Trustee Annual Report and Financial Statements
FOR THE PERIOD 1 APRIL 2022 TO 31 MARCH 2023
Charity Number: 1191073
CONTENTS PAGE
| Page no | |
|---|---|
| Legal and Administrative Information | 3 |
| Statement of the Chair of Trustees | 4 |
| Trustees’ Report | 5 |
| Independent Examiner’s Report | 19 |
| Statement of Financial Activities | 20 |
| Balance Sheet | 21 |
| Notes to the Financial Statements | 22 |
ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023
LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023
Trustees: J Bowman (appointed 28th August 2020) E B N Charvet (appointed 28th August 2020) A K Dhillon (appointed 28th August 2020) R H Hamlin (Appointed 4th August 2022)
Chair: E B N Charvet (appointed as Chair: 1st April 2022)
Chief Executive: J Adams (appointed 28th August 2020)
Charity Number: 1191073 Company Number: CE023729
Registered Office: 48 Frobisher Road, London, N8 0QX
Bankers: Lloyds Bank, 25 Gresham Street, London EC2V 7HN Independent Examiners: Kreston Reeves LLP
Accountants: Kreston Reeves LLP Chartered Accountants, 2nd Floor, 168 Shoreditch High Street, London, E1 6RA
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ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023
A MESSAGE FROM OUR CHAIR OF TRUSTEES
I am very pleased to bring you the 2022/23 Forever Colour Children’s Hospice (FCCH) Annual Report and Financial Statement.
This has been my first full year as Chair of Trustees and I am very proud to share with you that our 2022/23 year has been a year of continued service dedication from the Forever Colours team in support of the substantial need within the Buckinghamshire community. This year has seen a significant growth in the provision of our services in support of babies, children and young people with life-limiting and life-threatening conditions, as well as children with profound and multiple learning difficulties, and their families. We achieved this through the truly devoted efforts of the Forever Colours carer team and the support of our funding partners, especially our Founding Partner, Centricus, who have for the 3[rd] year been our anchor in financing our care delivery.
I want to thank the Forever Colours Founding Trustees team of Hayley, Vikki and Jules whose leadership has been the bedrock of Forever Colours creativity in defining services to exactly match the needs of our families and who efforts are the foundation that has underpinned our growth.
I am delighted to welcome Rob Hamlin to the Trustee Board, who will take oversight of the finance subcommittee. Rob brings as wealth of experience from his highly successful career in industry, and we are delighted he has joined us.
As I said last year, and I make no apology of repeating again this year, Forever Colours is only reaching a fraction of the babies, children and young people in the Buckinghamshire area that desperately need our support. With ongoing pressures on NHS services, and challenges in social care in the UK, Forever Colours is filling a crucial gap in the support that many families across the area so urgently need. However, the reality is that the demand is so much greater than our capacity to deliver, even with the growth in service provision the team has so brilliantly found this year.
Forever Colour’s financial stability is critical in ensuring consistent service provision, given the vital nature of our support for families and the positive impact it has on their lives. In this regard, and in addition to the ongoing support from Centricus, I want to thank each and every funding partner, whether they are a trust, a company, an individual donor or a fund raiser. It is a terrible cliche to say we could do none of this if it weren’t for your collective efforts and generosity, but it is true, and we are truly grateful to you all.
As we look forward into 2023 and beyond, we can see that our future will hold change and challenge for both our families and us, not least as a community we face down increasing cost pressures, constraints on fund raising and service erosion from the regional providers. That said, we remain extremely privileged to work with our families every day and as a team we look forward with great excitement and positivity.
Ed Charvet Chair of Trustees Forever Colours Children’s Hospice 31/01/2024
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ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023
The Trustees present their annual report together with the financial statements of the Charity for the period 1 April 2022 to 31 March 2023.
OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES FOR PUBLIC BENEFIT
- To promote and facilitate for the public benefit, the relief, treatment and care of children and young persons (aged 0-18 years) living in the UK with life-limiting and/or life-threatening conditions. This is achieved through the provision of a total and active approach to their care from the point of initial diagnosis, through treatment, recovery or deterioration and end of life to ensure that they have as fulfilling lives as possible. This care is provided by:
a. Involving such young persons in open, honest communication around decisions about their care.
b. Embracing physical, emotional, social and spiritual elements for the enhancement of quality of life of such young persons. c. relieving and managing distressing symptoms.
d. Assisting the provision of short breaks and care.
e. Assisting mental wellbeing of children and young people by providing therapeutic support.
f. Embracing play schemes and events for the whole family.
- To promote and facilitate for the public benefit, the relief, treatment and care of children and young persons (aged 0-18 years) living in the UK with profound and multiple learning difficulties. This is achieved through the provision of respite care, support, education, training and advice achieving an active and total approach to their care to ensure that they have as fulfilling lives as possible. This range of care and support is provided by:
a. Involving such young persons in open, honest communication around decisions about their care.
b. Embracing physical, emotional, social and spiritual elements for the enhancement of quality of life of such young persons.
c. Relieving and managing distressing symptoms.
d. Assisting the provision of short breaks and care.
e. Assisting mental wellbeing of children and young people by providing therapeutic support.
f. Embracing play schemes and events for the whole family.
