REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER: 1189763
Report of the Trustees and
Unaudited Financial Statements
for the Period Ended 31 December 2025
for
STEPPING STONES COLLABORATION FOR RECOVERY AND WELLBEING
A Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO)
Holy Brook Associates Ltd
STEPPING STONES COLLABORATION FOR RECOVERY AND WELLBEING Contents of the Financial Statements for the Period Ended 31 December 2025
| Page | |
|---|---|
| Report of the Trustees | 3 to 9 |
| Independent Examiner's Report | 10 to 11 |
| Statement of Financial Activities | 12 |
| Balance Sheet | 13 |
| Notes to the Financial Statements | 14 to 18 |
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STEPPING STONES COLLABORATION FOR RECOVERY AND WELLBEING
Report of the Trustees
for the Period Ended 31 December 2025
The Trustees present their report with the financial statements of the charity for the period ended 31 December 2025. The Trustees have adopted the provisions of the Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP) “Accounting and Reporting by Charities” (FRS 102) in preparing the annual report and financial statements of the charity.
REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS
Registered Charity number
1189763
Principal address
Involve Community Services
The Court House
Broadway
BRACKNELL
Berkshire RG12 1AE
Trustees
Dr Bernadette Fisher – Chairperson-- Appointed 3rd June 2020
Sarah Gore – Appointed 3rd June 2020
Jonathan Story – Appointed 8th August 2021
Deborah Workman - Appointed 30th November 2023
Catherine Wilkins- Appointed 10th April 2024
Simon Muir- Appointed October 2025
Independent Examiner
Rachel Eden
Holy Brook Associates
Thames Tower, Station Rd, Reading RG1 1LX
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Bankers
THE CO-OPERATIVE BANK PLC
CENTRAL CORPORATE BRANCH
P O Box 250, WN8 6WT
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STEPPING STONES COLLABORATION FOR RECOVERY AND WELLBEING
Report of the Trustees
for the Period Ended 31 December 2025
STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT
Governing document
STEPPING STONES COLLABORATION FOR RECOVERY AND WELLBEING, is a charitable incorporated organisation (CIO), registered as a charity on June 3[rd] , 2021, charity number 1189763. The Charity is controlled by its governing document and the CIO Constitution. The Trustees who served the charity during the period were as follows:
Dr Bernadette Fisher – Chairperson: appointed 13/04/2020. Sarah Gore – Trustee: appointed 15/04/2020 Jonathan Story – Trustee: appointed 08/08/2021 Deborah Workman - Trustee: appointed 30/11/2023. Catherine Wilkins- Trustee: appointed 10th April 2024 Simon Muir- Trustee: appointed October 2025
Recruitment and appointment of new Directors and Trustees
The Constitution provides for a minimum of 3 Trustees with no stated maximum. Where there is a requirement for new Trustees these are identified and appointed by the existing Trustees for a term of 3 years by the passing of a resolution at a properly convened meeting of the Trustees. In selecting the new Trustees, the board must have regard for the skills, knowledge and experience needed from the individual in order to provide effective administration of the charity.
Any new Trustee will be provided, on or before their first appointment, with a copy of the previous period's annual report and accounts and a copy of the Charity Constitution.
Risk management
The Trustees have a duty to identify and review the risks to which the charity is exposed and to ensure appropriate controls are in place to provide reasonable assurance against fraud and error.
OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES
Objectives and aims
The principal objective of the charity is to promote and improve the mental, physical, and emotional wellbeing of adults living in Bracknell Forest and surrounding areas.
We provide free educational opportunities for anyone aged 18 and over who is experiencing challenges with their health and wellbeing, as well as for those who support them. We also provide a separate range of courses designed specifically to meet the needs of young adults aged 16–25 years.
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Through a co-produced and compassionate learning environment, we empower students to develop a greater understanding of all aspects of wellbeing, recognise and build upon their existing strengths, increase self-confidence, stimulate creativity, and realise their potential.
