## **Rachel’s Vineyard UK Charitable Incorporation Organisation (Registered Charity Number 1191428)**
## **Trustees’ Annual Report for the period 1[st] April 2024 to 31[st] March 2025**
## **Trustees**
Jade Broadley (Resigned 25[th] January 2025) Sean Gough Victoria Leach 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. Rachel’s Vineyard supports those suffering because they feel unforgiven enabling them to reconcile themselves to God and their child lost through abortion. 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 up to eight 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;
- Develop Rachel’s Vineyard Information Day Programme to engage a wider number of Priests, Counsellors, prepare for future growth;
- Support post-abortive people that may not go on retreat, but need advice, support and signposting to other help;
- Support new teams and develop growth of Rachel’s Vineyard throughout the UK;
- Support other Rachel Vineyard teams throughout UK; and
- Lead ‘Leaders’ meetings and annual retreat of leaders in UK
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, Performance, and Delivering Public Benefit Introduction**
In the past year, the charity has continued to be a beacon of support for individuals impacted by abortion, providing not only practical help but also a deep, faith-based healing journey. We understand that the impact of abortion extends deeply into all aspects of a person’s life. Many who attend Rachel’s Vineyard retreats experience complex trauma that requires continued support.
We continue to recognize the need for ongoing care for those who face additional unresolved traumas, such as sexual abuse, human trafficking, mental health challenges, or difficulties with relationships and housing.
Through our various initiatives, including personalised support, retreats, faith formation, and educational outreach, we have been able to assist many people on their path to recovery, healing, and spiritual growth. This section outlines our key achievements, and the public benefit we continue to deliver.
## **Key Achievements**
## 1. **Post-Abortive Support & Direct Services**
- **Retreats and Aftercare**
This year, Rachel’s Vineyard Uk hosted 7 weekend retreats in the Midlands, Suffolk and Scotland region. Each retreat was followed by 1-1 check-in with each retreatant, a retreatant WhatsApp group, and an inperson one-day follow-up day. We maintain strong relationships with RV retreat leaders across various regions, offering support for their retreats when needed. For most retreat attendees, the weekend retreat and follow up day provide the support they require, which remains the charity's primary focus.
- **National Reach & Local Impact:**
- Over the past year, RV UK has supported **over 150 individuals.** Our national helpline and local outreach have extended our reach, offering crucial support to those grieving and traumatised from abortion. The national phone number provided invaluable support, especially for those seeking urgent help
- **Individualized Support:**
We sponsored over **100 psychotherapy sessions** for individuals needing
professional support. This was a significant investment in the mental and emotional well-being of those affected.
## `o` **Empowerment Through Storytelling:**
We facilitated platforms for individuals to share their stories of healing. These courageous testimonies have inspired others and shown that they are not alone in their journey of grief
## `o` **Comprehensive Support Materials:**
- We distributed talks, literature, and videos designed to provide emotional and spiritual support to those traumatized by abortion. We also signposted individuals to Grief to Grace for further healing, and supported those struggling with the pain of anniversaries and birth dates.
## `o` **Testimonies from Rachel’s Vineyard Participants in 2024:**
‘Fantastic! Best retreat I Have ever been on – I am speechless. All the exercises were so meaningful, how precisely and accurately it has been thought of and organised. I will definitely promote this retreat.’
‘Very healing, full of love and acceptance. Felt safe to share everything without judgement,’
‘Such a beautiful experience. I’m so thankful that m grief has been recognised and I’ve been able to honour my children in such a dignified and beautiful way.’
‘Very well planned with love and professionalism. Every person’s individual needs are met with love and kindness. All the readings, video, mass and sacramental help each one healing and wholeness.’
‘This retreat was everything I needed, but I didn’t know I needed it. My heart was so heavy and I was carrying so much that I hadn’t realised. This retreat has given me an opportunity to open my heart again to the love and mercy of Jesus, as well as the love for others.’
‘The care from the team is more than I have ever received. The effort and attention put into every exercise and activity is very valuable and made an impact on my life. I really felt safe and within the hands of the Lord. Everything was more than perfect. I am going home completely changed.’
‘Wonderful, faithful, surprising, connecting, healing, empowering and transformative.’
## 2. **Training and Support**
- **Clergy and Faith Leaders Training:**
- We have been deeply engaged in training and educating clergy and faith leaders about the trauma of abortion. This year, we led training sessions with 60+ priests and a bishop in Glasgow and Edinburgh, as well as 9 priests, 6 religious, and a bishop at Youth 2000. Additionally, we trained a group of Orthodox priests and their wives on abortion trauma and led a seminar for seminarians in Rome via Zoom.
