SEW POSITIVE FJ Sew.Positiveis g unique UK charty helping socially,. y•fyxclitded people nlend, rApair.- ypcycl• and repurpose texti19W -to calm the mind. improve mental health and wellbeing, and helF>our planet.
CONTENTS Welcome from Ouf CEO Executive summary & Tr•asurerf5 r•port Our impact Thè Issues w• f*c• Our volunteers Feedbark from participants Our theory of than9e Our flagship sfyrvic•s Our new hub Rearhing rornmuniti¢5 Bringing communities together Ambassador programme Part of our place Community fundrar6ing & donations Key funders & supporters 10 14 20 21 22 24 ABOUT SEW POSITIVE Charity Registration Numb•r 1192682 Trustoos Jane Webber (Chairl Joseph Barker-shery Ioutyoing Treasurer) Elke Taylor Ilncoming Treasurer) Alison Heron Judi Co• Karin Read Alison Pritchard Theodoros Panagiotidis Ruth Laslett (Joined April 20261 Daniel Murton (Joined August 20261 Company Registration Number CE022958 Registered Address 1 Fountain Lane. Haslingfield Cambridgeshire C823 1 LT Independont Examiner Lisa King Burdett King Accountancy knmited 8 The Hamiltons, Newmarket, C88 ONF CEO Melissa Santiago-val Govoman¢• 5trLKtur• Sew Positive is a Registered Charity INo=11926821 and a Charr(able Incorporated Organisation ICIOI, registered in England ICE0229581
CREATIVITY, CONNECTION & WELLBEING At Sew Positive. textiles are the starting point. but people are always the focus. Through creativity. we help redu social isolation. improve wellbeing and create opportunities for people to build confidence, purpose and meaningful connections. We support people across Carnbridge and the surrounding area who experience health inequalities, often intensrfied by poverty, trauma, poor mental health, ne(Jrodivergence or cultural barriers. Many of the people who join us have Struggled to find sUPPOrt that feels welcoming, acce55ible and non-clinical. Our creative community offers a safe place to learn new skllls, meet others and feel part of something, often for the first time in many years. By making, mènding, ropairing and cr&ating togoth•r. participants build friend5hip5. develop confidence and discover StTengths they didn't know they had. Ths year, we welcorned and trained our first cohort of Sew Positive Amba55adoTS. who will take on vaTIOUS roles they have created, both to represent Sew Positive and to help new participants feel more welcome and supported. Creativity is the catalyst, but the lasting impart is stronger, healthier and more connected communities.
WELCOME FROM OUR CEO Six years ago, working from a tent in Norfolk at the end of the pandemic, I set up Sew Positive with a simple belief.. that creativity COLJld help people reconnect wth themselves. with others and with their community. This year feels like a turning point in making that vision sustsinable. For the first time, we have the stsbility to look beyond simply surviving. Securing three years of National Lottery Reaching Communities funding. moving into our permanent Sew Positive Hub and employing our first member of staff have fundarnentally changed what our charity is capable of achièvin9. Thèsa rnile5tones are not the result of one project or one person,. they reflect y8ars of building tTU5t. listening to our community and strengthening the organisation behind the scenes. We strengthened our governance and financial systems, and continued to grow an extraordinary tearn of volunteer5 whose professional Skills, Iwed experience and generosty make our work possiblè every day. Together, these investments are creating a stronger, more resilient charity that is better equipped to support our cornmunty into the future. Our services have continued to grow too. Thanks to National Lottery funding, we secured the future of Men's Hems and K2Tog while la(Jnching our new Sewcialise Good Mood Café in partnership with CPSL Mind. Seeing these services thrive rerninds us that what many people need is not another ¢linical appointment. but somewhere they feel welcome, valued and able to build genuine connections through creativity. This year has also been about investing in people and infrastructure. We welcomed Ollie Howitt-sutton as our freelance Programme Manager, who had originally joined Men's Hems as a volunteer in October 2025., launched our first Sew Positive Ambassador Programme., developed our new participant and volunteer portal to make joining, booking and staying connected simpler.