Our small-group learning approach encourages meaningful peer connections, helping to reduce social isolation, strengthen support networks, and foster a greater sense of belonging within the community.
Public benefit statement
The Trustees confirm that they have complied with their duty under the Charities Act 2011 to have due regard to the Charity Commission's guidance on public benefit.
Stepping Stones Recovery College (SSRC) is committed to improving the mental, physical, and emotional wellbeing of adults both within and beyond the borough of Bracknell Forest. The College provides a unique and valuable community resource, offering a diverse range of free educational and creative courses in a safe, inclusive, and supportive learning environment.
Our recovery-focused approach recognises that wellbeing extends beyond the management of symptoms. We empower students to rediscover their strengths, rebuild confidence, develop resilience, and find renewed meaning and purpose following periods of illness, adversity, or life change. Through education and shared learning, individuals gain greater self-awareness, develop practical tools for maintaining wellbeing, and reconnect with abilities and aspirations that may have been diminished during difficult times.
Central to our ethos is the principle of co-production and working together as equals. In keeping with the recovery college model, students, facilitators, staff, and volunteers collaborate in a culture of mutual respect, shared learning, democratic decision-making, and collective problem-solving. This inclusive approach helps individuals overcome social anxieties, build confidence, and benefit from naturally occurring peer support.
Each term, SSRC delivers more than 200 free workshop sessions across approximately 50 subjects. These are organised within pathways that support understanding of mental health and wellbeing, key steps to recovery and self-management, building enduring healthy lifestyles and creative exploration and expression. Student feedback consistently highlights the value of the College as a welcoming, respectful, and empowering environment that supports learning, personal growth, and recovery.
As an independent Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO), SSRC works in partnership with local statutory, health, and voluntary sector organisations to maximise its impact, strengthen community connections, and ensure that students can access a broad range of support to maintain improvements to their wellbeing and quality of life.
ACHIEVEMENT AND PERFORMANCE
Since opening in 2021, we have remained committed to improving the mental, physical, and emotional wellbeing of adults across Bracknell Forest and surrounding communities through free, recovery-focused education. Our approach extends beyond traditional clinical models
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of mental health support. Through evidence-based learning, practical self-management tools, and opportunities for personal development, we help students build knowledge, confidence, resilience, and a renewed sense of purpose. Our co-produced courses are developed and delivered by facilitators who combine professional expertise with lived experience, often working alongside students in a spirit of collaboration and shared learning. Central to our success is the creation of a welcoming, inclusive, and supportive learning environment that promotes social connection and strengthens community wellbeing.
Over the past academic year, we have engaged more local residents than ever before. Student registrations, course attendance, and positive course evaluations have all increased, demonstrating the continued relevance and effectiveness of what we offer. Feedback consistently shows that students have gained a much better understanding of their experiences, developed greater confidence in managing their own wellbeing, and felt more empowered to take positive steps in their recovery journeys. Many students living with long-term conditions have reported that participation in SSRC courses has helped them manage their health and wellbeing much more effectively.
The quality of our course delivery continues to be reflected in SSRCs exceptionally high satisfaction ratings. Facilitators and student supporters have continued to receive consistently outstanding feedback, while students report that Stepping Stones is an exceptionally welcoming, respectful, and safe place to learn and grow. Encouragingly, since opening, almost all students indicate that they would recommend our courses to others, reflecting the positive impact of the college across the community.
During 2025, we introduced a number of innovative new courses, strengthened our operational systems, and increased our visibility within the local community. Significant organisational developments included the implementation of more efficient in-house data systems, enhanced safeguarding and wellbeing processes, and the achievement of Level 1 Cyber Essentials certification. We also completed a comprehensive review of more than seventy policies, many of which now have accessible versions, and we have now secured trademark protection for the Stepping Stones, iChooseMe, and Young Adults brands.