- To promote and facilitate for the public benefit, the relief of parents, carers and families of
children and young persons (aged 0-18 years) living in the UK with life-limiting and/or life-threatening conditions or profound and multiple learning difficulties. This is achieved by:
a. Involving such families and carers in open, honest communication around decisions about provision of care.
b. Embracing physical, emotional, social and spiritual elements for the enhancement of parents, carers and families.
c. Relieving and managing distressing situations.
d. Assisting with the temporary relief of care responsibility over such children/young people by the provision of short breaks.
e. Relieving financial hardship and strain on families by providing advocacy support services.
f. Embracing play schemes and events for the whole family, siblings and parents/carers.
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- To promote and facilitate for the public benefit, the relief of families who suffer bereavement through the loss of a child or young person (aged 0-18 years) who dies in the UK through the provision of after-death care services. these services are supported by:
a. involving such families and carers in open, honest communication by raising awareness around decisions about the child and young persons after death care.
b. Embracing physical, emotional, social and spiritual elements of death and bereavement support.
c. Relieving and managing grief.
d. Assisting mental wellbeing of families through providing therapeutic support.
e. Relieving financial hardship and strain on families by providing advocacy support services.
f. Assisting in the provision of after-death care.
Our work at Forever Colours Children’s Hospice is informed by statutory and sector guidance and regulated by the Charity Commission.
This report demonstrates how public benefit was delivered through Forever Colours Children’s
Hospice’s charitable aims. In working to deliver these objectives, the Trustee Board and Founding Directors are cognisant of the need to comply with public benefit requirements. To that end, the charity has paid due regard to the published guidance from the Charity Commission on the operation of the Public Benefit requirement under The Charities Act 2011.
ABOUT US
OUR VISION AND MISSION
Forever Colours Children’s Hospice is a family focused, community-based children’s hospice in Buckinghamshire. We provide care to babies, children and young people with life-limiting and life-threatening conditions or profound and multiple learning disabilities (PMLD), and their families.
Founded in 2018, the charity offers a range of support services with the emotional and physical wellbeing of families in mind. Offering holistic care including Play Specialism, signposting and advocacy, sibling and parent support, one-to-one help, group days out, end of life and post death care.
At Forever Colours, we focus on the child and wrap our holistic services around the whole family. We exist to support families, providing what they need, when they need it. We deliver a high standard of care that is family oriented and invested in making a difference. We never forget that the people we work with are at the heart of everything we do, so we make sure we are always listening to them and their evolving needs, which could be anything from supporting after the death of a child, to help completing complex medical paperwork, or providing an adapted and supported day out at a theme park.
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ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023
OUR CULTURE AND VALUES
After careful consideration at the Annual General Meeting (AGM), the values of Forever Colours Children’s Hospice were agreed, ensuring they reflected the charity and current service provision.
F amily C ommunity C hild Centred H olistic
Forever Colours Children’s Hospice regards strong leadership, management and good governance as the key to ensuring that we deliver high-quality, person-centred care that supports learning and innovation. The charity has taken pride in the services that have been delivered and appreciate that the key to be able to continue to do so effectively is ensuring Trustee, Staff and Volunteer expertise, voices and strengths are considered alongside those of the referred families. To ensure this, the charity has ensured that there has been protected time for training, development, supervision, coaching and appraisal. Throughout the year practice has been continually reviewed and amended.
The Directors have ensured all necessary policies and procedures are up to date and relevant, including Safeguarding, Lone Working and Whistle Blowing. The Directors have spent a significant amount of time working in collaboration with the Trustee Board, ensuring that the Trustees thoroughly understand and agree with the direction of the charity.
It is imperative that the Trustees know how a compassionate, inclusive and effective charity operates, and as such highlighting safe care and ensuring a shared vision is a priority to both the Directors and the Trustee Board. The charity has clear aims and objectives set out in the constitution and hold Annual General Meetings to reflect on the previous operating year and set the strategic direction of the charity moving forward.
CARE
STRATEGIC DIRECTION
Forever Colours has always aimed, from concept, to fill gaps in the sector, build services around family need and not duplicate services that are already being delivered.
All families have the right to choose how they would like to receive care, from diagnosis though to care after death, and to achieve this, Forever Colours has prioritised assessing a families' holistic needs. The charity believes that quality of life, quality of death and family choice is key to an effective service and to ensure this, Forever Colours completes family and child reported outcome measures. These translate to a bespoke package of care being developed for each individual family based on their individual objectives, and therefore the service is designed by each family, for their family.
At Forever Colours, we understand the sensitivity around death and dying, we prioritise having honest and open conversations with referred families and professionals about family choices and wishes around death. Forever Colours has a cold blanket loan service, where the cold blanket can be loaned to families and professionals, as there is currently limited access to post death care in both hospitals and home setting across Buckinghamshire.
This year our strategic direction remained focussed on Forever Colours Children’s Hospice reaching more families in need of our support, and the increase in referrals has exceeded early predictions in this financial year. We are delighted that we have been able to do this whilst maintaining our high standards of care.
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ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023
Over the last few years, Forever Colours has transformed itself from a small hospice at home service to a leading provider of holistic hospice care across Buckinghamshire.
Our desire is to reach more babies, children and young people who require the support of a Children’s Hospice, and their families, providing outstanding holistic care that enables them to live a full life and die a good death. We want to help ensure that children with life-threatening or life-threatening conditions in Buckinghamshire have access to the care and support they need, when and where they need it.
To build on the progress we have made so far, we will continue to seek out new partners and strengthen existing relationship with care providers, charities and other medical professionals.
