggle to afford 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. 

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 need basis. SBB in the course of 2026 will explore expanding and focusing support on the age groups at reception, infant and primary schools age. 

With the new Government administration we expect there are changes to early years education, SEND funding and we await more information on the impact of the Autumn Budgets and subsequent policy development on child poverty and SEND provision. 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. 

Page 10 



**SUNSHINE BABY BANK (REGISTERED NUMBER: 12593856)** 

## **REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MAY 2025** 

## **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 the course of 2025 there were operational meetings with Trustees and management. 

In the course of 2025 SBB operated 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 

(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 of 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 

(8) Family / Children Trauma 

(9) Therapies - Clinics, Groups (turnaround / counselling based) 

(10) Therapies - 1-2-1's, consultations, assessments, counselling 

Page 11 



**SUNSHINE BABY BANK (REGISTERED NUMBER: 12593856)** 

## **REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MAY 2025** 

## **STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT** 

(11) Social prescribing (Primary Care / GP's, NHS Acute, Public Health) 

(12) Activity Sessions - Yoga, Mindfulness, Art Therapy 

## **Organisational structure** 

## **Management, staffing and volunteers** 

In 2025 Sophie Cooper continued as the full time Operations Manager until September 2024 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 continues to provide eBaby Bank support and covered reception duties until 3 December 2024. In the first quarter of 2025, on average the team comprised 4 x part-time 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 need, 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 and was 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** 

1 Nelson Mews Southend on Sea Essex SS1 1AL 

## **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 

## **Company Secretary** 

Birketts Secretaries Limited 

Page 12 



**SUNSHINE BABY BANK (REGISTERED NUMBER: 12593856)** 

## **REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MAY 2025** 

## **REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS Independent Examiner** 

S T Blundell FCA Goldwyns Limited Chartered Accountants 1 Nelson Mews Southend on Sea Essex SS1 1AL 

Approved by order of the board of trustees on 24 February 2026 and signed on its behalf by: 

P A Cooper - Trustee 

Page 13 



**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 2025. 

## **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 1 Nelson Mews Southend on Sea Essex SS1 1AL 

25 February 2026 

Page 14 



## **SUNSHINE BABY BANK** 

## **STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MAY 2025** 

|2025<br>Unrestricted<br>fund<br>Notes<br>£<br>**INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM**<br>Donations and legacies<br>24,268<br>**Charitable activities**<br>Family hub<br>10,677<br>Investment income<br>2<br>189<br>Other income<br>479<br>**Total**<br>35,613<br>**EXPENDITURE ON**<br>**Charitable activities**<br>Baby bank<br>1,286<br>Family hub<br>46,839<br>Other<br>5,544<br>**Total**<br>53,669<br>**NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE)**<br>(18,056)<br>**RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS**<br>Total funds brought forward<br>55,292<br>**TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD**<br>37,236|2024<br>Total<br>funds<br>£<br>46,502<br>25,500<br>9,337<br>43<br>81,382<br>3,405<br>91,550<br>4,915<br>99,870<br>(18,488)<br>73,780<br>55,292|
|---|---|



The notes form part of these financial statements 

Page 15 



## **SUNSHINE BABY BANK (REGISTERED NUMBER: 12593856)** 

## **BALANCE SHEET 31 MAY 2025** 

|2025<br>Unrestricted<br>fund<br>Notes<br>£<br>**CURRENT ASSETS**<br>Debtors<br>7<br>2,164<br>Cash at bank<br>37,810<br>39,974<br>**CREDITORS**<br>Amounts falling due within one year<br>8<br>(2,738)<br>**NET CURRENT ASSETS**<br>37,236<br>**TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT**<br>**LIABILITIES**<br>37,236<br>**NET ASSETS**<br>37,236<br>**FUNDS**<br>10<br>Unrestricted funds<br>37,236<br>**TOTAL FUNDS**<br>37,236|2024<br>Total<br>funds<br>£<br>2,255<br>64,124<br>66,379<br>(11,087)<br>55,292<br>55,292<br>55,292<br>55,292<br>55,292|
|---|---|



The charitable company is entitled to exemption from audit under Section 477 of the Companies Act 2006  for the year ended 31 May 2025. 

The members have not required the company to obtain an audit of its financial statements for the year ended 31 May 2025 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 24 February 2026 and were signed on its behalf by: 

P A Cooper - Trustee 

The notes form part of these financial statements 

Page 16 



**SUNSHINE BABY BANK** 

## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MAY 2025** 

## **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 was 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. 

Page 17 

continued... 



