## **Rachel’s Vineyard Birmingham Charitable Incorporation Organisation (Registered Charity Number 1191428)** ## **Trustees’ First Annual Report for the period 5[th] May 2020 to 31[st] March 2021** ## **Trustees** Jade Broadley Victoria Leach Rachel Mackenzie Mike Weaver ## **Objectives and Activities** Our Charitable aims are _"The advancement of the Christian religion in accordance with Catholic teachings for the public benefit by providing women and men with spiritual help during bereavement following an abortion decision."_ Any death is significant and grieving is a natural part of loss; but with an abortion there is an extra layer of grief due to the guilt of their decision due to the part they may have played. Rachel’s Vineyard works through the stages of grief allowing participants to experience the love and mercy that God has for them. Rachel's Vineyard weekends for healing after abortion are offered several times each year. The programme is an opportunity for participants to - examine their abortion experience; - identify the ways that the loss has impacted them in the past and present; and - • acknowledge any unresolved feelings that many individuals struggle with after abortion. Because of the emotional numbness and secrecy that often surrounds an abortion experience, conflicting emotions both during and after the event may remain unresolved. These buried feelings can surface later and may be symptoms of post abortion trauma. Married couples, mothers, fathers, grandparents and siblings of aborted children, as well as persons who have been involved in the abortion industry have come to Rachel's Vineyard in search of peace and inner healing. The weekend is a lot of work but yields a fruitful harvest for all who are willing to labour there. Our strategy is to: - Run four retreat weekends throughout the year; - Offer free places or reduced priced retreats for those who are financially disadvantaged and otherwise would not be able to attend ; - Offer a follow-up support programme to participants; - Offer professional support pre- and post-retreat for higher risk participants; - Introduce team development and training weekends; - Offer free places and cover travel expenses for the Retreat Priest and the rest of team attending each retreat; - Promote Rachel’s Vineyard to ensure the growth of the mission; and - Develop Rachel’s Vineyard Information Day Programme to engage a wider number of Priests, Counsellors, prepare for future growth. In formulating this strategy trustees confirm that they have had regard to the guidance issued by the Charity Commission on safeguarding vulnerable people and achieving public benefit. ## **Achievements and Performance** For the majority of the first ten months after gaining Charity Status, the U.K. has been in a National Lockdown due to the Covid-19 Pandemic. The Retreat Weekends were able to still take place due to the government guidelines that bereavement support groups are still allowed, if there are less than 15 participants and all safety measures are followed. This meant that Rachel’s Vineyard Birmingham has been able to conduct two retreats (September and November 2020), along with two reunions and one virtual reunion. During this time of uncertainty around when larger groups can meet again, we have planned and implemented an online Alpha Course that is running from March to May 2021 for 32 participants and team. The aim of this Alpha Course is to provide continued support and development for those who have attended Rachel’s Vineyard Retreats in the past. Another area of need that has been identified is to be able to provide ongoing support for those retreatants who have additional unresolved trauma, e.g., sexual abuse. The trustees have been working to develop a fundraising strategy to be able to offer private counselling sessions to some retreatants in the future. In our current situation, Rachel’s Vineyard Birmingham has financially agreed to support two retreat participants to attend Grief to Grace: a similar programme to Rachel’s Vineyard that focuses on healing for victims of sexual abuse. A huge success for Rachel’s Vineyard Birmingham is to have supported a new volunteer team who are planning to host their first retreat in the East of England in 2021. It is through the training and development of our volunteers that Rachel’s Vineyard will be able to expand in the U.K. and be able to support greater numbers of women and men who are suffering after abortion. In addition, the Trustees have been supporting a local team in Gibraltar as they work to build the foundations of Rachel’s Vineyard Gibraltar. In the initial stages of becoming a Registered Charity, the trustees have been proactive in updating our Safeguarding Policy and gaining approval from CSAS (Catholic Safeguarding Advisory Service). This information has been shared with the regional RV volunteer teams (during 6-weekly online meetings) and they have been supported in implementing it for future retreats and Rachel’s Vineyard activities. The Charity has taken an active and creative approach to becoming more wellknown in the public sphere, as well as within the Church and Pro-Life communities. Trustees have created a new website and regularly post and monitor their Facebook Page. This has seen an increase in traffic through the website and Facebook page, and has translated to more calls to the advertised phone number for those who are seeking support. Rachel’s Vineyard Birmingham has received the support of the Catholic Bishops Conference of England and Wales and is advertised via their ‘Day for Life’ website. In addition to these vital online platforms, Rachel’s Vineyard Birmingham has gained publicity through