OUR CARE
128 babies, children and young people, and their families, were cared for this year by Forever Colours, double the 64 supported in 2022/23
FAMILY SUPPORT
When a family is referred to Forever Colours, our Family Support Worker becomes their initial point of contact. They conduct an initial assessment to identify the family's most pressing support needs, which may include signposting, advocacy, or simply listening. Family Support Workers offer support in the community or at home, providing support for families until a young person reaches 19 years pf age or up to three years post bereavement.
The goal of Family Support is to enhance resilience and empower families. Recognising the unique nature of each child and family, we tailor our support to meet their individual needs. By serving as a single point of contact, we ensure that the care we provide adjusts as circumstances evolve. The Family Support Team delivered a responsive service with the flexibility to meet the diverse needs of families in the community. As a team, they promptly address requests for support, assisting babies, children, young people, and their families during some of their most challenging times.
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With the increase of family referrals, the team put a scoring system in place, to define the level of support that each family requires. The family support service ranges hugely from a vast number of needs, supporting these needs can be anything from phone calls to landlords, applying for grants and speaking at length to our families on the phone or in person, giving emotional support when things can feel like they are at crisis point.
Relationships with professional partners across the sector continue to grow. The team meet regularly with professionals to share information on shared families. The positive relationships that have been created with our families, allows us to support and guide families honestly and practically, advocating on their behalf. This year the Family Support Team supported a family going through a really difficult time, having to make decisions about their three-year-old daughter’s end of life care plan. Forever Colours supported the family to apply for in-house hospice services to run alongside our own. The choice place of death was in the family home and Forever Colours attended a professionals meeting to create an end-of-life care plan to ensure that the families wishes were met.
“I know you're not my "friend", but I feel I can talk to you and think of you as a friend even though you're a worker helping me and my family. I do think the world of you, and I wondered if you could call me tomorrow if you're free please. I feel so sad and so lost and don't know what to do so sorry to put this on you”
Coffee Mornings
This year the Forever Colours Team set up a drop in coffee morning that runs on a Friday morning from a cafe in Milton Keynes. It is a central point for all parents to meet up weekly, there has been a huge impact with friendships forming and information sharing, with access to our Family Support Team to support and advocate for all families.
Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs) Coffee Groups
We also ran our first Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD’s) coffee group, this was a huge success and now an integral part of service delivery. The group allows a chance for parents/carers of babies, children and young people who have profound and multiple learning difficulties to create a peer network.
SPECIALIST PLAY
“Thank you so much for today we even managed a successful family lunch which normally ends in disaster! “
Play helps babies, children and young people at Forever Colours develop vital skills, manage their symptoms and have fun in a safe and supportive environment. Specialist Play remains at the centre of the charity, with Forever Colours ensuring that play is in every aspect of the children's treatment, care and recovery. Specialist Play has offered and provided play opportunities to 128 families this year. Play have supported both Forever Colours children and their siblings with fears and anxieties around their treatment and conditions as well focusing on all round development. For siblings this service has allowed them to have a safe space, which is very much needed in the hospital, home and school setting.
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ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023
A highlight for Specialist Play was the launch of our sensory play sessions for under 5’s. The aim of the sessions is to enable babies and children to access a range of sensory play equipment and resources. They also provide an opportunity for the babies and children to have social interaction with the same age group as themselves. These groups also create a network for parents/carers to share information and befriending.
Our team had the incredible opportunity to talk at a National Conference. This was gratefully received by all who attended as it gave a view of the world of Play Specialism in the Hospice sector.
Another highlight for Specialist Play was being approached by one of our families to talk about the importance of play and sibling support at a webinar. This will be used on the local help page as a resource.
“The weekly sessions F has had with the play team has been very beneficial to us as a whole family. It has given F a consistent weekly routine that he has been able to call ‘his time’. Due to our family situation, it is difficult to be able to have that consistent approach, so it has been very important and helpful. F has become comfortable around the team, and it’s been lovely seeing and hearing him with them.”
“I wish daddy was here to see how E laughs and interacts with you.”
“You honestly came into our lives when we needed it the most and have helped us deal with so much. Your support has been incredible, and I feel at ease just knowing that I have you there to speak too or go to for help or advice when needed. Nothing is ever too much trouble, and you always strive to help us as much as you possibly can. Before you came along, we didn’t have access to the support we needed. All the professionals we are under are there to provide the care etc but sometimes it’s the support that is needed the most for families like us. So, thank you for being amazing.”
EVENTS
All Forever Colours families have enjoyed Family Days and Sibling Events.
Parent Groups
We launched our first Couples Parent Group this year. Families expressed that it had been so long since they had an evening together and the relaxed atmosphere coupled with dancing and singing had been just what they all needed. We also launched our first Fathers Event; this again was very popular. The success of this event was extremely positive, as we know that this is an area that the sector struggles to support. A peer network has been built and the group now meet regularly independently.
Aqua Park Family Day
Forever Colours children, young people, volunteers and staff got into wet suits, which created a wonderful sense of a team needing to conquer a large wet obstacle course. All the children and young people worked together to support each other. This activity attracted children and young people that had not attended before. We also had several children that were very nervous before the activity but conquered their fears and had a wonderful time.
Mead Open Farm
Forever Colours took families many families to an Autumn themed event. The families got to meet animals and discovered acres of outdoor adventure play and an indoor play area. It was an amazing day out for the whole family.