**SUNSHINE BABY BANK** 

## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MAY 2025** 

## **2. INVESTMENT INCOME** 

||2025|2024|
|---|---|---|
||£|£|
|Rents received|189|9,337|
|**NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE)**|||
|Net income/(expenditure) is stated after charging/(crediting):|||
||2025|2024|
||£|£|
|Other operating leases|15,000|30,000|
|Examiners' fees - independent examination|2,160|2,100|



## **3. NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE)** 

## **4. TRUSTEES' REMUNERATION AND BENEFITS** 

There were no trustees' remuneration or other benefits for the year ended 31 May 2025 nor for the year ended 31 May 2024. 

## **Trustees' expenses** 

There were no trustees' expenses paid for the year ended 31 May 2025 nor for the year ended 31 May 2024. 

## **5. STAFF COSTS** 

|Wages and salaries<br>Social security costs<br>Other pension costs<br>The average monthly number of employees during the year was as follows:<br>Operations<br>No employees received emoluments in excess of £60,000.|2025<br>£<br>12,722<br>54<br>238<br>13,014<br>2025<br>2|2024<br>£<br>41,077<br>144<br>416|
|---|---|---|
|||41,637|
|||2024<br>2|



## **6. COMPARATIVES FOR THE STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES** 

||Unrestricted|
|---|---|
||fund|
||£|
|**INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM**||
|Donations and legacies|46,502|
|**Charitable activities**||
|Family hub|25,500|
|Investment income|9,337|
|Other income|43|
|**Total**|81,382|



Page 18 

continued... 



**SUNSHINE BABY BANK** 

## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MAY 2025** 

## **6. COMPARATIVES FOR THE STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES - continued** 

|**EXPENDITURE ON**<br>**Charitable activities**<br>Baby bank<br>Family hub<br>Other<br>**Total**<br>**NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE)**<br>**RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS**<br>Total funds brought forward<br>**TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD**<br>**7.**<br>**DEBTORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR**<br>Prepayments<br>**8.**<br>**CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR**<br>Social security and other taxes<br>Accrued expenses||Unrestricted<br>fund<br>£<br>3,405<br>91,550<br>4,915<br>99,870<br>(18,488)<br>73,780<br>55,292<br>2025<br>2024<br>£<br>£<br>2,164<br>2,255<br>2025<br>2024<br>£<br>£<br>-<br>1,082<br>2,738<br>10,005<br>2,738<br>11,087|
|---|---|---|
||||



No deferred grant income included in creditors this year (2024 - £3,200). 

## **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 was terminated on the 3 December 2024. 

Page 19 

continued... 



## **SUNSHINE BABY BANK** 

## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MAY 2025** 

## **10. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS** 

|**MOVEMENT IN FUNDS**||||
|---|---|---|---|
|||Net||
|||movement|At|
|At 1.6.24||in funds|31.5.25|
||£|£|£|
|**Unrestricted funds**||||
|General fund|55,292|(18,056)|37,236|
|**TOTAL FUNDS**|55,292|(18,056)|37,236|
|Net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows:||||
|Incoming||Resources|Movement|
|resources||expended|in funds|
||£|£|£|
|**Unrestricted funds**||||
|General fund|35,613|(53,669)|(18,056)|
|**TOTAL FUNDS**|35,613|(53,669)|(18,056)|
|**Comparatives for movement in funds**||||
|||Net||
|||movement|At|
|At 1.6.23||in funds|31.5.24|
||£|£|£|
|**Unrestricted funds**||||
|General fund|73,780|(18,488)|55,292|
|**TOTAL FUNDS**|73,780|(18,488)|55,292|
|Comparative net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows:||||
|Incoming||Resources|Movement|
|resources||expended|in funds|
||£|£|£|
|**Unrestricted funds**||||
|General fund|81,382|(99,870)|(18,488)|
|**TOTAL FUNDS**|81,382|(99,870)|(18,488)|



Page 20 

continued... 



## **SUNSHINE BABY BANK** 

## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MAY 2025** 

## **10. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS - continued** 

A current year 12 months and prior year 12 months combined position is as follows: 

|**Unrestricted funds**<br>General fund<br>**TOTAL FUNDS**|Net<br>movement<br>At 1.6.23<br>in funds<br>£<br>£<br>73,780<br>(36,544)<br>73,780<br>(36,544)|At<br>31.5.25<br>£<br>37,236|
|---|---|---|
|||37,236|



A current year 12 months and prior year 12 months combined net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows: 

||Incoming|Resources|Movement|
|---|---|---|---|
||resources|expended|in funds|
||£|£|£|
|**Unrestricted funds**||||
|General fund|116,995|(153,539)|(36,544)|
|**TOTAL FUNDS**|116,995|(153,539)|(36,544)|



## **11. RELATED PARTY DISCLOSURES** 

There were no related party transactions for the year ended 31 May 2025. 

Page 21