Ray of Light Cancer Support ANNUAL REPORT 2022
Registered Charity No. 1190392
FOREWORD
A Beneficiary and Volunteer’s View - Trish
Trish first found out about Ray of Light from Macmillan Cymru Wales Y Bwthyn Palliative Care Unit in Royal Glamorgan Hospital, following her husband Mark’s diagnosis of cancer.
Trish started coming along to our weekly online Art Therapy Class which allowed her the opportunity to have a little time for her whilst being able to stay close to Mark.
Sadly, Mark passed away and, in time Trish decided to attend some of our other groups including our Connecting with Nature Woodland Group at Abercynon and our Bereavement Support Group.
Trish has grown in confidence, she now Volunteers with us at one of our woodland support groups, helping others who are in a similar situation to her. Trish says…
“When I first decided to attend the classes I was a bit nervous at first but immediately, they put me at ease. I've thoroughly enjoyed every class since, and I've met some amazing people that have also been touched by cancer in some way. The support me and my family have received has been such a life saver for me after losing my husband. I feel privileged to be volunteering so I can give back some of the support that Ray of Light has given me and my family. I can't thank you enough!”
Thank you for all that you do for us Trish!
Anne – Volunteer
My name is Anne & during the pandemic I became a volunteer for Ray of Light. I completed online training, DBS and was ready to go.
Having previously been a be-friending volunteer for another charity, I realised the importance of this service and the difference it can make to a person’s life.
I supported a few people by way of a weekly telephone call and really felt a great sense of achievement and self-worth by doing this. The people I supported were very grateful for these calls and looked forward to them and indeed I still support one of them know who is close to a full recovery and for me to see him thrive is sooooo rewarding. He is so grateful to ROL.
It gave me the confidence to apply for a part-time role within the Charity, which I was lucky to be accepted for and the sense of achievement and gratitude I receive from Beneficiaries is one of the greatest aspects of my new role.
We work together as a Team to give all Beneficiaries a positive outlook and be the best they can be!! We aim to bring a Ray of Light to them.
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.
'A VER Y PROFESSIONAI SER VICE THA T OOZE S EMPA THY AND PROVIDES A SAFE ENVIRONMENT FOR THOSE COING THROUGH A VER Y DIFF ICUIT TIME. WE IIL DEFINITf IY CONTINIIE TO Rf FER TO YOUR AMAZING SERIJICE.
6IThere 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 manyy keep up the amazing work and thank you again for your service.
OUll9 Pefsort - leerfa9e earfcer frust "Ireceived orte ollle care Racb Iwas all I*IBafierttlastweeé Ihanèyou so Much, Ihey really Made my Ime a loteasier waile 6ein9 irf AosRltal and Ilefe ajefe Rlerftg olacfivities to do. Ilarfégou so mucl lor all tlatyou do.
•* My name 18 8nd I have been gingin9 ujith kay of li9hL from the start. I SI Lo help my IK•gband who is deali ujith 001 treatment for Prostate eancer amowst other thiThJg. It 9iveg him enormoug Comfort Lo know that l am gityjityj vJiLh the clloif and Lh8L it hag been helPir¥J my oujn health and uJellbein9 8g well 8g hig. gir8iTr3 at home together breal6S UP isolation due Lo eovid19 and does lift our sPifiLg enormously. My hugband was ghieldiThJ until le Awst and now hag to Protect himself from infection. Beityj on lockd¢iwn in eardiff it Preventg US both from contact with family any friends outside the area. 'Pay of Li9ht' is exactly uJhaL it says it giveg ug hope. Thank you!-
Chairs Report
I have been part of this Charity for 12 years and during this time I have seen this amazing organisation grow considerably.
it's been a privilege and I feel honoured to be chair of the wonderful Charity for 2 years and I am looking forward to what next year brings.
We have continued to see another very busy year and due to this we have been able to welcome new members to the team.
Since covid-19 restrictions have lifted we have been able to expand on our services and offer more support to those who need it.
Our wood crafting site continues to be a success and it's been amazing to see this grow further over the last year.
Finally, I would like to give thanks again to the board of trustees, to Sue and Becci for their continued dedication and hard work and for the amazing volunteers who continue to support Ray of Light Cancer Support. Without your dedication and hard work, the charity would not be what it is today.