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ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023
Ninja Warrior
Forever Colours siblings attended Ninja Warrior, a place that is Inspired by ITV’s hit TV show, you can climb, balance, jump and swing across different obstacles in the Adventure Park. Siblings developed their Ninja skills, and some beat the famous Warped Wall.
Snow White Pantomime
27 families jumped aboard for an adventure into a fairytale, with an enchanted forest and hilarious characters. We watched in anticipation to see if the wicked Queen would be rid of her beautiful stepdaughter for good. Milton Keynes Theatre put on a wonderful pantomime. It was a happily ever after ending for all our families.
Mothers Group Meal
We took Forever Colours Mothers out for a meal in Buckinghamshire. It was a chance for our Mothers to really relax. They extended the afternoon into the evening to watch a live band perform. The Mothers have now set up their own evening meet up independently from Forever Colours.
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
Forever Colours took siblings to see Charlie and the Chocolate Factory at Milton Keynes Theatre. They all enjoyed the devilishly delicious tale of young golden ticket winner Charlie Bucket and the mysterious confectionary wizard Willy Wonka.
Photo Shoot
With the support of the MK1 Café that we use for our weekly Parents Coffee Morning we held a photoshoot for all our families. Families were very grateful and expressed that they do not have any photos of the whole family together. Included in their photoshoot they enjoyed cakes and coffee and we printed and framed a photo for each family.
“I have nothing but positive things to say about Forever Colours, from the moment I signed up as one of the first parents to a whole two years later. Through the pandemic they were there as a distant support even though they were setting everything up themselves. As soon as we were allowed to meet outside, they provided a Carer to meet with us to build a bond with not just my daughter but with me too. Even when staff changed over it was always a smooth transition and there was never any negativity, just help and support always. I am forever grateful for them coming into our lives and helping us every week with a Career as well as the option for Coffee Mornings and free events for our children. It’s allowed me to form friendships with other parents that are in similar positions as me, or even if they aren’t, it’s another ear to rant to when having a bad day. “
Family Support Volunteers
We have been working on creating our Family Support Volunteer Service. A training and recruitment program has been set up. The aims of this service are to be able to offer each family more contact from our team. The volunteers will be given their own caseload of families that they will check in with when required.
230 Family Support Volunteer Hours
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ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023
OUR FUNDRAISING
This year has seen Forever Colours starting to look at diversifying income streams. Thanks to the generosity of our supporters, we have been able to continue to deliver our care services, reaching more babies, children and young people, and their families, than ever before.
Following approval from the Board of Trustees to designate funds to invest in the diversification of income, one of our key focuses this year was the development of new income generation strategies. Although these are still works in progress, we look forward to growing these areas to bring broader income streams into the charity to continue to support and ideally further expand the critical services the charity is providing.
In comparison to 2021/2022 Annual Accounts key developments have been:
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Increased community engagement
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Increased income generation from events by over 300% such as Golf Days and Founders Dinner
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Secured further grants restricted to running Family Days
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ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023
Fundraising highlights
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Continued support from Centricus, our Founding Partner
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All family events funded by Barber Charvet Trust
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Founders Dinner raised significantly more than budgeted
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Hosting our hugely popular Golf Day
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Talking about Forever Colours on the local Hospital Radio Station. This reached many listeners and also generated donations
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We had a large donation of mixed clothes and household items
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Developed a fundraising strategy to help underpin continued stability and growth of the charity
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Successful community ticketed events
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Operational review completed and all financial policies and operating practices updated
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Financial reporting and forecasting approach overhauled with accountancy support, to include regular Fundraising and Finance sub-Committee meetings for oversight on the financial position of the charity and future fundraising activity.
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Reporting now giving much improved visibility of cash position, monthly costs, and a forward forecast of the liquidity of the charity
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Ebay volunteer setting up the retail side of the charity
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Varied digital giving (JustGiving, Easy Fundraising and Facebook)
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Increased success with Trust, Grant and Pledge funding
Spotlight on Centricus – Founding Partner
After many years of generous support, we would like to thank everyone at Centricus, our Founding Partner, again this year.
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ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023
OUR MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS
Across the UK, there is a notable lack of awareness regarding children's palliative care and the available support for babies, children, young people, and their families in need of such care.
To address this, our charity has prioritised enhancing Forever Colours' visibility through a comprehensive marketing program, including:
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Growing the number of followers on Forever Colours' social media
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Increasing overall traffic to our website
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Improving our social media engagement rate
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Securing media features on radio, press, or posts from social media influencers
While progress has been made in brand awareness, we recognise the need for further advancement to fulfil Forever Colours' broader objectives. To achieve this, we intend to hire a Marketing and Communications consultant and launch a brand awareness campaign.
Our new marketing and communication focus is on showcasing our family's individual journeys, holistic care activities and building the brand. This involves collaborating with expert consultants to create a marketing strategy, distributing leaflets to raise awareness among communities, families, and healthcare professionals, developing fundraising materials, including launching an online newsletter, creating new website pages, and introducing a new role within our Marketing and Communications team.
Marketing and communication highlights
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Monitoring increased traffic to our website and social media
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We designed an Easter egg donation poster which increased charity awareness and a donation of 200 Easter eggs for our families
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Creating the ‘Together We Climb’ challenge event campaign
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Call to action page on our website and social media for community fundraising, encouraging people to raise money for us through community events
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Continued work around branding and brand continuity
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ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023
FINANCIAL REVIEW
Income
At the start of the financial year, we presented a business case to the Trustees emphasising the imperative to diversify income. They were supportive of our ambitious sustainability plans.