Throughout the year, we have continued to focus on developing our young adults programme which is designed to meet the needs of those aged 16–25 years. Our dedicated Young Adults website is now fully operational and open for registrations, feedback and some bookings. All the courses offered have been co-created with young adults from earlier focus groups and we hope that this will ensure that they are engaging, relevant, and responsive to the challenges of transitioning into adulthood. While developing this programme has been a significant achievement, engaging young adults has proved more challenging than anticipated. In response, we have refreshed our communications strategy and strengthened partnerships with key organisations and professionals who regularly work with young people across Bracknell Forest. These partnerships are helping to promote our initial programme of courses, which were launched in 2025. The effectiveness of this approach will be reviewed before any wider programme expansion, which will also be dependent upon securing additional funding.
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Awareness and use of our innovative iChooseMe interactive information hub has continued to grow throughout the year. Widely promoted and endorsed by local services, the platform is now used by a broad range of statutory and voluntary organisations, including community mental health services, social prescribing teams, Jobcentre Plus, and the Bracknell Forest Mental Health Recovery Network. Increasingly, this is becoming an established and trusted source of information and signposting for both professionals and members of the public.
These achievements have been made possible by the commitment, professionalism, and dedication of our staff, facilitators, volunteers, and student supporters. Despite reduced administrative capacity, the team has continued to deliver high-quality services while adapting to new challenges and opportunities. Their flexibility, creativity, and collaborative approach have also ensured that Stepping Stones remains a compassionate, well-organised, and thriving community for a growing number of students.
Looking ahead to 2026, we will continue to build on the strong foundations established over the past four years. Key priorities include increasing conversion rates from registration and bookings to higher active participation in courses and workshops, successfully launching and evaluating a Young Adults Programme, and securing new sources of funding to support our sustainability. Alongside these developments, we will also continue to strengthen local partnerships, expand co-produced and peer-led learning opportunities, and ensure that our services deliver measurable and lasting improvements to the wellbeing of all who engage with Stepping Stones Recovery College.
COSTS AND FUNDING
Despite an increasingly challenging fundraising environment, in 2025 we increased our core of privately funded income to £200,000 and secured an additional £28,300 through Public Health funding and a range of smaller grants and donations.
In 2025, 87% of our annual budget was used to meet staff and facilitator costs, a similar percentage to 2024 (£188,315/£217,744/86.5%) which aligns with other English recovery colleges and reflects our commitment to having professionals in mental health, together with those with lived experience, involved in the design and delivery of courses.
Based on our current annual budget of around £240,000, our cost per registered student is just £160—a 20% reduction compared to last year. Nationally, recovery college costs per student average between £300 and £1,000 annually, with a median of £665. For the 431 different students who booked on a course at SSRC up to July 2025, the per-student cost is £556, still 15% below the national median of £665.
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FINANCIAL REVIEW
Financial Review
The charity held reserves of £104,858 at year end (2025 - £ 122,886). This is equivalent to at least 6 months operating costs. The Trustees have determined that the Charity must hold a minimum level of liquid reserves equivalent to 5-6 months’ worth of operating costs, as set out in our Financial Policy.
ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD:
Bernadette Fisher
17[th] July 2026
STEPPING STONES COLLABORATION FOR RECOVERY AND WELLBEING
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Independent Examiners Report
for the Period Ended 31 December 2025
I report on the accounts of the charity for the period ended 31 December 2025 which are set out on pages 12 to 18.
Respective responsibilities of directors and examiner
The charity’s directors are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. The charity’s directors consider that an audit is not required for this Period under section 144(2) of the Charities Act 2011 (the 2011 Act) and that an independent examination is needed. It is my responsibility to:
-
examine the accounts under section 145 of the 2011 Act;
-
follow the procedures laid down in the general Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act; and
-
state whether particular matters have come to my attention.
Basis of independent examiner's report
My examination was carried out in accordance with the general Directions given by the Charity Commission. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts, and seeking explanations from you as trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit and consequently no opinion is given as to whether the accounts present a “true and fair view”, and the report is limited to those matters set out in the statement below.
