Ray of Light Cancer Support ANNUAL REPORT & ACCOUNTS 2021
Registered Charity No. 1190392
FOREWORD
A Beneficiary’s View
My name is Donna Pearce I was diagnosed with cancer in December 2018 and have had huge support from Ray of light which I will always be grateful for. Ray of Light have helped me in so many ways….. through a very difficult time. I would not have got through the last 18 months without them. The various groups offered by ROL have helped immensely as well as the emotional support I’ve received. I decided to make some key rings so that they can be included in the lovely care packs that are being delivered.
I have received letters from volunteers and they have really brightened my day. So…. I thought I’d love to do something similar for others who have received a cancer diagnosis or are carers. Sue has given me the opportunity to volunteer for Ray of Light and undertake the Befriending by mail project which I am very proud to do!” I also take the lead on Ray of Light’s monthly Book Club Angus’s Retreat and enjoy meeting new people.
This has been the most challenging period of my life but also a blessed period because I have made some wonderful friends. Thank you is not enough.
FEEDBACK FROM BENEFICIARIES
“I would like to say a big thank you to Becci and Ben from Ray of Light Rocks for the amazing rock workshop on zoom that I took part in with my 2 daughters for the first time last Thursday. A friend suggested the workshop to me and it was just the tonic that the 3 of us needed as we are currently approaching the second anniversary of losing my best friend (and the girls godmother) following her fight with breast cancer. The workshop was such fun and Becci and Ben were amazing hosts by dressing up (Halloween theme), including all the families participating, encouraging and praising all the super efforts everyone was making on their rocks and being a friendly new face. It was an hour and a half of therapy in my eyes as even my usually hormonal teenager said how much fun it was and asked if we can join again. It was lovely to have the opportunity to sit down as a family and paint together and meet new friends who may be going through a similar situation to us. Not only was the workshop superb but the packs we received directly to our door were outstanding too with everything we needed to join the session. So thank you Ray of Light you did bring a ray of light into our home that day and we look forward to joining you again in the future and supporting the group in any way we can.”
“My Consultant asked me what has changed since the last time I saw him, I explained that I no longer feel on my own, I can face my challenges knowing I have a weekly call from someone that cares and I’ve now joined the art therapy which has been an absolute delight. I love all that you do.”
“My name is **** and I have been singing with Ray of Light from the start. I sing to help my husband who is dealing with ongoing treatment for Prostate Cancer amongst other things. It gives him enormous comfort to know that I am singing with the choir and that it has been helping my own health and wellbeing as well as his. Singing at home together breaks up isolation due to Covid 19 and does lift our spirits enormously. My husband was shielding until 16 August and now has to protect himself from infection. Being on Lockdown in Cardiff it prevents us both from contact with family and friends outside the area. 'Ray of Light' is exactly what it says it gives us hope. Thank you!”
“I have recently lost my mum and have been finding things difficult. The events you provide allow my daughter to express herself. It was lovely to watch her get involved and have fun as she has been really withdrawn.”
“Hello, Once again I really enjoyed the Let's Create session as everyone got to show off their creativity from the reindeer statue to the marshmallow snowman kit. I found it very fun and I would love to come again, once again I don’t have any bad feedback I just wish that these sessions keep going!”
“Lots of festive fun, some great ideas! The pack we received was delivered to our door which was jampacked with Christmas crafts and treats. The children loved the hot chocolate and making the marshmallow snowmen. My personal favourite was the wooden reindeer we made. He is proudly sat on my mantlepiece and makes me smile every time I look at it. It was great fun dressing up using the props provided to us, I kept mine on even after the session ended. It really got us in the mood for Christmas and gave us that much needed family time. Thank you!”
“Where do I start, the Christmas event was fantastic. The Christmas box we received was beautiful and came with everything we needed to take part. The girls loved musical statues and making all of the Christmas crafts. The support you provide really does make a difference. Please keep up the good work!”
“We really love the Ray of Light family sessions. My children have missed out on so much because of cancer, so it’s just really nice to spend some quality time with them doing something they enjoy. And it’s nice to do it with a group of people who have been through something similar and just get it. Thank you Ray of Light, we really appreciate all of your support.”