The move to our new hub has transformed morè than our timotable. It has given participants a place to call their own, volunteers somewhere to share their talents, and the charity a permanent base from which to grow. It has also enabled us to plan OUT launch of Gathér, our nèw social enterprise, creating opportunities to generate unrestricted income while providing progre55ion TOUte5 for participants and helping secure Sew Positive's long-term sustainability. Every one of these moment5 reminds me that Sew P051tiv• ha5 nevèr simply been about textiles. They are the starting point. What we are really creating is confidence, purpose and belonging - and people who, having experienced that them5elv85, ch005e to help soméoné èlsé find it too. None of this would have been possible without our participants, volunteer5. trustees, tutors, partners. funders and supporters. who continue to believe in what wè arè building togother. Thank you for being part of our joumey. I hope this Annual Review gives you glimpse of what can happen when creativity, community and kindne5S corne together with a shared purpose. One of my greatest highlights this year has been watching our community step forward. Participants becoming ambassadors. Volunteers Sharing their WOTkplace skills, leading projects and rèprèsenting Sew Positive across Cambridge. F(Jndraisers turning races into opportunities to tell our story. Melissa Santiago Val
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY & TREASURER'S REPORT Thts financial year has been one of significant growth and organisational development. We said goodbye, wtih our sincerè thanks, to Alison Hèron, Judi Coe, Karin Read and Joseph Barker-sherry, who helped guide Sew Positive through an important stage of its journey. We also welcomed new trustees Elke Taylor, Alison PritchaTd, Ruth Laslètt. Théo Panagiotidis and Daniel Murton, whose professional èxpertise in finance, governance and business and marketing strengthens the Board for future. Financially, the charty continues to grow frorn a p051ton of stren9th. Incorne increased significantlyi enabling expenditure on ¢haritable activities to rise from £47.494 to £73.386. Alongside major grant succe, we secured £22,734 of unrestricted incorne through charitable trusts. community fundr3I5ing4 corporate support and a legacy Irom Cambridge Community Arts. This flexible funding ha5 Strengthened our reserves and allows u5 to invest in the systems and governance that re5trirted grants rarely cover. Alongside expanding our services, we have invested in the foundations of th• charity. Increased investment in professional bookkeeping, continued support from our Independent Examiner, improved financial loporting. trustto davelopmènt and our new participant and volunteer portal all strengthen govemance while helping trustees make better-informed decisions. These improvements also make it easier for participants and volunteers to èngage with Saw Positive and provide fvnders with greater confidence in our reporting and accountability. As tTUStees. we know that strong governan and sound financial management are essential to delivering la$ting impact. By continuing to diversify income. strengthen our governance and invest in the charity's long-term resilience. we are ensuring Sew Positive remains well placed to support our community for many year$ tri come.
As the charity has grown. so too has our commitment to continuous improvement. During the year we strengthened our budget monitoring, developèd a more stratègic approach to risk management and introduced enhanced reporting to 5UPPOrt trustee decision-rnaking. Thes8 improvèments not only help us meet the expectations of fvnders and regulators but also ensure we can respond confid8ntly to new opportunities whil? managing the rsks that inevttably come wtth growth. BEHIND THE SEAMS We were equally proud to launch our first supported WOTk experience prograrnrne, designed for young peoplè who may fatè additional barriers to securing placements due to mental health challenges, neurodwergence or Social isolation. We weleomed a Year 10 Student from North Cambridge Academy and a Year 12 student from Comberton Sixth Form, giving them a genune insight into lrfe in a small charity. Frorn attending services and safeguarding training to editing photographs, creating do9 bandanas for our CPSL Mind partnership, making their own staff lanyards, learning about governance and charitable funding - and even helping launch Sew Positive on TikTok- they became valued members of the team while buildin9 confidence, skills and •xperienc& for tho