2026-03-31-accounts

Rachel’s Vineyard UK Charitable Incorporation Organisation (Registered Charity Number 1191428)

Trustees’ Annual Report for the period 1[st] April 2025 to 31[st] March 2026

Trustees

Sheila Wilbanks Rev. Fr 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; however, in the case of abortion this grief may be accompanied by complex personal and spiritual responses. Rachel’s Vineyard seeks to respond to this need through the provision of opportunities for prayer, reflection, and the exploration of Christian themes of mercy, forgiveness, and hope.

Rachel's Vineyard retreat weekends are offered several times each year. These retreats provide a structured spiritual environment in which participants are invited to reflect on their experiences in the light of the Christian faith, to consider how these experiences have affected their lives, and to bring any unresolved thoughts or feelings into a context of prayer.

The retreats recognise that individuals may carry a range of personal responses, sometimes held privately over many years. Within a setting shaped by Catholic teaching and practice, participants are offered time and space for reflection, symbolic acts, and shared witness, as appropriate to their own circumstances.

Those who attend may include women and men, married couples, and others who have been affected in different ways by abortion. Rachel’s Vineyard offers a context in which participants can seek spiritual consolation and a renewed sense of relationship with God, in accordance with the teachings of the Catholic Church. The retreat is a voluntary and faith-based experience which invites participants, if they wish, to engage with themes of reconciliation and trust in God’s mercy.

Our strategy is to:

• Run at least 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 signposting towards and potential funding for professional services for participants identified as needing further support;

• Offer team development opportunities;

• 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, thus preparing 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

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.

Review of achievements, performance and delivering public benefit

Post Abortive Support

Our primary activity remains to provide support to anyone who has been affected by abortion. This includes mothers; fathers; grandparents; abortion workers; and any other family members. Last year we supported at least 198 people that contacted the national helpline through phone calls, zoom calls and face-to-face meetings. Out of these, 72 attended weekend retreats in the Midlands, Scotland, Suffolk and Derry, which we either ran directly or supported. Here are a few examples of the benefits participants felt from attending the retreats.

Testimonies from Rachel’s Vineyard participants in 2025:

“This retreat has completely surpassed all my expectations. I felt a mounting sense of trepidation as it approached, not knowing what to expect and wondering if I would feel too overwhelmed, but the team could not have been more kind, supportive, understanding, helpful and welcoming. Every single aspect of the retreat is beautifully thought out. It is clear that the retreat has been prepared with great love and heartfelt prayer; every single aspect is creative and nurturing and enables Gods presence to be felt.” – Rachel’s Vineyard Retreat Participant

“I was very nervous to come, but the welcome and love I received has helped me a lot. Being able to talk about my child openly has been incredibly healing after so much silence and shame.” – Rachel’s Vineyard Retreat Participant

“A joy and privilege to be a part of. Absolutely amazing! A safe place to BE. I felt carried in love throughout it. To see and hear the changes in the participants were awesome! Gorgeous place and lovely, lovely people.” – Rachel’s Vineyard Retreat Participant

“This has been a beautiful experience. I have felt wonderful support and encouragement as well as compassion and understanding.” – Rachel’s Vineyard Retreat Participant

“I felt God’s presence during that weekend, and it was glorious. It was the first time I realised that I could be forgiven by God, and by my unborn child. God opened a door for me that weekend, allowing me to begin forgiving myself; I now feel cleansed, renewed and more deeply connected to God, a connection that the abortion had severed. I am healing.” – Rachel’s Vineyard Retreat Participant

Ongoing support following attendance at a retreat

After each retreat, attendees are invited to take part in an online check-in session, as well as an in-person day retreat. These elements of Rachel’s Vineyard help to reduce isolation and support participants as they continue their personal and spiritual journey.

For some retreatants, the experience of abortion may be accompanied by additional difficulties, such as past trauma, poor mental health, or relationship and/or housing challenges. We recognise that, in some cases, individuals may benefit from further support. Where appropriate, we signpost retreatants to external professional counselling and therapeutic services, and in some cases may assist with access to such support.

In recognition that a closer relationship with God and the community of the Church may support participants in their ongoing journey, we also assist those who wish to deepen their faith. This is often done in collaboration with Catholic organisations across the UK.

Members of the team have also supported some participants who have chosen to take part in the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA). Retreat participants are further invited to join a fortnightly online Lectio Divina group, enabling them to continue their faith journey alongside others who have attended a retreat. For younger participants seeking additional faith support, there is also the opportunity to attend the annual Youth 2000 Summer Festival as part of a Rachel’s Vineyard group.

Training Rachel’s Vineyard teams

On each retreat we have a team made up of a facilitator, a qualified therapist, and team members who have previously attended a Rachel’s Vineyard retreat, as well as a priest as part of their ministry. The priest plays an integral role within the retreat, offering spiritual support to those who may feel distant from God and the Church.

In preparation for each retreat, all team members undergo safeguarding training. They are required to sign up to a code of conduct and are made aware of the charity’s safeguarding policies and procedures, as well as relevant aspects of the retreat risk assessment. These measures are in place to help ensure that participants are supported within a safe and respectful environment.