Fundraising events have maintained a similar structure to the previous year, primarily relying on our Founding Partner, Centricus. Although the increased diversity of income streams, including Trust applications and Community Events, has pleased Directors and Trustees, we anticipate the most significant growth in the coming year. While government or commissioned income has not been established yet, it remains a priority for the charity.
Expenditure
We maintained a policy of strict cost control across all areas of the charity. The total cost of charitable activities, i.e. delivering support to the babies, children, young people and their families we care for and running costs has increased. We expected a higher total expenditure than in the prior year as we are growing to allow us to increase the number of babies, children, young people and their families we can support in line with our strategy. The result of this planned growth in the charity was higher salary costs as well as increased associated costs. We also had an increase in costs such as travel this year as staff were able to travel more with the relaxation of Covid restrictions.
Reserves Policy
It is the policy of the Directors and Trustees to maintain 3 months of reserves to allow the operating activities of the charity to continue. At the time of signing the statutory accounts, the Trustees consider the level of reserves to be adequate for the charity's current needs. Due to the expectation of wider economic challenges in the UK over the coming year such as the cost-of-living crisis, the Trustees consider it is reasonable to hold the current level of unrestricted free reserves currently.
The Trustees will review the Reserves Policy annually, considering the status of charity plans and the state of the wider economy at the time. The Trustees remain committed to ensuring the charity can continue to deliver its services and will flex the policy and level of reserves accordingly .
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ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023
Financial sustainability and going concern
Thanks to the generosity of our supporters for their continued contribution to the charity. The Trustees had agreed to invest in the Fundraising Team to support the diversification of income.
With a challenging economic outlook categorised by high inflation and rising costs we continue to monitor our cash flows regularly and run sensitivity analyses to ensure we have sufficient working capital for our short-term needs.
Based on the above and our fundraising plans for the year ahead, the Trustees believe that we have sufficient financial resources and opportunities to meet the future operating requirements of the charity and therefore remain a going concern.
Risk management
Forever Colours has developed its formal risk management process through the identification and management of risk by the Trustee Board and Founding Director Team and the respective Sub-Committees. The risk process covers strategic and operational risk. The Trustees review all significant risk and mitigation throughout the year and are satisfied that the process and systems developed are in place to manage identified risks to an acceptable level.
STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT
Constitution
Forever Colours Children's Hospice is a registered charity, number 1191073, and is constituted under a Trust deed.
Method of appointment or election of Trustees
The management of the Charity is the responsibility of the Trustees who are elected and co-opted under the terms of the Trust deed.
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ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023
FUTURE OUTLOOK
Considering the current cost-of-living crisis, Forever Colours must incorporate this factor into the charity's future planning. The demand for services at children's hospice charities, like Forever Colours, is on the rise as families seek support for seriously ill babies, children, and young people. Despite providing crucial specialized care and emotional assistance, these charities face challenges due to insufficient NHS funding. The increasing demand highlights the vital need for external support to bridge the funding gap and ensure accessibility to essential services.
It is crucial for the Forever Colours team to prioritise ongoing evaluation of family reported outcome measures and maintain effective communication with referred families, focusing on areas where they express a need for support.
To meet the growing referrals, Forever Colours plans to expand its inclusive and innovative care services, incorporating Father Groups, Mothers Groups, Parent Groups, more frequent Family Days, and Siblings Groups. The popular family-led Parent Coffee Mornings will continue to evolve. Investments will continue in the capabilities and expertise of Family Support Workers and Specialist Play roles, with increased support from volunteers.
In navigating the current economic climate, the charity will take a holistic approach to income generation, exploring all available avenues for funding and diversifying income streams. Efforts will include showcasing the Care Team's work within the community, engaging with media production organisations, and producing an annual appeal film for fundraising events.
Plans also include expanding the volunteer service to support the charity's general operation, building on new partnerships forged during the COVID-19 pandemic across the NHS and Commissioning Groups. The goal is to enhance cross-organisational working through increased attendance at networking groups and further engagement with local sector professionals.
As a developing charity, Forever Colours aims to set realistic objectives to sustain services amid increasing referral numbers, recognizing that learning and adaptation are integral parts of the charity's values.
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ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023
Statement of Trustees’ responsibilities
The Trustees are responsible for preparing the Trustees' report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice). The law applicable to charities in England & Wales requires the Trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the Charity and of its incoming resources and application of resources, including its income and expenditure, for that period. In preparing these financial statements, the Trustees are required to:
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select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;
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observe the methods and principles of the Charities SORP (FRS 102);
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make judgments and accounting estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
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state whether applicable UK Accounting Standards (FRS 102) have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements;
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prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the Charity will continue in business.
The Trustees are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that are sufficient to show and explain the Charity's transactions and disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the Charity and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Charities Act 2011, the Charity (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 and the provisions of the Trust deed. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the Charity and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.
Approved by order of the members of the board of Trustees and signed on their behalf by:
Ed Charvet Chair of Trustees Forever Colours Children’s Hospice 31/01/2024
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Forever Colours Children's Hospice
Independent examiner's report
For the year ended 31 March 2023
Independent examiner's report to the Trustees of Forever Colours Children's Hospice ('the Charity')
I report to the charity Trustees on my examination of the accounts of the Charity for the year ended 31 March 2023.