fiJt¢Jre. BUILDING FUTURE TALENT This year we were delighted to welcome James Holland through the John Lewis Partnership Golden Jubilee Trust, working with Sew Posttive for two days a week as part of a six-month Finance Secondment. Studying Accountancy at the Universty of Manchester while working in Technical Support at Johfi Lewis Cheadle, James ha$ helped strengthen our financial, operational and digltal systems. supported the technical set-up of our new hub and assisted participants with our first Exhibition and Sale. He not only joined our Trustee Development Day, gaining valuable insight into charity govamanea while boing mèntorèd by our incoming Treasurer, but also travelled to support our participants to set up POS systems and help set LIP OUT first exhibition at the hub. 2025/26 AT A GLANCE Income A $4% Charitable oxpenditure £73,386 Unrestricted in¢ome £22,734 Three-year National Lottery fvnding secured
OUR IMPACT 2025-2026 SEW POSITIVE 3340 HOUR5 DONATED... BY54 VOLUNTEERS & FUNDRAISERS MOVED INTO THE SEW POSlnVE HU8 187 SESSIONS & EVENTS 971 UNIQUE INDIVIOVALS 1340TOTAL EVENT visrrs TOTAL 47 GRANT. INCOME OF CORPORATE FUNDERS £73,386 & SUPPORTERS 6 HALF MARATHON & 2 LONDON MARATHON RUNNERS 12 SEWING MACHINES SAVED FROM LANDFILL OUR FEEDBACK SURVEY RESULTS of rOOndont% 4xpr•Kod an irttetest itl takhng part irt furthe¥ Sw4 Positivè to s¥port 94Yo rnoré sotialty connAct•d and less Isoted * 100 5•7ny. crqativity and ¥htthiry had a positivg impact on thgir w•llb•ing and m•nt&l h•ahh * 96% 100Yo r•ted the support they re¢¢iVtd at our 0.ofF o¥dnts and activitids as -vgry happy- they Nyd gain sklh that Inspir t to rutaxt1s. •xpr•sswJ an Snt•r•st ih furthov rgag•m•nt with Posit• through ¢0%, voluntqoringp ¢0114b•rati¢n oi supptsrt.. 87 95% 83% cit•d a CcnmctTrto natur• or mlltsriak through rypWtob•
THE ISSUES WE ARE FACING- 2025/26 HEALTH INEQUALITIES, CONNECTION WELLBEING TEXTILE WASTE & THE CIRCULAR ECONOMY Around 123,500 working-age adult5 auoss Cambridgethire & Petsrborough are living with anxiety or depression. 11 Almost half149%1 of unwanted clothin in the UK is thrown awa in househol bins rather than reuse or rerycled. People living Ir5 tho povrvst gr983 of Cambridge spend around 12 lewer year5 in good heath than those in tha wèalthi@gt parts of thè City. The average person in the UK throws away around 35 rtems of cloth%ng every year.pi IS 05timated that rnore than hall olfast fashv)n is discarded within a yearof beirvj produc8d. More than half of 18 to 24 Ye&rId5 sn •mbrid9èshir• r4port 4)ftan fetling loety. UK textile reuse and recycling organlon5 handl 210.W tonhej of usedtextile5 in 2024. Réfu90s e¢tt#kthtly id•ntrfy w¢ial connectitsn. bplonging and rornrnunity P8rtkipatiort as koy to rebuildlng w¢llbein9 after displacement The UK'S text¢le reuse sedor 3pends around £88 millton eve year hardling worn-out clo ing. Creative heahh programmes improve wellbeingt Teduce loneliness and help po4)pl• b•tt•r manag• stro$ &n¥l•ty nd chTVVK Paln. Up to 40% of dothin prgdts¢ed glob•l each year is never so or wom- around 46 billi04) garments. Creative health can reduce preysure on the NHS. So¢kl pY88uibln9 prtsgrnm85 have rgportqd up to a 40% reduction in GP appoinknents and a 21% redUCtn in hogpitAI adm110 2.Can&TrdgeCtycoU1_llth 11.1&E 12.Q
SHARING SKILLS, CHANGING LIVES Our volunteers bring far more than their time. They contribLJte professional expertise, lived experience and encouragement that help participants build confidence. leam new skills and feel part of a welctsmin9 ¢ommLJnity. Working with NHS partners, volunteers have tsken part in training covering trauTna-informed practice, supporting people with Complex Emotional Needs ICENI and neurodivergÈnt safeguarding. Two volunteers and our CEO also completed the RSPH Level 2 Award in Understanding Health Improvernent. Strengthening their confidence to support public health messagin9 across our sèrvieas. This yèar wè wèlcomèd 12 new volunteers to grow our hive to 36 bees- from organisations including Carnbridge University Pre55 & Assessment, the NHS. UK Health Security Agency and the software sector, some of whom first connected with Sew Positive through workplace volunteering before choosing to continue 5UPPOrting us. Volunteers also represented Sew Positive at community and corporate events, including CambTidge City Council'5 Enga9e Conference, NHS Community Pain Appointment Days. workplace wellbeing events and Anglia Ruskin University's Third Sector Conference. We continue to invest in our volunteers through regular supervision, engagement days, socials and high-quality training.