MISSION STATEMENT
To offer the best possible support to anyone affected by cancer. Ray of Light Cancer Support is dedicated to ensuring that people impacted by cancer have the opportunity to access free social, practical and emotional support.
No one should face cancer alone, we provide the support that is proven to improve overall health outcomes and allows us to offer needs led support.
Ray of Light Cancer Support is a welcoming community, a place to go for free support for everyone, along with their families, friends and carers.
FEEDBACK FROM REFERRER’S
“There were NO services that I could refer my patient to. As soon as he heard about your great work we referred and, thankfully at very short notice you introduced a telephone befriender for weekly contact. This has been a lifeline for so many, keep up the amazing work and thank you again for your service.”
“I know that V thoroughly enjoys the fabulous worthwhile service you offer! You meet a great need within the community! V’ is more positive as a person and feels less isolated, thanks for all of your help!”
“What can I say? Except thank you! You have made a real difference and have complemented the clinical support greatly. M is now accessing services herself and without your intervention I don’t think that would have happened.”
“Thank you so much for the care packs last week. They have been very gratefully received by several of our patients.”
“A very professional service that oozes empathy and provides a safe environment for those going through a very difficult time. We will definitely continue to refer to your amazing service.”
CHAIR’S REPORT
I am privileged to write a few words. It has been an extremely busy year. I have been part of this charity for 11 years and during this time things have moved forward and for the last year I am very proud to say I’m Chair of this amazing Organisation.
Sadly, due to the Covid-19 Pandemic so many services were on hold or ceased. Ray of Light Cancer Support continued throughout offering remote services and delivering care packs to those who were isolated.
Ray of Light’s telephone befriending service continues to grow and develop and delivers the best possible professional service thanks to our dedicated Volunteers.
Finally, my thanks go to the Board of Trustees, to Sue, Becci and Mary as without this supporting hardworking frame and our amazing Volunteers, Ray of Light Cancer Support would not be what it is today.
Thank you.
Sofia Spagnoli Chair
Organisational Report
Wow! What a year! We have looked back and proudly seen the difference that the support has made.
Unfortunately, Covid-19 hit us and our telephone befriending service commenced with immediate effect. We had to meet the challenges and react quickly and effectively.
We became a registered Charity, with a board of Trustees with a skill base to complement the support that we provide.
Thanks to the National Lottery Community Fund we were in a position to employ 3 members of Staff to take the lead on the Just ASK Project (Access, Support & Kindness)
So many were alone, isolated and some supporting loved ones who sadly were coming to the end of their lives. Our beneficiaries could not visit hospices or hospitals to say their goodbyes.
Due to the impact of the pandemic we quickly established remote groups which were tailored to meet the needs of anyone affected by cancer, including: Art Therapy, Arts & Crafts, Knit & Natter, Book Club, Let’s Create family sessions, Holistic therapies together with regular bingo and quiz nights.
As a result, we positively impacted on 1,188 beneficiaries. This provided a strong foundation of evidence of the need for the social, emotional and practical support and the positive outcomes both for our beneficiaries and our dedicated Volunteers.
Our famous Choir Ray of Light Warblers increased to fortnightly reducing isolation and providing a little time away …………….. We are proud to say that we also created 4 videos during the year which each member recorded in their own homes with the help from Bethan Frieze our Singing Director.
We have continued to receive the support from Velindre Cancer Centre and Macmillan Cancer Support who funded our Choir videos and also our Art Therapy Groups.
We are also one of 12 Organisations who are part of Cwm Taf Morgannwg Health Board Mental Health Project providing digital groups, weekly woodcraft events and care packs to help reduce isolation and improve the emotional well
-being of our beneficiaries. Working in partnership has secured greater outcomes.
Now restrictions are slowly lifting, we are in the process of establishing a Green Social Prescribing Project providing an opportunity for the whole family to come together, connect with nature and make new memories.
The year ahead will present with new challenges and we look forward to continuing a successful partnership with our funders whilst developing our services with a blended approach offering face to face support together with continuing with our remote services.
It’s been a privilege to be part of the development and operational management of Ray of Light Cancer Support. We are blessed to have such dedicated Staff and Volunteers who are the backbone of our Organisation.