Responsibilities and basis of report
As the Trustees of the Charity you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 ('the 2011 Act').
I report in respect of my examination of the Charity's accounts carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination I have followed the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act.
Independent examiner's statement
Your attention is drawn to the fact that the Charity has prepared the accounts 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 (FRS 102) in preference to the Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice issued on 1 April 2005 which is referred to in the extant regulations but has been withdrawn.
I 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 2019.
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 that in any material respect:
-
accounting records were not kept in respect of the Charity as required by section 130 of the 2011 Act; or
-
the accounts do not accord with those records; or
-
the accounts do not comply with the applicable requirements concerning the form and content of accounts set out in the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 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.
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.
This report is made solely to the Charity's Trustees, as a body, in accordance with Part 4 of the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008. My work has been undertaken so that I might state to the Charity's Trustees those matters I am required to state to them in an Independent examiner's report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, I do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the Charity and the Charity's Trustees as a body, for my work or for this report.
Signed: Dated: 31 January 2024 Steve Moss BSc (Hons) ACA
Kreston Reeves LLP
Chartered Accountants London
Page 19
Forever Colours Children's Hospice
Statement of financial activities For the year ended 31 March 2023
| Note Income from: Donations and legacies 3 Charitable activities 4 Total income Expenditure on: Raising funds 5 Charitable activities 6 Total expenditure Net movement in funds Reconciliation of funds: Total funds brought forward Net movement in funds Total funds carried forward |
Restricted funds 2023 £ 7,400 - 7,400 - 7,400 7,400 - - - - |
Unrestricted funds 2023 £ 152,230 32,031 184,261 14,911 211,568 226,479 (42,218) 61,672 (42,218) 19,454 |
Total funds 2023 £ 159,630 32,031 191,661 14,911 218,968 233,879 (42,218) 61,672 (42,218) 19,454 |
Total funds 2022 £ 174,075 6,396 180,471 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1,582 137,862 139,444 |
||||
| 41,027 | ||||
| 20,645 41,027 61,672 |
The Statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year.
The notes on pages 22 to 32 form part of these financial statements.
Page 20
Forever Colours Children's Hospice
Balance sheet As at 31 March 2023
| Note Fixed assets Tangible assets 11 Current assets Debtors 12 Cash at bank and in hand Creditors: amounts falling due within one year 13 Net current assets Total net assets Charity funds Unrestricted funds Total funds |
1,504 23,958 (10,858) |
2023 £ 4,850 14,604 19,454 19,454 19,454 |
- 64,749 (7,103) |
2022 £ 4,026 57,646 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 61,672 | ||||
| 61,672 | ||||
| 61,672 |
The financial statements were approved and authorised for issue by the Trustees and signed on their behalf by:
E B V Charvet
(Chair of Trustees)
Date: 31 January 2024
The notes on pages 22 to 32 form part of these financial statements.
Page 21
Forever Colours Children's Hospice
Notes to the financial statements For the year ended 31 March 2023
1. General information
Forever Colours Children's Hospice is a charity registered in England, with registration number 1191073. The charity's registered address is 48 Frobisher Road, London, N8 0QX. The principal activity of the charity is to promote and facilitate the relief, treatment and care of children and young persons living in the UK with life-limiting and/or life-threatening conditions.
2. Accounting policies
2.1 Basis of preparation of financial statements
The financial statements 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), the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) and the Charities Act 2011.
The financial statements have been prepared to give a 'true and fair' view and have departed from the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 only to the extent required to provide a 'true and fair' view. This departure has involved following the Charities SORP (FRS 102) published in October 2019 rather than the Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice effective from 1 April 2005 which has since been withdrawn.
Forever Colours Children's Hospice meets the definition of a public benefit entity under FRS 102. Assets and liabilities are initially recognised at historical cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant accounting policy.
2.2 Going concern
The Trustees assess whether the use of going concern is appropriate, i.e. whether there are any material uncertainties related to events and conditions that may cast signficant doubt on the ability of the Charity to continue as a going concern. The Trustees make this assessment in respect of a period of at least one year from the date of authorisation for issue of the financial statements, and have concluded that the Charity has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future, and there are no material uncertainties about the Charity's ability to continue as a going concern, thus they continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting in preparing the financial statements.
2.3 Income
All income is recognised once the Charity has entitlement to the income, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount of income receivable can be measured reliably.
Grants are included in the Statement of financial activities on a receivable basis. The balance of income received for specific purposes but not expended during the period is shown in the relevant funds on the Balance sheet. Where income is received in advance of entitlement of receipt, its recognition is deferred and included in creditors as deferred income. Where entitlement occurs before income is received, the income is accrued.
Page 22
Forever Colours Children's Hospice
Notes to the financial statements For the year ended 31 March 2023
2. Accounting policies (continued)
2.4 Expenditure
Expenditure is recognised once there is a legal or constructive obligation to transfer economic benefit to a third party, 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 classified by activity. The costs of each activity are made up of the total of direct costs and shared costs, including support costs involved in undertaking each activity. Direct costs attributable to a single activity are allocated directly to that activity. Shared costs which contribute to more than one activity and support costs which are not attributable to a single activity are apportioned between those activities on a basis consistent with the use of resources. Central staff costs are allocated on the basis of time spent, and depreciation charges allocated on the portion of the asset’s use.