We also celebrated our first Volunteer Oscars, recognising the outstanding contribution of our volunteer team. Featured in the Cambridge Independent. the event perfecdy captured Sew Positive's creativity.our volunteers have supported wellbein9 beyond our own communtty. delivering a creative wellbeing session for staff at Turtle Dove Cambridge CIC, a local social enterprise supporting young women to build confidence, skills and opportunities. Our volunteer suNey. run in both 2025 and 2026 received 25 responses each year. 100% agreed they feel cared foT and appreciated, are treated in a friendly and professional rnanner. fèel part of the team, intend to continue volunteering or fundraising, and are Satisfied overall. Fe•dba¢k from our volunt•er%.. "I féèl that I'm getting Jtsst as mueh benelit from volunteering a5 the participants do from the sessions. Eath 5é$$1on that I have supported has been enrtehtn9 and joyful." -I'm not sure how Sew Positive could do better honestty. Everythin9 IS done with ease of use 8s a prrorty •nd dèlivered wrth con$idgr•tlon for every possible aspert.~ "I have loved betn9 part of the SP community and hav• f•ft 5UPPOrt8d and valued at every step. It is a Joy and privilege to work alon9side participants and see how they find omfort and confiden¢ in the safe spa¢e of shared creativity." In August 2025, volunteer Hilary O. facilitated two. three-hour workshop5 exploring 'What's great about volunteering with Sew Positive and what could be even better? Feedback informed improvements including volunteer 5ign-up through our new portal. cornrnunications. 50cials and Ongoing 5UPPOrt. "SometIM I wonder If the mental health benefit$ are just for the pJrticipJnts or also for the volunteer Actualty, it's a no-brain&r- rt IS such $upportNe eommuntty th8t I love volunteering and teel more cotjnected with the outsidé warld as well as having the added dopamine hit from worktng with some truly amazrn9 participan~ lafig h YDU b••n yonteing or htThdra1ng with 3b% 98% - ly 92%
FEEDBACK FROM OUR PARTICIPANTS "Sew Positive has helped me find my tribe when returntng to Cambrid9e after many years. It has given me 8 $ertse of btrlon9lng by belng part of a creative communityi Wlth a shared understandingt that through sewrngi we are we looking after our mental "It wa5 a joy to share my memory quilt. I found it extraordinarily uplifting that pepplè were interested in the work and loved thè eonversations that wer• sparked by tho storres behind it- all while hearing the posttive buzz of thtr same thing 901119 on wlth thé other "I reclved a wami wel¢ome and support from Sew Positive at the most difficult time in my Itfe. I would like to be able to encourkge someonè In similar difficult PQ51trDn to attend Sew Positive in the hope it will improve their quality of Ilfè and glve somè rèllof from the troubles they are lacin9." -1 suffer from severe Anxlety and le been very isolèted as a result. I wa$ the onty male on the wurse a5 was very worried about goingt but the organisers and volunteers went out of therr way to address my eoncems. This Ilowed mè to attènd, soerally interart with others and learn some very usefiil skills. I'm very rrnpressed that this course has been created to help others in similar situations and I hope they hold it again so that othfrs can benefrt in the way that I have." -working with my hands has beeft a very therapeutic experience. It has allowed my mirtd to relax and enabled me to find peace with thing5 which. 50metim&s. is all one can have." "Men's Hems has 9iven me a mueh needed. dedr¢ated spare to explore personal interest strictly for my own enjoyment and understanding - not anyone elsesl Thrs has kept me mentalty hèalthy In art othérwlse respon5ibility4aden home and work life. I'm very out-goingi so I've not been particularly after connertioné yet the SÈwPositive team 8rtd other partteipants have btren so warm and friendly I've found it even without trying* while strll feeling able to swrtch Off when I need toth" ambassador as I reali5ed I had reached a level of onfidence as a Sew Posltiwe participan¢. so as to help new partieipènts on thetr journey. By sharlng my story of being a nervous 'b&glnnèr' who has expérièneed méntal health problem5, 1 hope that I can help other people overcome therr anxiety when joining Sew Posltive."