Sue Norris Founder & Operational Director
Ray of Light Cancer Support Staff
Sue Norris - Founder & Operational Manager Rebecca O’Mahoney - Project Co-Ordinator & Volunteer Mary Coles – Project Co-Ordinator
Funders
National Lottery Community Fund Awards for All Moondance Covid 19 Relief Fund Interlink Cwm Taf Morgannwg Mental Health Covid Response Grant Magic Stars Macmillan Cancer Support Dwr Cymru Covid 19 Response Fund In Wales Brian Frieze Bethan Frieze
Special Thanks to:
Our amazing Staff and dedicated Volunteers Becky Fawcett - Woodcraft Facilitator and Volunteer Leigh Ann Porter - Velindre Cancer Support Sam Holliday - Maggie’s Cardiff
Paul Burnell & Kath Bownds - C Management Services Janis Werrett & Mike Jenkins - Cynon Valley Organic Adventures Staff at WCVA Staff at Interlink Helen Ley – Macmillan Engagement Lead
Website - www.rayoflightwales.org.uk Facebook - www.facebook.com/rayoflightwales Twitter - @rayoflightwales Instagram - ray_of_light_cancer_support - www.youtube.com/channel/UCJohKzfA YlpIJTVx9VYUog
Mental Health: UNDERSTANDING MY NEEDS
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Treasurer’s Report
I have pleasure in submitting our audited accounts and I would like to thank Paul Burnell of C Management Services for a prompt and thorough service for our first year of registered accounts.
For more than 10 years we have been supporting those affected by cancer and are now a registered charity.
The impact of Covid-19 meant we were inundated with the demand for our services, we had to switch from face to face support to digital platforms and our telephone befriending service.
We delivered 1296 care packs to our beneficiaries providing a much needed and deserved emotional boost.
Thanks to the generosity of our funders and grants received we have provided our resources free of charge.
Our services are validated by Macmillan Cancer Support, Velindre Cancer Centre and Maggie’s Cardiff.
We have built strong partnerships and networks in Cardiff, Cwm Taf Morgannwg and surrounding areas.
Our computerised accounting systems are regularly monitored ensuring that we achieve best value for money whilst adhering to our budget. We will continue to provide detailed quarterly reports for our funders informing them of our good works.
Thanks to the National Lottery Community Fund we have secured 3 years funding which will go a long way to providing support and comfort for our beneficiaries.
None of this would be possible without the continuing support of our hard working and committed Staff and Volunteers and for this we would like to thank them whole heartedly.
Lisa Nurton
Treasurer
RAY OF LIGHT CANCER SUPPORT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31[ST] MARCH 2021
CHARITY INFORMATION
Trustees: Sofia Spagnoli Lisa Nurton Sindy Richards Charitable position: Registered Charity number 1190392 Governing Document: CIO Foundation Model dated 13[th] July 2020 Address for correspondence: The Meadows, Peterston Road, Groesfaen, Pontyclun CF72 8NU Independent Examiner: Paul Burnell ACMI C Management Services 69 Velindre Road CARDIFF CF14 2TF Bankers: Lloyds Bank 514 Cowbridge Road East Cardiff CF5 1BL
INDEPENDENT EXAMINERS REPORT
TO THE TRUSTEES OF RAY OF LIGHT CANCER SUPPORT
I report on the accounts of the Trust for the period ended 31[st] March 2021, which are set out below.
Respective responsibilities of trustees and examiner
The charity's trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. The charity's trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year under section 144 of the Charities Act 2011 (the Charities Act) and that an independent examination is needed.
It is my responsibility to:
-
examine the accounts under section 145 of the 2011 Act;
-
to follow the procedures laid down in the general Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act; and
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to 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.