Expenditure on raising funds includes all expenditure incurred by the Charity to raise funds for its charitable purposes and includes costs of all fundraising activities events and non-charitable trading.
Expenditure on charitable activities is incurred on directly undertaking the activities which further the Charity's objectives, as well as any associated support costs.
All expenditure is inclusive of irrecoverable VAT.
2.5 Tangible fixed assets and depreciation
Tangible fixed assets costing £500 or more are capitalised and recognised when future economic benefits are probable and the cost or value of the asset can be measured reliably.
Tangible fixed assets are initially recognised at cost. After recognition, under the cost model, tangible fixed assets are measured at cost less accumulated depreciation and any accumulated impairment losses. All costs incurred to bring a tangible fixed asset into its intended working condition should be included in the measurement of cost.
Depreciation is charged so as to allocate the cost of tangible fixed assets less their residual value over their estimated useful lives, using the straight-line method.
Depreciation is provided on the following bases:
| Fixtures and fittings | - 20% |
|---|---|
| Computer equipment | - 20% |
2.6 Debtors
Trade and other debtors are recognised at the settlement amount after any trade discount offered. Prepayments are valued at the amount prepaid net of any trade discounts due.
2.7 Cash at bank and in hand
Cash at bank and in hand includes cash and short-term highly liquid investments with a short maturity of three months or less from the date of acquisition or opening of the deposit or similar account.
Page 23
Forever Colours Children's Hospice
Notes to the financial statements For the year ended 31 March 2023
2. Accounting policies (continued)
2.8 Liabilities and provisions
Liabilities are recognised when there is an obligation at the Balance sheet date as a result of a past event, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefit will be required in settlement, and the amount of the settlement can be estimated reliably.
Liabilities are recognised at the amount that the Charity anticipates it will pay to settle the debt or the amount it has received as advanced payments for the goods or services it must provide.
Provisions are measured at the best estimate of the amounts required to settle the obligation. Where the effect of the time value of money is material, the provision is based on the present value of those amounts, discounted at the pre-tax discount rate that reflects the risks specific to the liability. The unwinding of the discount is recognised in the Statement of financial activities as a finance cost.
2.9 Financial instruments
The Charity only has financial assets and financial liabilities of a kind that qualify as basic financial instruments. Basic financial instruments are initially recognised at transaction value and subsequently measured at their settlement value with the exception of bank loans which are subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method.
2.10 Pensions
The Charity operates a defined contribution pension scheme and the pension charge represents the amounts payable by the Charity to the fund in respect of the year.
2.11 Fund accounting
General funds are unrestricted funds which are available for use at the discretion of the Trustees in furtherance of the general objectives of the Charity and which have not been designated for other purposes.
Restricted funds are funds which are to be used in accordance with specific restrictions imposed by donors or which have been raised by the Charity for particular purposes. The costs of raising and administering such funds are charged against the specific fund. The aim and use of each restricted fund is set out in the notes to the financial statements.
Page 24
Forever Colours Children's Hospice
Notes to the financial statements For the year ended 31 March 2023
3. Income from donations and legacies
| Donations Grants Donations |
Restricted funds 2023 £ - 7,400 7,400 |
Unrestricted funds 2023 £ 123,000 29,230 152,230 Unrestricted funds 2022 £ 174,075 |
Total funds 2023 £ 123,000 36,630 159,630 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total funds 2022 £ 174,075 |
4. Income from charitable activities
| Fundraising Special Events Fundraising |
Unrestricted funds 2023 £ 4,324 27,707 32,031 Unrestricted funds 2022 £ 6,396 |
Total funds 2023 £ 4,324 27,707 32,031 |
|---|---|---|
| Total funds 2022 £ 6,396 |
Page 25
Forever Colours Children's Hospice
Notes to the financial statements For the year ended 31 March 2023
5. Expenditure on raising funds
Costs of raising voluntary income
| Unrestricted funds 2023 £ Fundraising costs 14,911 Unrestricted funds 2022 £ Fundraising costs 1,582 |
Total funds 2023 £ 14,911 |
|---|---|
| Total funds 2022 £ 1,582 |
6. Analysis of expenditure on charitable activities
Summary by fund type
| Charitable activities Charitable activities |
Restricted funds 2023 Unrestricted funds 2023 £ £ 7,400 211,568 Unrestricted funds 2022 £ 137,862 |
Total 2023 £ 218,968 |
|---|---|---|
| Total 2022 £ 137,862 |
Page 26
Forever Colours Children's Hospice
Notes to the financial statements For the year ended 31 March 2023
7. Analysis of expenditure by activities
| Charitable activities Charitable activities |
Activities undertaken directly 2023 £ 185,622 Activities undertaken directly 2022 £ 106,143 |
Support costs 2023 £ 33,346 Support costs 2022 £ 31,719 |