a number of virtual interviews and talks given by those who are both on the team with RV or have attended as participants on a retreat. These engagements not only help to publicise Rachel’s Vineyard across the U.K. but also act as a tool to reach those who have been affected by abortion and are seeking support. Lockdown and the increase of virtual networking has created the opportunity for the work and mission of Rachel’s Vineyard to be shared across a number of different platforms, including: World Magazine; Cambridge and Leeds University Chaplaincies; Christian Concern; Parliamentary Briefing; as well as numerous other U.K. organisations (March for Life, SPUC and 40 Days for Life). The main beneficiaries of all of this work are the women and men who are seeking support after a negative experience of abortion. By increasing our networking, publicity and online presence, Rachel’s Vineyard Birmingham aims to be a signpost to the wider society that there is the hope of healing for anyone, regardless of age, gender or religion. The hosting of weekend retreats will always be the priority of this Charity, but this time of transition to becoming a Registered Charity has allowed for these ideas to be actualised and implemented within the organisation. ## **Financial Review** This is the first review of the Charity’s financial position since it was established in May 2020 and covers the period up to 31[st] March 2021. The Charity’ income amounted to £15,281 comprising fees payable by those attending retreats and donations. Expenditure on charitable activities amounted to £11,942. At the end of this accounting period the Charity’s surplus was £3,339. No funds were brought forward so the amount being carried forward is £3,339. These funds are held in an account with TSB Bank plc. The sum carried forward provides a small working capital reserve but it is not a strong protection against adversity. The size of Charity’s reserve means trustees cannot enter into commitments unless they are reasonably sure funding will be raised to cover the outlay. The Charity also benefits from significant volunteer contributions to charitable activity and this helps to minimise expense. The Charity is also grateful to those who generously donate to its work. Trustees will continue to encourage more donors to support the Charity’s endeavours. The trustees are risk averse. The Charity is insured with Hiscox Insurance. Protective financial control measures are in place to protect the Charity from fraud and loss. Potential commitments are minimised until funding appears secure. Trustees receive regular financial reports and proposed expenditure on charitable activity is judged in the light of the prevailing and anticipated uncertainties. Trustees have no reason to believe that the Charity cannot continue as a going concern for the foreseeable future. ## **Structure, Governance and Management** The Charity is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation registered by the Charity Commission for England and Wales on 5[th] May 2020. The Charity operates in accordance with its Constitution. Trustees are recruited for their commitment to the mission of Rachel’s Vineyard and their particular skills relevant to meeting its objectives. Trustees receive induction training and will undertake continuing professional development to ensure the high standards of governance. Trustees have a regular programme of meetings to consider public benefit obligations, assess risks, agree plans, monitor implementation and review progress against objectives. These meetings can be in person or virtually using information technology. Trustees can provide professional services to the Charity for which they are paid. These services are in addition to their trustee duties which are undertaken voluntarily. The Charity follows a conflict of interests policy and keeps a record of relationships with related parties. Rachel’s Vineyard Birmingham is committed to Safeguarding all adults and vulnerable adults who attend our retreats. We have a Safeguarding policy (that is available on the website) that has been approved by CSAS and is followed closely at all events. In the case of a Safeguarding Concern, we follow the guidance of the local Diocese and CSAS (Catholic Safeguarding Advisory Service). ## **Official Address** 89 Springthorpe Road Erdington Birmingham West Midlands B24 0PL **Email** rachelmackenzie1@hotmail.com **Website** www.rachelsvineyard.org.uk **Telephone** 07734 059080 ## **Declarations** **The trustees declare that they have approved the trustees’ report above. Signed on behalf of the charity’s trustees.** _Mike Weaver_ **Trustee** **Date 2[nd] April 2021** Rachel's Vineyard Birniingham Reglstsred Charlty Nunknr 1191428 First *£counting Period 5th May 2020 to 31st March 2021 staten￿nt of Financial ktivities including Sunvnary Inconw and Expenditure kcount INCOME FROM: Fees Donations Shared DonalDns Other TOTPL INCOME 3,075.00 11,4160.20 745.80 0.00 15,281.00 Less Expendlture on Charltable P£tlvltl•s commtsjation Resources Office PhL￿e dvertising Travelling Team Sustenance Related Parties Shared Spending knsurance Other TOTAL EXPENDITURE 4.181. 917.34 366.76 154.04 3.70 450.40 228.19 142.81 3,650. 811.51 734.98 300.75 11,941.48 SURPLUS 3,339.52 , RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS: Total funds brought forward o.ool TOTPL FUNDS CfvRRIED FORWARD 3.339.52 BPLW4CE SHEET AS AT 31st March 2021 ASSETS Cash at Bank and in hand 3,339.52 TOTPL ASSETS 3.339.52 CHPRITY FUNDS Unre5tricled Funds 3,339.521 TOT￿ FUNDS 3,339.52 Signed on behalf of all trustees 2nd fvyril 2021 ## **Notes to the Financial Statements for the period 5[th] May 2020 to 31[st] March 2021.