Other matters
Your attention is drawn to the fact that the charity has prepared the accounts (financial statements) in accordance with 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 (FRS102) issued on 16 July 2014 in preference to the Accounting and Reporting Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice issued on 1 April 2005 which is referred to in the extant regulations but has since been withdrawn.
We understand that this has been done in order for the accounts to provide a true and fair view in accordance with the Generally Accepted Accounting Practice effective for reporting periods beginning on or after 1 January 2015.
Independent examiner's statement
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In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention:
1 which gives me reasonable cause to believe that, in any material respect, the requirements:
-
to keep accounting records in accordance with section 130 of the 2011 Act; and
-
to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and comply with the accounting requirements of the 2011 Act.
have not been met; or
2 to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
Rachel Eden, FCMA
Holy Brook Associates
Thames Tower Station Rd, Reading RG1 1LX
20[th] July 2026
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STEPPING STONES COLLABORATION FOR RECOVERY AND WELLBEING
Statement of Financial Activities
for the Period Ended 31 December 2025
| Note INCOMING RESOURCES Incoming resources from generated funds Donations 2 Grants Total incoming resources RESOURCES EXPENDED Costs of raising funds 3 Charitable activities 4 Legal and administrative costs 5 Total resources expended NET INCOME RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS Total funds brought forward TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD |
Unrestricted funds Restricted funds 2025 Total funds £ £ £ 219,880 - 219,880 8,500 8,500 228,380 - 228,380 4,239 - 4,239 236,755 - 236,755 5,405 - 5,405 246,399 - 246,399 (18,019) - (18,019) 122,886 - 122,886 104,867 - 104,867 |
2024 Total funds £ 264,717 |
|---|---|---|
| 264,717 | ||
| 6,651 217,744 4,136 |
||
| 228,531 | ||
| 36,186 86,700 |
||
| 122,886 |
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STEPPING STONES COLLABORATION FOR RECOVERY AND WELLBEING
Balance Sheet
At 31 December 2025
| Notes FIXED ASSETS Tangible assets 6 CURRENT ASSETS Cash in bank and in hand Prepayments CREDITORS Amounts falling due within one year 7 NET CURRENT ASSETS TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT LIABILITIES NET ASSETS 8 FUNDS 9 Restricted funds Unrestricted funds TOTAL FUNDS |
Unrestricted Funds Restricted funds 2025 Total funds £ £ £ - - - 108,366 108,366 - - - 108,366 108,366 3,499 - 3,499 104,867 104,867 104,867 - 104,867 104,867 - 104,867 - - 104,867 104,867 104,867 - 104,867 |
2024 Total funds £ 133 128,077 - 128,077 5,324 122,753 122,886 122,886 - 122,886 |
|---|---|---|
| 122,886 |
The financial statements were approved by the Board of Trustees on 17[th] July 2026 and were signed on its behalf by:
Bernadette Fisher -Trustee 17[th] July 2026
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STEPPING STONES COLLABORATION FOR RECOVERY AND WELLBEING
Notes to the Accounts
At 31 December 2025
1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES continued
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.