Total funds 2023 £ 218,968 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total funds 2022 £ 137,862 |
Analysis of direct costs
| Staff costs Depreciation Equipment Staff costs Depreciation Equipment |
Activities 2023 £ 175,495 1,626 8,501 185,622 Activities 2022 £ 104,760 1,053 330 106,143 |
Total funds 2023 £ 175,495 1,626 8,501 185,622 |
|---|---|---|
| Total funds 2022 £ 104,760 1,053 330 106,143 |
Page 27
Forever Colours Children's Hospice
Notes to the financial statements For the year ended 31 March 2023
7. Analysis of expenditure by activities (continued)
Analysis of support costs
| Advertising Family Days/Packs Entertainment Computer costs Travel expenses Subscriptions Clothing costs Bank charges Printing, postage & stationery Accountancy DBS costs Advertising Family Days/Packs Entertainment Computer costs Travel expenses Subscriptions Clothing costs Printing, postage and stationery Accountancy DBS costs |
Activities 2023 £ 1,320 6,418 3,317 7,316 4,140 1,459 1,485 46 703 7,060 82 33,346 Activities 2022 £ 1,463 16,459 100 4,971 2,555 1,214 226 669 4,032 30 31,719 |
Total funds 2023 £ 1,320 6,418 3,317 7,316 4,140 1,459 1,485 46 703 7,060 82 33,346 |
|---|---|---|
| Total funds 2022 £ 1,463 16,459 100 4,971 2,555 1,214 226 669 4,032 30 31,719 |
Page 28
Forever Colours Children's Hospice
Notes to the financial statements For the year ended 31 March 2023
8. Independent examiner's remuneration
| 2023 | 2022 | |
|---|---|---|
| £ | £ | |
| Fees payable to the Charity's independent examiner for the independent | ||
| examination of the Charity's annual accounts | 3,000 | 2,400 |
9. Staff costs
| Wages and salaries Social security costs Contribution to defined contribution pension schemes |
2023 £ 161,236 10,606 3,653 175,495 |
2022 £ 98,155 4,288 2,317 |
|---|---|---|
| 104,760 |
The average number of persons employed by the Charity during the year was as follows:
| 2023 | 2022 | |
|---|---|---|
| No. | No. | |
| Employees | 6 | 6 |
No employee received remuneration amounting to more than £60,000 in either year.
Remuneration paid to Key Management Personnel during the period was £90,069 (2022: £77,441).
10. Trustees' remuneration and expenses
During the year, no Trustees received any remuneration or other benefits (2022 - £NIL).
During the year ended 31 March 2023, no Trustee expenses have been incurred (2022 - £115).
Page 29
Forever Colours Children's Hospice
Notes to the financial statements For the year ended 31 March 2023
11. Tangible fixed assets
| Cost At 1 April 2022 Additions At 31 March 2023 Depreciation At 1 April 2022 Charge for the year At 31 March 2023 Net book value At 31 March 2023 At 31 March 2022 12. Debtors Due within one year Other debtors 13. Creditors: Amounts falling due within one year Other taxation and social security Pension fund loan payable Other creditors Accruals and deferred income |
Fixtures and fittings £ 5,180 2,450 7,630 1,636 1,526 3,162 4,468 3,544 |
Computer equipment £ 499 - 499 17 100 117 382 482 2023 £ 1,504 1,504 2023 £ 7,858 - - 3,000 10,858 |
Total £ 5,679 2,450 8,129 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1,653 1,626 3,279 |
|||
| 4,850 | |||
| 4,026 | |||
| 2022 £ - - 2022 £ 3,927 669 107 2,400 7,103 |
Page 30
Forever Colours Children's Hospice
Notes to the financial statements For the year ended 31 March 2023
14. Summary of funds
Summary of funds - current year
| General funds Restricted funds Summary of funds - prior year General funds |
Balance at 1 April 2022 £ 61,672 - 61,672 Balance at 28 April 2021 £ 20,645 |
Income £ 184,261 7,400 191,661 Income £ 180,471 |
Expenditure £ (226,479) (7,400) (233,879) Expenditure £ (139,444) |
Balance at 31 March 2023 £ 19,454 - 19,454 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Balance at 31 March 2022 £ 61,672 |
The Charity was awarded a grant of £7,400 from the Kop Hill Climb Fund. This was spent on The Family Support service, one of the most popular and vital services that Forever Colours offers.
15. Analysis of net assets between funds
Analysis of net assets between funds - current year
| Tangible fixed assets Current assets Creditors due within one year Total |
Unrestricted funds 2023 £ 4,850 25,462 (10,858) 19,454 |
Total funds 2023 £ 4,850 25,462 (10,858) 19,454 |
|---|---|---|
Page 31
Forever Colours Children's Hospice
Notes to the financial statements For the year ended 31 March 2023
15. Analysis of net assets between funds (continued)
Analysis of net assets between funds - prior year
| Tangible fixed assets Current assets Creditors due within one year Total |
Unrestricted funds 2022 £ 4,026 64,749 (7,103) 61,672 |
Total funds 2022 £ 4,026 64,749 (7,103) 61,672 |
|---|---|---|
16. Pension commitments
The Charity operates a defined contribution pension scheme. The assets of the scheme are held separately from those of the Charity in an independently administered fund. The pension cost charge represents contributions paid by the Charity to the fund and amounted to £3,653 (2022: £2,317). At the period end, an amount of £NIL (2022: £669) was payable to the fund and is included in creditors.
17. Related party transactions
The Charity received total unrestricted donations from the Trustees of £1,225 (2022: £NIL). The Charity also received grants totalling £12,000 (2022: £NIL) from The Barber Charvet Trust, with which the Charity has one Trustee in common, E B V Charvet.
There were no outstanding balances owing between related parties and the Charity at 31 March 2023.
Page 32