- **Support for New Facilitators:** Our team has worked to support emerging facilitators, with plans to launch RV retreats in York and Derry. We also provided training and mentorship for these teams with Derry and the York facilitator running their first retreat in 2025.
- **Therapy and Psychotherapist Collaboration:** We have collaborated with 4 Catholic psychotherapists, three of whom have attended an RV retreat. In total, we’ve supported and recommended 25 participants with therapy, ensuring that their emotional needs are met through the expertise of professional therapists.
## 3. **Supporting Faith Journey and Spiritual Growth**
- **Alpha Program:** The Alpha 2024 program has seen 48 individuals registered, with some attending regularly, strengthening their faith and connection with the Church. In addition, we provided RV Alpha training for leaders and helpers, ensuring that these individuals are equipped to guide others on their spiritual journey.
- **Faith Literature and Resources:**
- We sponsored 9 places for individuals to attend Youth 2000, have provided Magnificat subscriptions for 12 months, and sent faith-based literature to individuals seeking spiritual nourishment. Additionally, we have journeyed with participants through regular fortnightly Word of God sessions and supported their participation in Mass and Confession.
- **Medjugorje Sponsorship:**
- Through our connections, we were able to encourage a woman to attend Medjugorje, providing her with an opportunity for deep spiritual renewal through a charity that assists pilgrims.
## 4. **Promoting the Charity and Its Work**
Over the past year, the charity has made significant strides in promoting its mission. Representatives have given talks, attended Catholic conferences, and participated in interviews with various media outlets, including local and national broadcasters. Additionally, we have increased our social media presence and collaborated with other pro-life groups across the UK.
Rachel’s Vineyard continues to adopt a dynamic and creative approach to raising awareness of the support we offer, both within the Church and the broader community. Our website is regularly updated, and social media platforms are actively utilised to publicise our work and support past retreat participants. The Rachel’s Vineyard Facebook and Instagram pages are closely monitored and updated weekly
Our publicity efforts have been furthered through talks and personal testimonials from team members and past participants at various events. Many of these participants, having experienced healing through Rachel's Vineyard retreats, feel a strong desire to share their stories and help others. These engagements are
invaluable in raising the profile of Rachel’s Vineyard across the UK and in reaching those who have been affected by abortion and are seeking support.
## **Performance Overview**
- **Program Delivery**
- RV has delivered on its promise to provide comprehensive and compassionate support. With 150 individuals supported nationally and multiple successful retreats, our services have had a direct impact on many lives. The continued demand for our services highlights the need for ongoing, effective support for post-abortive individuals.
- **Financial Health**
We remain committed to ensuring that resources are used effectively. Funding provided psychotherapy sessions for over 100 participants, and we continue to seek donations and sponsorships to support our mission. The financial support we provide for these services allows individuals to access vital care that they might otherwise be unable to afford.
- **Volunteer and Leadership Engagement** The growth of our volunteer network, as well as the engagement of clergy, faith leaders, and other community partners, has been integral to the success of our retreats and ongoing programs. We continue to offer regular training sessions and meetings to ensure the continued development of our leadership team.
## **Delivering Public Benefit**
Our core mission is to provide public benefit by offering emotional, spiritual, and practical support to individuals who have experienced the trauma of abortion. Through our helpline, retreats, faith journeys, and training initiatives, we have delivered a positive impact, healed emotional wounds and supported the spiritual growth of individuals in need.
- **Access to Healing and Support** :
- We ensure that support is available to anyone in need, regardless of background, through our retreats, online resources, and individual counselling.
- **Supporting Faith and Community** :
- Our faith-based initiatives, including Alpha programs, Lectio and literature distribution, are designed to help individuals grow spiritually, find peace, and become active members of the faith community.
- **Training and Advocacy** :
- By training clergy, faith leaders, and counsellors, we have spread awareness of the trauma of abortion and have equipped individuals and organisations to offer appropriate care and support.
## **Financial Review**
This is the fifth review of the Charity’s financial position since it was established in May 2020 and covers the period 1[st] April 2024 to 31[st] March 2025.
The Charity’ income amounted to £100,567 comprising:
- Donations of £1,000 or more - £65,062
- Donations under £1,000 - £24,179;
- Voluntary contributions made by beneficiaries attending retreats - £10.222; and
- Interest £1,104.