Promoting the Charity

In addition to the regular activities of the charity, representatives have, over the past year, undertaken a range of engagements aimed at raising awareness of the support offered by Rachel’s Vineyard. These have included giving talks, attending Catholic conferences, and participating in media interviews with both local and national outlets. The charity has also maintained contact with other organisations in the UK with related interests.

The charity continues to take a considered and proportionate approach to communication. Opportunities have also arisen for team members and some past participants to speak at events about their abortion experiences and the work of Rachels Vineyard. The purpose of such contributions is to help others become aware that support is available and to reduce the sense of isolation that can accompany these experiences. Where individuals choose to share in this way, appropriate care is taken to ensure that they are supported and ready to do so.

The Charity’s website is kept up to date, and social media platforms are used to provide information about upcoming retreats and to offer ongoing encouragement to those who have previously attended. The charity’s Facebook and Instagram pages are monitored regularly, with content posted on a consistent basis. We are grateful for the support of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales, through whose ‘Day for Life’ website the charity is also publicised, helping to make information about the charity accessible to a wider audience.

Overall, these activities are undertaken in order to make the charity’s spiritual and pastoral support more widely known, so that those who may benefit are able to access it.

Looking ahead

Rachel’s Vineyard UK has sought to develop team members and clergy in order to support the safe and sustainable delivery of retreats. As a result, the charity is now in a position to expand its provision in a planned and proportionate way, with the establishment of additional teams in Northern Ireland (Derry) and in England (York).

Conclusion

The trustees have reviewed the charity’s activities over the year and are satisfied that Rachel’s Vineyard UK continues to fulfil its charitable objectives for the public benefit.

The charity’s primary work remains the provision of retreat weekends and follow-up support for women and men affected by abortion. Through these activities, participants are offered opportunities for spiritual reflection and support in accordance with the charity’s aims.

The trustees are satisfied that the charity’s activities are appropriately focused, responsibly delivered, and supported by suitable safeguarding and governance arrangements.

Financial Review

The Charity received £128,853.73 comprising:

Donations of £5,000 or more amounting to £77,000

• Mater Ecclesiae £25,000

• SPUC £10,000

• Grant from the Catholic Bishops of England and Wales £10,000

• Donor wishes to remain anonymous £10,000

• Catholic National Donation £7,000

• Sisters of St Joseph of Peace £5,000

• Still Waters £5,000

• Donor wishes to remain anonymous £5,000

Donations of less than £5,000 including Gift Aid reclaimed £ 39,126

Voluntary contributions made by beneficiaries attending retreats £10,724

Interest £2,003

Spending on charitable activities amounted to £84,356 comprising:

• Professional support before, during and after retreats £46,365;

• Costs of arranging retreats and charity development £13,773; and

• Retreat accommodation – £24,218.

Over the year receipts exceeded costs by £44,497 (£22,905 in 2025).

Funds brought forward on 31[st] March 2025 amounted to £110,389. On 31[st] March 2026 accumulated funds had increased to £154,886. 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 22 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 £267 (£129 2025) 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: [e-mail] Website www.rachelsvineyard.org.uk Telephone [phone]

The trustees declare that they have approved the trustees’ report above.

Signed on behalf of the charity’s trustees.

Sean Gough

Chair of Trustees Date 14[th] April 2026

Rachel's Vineyard UK Charitable Incorporated Organisation

Registered Charity Number 1191428

Receipts and Payments Account	1st April 2025 to	1st April 2024 to
	31st March 2026	31st March 2025
	£	£
RECEIPTS
Voluntary contributions made by beneficiaries
attending retreats	10,724.14	10,222.50
Donations	116,126.53	89,240.80
Interest Received	2,003.06	1,104.24
TOTAL RECEIPTS	128,853.73	100,567.54
Less PAYMENTS
Employment Costs	37,079.99	35,019.96
Accommodation	24,217.98	19,278.78
Resources	3,007.60	2,408.11
Office	576.47	1,446.61
Phone	392.64	349.63
Advertising	651.11	1,394.04
Travelling	4,775.40	3,210.89
Team	1,374.35	1,223.76
Sustenance	2,417.15	792.73
Professional Services	7,107.52	4,991.50
Insurance	578.64	1,046.40
Counselling and Therapy	2,177.50	6,500.00
TOTAL PAYMENTS	84,356.35	77,662.41
SURPLUS	44,497.38	22,905.13
RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS:
Total funds brought forward	110,389.41	87,484.28
TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD	154,886.79	110,389.41
Statement of Assets and Liabilities at 31st March	2026
ASSETS
Cash at Bank and in hand	154,886.79	100,389.41
Less Liabilities	-	-
TOTAL NET ASSETS	154,886.79	100,389.41
CHARITY FUNDS
Unrestricted Funds	154,886.79	110,389.41
TOTAL FUNDS	154,886.79	110,389.41
Signed on behalf of Trustees

Mike Weaver

Trustee

Date 14th April 2026

Independent Examiner's Report to the Trustees of Rachel’s Vineyard, UK CIO (Registered Charity Number 1191428)

I report on the accounts of the Charity for the period 1[st] April 2025 to 31[st] March 2026.

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 Dated: 17[th] April 2026 Stephen Howarth

Chartered Institute of Public Finance Accountant

Address: Fairways, 111 Canada Way, Lower Wick, Worcester WR2 4XD