"I've mnnerted with people I would never havv spoken to and I thlnk we've been able to learn fromlinspire each other in different wa "It wa5 exritin9 to rneèt and Wlxk with peopltr from dlfferent ¢uftural backgrounds. We were like da55matos followtng the tutor to learn sewing skilk. The feelin9 wbs amèling when we had the Same 9oal- leèrnlng to use a sewing machine and do basic Stitthe5. We were well supported by the fabulous tutor and volunteers.~ "Please keep dolftg what you're doing. You're evidentaty listening to peoples feedback and meeting them where they are at- that's the m05t important thin9 for mentsl health so thank youl" "It ha$ beèn $u£h a ¥Ygnderful experience for me to join sew Positwe, this wonderful charity. I'm immensely 9rateful for the group of women I get to meet and Share our talents and crafts. I have gtslntrd new sktlk sinetr ljolned and that ha5 definitety been a b005t to my mental health and well being.- -The Men's Hem sessions have provided me with a great sense of belongtn9. a highlight of the week that I don't 9et elsewhere. Men's Hem5 r5 4T a vital in9redient Df my aetive well being strategyi and is helping me avoid m reliance on medication.- "I hav• found It realty h•lpfvlatt•ndin9 the gr1p. I went through a very tough time personally and the group provided a much needed focus for my week. Chatting to other partffcipants was hèlpfitl knd rewardrn9. 1 found I had a lot rn common with the other women and frt was lovely to sharo experiencès and knowled9¢ about crafting as w•ll." msèt Sew Positive slnce it lirst launched, and I cannot prarse this group enough. It is $0 much more than just learning how to moftd or upeyde clothe& For me pprsgnèlly, It has • massrvé ¢4ts1yst for getting out of the house, breaking routine. and sitting down to chat with peoplv from all wklks of life. people I probably never would have crossed paths with othetwrse." my hands has been a véry therapeutie experien. It has allowed rny mind to relax and enabled me to find peace with things which, sometimes. is all one can have. is course has made a rwal difference to my wellbeingi ronfidenre. and sense of connertion.- ¥•wPosstrve as as a partleipant on a Monday helps mé to be creative with the help of the volunteers and other participants rn & Safe place. also has given me eonfidencé énd helped with my anxiety. ft 15 sornething I look forward to attonding every wtrek and when I am there feel happier and more calm. Thartkyou for 9rtrèt charity."