Thank You
Sofia Spagnoli
Chair
I have been in involved with Ray of Light as a Trustee for around 2 1/2 years. During this time, I have witnessed the service grow from strength to strength offering a range of support throughout a range of groups.
I have witnessed what a difference having a safe space - somewhere nurturing and allowing people to be in the here and now has meant.
It warms me knowing that this service is built on volunteers and these people give everything to give another a little comfort
I feel privileged to be part of such a worthy cause.
Sindy Light
Vice Chair
ORGANISATIONAL REPORT
Thanks to The National Lottery Community Fund we are now in our second year, our Team has grown and we now have 4 members of Staff who take the lead on The Just ASK Project (Access, Support & Kindness)
We have had to work hard to tailor our groups to help meet the needs of people affected by cancer. We offer Art Therapy, Arts & Crafts. Knit & Natter, Book Club, Let’s Create family sessions, Holistic Therapies, family nights online, quiz nights, rock painting group and bingo.
Our famous Choir Ray of Light Warblers has continued online. We created 4 videos during the year, each member recorded themselves singing in their own homes, with the help of Bethan Frieze our Singing Director. We were privileged and honoured to appear with Hegsy and Caitlin Mae as their backing choir on their latest single.
During the year our groups increased, providing support to 296 new beneficiaries. In total this year our dedicated Volunteers and Staff and have supported 1,192 beneficiaries.
Our befriending support by mail and telephone continued, providing a listening ear and emotional support which helped to reduce isolation. We signposted to statutory services, and for welfare benefit advice.
Two members of Staff achieved their Level 3 Teaching Qualification and City & Guilds Level 3 Energy Awareness delivering energy awareness sessions and offering 82 packs of energy saving devices, tips and LED Light Bulbs.
The biggest challenge we had was to continue our project online as well as returning face to face, we weren’t expecting the demand to continue remotely and had to improvise and adapt our timetable to provide a hybrid approach for the services we offer. Sadly, bereavement support has increased, together with end of life telephone support. Although the palliative team are heavily involved we complement this service by supporting the whole family. In the past 12 months we have supported 28 families who have lost a family member and we continue to support and review through a difficult time.
Due to the increased demand we are in the early stages of exploring bereavement support groups for families which we aim to deliver online and face to face.
Velindre Cancer Centre and Ray of Light Cancer Support have formed a partnership to provide weekly free green social prescribing sessions in a nonjudgemental space for anyone affected by cancer. The attendees range from staff, patients, carers, families all who are enabled to connect with nature and their local community, with each session ending in a mindfulness activity.
The weekly groups are restorative and include a mindfulness session. The sessions provide a supportive space to engage in crafts with natural and found materials, embedding the circular economy through activities such as painting with paints made from vegetables, whittling found wood and weaving baskets with branches found on a nature walk.
Each beneficiary has their own experiences with cancer. The sessions are all in the outdoors providing the opportunity to meet people face to face, during an especially stressful time following the isolative measures due to Coronavirus restrictions.
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 wellbeing of our beneficiaries. Working in partnership has secured greater outcomes.
Our Green Social Prescribing initiative at Abercynon has continued to grow. It provides an opportunity for people who are affected by cancer to come together with others who understand. Our family events are extremely successful allowing the whole family to make new memories and connect with nature.
Although there is potentially a lot of emotion, support and connection with others, there is also laughter and enjoyment which illustrates why these initiatives are so important.
We look forward to continuing a successful partnership with our funders whilst developing our services.
It’s been a privilege to be part of the development and operational management of Ray of Light Cancer Support. We have such a dedicated Team of Staff and Volunteers who really do make a difference.
Sue Norris
Founder & Operational Director
A LITTLE ABOUT OUR CONNECTING WITH NATURE PROJECTS
This year we have successfully run two sessions a week throughout the year whatever the weather, as well as running family groups. The provision of a consistent group on a weekly basis is the basis of our success. It has been described as the highlight of the week by several people. Our participants are clearly enjoying being part of a supportive and friendly team. The manner with which they welcome new members reflects on the way they value the
experience.