2. DONATIONS
| Donations Grant 3. COST OF RAISING FUNDS Promotion and public relations costs |
2025 £ 219,880 8,500 228,380 2025 £ 4,239 4,239 |
2024 £ 239,382 25,335 264,717 2024 £ 6,651 |
||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6,651 |
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STEPPING STONES COLLABORATION FOR RECOVERY AND WELLBEING
Notes to the Accounts (continued)
At 31 December 2025
4. CHARITABLE ACTIVITES
| Cost of services Cleaning Consulting Depreciation Expense Entertainment Insurance IT Software and Consumables Office rental costs Pensions Costs Printing & Stationery Repairs & Maintenance Salaries Staff and Supporter Training Telephone & Internet Travel-National/Volunteers, Facilitators 5. LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE COSTS Accountancy and payroll Independent examiner’s fee Legal expenses |
2025 £ 67,740 - 2,627 133 - 1,780 3,379 10,250 1,965 1,810 - 137,760 2,790 1,851 4,670 236,755 2025 £ 4,872 384 149 5,405 |
2024 £ 63,946 1,835 1,772 786 50 1,798 3,786 8,816 1,812 384 24 124,369 3,319 1,651 3,396 |
|---|---|---|
| 217,744 | ||
| 2024 £ 3,752 384 |
||
| 4,136 |
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STEPPING STONES COLLABORATION FOR RECOVERY AND WELLBEING
Notes to the Accounts (continued)
At 31 December 2025
6. TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS
| COST At 31 December 2024 Additions At 31 December 2025 DEPRECIATION At 31 December 2024 Charge for the Period At 31 December 2025 NET BOOK VALUE At 31 December 2024 AT 31 December 2025 |
Computer Equipment £ Total 2025 £ Total 2024 £ 4,468 - 4,468 - 4,468 - |
|---|---|
| 4,468 4,468 4,468 |
|
| (5,037) (1,489) (5,037) (1,489) (4,335) (1,489) |
|
| (6,526) (6,526) (5,037) |
|
| 133 - 133 - 920 133 |
7. CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE PERIOD
| Accruals Payroll related creditors Accounts Payable |
2025 £ 2,331 1,168 3,499 |
2024 £ 1,203 4,052 69 |
|---|---|---|
| 5,324 |
8. ANALYSIS OF NET ASSETS BETWEEN FUNDS
| Fixed Assets Current Assets Current liabilities |
Unrestricted Funds £ Restricted Funds £ |
2025 Total Funds £ - 108,366 (3,499) 104,867 |
2024 Total Funds £ |
|---|---|---|---|
| - - 108,366 - (3,499) - 104,867 - |
133 128,077 (5,324) |
||
| 122,886 |
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STEPPING STONES COLLABORATION FOR RECOVERY AND WELLBEING
Notes to the Accounts (continued)
At 31 December 2025
9. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS
Net Transfers At At Movements between 31.12.2025 31.12.2024 in funds funds £ £ £ £ Unrestricted funds General fund (18,019) 104,867 122,886 TOTAL FUNDS (18,019) - 104,867 122,886
10. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
The charity received grants and donations totalling £50,000 from related parties (trustees and close relatives) for the period ended 31 December 2025 (2024 – £77,801 from related parties (trustees and close relatives). None of these transactions had conditions attached. The payments that were made to trustees were for professional services as staff employees NOT Trustee related services.
Trustees undertook work as follow
| Name of Trustee Catherine Wilkins- (Fund Raising) Deborah Workman (Facilitator) |
Legal authority (e.g. order, governing document Governing document Governing document |
Amount paid 2025 £ 9,614 29,540 |
Amount paid 2024 £ |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4,391 15,075 |
11. ULTIMATE CONTROLLING PARTY
The Board of Trustees are considered to be the ultimate controlling party.
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12. TRUSTEES' REMUNERATION AND BENEFITS
There were no trustees' remuneration or other benefits for the period ended 31 December 2025 (2024 – none) other than disclosed above.
13. EMPLOYEE REMUNERATION
| 2025 | 2024 | |
|---|---|---|
| £ | £ | |
| Salaries | 137,760 | 124,368 |
| National Insurance | - | - |
| Employers Pension | 1,965 | 1,812 |
| Total | 139,725 | 126,180 |
The average number of employees in 2025 was 11 (2024 – 10). No employee was paid total remuneration in excess of £60,000 (2024 – none)
14. Examiner remuneration
| Independent examiner’s or auditors' fees for reporting on the accounts Other fees paid to the independent examiner’s firm (covering payroll and accounts preparation) |
Last year £ £384 £4,872 |
Last year £ |
|---|---|---|
| £384 £3,572 |
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