** ## 1. **ACCOUNTING POLICIES** ## 1.1 Basis of preparation The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention, with the exception of investments which are included at fair value, and in accordance with the Statement of Recommended Practice: Accounting and Reporting by Charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2015) – (Charities SORP (FRS 102)), the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102). Rachel’s Vineyard Birmingham Charitable Incorporated Organisation meets the definition of a public benefit entity under FRS 102. ## 1.2 Going Concern The financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis. Having carried out a detailed review of the Trust’s resources and the challenges presented by the current operating and economic climate, the Trustees are satisfied that the Trust has enough cash flows to meet its liabilities as they fall due for at least one year from the date of the approval of the accounts. There are no significant financial uncertainties which the Trustees consider are a significant risk to the ability of the Trust to operate as a going concern in the foreseeable future. ## 1.3 Income All income is included in the Statement of Financial Activities when the Trust has entitlement to the funds, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount can be quantified with reasonable accuracy. ## 1.4 Expenditure All expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis. Liabilities are recognised as expenditure as soon as there is a legal or constructive obligation committing the Trust to the expenditure. The following specific policies are applied to categories of expenditure: - charitable activities include expenditure on providing conferences; and - support costs relating to oversight of the affairs of the Trust. ## 1.5 Cash at bank and in hand Cash at bank includes cash and monies on short term deposit via current and deposit accounts at the bank and other short-term liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less. ## 1.6 Debtors Trade and other debtors are recognised at the settlement amount due after any trade discounts offered. Prepayments are valued at the amount prepaid net of any trade discounts due. ## 1.7 Creditors and provisions Creditors and provisions are recognised where the Trust has a present obligation resulting from a past event that will probably result in the transfer of funds to a third party and the amount due to settle the obligation can be measured or estimated reliably. Creditors and provisions are normally recognised at their settlement amount allowing for any trade discounts due. 1.8 Critical accounting estimates and areas of judgement Estimates and judgements are continually evaluated and are based on historical experience and other factors, including expectations of future events that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. There are no critical accounting estimates and areas of judgement to note. ## **2. INCOME** 2.1 The Charity’s main sources of income for the period were from donations and fees. 2.2 Overall income for the period was £15,281. ## **3. EXPENDITURE** 3.1 Expenditure on charitable activities amounted to £11,942. 3.2 The Trustees received no remuneration in relation to fulfilling their role as trustees. 3.3 The Trustees arranged for an Independent Examination to be carried out. No charge was made for the Independent Examination. 3.4 The Charity uses the Charities Aid Foundation (CAF) Online Donating System to enable donors to make contributions, securely and efficiently. CAF makes a small administrative charge for this service which is deducted from donations before they are paid to the Charity. The Charity makes no other use of commercial fund-raising organisations. ## **4. ASSETS AND LIABILITIES** 4.1 Assets on 31[st] March 2021 amounted to £3,339 and consisted of funds held by TSB Bank plc. 4.2 The Trust had no liabilities on 31[st] March 2021. ## 5. **UNRESTRICTED FUNDS** 5.1 On 31 March 2021 the Charity’s funds were £3,339. ## **6. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS** 6.1 During the period 5[th] May 2020 to 31[st] March 2021 the Trust made the following payments to related parties: - Rachel Mackenzie £3,300 for professional services additional to her voluntary unpaid duty as a trustee; and - Adam Clent £350 for his professional support services. Mr Clent is Ms Mackenzie’s spouse. ## **Independent Examiner's Report to the Trustees of Rachel’s Vineyard, Birmingham (Registered Charity Number 1191428)** I report on the accounts of the Charity for the period 5[th] May 2020 to 31[st] March 2021. ## **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(2) of the Charities Act 2011 (the 2011 Act) and that an independent examination is needed. It is my responsibility to: - examine the accounts under section 145 of the 2011 Act - -to follow the procedures laid down in the general Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145 (5) (b) of the Act; and - -state whether particular matters have come to my attention. ## **Basis of the 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 matter has come to my attention: - (1) which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect the requirements - to keep accounting records in accordance with section 130 of the 2011 Act; and - to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and to comply with the accounting requirements of the 2011 Act have not been met; or - (2) to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached. > Signed **S. T. Howarth** Dated: **6th April 2021** Chartered Institute of Public Finance Accountant Address Fairways, 111 Canada Way, Lower Wick, Worcester WR2 4XD