Our Velindre group has a number of regular participants as well as regular drop ins from staff, patients and their companions who would normally waiting in cars. Recently we had some nurses using their coffee break to make an Autumn leaf wreath, they reflected that it was a welcome break during a challenging day. One family painted a set of hand painted spoons, another made pressed flower bookmarks and had a cream tea to celebrate the jubilee, some just drop in for a cup of tea and a chat. One patient was frustrated by delays in the hospital and had been upset on behalf of her companion waiting in the car park. Her companion apologised and explained she had “been having a lovely time in our tepee doing crafts and hadn’t noticed the time “.
Some join us for a few sessions as they have weekly treatment. The aim of our outdoor sessions is to provide a safe, cosy, welcoming space to allow our participants to connect with nature and each other. The distractions of the craft activities allow each member of the group to participate in conversation or take time to become mindfully absorbed in creating.
Our provision of fluffy blankets, hot drinks and snacks allows each person to feel nurtured. The indoor spaces we now have access to mean that participants are able to attend whatever the weather.
We try to choose crafts which meet the skills of the individuals. We like to challenge the more experienced members of the group while ensuring novices have success in each craft.
One participant was initially disappointed to be told she couldn’t currently use whittling knives (health issue) Becky was able to teach her to use a shave horse and draw knife to make three legged stools. It was very rewarding to watch her being tutored by another member who has lifelong experience with woodworking. A few sessions later she was herself giving advice to a novice. Such building up and sharing of skills and confidence is rewarding to observe in every session. These experiences build on the friendships within each group and allow quiet interactions where peers can support each other.
This sketch was done by a gentleman who had been waiting in his car for his partner to come out from treatment.
We have a range of tools and equipment to allow appropriate challenges and safety. The shave horses are safe and easy for novices to use under supervision.
We enjoy sitting outside, chatting about the wildlife around us with an amiable group, a hot chocolate, and concentrating on craft, taking our focus off the issues of life affected by cancer. Participants can also take time to walk and talk one to one with one of our team if they need support in privacy. The inclusion of children in our family sessions is very rewarding. Both sites have safe spaces where children can be supervised while they get absorbed in the fun of exploring their natural environment. Providing a safe space and close supervision, they can enjoy roasting marshmallows on the campfire. Sharing my fascination with entomology is always a delight, using a range of sampling methods, observing using macro lenses etc.
One parent (who has been bereaved) was delighted that his daughter happily set off with me on a spider hunt, as she normally wouldn’t leave his side. Teaching children to get involved and absorbed with nature crafts is part of their well-being, for example making sun prints of natural flora using cyanotype paper. These provide reminders of nature which are given as gifts to those too unwell to get out and about.
Becky Fawcett our amazing Facilitator describes our sessions here:
All activities are chosen to be safe and be accessible to all no previous skill is necessary. It’s about trying something new each week, learning the process together, accepting the challenge of trying something new, less about always creating a perfect product. Though we all treasure our end results, however wonky they are.
Areas we use are accessible to all with solid paths and toilets nearby. We ask all participants to fill in an induction form, so we are aware of any health and well-being issues.
Connecting with nature has strong links with improved wellbeing. This is achieved on a range of ways depending on the preferences of the group. Some individuals are comfortable taking a few silent peaceful moments mindfully focusing on a leaf meditation. Other participants will resist this style but will become fully absorbed in making a detailed charcoal sketch. Others relax by experiencing the flow of focusing on the grain of wood when whittling.
Using natural materials links is to our natural history and gives us common ground. Sharing recipes, passing on skills remembering family traditions and folklore all connect us with each other, nature, and our heritage. The materials we use are gathered locally. I can collect willow from the banks Forestry fire breaks, hazel from my hedgerows, and forage plant materials from my fields. This reduces material costs and ensures we are using sustainable and biodegradable materials as much as possible.
We have made use of a range foraged materials in different ways as the seasons change. Collecting fireweed blossoms to make syrups in summer then using fireweed leaves in wax as Autumn wreaths.