Independent examiner's statement
In connection with my examination, no material matters have come to my attention which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect:
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accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 130 of the Charities Act or
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the accounts do not accord with the accounting records
I have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
Paul Burnell
Date: 15[th] October 2021
Paul Burnell ACMI
For and on behalf of:
C Management Services (trading name of C Mgmnt Services Ltd) 69 Velindre Road, Cardiff CF14 2TF
RAY OF LIGHT CANCER SUPPORT
RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS ACCOUNT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31[st] MARCH 2021
| Note RECEIPTS Receipts from generated funds 2 Receipts from charitable activities 3 Other receipts 4 Interest received Total Receipts PAYMENTS Charitable activities 5 Governance costs Total payments Net Receipts/(Payments) Transfers between funds Fund balances at 1st April 2020 Fund balances at 31st March 2021 |
Unrestricted Funds £ Restricted Funds £ Total Funds 2021 £ 3,292 - 3,292 - - - - 116,457 116,457 - - - |
|---|---|
| 3,292 116,457 119,749 |
|
| 582 74,271 74,853 - - - |
|
| 582 74,271 74,853 |
|
| 2,710 42,186 44,896 - - - - - - |
|
| 2,710 42,186 44,896 |
The notes below form part of these accounts.
RAY OF LIGHT CANCER SUPPORT STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31[ST] MARCH 2021
1. Fixed Assets
| Insurance | ||
|---|---|---|
| Value 2021 | ||
| £ | ||
| The value of assets owned are: | ||
| Equipment | 25,000 | |
| 25,000 | ||
| 2. | Bank & Cash Balances | |
| 2021 | ||
| £ | ||
| Cash at bank and in hand | 44,896 | |
| 44,896 | ||
| 3. | Other Assets and Liabilities | |
| 2021 | ||
| £ | ||
| Assets | ||
| Gift aid tax recovery not yet received | - | |
| Liabilities | ||
| Unbilled fee for Independent Examination | 250 |
The accounts were approved by the Trustees and signed on their behalf on 15th October
Lisa Nurton
The notes below form part of these accounts.
RAY OF LIGHT CANCER SUPPORT
NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 31[ST] MARCH 2021
1. Accounting Policies
The accounts have been prepared on a receipts and payments basis with a statement of assets and liabilities
| 2. Voluntary receipts Donations From old charity 3. Receipts from charitable activities Conferences and events 4. Other Receipts Grant received Other sundry receipts 5. Charitable activities a. Direct Charitable Costs Salaries & staff expenses Volunteer expenses Wellbeing & Activities b. Support and Administration Premises expenses Office expenses Publicity and Marketing expenses Website & IT expenses |
Unrestricted Funds £ Restricted Funds £ Total 2021 £ 1,918 1,374 - - 1,918 1,374 |
|---|---|
| 3,292 - 3,292 |
|
| - - - Unrestricted Funds £ Restricted Funds £ Total 2021 £ - 116,457 116,457 - - - |
|
| - 116,457 116,457 |
|
| Unrestricted Funds £ Restricted Funds £ Total 2021 £ - - - 48,929 1,771 14,117 48,929 1,771 14,117 |
|
| - 64,817 64,817 |
|
| 89 299 388 493 3,077 3,570 - 2,872 2,872 - 3,206 3,206 |
|
| 582 9,454 10,036 |
6. Staff and Trustees
The charity has three part-time employed members of staff. Its activities are generally carried out by volunteers. No staff received salaries at a rate of more than £60,000 per annum.
No remuneration or trustee expenses were paid to any other trustee during the year, nor to any person connected to them.
7. Restricted Funds
The restricted funds represent amounts received for specific purposes and the movements in the year areas follows:
| Fund | Opening | Receipts | Payments | Transfers | Closing |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Balance | £ | £ | in the Year | Balance | |
| £ | £ | £ | |||
| Magic Stars grant | - | 500 | 500 | - | - |
| Corona Fund Grant | - | 1,900 | 1,900 | - | - |
| Awards for All | - | 10,000 | 9,593 | - | 407 |
| Lottery Just Ask | - | 51,183 | 49,358 | - | 1,825 |
| Dwr Cymru | - | 200 | 200 | - | - |
| MacMillan grant (1) | - | 646 | 641 | - | 5 |
| Response Grant Corona | - | 5,000 | 2,983 | - | 2,017 |
| Fund | |||||
| Mental Health Covid | - | 9,562 | 5,250 | - | 4,312 |
| Response grant | |||||
| MacMillan grant (2) | - | 1,840 | - | - | 1,840 |
| Moondance Foundation | - | 35,626 | 3,846 | - | 31,780 |
| TOTAL | - | 116,457 | 74,271 | - | 42,186 |
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