Expenditure on charitable activities amounted to £77,662 comprising:
- Professional support before, during and after retreats £46,511;
- Costs of arranging retreats and charity development £11,872; and
- Retreat accommodation – £19,279.
Over the year income exceeded costs by £22,905 (£38,237 in 2024).
Funds brought forward on 31[st] March 2024 amounted to £87,484. On 31[st] March 2025 accumulated funds had increased to £110,389. These funds are held in a current and deposit account with TSB Bank PLC.
Accumulated funds carried forward provide working capital to protect against adversity and is approximately equal to forecast spending over 15 months.
The Trust had no liabilities at the start or end of the financial year.
The Charity 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 by 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 22[nd] September 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 high standards of governance.
Trustees have a 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 may be paid. These services are in addition to their voluntary trustee duties. Trustees received £129 (£481 2024) to reimburse their travelling expenses whilst engaged in Trust activities.
The Charity follows a conflict-of-interest policy and keeps a record of relationships with related parties.
We are committed to Safeguarding all adults and vulnerable adults who attend our retreats. We have a Safeguarding policy (that is available on the website) and is followed closely at all events. In the case of a Safeguarding Concern, we follow the guidance of the local Diocese and CSSA (Catholic Safeguarding Standards Agency). The trustees have monitored, reviewed, and updated, when necessary, the Safeguarding Policy and Procedures, as well as Risk Assessments. We work openly with statutory agencies to ensure any concerns or allegations of abuse are promptly addressed, victims are supported, and perpetrators are held accountable. All volunteer members have completed an online Safeguarding Course through Educare online and regular training before each retreat.
## **Official Address**
10 Prospect Manor Court, Cannock, Staffordshire WS12 2DL
**Email:** rachel@rachelsvineyard.org.uk
**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.**
## **Trustee** _Mike Weaver_
**Date 29[th] April 2025**
## **Rachel's Vineyard UK Charitable Incorporated Organisation**
## **Registered Charity Number 1191428**
|**Statement of Financial Activities including**
**Summary Income and Expenditure Account**
**INCOME FROM:**
Voluntary contributions made by beneficiaries
attending retreats
Donations
Interest Received
**TOTAL INCOME**
**Less Expenditure on Charitable Activities**
Employment Costs
Accommodation
Resources
Office
Phone
Advertising
Travelling
Team
Sustenance
Professional Services
Shared Spending
Insurance
Counselling and Therapy
**TOTAL EXPENDITURE**
**SURPLUS**
**RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS:**
Total funds brought forward
**TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD**
**BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31st MARCH 2025**
**ASSETS**
Cash at Bank and in hand
**TOTAL ASSETS**
**CHARITY FUNDS**
Unrestricted Funds
**TOTAL FUNDS**
**Signed on behalf of Trustees**|**1st April 2024 to**
**28th March 2025**
**1st April 2023 to**
**31st March 2024**
**£**
**£**
10,222.50
9,623.40
89,240.80
92,696.70
1,104.24
312.99|
|---|---|
||**100,567.54**
**102,633.09**|
||35,019.96
-
19,278.78
17,391.94
2,408.11
2,310.52
1,446.61
564.21
349.63
336.31
1,394.04
729.81
3,210.89
2,670.63
1,223.76
1,486.15
792.73
1,466.97
4,991.50
30,346.95
-
416.84
1,046.40
790.57
6,500.00
5,885.00|
||**77,662.41**
**64,395.90**|
||**22,905.13**
**38,237.19**
87,484.28
49,247.09|
||**110,389.41**
**87,484.28**|
||110,389.41
87,484.28|
||**110,389.41**
**87,484.28**|
||110,389.41
87,484.28|
||**110,389.41**
**87,484.28**|
|||
## _Mike Weaver_
**Date 29th April 2025**
## **ACCOUNTING POLICIES 2024-25**
## **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.
## **Going Concern**
The financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis. Having conducted 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.
## **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.
## **Expenditure**
All expenditure is accounted for on an accrual 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.
## **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.
## **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.
## **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.
## **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.
## **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 1[st] April 2023 to 31[st] March 2025.
## **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 _Stephen Howarth_ Dated: _7[th] May 2025_
## Chartered Institute of Public Finance Accountant
Address: Fairways, 111 Canada Way, Lower Wick, Worcester WR2 4XD