The creations of our craft sessions are treasured by our participants. A recent example of this is when we whittled hearts, using hazel coppiced on the Abercynon site. One of our groups took the heart, which she carved and painted, to leave where her partners ashes were scattered. This year we have delivered natural craft sessions twice a week in two locations. It is challenging to keep finding activities to challenge the group. I was delighted to hear a participant saying she was always surprised to see a new craft to try each week. It takes a lot of my time to research new activities,
risk assess them, practice the skills, collect and prepare materials but it’s worth every moment.
Below is a list of some of the crafts we have offered this year. Foraged berry and wildflower mocktails.
Living Willow sculptures, willow wreaths with waxed flowers.
Coil baskets using grass rope, hedgerow baskets.
Using shave horses to make three leg stools and hazel flowers. Bath salts using rose petals mineral salts and natural oils
Dried flower candles and cards.
Family sessions for Easter and Halloween, bug hunts, marshmallow roasting, driftwood art seagulls
Whittling and painting comfort birds, dala horses, mushrooms, hearts, coat hooks, axe splitting logs to make candle holders
Making butter and roasting bread on the fire whittling and painting butter knives
Using natural products to dye silk scarves Making charcoal and mindful sketching Driftwood wind chimes
Cyanotype
Lip balms
I am also involved as one of the Volunteers in the book club. Once a month we meet online to discuss the book of the month. We discuss any other books we have been inspired by and often listen to a short story. The range of books we’ve discussed has been huge. Some are a fun distraction; others are more mindful. We try to suggest books which suit the limited time and challenges typical to people affected by cancer. Each session is typically a strange mix of sensitive support for the challenges group members face, degrading into cackling laughter as we admit losing the plot of the story. It’s a lovely group who have formed strong bonds through the year and obviously derive a lot of pleasure from interacting each month.
I feel privileged to be part of a team who provide such a wide range of resources and support. The provision of the woodcraft group has drawn on individuals (particularly men) who themselves reflect that them may not have reached out for support. By accessing a relaxed woodcraft group, they have gained the confidence to make greater use of the support offered through other aspects of Ray of lights work. One participant described our support as “fundamental” to her continuing on her journey through treatment. I feel this illustrates perfectly the benefits our participants can attain through access to our services.
Special Thanks to:
Our amazing Staff and dedicated Volunteers Bethan Frieze - Singing Director Becky Fawcett Melanie Holly-Jones Rhiannon Freshney - Sustainability Manager Velindre Cancer Centre Leigh Ann Porter - Velindre Cancer Centre add Kate Sam Holliday - Maggie’s Cardiff Kath Bownds – Book-Keeping Paul Burnell - C M Management Services Janis Werrett - Cynon Valley Organic Adventures Interlink Helen Ley - Macmillan Engagement Lead
Funders
National Lottery Community Fund Interlink Cwm Taf Morgannwg Mental Health Covid Response Grant NEA Energy Awareness Magic Stars Community Matters Fund Macmillan Cancer Support Coalfields Regeneration Grant Screwfix Grant Tesco Grant
Website - www.rayoflightwales.org.uk
Facebook - www.facebook.com/rayoflightwales
Twitter - @rayoflightwales
Instagram - ray_of_light_cancer_support
- www.youtube.com/channel/UCJohKzfA YlpIJTVx9VYUog
Treasurer’s Report
I have pleasure in submitting our audited accounts and I would like to thank Paul Burnell of C M Management Services for a prompt and thorough service for our second year of registered accounts.
Since 2009 we have been supporting those affected by cancer.
We now have a fully up and running hybrid system of support to enable more beneficiaries to access our services.
As part of our “Just ASK Project (Access, Support & Kindness) we have once again been able to provide our resources free of charge.
We have built strong partnerships and networks in Cardiff, Cwm Taf Morgannwg and surrounding areas. Our services are validated by Velindre Cancer Centre, Macmillan Cancer Support, MIND, Maggie’s Cardiff to name a few.
Our accounting system is regularly monitored in line with the charity commission compliance governance. All statistical and financial information is available immediately. We continue to provide detailed quarterly reports for our funders informing them of our good works.
We are now in our 2[nd] year of the National Lottery Community Fund Grant and have been very fortunate to securing additional funds to provide energy awareness sessions and free energy saving packs and also bereavement support.
All of this has been achieved due to the continuing support of our hardworking, caring and committed Staff and Volunteers.