REASONS FOR JOINING ROUTES IN OUR SERVICES OUTCOMES Solf Refer Isolation Social Prescribing orGP Family or Relationship issues Sew Creative Other Charity New riends Neuro- diversity Support Worker Sense of Communty Sewcialise Drop-in Services Selling Workllncom• Generation Carer Loneliness Creative Outlet Mentsl Health Worker Gather Social Entsrpris• Financial Hardship Sewing I Cafe Housing Association Carers Discrimination Website
OUR THEORY OF CHANGE We continue to discover the widè impact of our services on participants and volunteers alike, developing and co-producing further activities together. IMPACT Connecting people from 8-8 different cultures & ethnicities Social Exclusion Relocation to Cambridge Reduced health inequalities Sew Basi New Skills Incrnased volunteeri & ambassa Sew Practical Mental Health or Empathy Reason to Get Up Move towards a circular economy Commun Events ri Ambassador Roles Physical Hoalth Reduced textile waste Men's Hem$ TrSp5 OUR GOAL.. Engaged communities who use sewing. upcycling and mending to improve creativity, mental or physical health and togetherness in a circular economy. Inueased so1f_ man ement Displacement (Ukrainian attd othe¥ nition of & sewing skills
EVENTS & ACTIVITIES To celebrate National Lottery Open Week in March 2026, we welcomed National Lottery players into our new hub to take part in a family textile activity inspired by the leaves and foliage of Mill Road Cemetery. Visitors met participants, volunteers and tutor5. experienced our work first-hand and discovered how National Lottery funding is helping create a more connectsd, creative community. SEWCIALISE Our tlagship weekly 58rvice continues to support people experiencing isolation, poor mental health and other challenges through mindful mending, hand sewing, upcycling and repair. Originally established at Cambridge Women's Resource Centre before moving to the Berniuda Rooms, we were delighted to welcome the group into our new Sew Positive Hub after Easter 2026. Having a permanent home has created a safe, welcoming and consistent environment where participants can build confidence, friendships and skills week by week. Our S•weialis• participants say.. "I have more conlidence to talk to people I don't know well. Also have been able to start sewtng and knitttng at homo whereas previously I couldn't due to a very blg mey>tal bloek of starting new sewin9 projerts." "Sewcrali5e ha5 opened a huge dgor for me. Thi5 is genuinely a true omrnunity to me. From the CEO to the volunteer to the other participants I have real Connertions with beautiful people. We are all different and from different backgrounds and the origtnal conneetlort was sewiftyg but reallty It goe5 deeper than that. The 1$ understanding. support, encouragement, care. My mental health has exponenttally improved Sin SP entered my life." This is the second of two years, of National Lottery Award5 for All funding for tho currtnt progTamm•, wth National Lottery player5 having 5UPPOrted Sewciali5e for four years in total. Our new hub has enabled participants to access a wider range of equipment, including more technical sewing machines, while the service continues to be led by our fantastic team of volunteers. During school holidays. volunteers also rLJn free 'Sewing in the Sunshine, sessions at Cambridge University Botanic Garden using our Community Group membership, helping participants stay connected between temis.
The move has enabled us to bring our seryices together (Jnder one roof, offering a permanent base where participants can build confidence, friendships and sewing skills. We arè also delighted to share the building with Cambridge Chronicles, whose tenancy helps make the Space Inancially 5U5tainable while CTeating exciting Opportunities for collaboration. In OLJr very first week tO9ether, they hosted a photoshoot for our first exhibition, demonstrating the creativity and Tnutual support that can flourish when COTnmunity organi5ations work alongside one another. MOVING TO OUR NEW HUB Moving into our new Sew P051tive Hub was one of the biggest milestones in our charity's history and wouldn't have been possible without the dedication of our volLknteers and families. The result is far more than a bLFilding. It is a shared achievement that demonstrates the power of community. kindne55 and parts)•rship. Evory paint•d wall, organis•d shglf and car•fully r•stor•d pi•¢• of furnitur• t•lls tho stCry Cf the volunteers who made our new home possible. while our partnership with Cambridge Chronbcles shows how sharing re50ur¢•s can help lts¢al ¢rgani$ation$ thrivo t¢g•th•r for th• benefit of the wider ¢ommunity. Togothtr, they transformèd an empty industrial unit into the wèlcoming, creative space our community now calls hoTne. From rescuing and lovingly repainting chest of drawers from the local recycling centre, to carrying donated 50fa5 UP5tairs. collecting industrial $ewing machine5. painting walls. assembling furniture and sorting mountains of donated fabrics (more than oncell, volunteers gave hundreds of hours to help create a space that reflects the warmth and creativity of Sew P051tive.