We would like to take this opportunity to express our deepest gratitude for all they do as we value them greatly.
Lisa Nurton
Treasurer
RAY OF LIGHT CANCER SUPPORT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31[ST] MARCH 2022
CHARITY INFORMATION
| Trustees: | Sofia Spagnoli |
|---|---|
| Lisa Nurton | |
| Sindy Richards | |
| Charitable position: | Registered Charity number 1190392 |
| Governing Document: | CIO Foundation Model dated 13thJuly 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 2022, 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
-
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:
-
accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 130 of the Charities Act or
-
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: 1[st] December 2022
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 2022
| No te 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 2021 Fund balances at 31st March 2022 |
Unrestricted Funds £ Restricted Funds £ Total Funds 2022 £ Total Funds 2021 £ 2,819 - 2,819 3,292 - - - - 613 112,857 113,470 116,457 - - - |
|---|---|
| 3,432 112,857 116,289 119,749 |
|
| 4,263 118,650 122,913 74,853 - 290 290 - |
|
| 4,263 118,940 123,203 74,853 |
|
| (831) (6,083) (6,914) 44,896 - - - 2,710 42,186 44,896 - |
|
| 1,879 36,103 37,982 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 2022
1. Fixed Assets
| The value of assets owned are: Equipment 2. Bank & Cash Balances Cash at bank and in hand 3. Other Assets and Liabilities Assets Gift aid tax recovery not yet received Liabilities Unbilled fee for Independent Examination |
Insurance Value 2022 2021 £ £ 25,000 25,000 25,000 25,000 2022 2021 £ £ 37,982 44,896 37,982 44,896 2022 2021 £ £ - - 300 250 |
|---|---|
The accounts were approved by the Trustees and signed on their behalf on 1[st] December 2022
Lisa Nurton
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 2022
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 Governance |
Unrestricted Funds £ Restricted Funds £ Total 2022 £ Total 2021 £ 2,819 - - - 2,819 - 1,918 1,374 |
|---|---|
| 2,819 - 2,819 3,292 |
|
| - - - Unrestricted Funds £ Restricted Funds £ Total 2022 £ Total 2021 £ - 112,857 112,857 116,457 613 - 613 - |
|
| 613 112,857 113,470 116,457 |
|
| Unrestricted Funds £ Restricted Funds £ Total 2022 £ Total 2021 £ - 1,710 1,004 79,024 633 27,137 79,024 2,343 28,141 48,929 1,771 14,117 |
|
| 2,714 106,794 109,508 64,817 |
|
| 157 361 518 388 1,392 6,451 7,843 3,570 - 2,455 2,455 2,872 - 2,589 290 2,589 290 3,206 - |
|
| 1,549 12,146 13,695 10,036 |
6. Staff and Trustees
The charity has five 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 | |
| £ | £ | £ | |||
| Awards for All | 407 | - | - | - | 407 |
| Lottery Just Ask | 1,825 | - | 1,825 | - | - |
| MacMillan grant (1) | 5 | - | 5 | - | - |
| Response Grant Corona | 2,017 | - | 2,017 | - | - |
| Fund | |||||
| Mental Health Covid | 4,312 | 23,271 | 27,405 | - | 178 |
| Response grant | |||||
| MacMillan grant (2) | 1,840 | - | 783 | - | 1,057 |
| Moondance Foundation | 31,780 | - | 12,736 | - | 19,044 |
| Arnold Clark | - | 1,000 | 1,000 | - | - |
| Interlink | - | 250 | 250 | - | - |
| Poverty Grant | - | 1,200 | 1,192 | - | 8 |
| Totally Digitised | - | 300 | 300 | - | - |
| Bereavement Group | - | 5,000 | 3,553 | - | 1,447 |
| Western Power Energy | - | 3,000 | 3,000 | - | - |
| Saving | |||||
| Woodcraft MBSCF | - | 865 | - | - | 865 |
| Coalfields Regeneration | - | - | 5,345 | - | -5,345 |
| Just Ask Yr 1 | - | 77,971 | 59,529 | - | 18,442 |
| TOTAL | 42,186 | 112,857 | 118,940 | - | 36,103 |