NATIONAL LOTfERY REACHING COMMUNITIES- A TURNING POINT Receiving £205,000 from The National Lottery Community Fund's Reaching Communttie5 programme was a moment in the life of our Small charity that changed everythin9. More than funding three years of activity for three setvices, this award recogni58d the strength of the charity we have worked tlTelessly to build and our ambition to create lasting change for our communty. Bèhind ovory sèwing sèssion aTO years of work strengthening our governance, safeguarding, financial management, policies, partnerships and impact measurement. 8ecoming trusted organisation capable of seturing oné of thè UK'5 largèst and most competitive community grants is something everyone connected th Sew P051tive- participant5. volunteers, staff and trustees- should feel incredibly proud of. We are especially grateful to our Funding Officer. Heidi Haxeltine, whose encouragement and thoughrful support throughout the application process helped us present our vision with confidence. We also thank National Lottery players. whose support is rnaking this transformational investrnent P055ible. The 9reate5t 9ift thi5 fundin9 has given us IS Stability. It has enabled us to secure a permanent home, employ our CEO for the first time after six years of1oad•rship, ro¢ruit a part- time Programme Manager, invest in volunteer gngagemgnt and strengthen the systems that will 5UPPOrt Sew P051tive for years to come. Rather than constantly replacing short-term funding, we now have the confidence and capacity to plan for the future. As a result, we featured on BBC Breakfast and Look East. have had a spread in Charity Times, and taken part in two podcasts about Charity collaborations and creative health.
The grant immediately secured the future of Men's Hems and K2Tog after previous funding came to an end. For our K2Tog group, this wa5 initially funded by a £1500 fundraising campaign led by Adam Cleevely, our Peer Support Leader who helped make the group come to fruition. along with one of our participant5. It a150 enabled us to launch our new Sewcialise Good Mood Café in partnership with CPSL Mind. In just a few months, the Sewcialise Good Mood Café has become one of our busiest weekly 5ervice5. providing a safe. welcoming and creative space where people Can talk openly about their mental health while connecting with others. Together, these thr8e programmes are helping tackle social i501ation, health inequalities and poor mental wellbeing through creativity and community. Building confid•n¢• for the futur• For the first time in six years, we can spend les5 time worrying about survival and more tirne building the future our community deserves. This investment Teaches far beyond the life of the grant. It give5 future funder5 confidence that Sew Positive is a well- governed, financially resilient charity capable of delivering lastin9 impact. Most importantly, it gives us the time and 5tabiltty to focus on what matters most-our participants. our volunteers and the Communities we serve. Feedback from our participants... "Working with Sew P05itive ha$ allowed me to eontribute In a way that feels meanrngful and authentic to who I am. I believe strongly in the value of creative peer support and sn Creating spaces where people feel welcomed, respected and encouraged.- "I feel morè eanfident 8sklng for help and talking about mental health.~1Sewcialis* Good Mood Cafe) "It's been a great way to meet people- I've felt very isolated previousty and meeting people can be difficult. so having a group to partrcipate rn hag been great. And especially one that's so friondty and welcoming.- (Men's H•ms)
BRINGING COMMUNITIES TOGETHER Four matched grants from Cambridge City Council Community Fund, Cambridge City Council United with Ukraine Fund, South Cambridgeshire District Council CoTnmunity Chest and South Cambridgeshire District Council Homes for Ukraine enabled us to deliver one connected programme across Cambridge and South Cambridgeshire. vtTTTT Rather than separating people according to their funding eligibility, we brought together Ukrainian refu9ees, faTnilies and other local residents experiencing istslation. Participants learnt alongside people from different cultures and backgrounds, creating natural opportuntties for conversation, mutual support and friendship through shared creative activity. Our eight-week Sew Basic COLJrse supported 25 participants across the four grants. Beginners learnt to use sewing machines. complete projects and support one another through paired working and shared problem- 501ving. Participants then had opportunities to progress to Sèw Practical, an eight-week intermediate course exploring patterns, garment construction. alteration5 and upcycling. The group transformed donated duvet covers into pyjama bottoms before celebrating together th a final pyjama party. Srx full-day Saturday Sewing Cafés provided a relaxed space for people from all foLJr funded programmes to continue making and connecting. Across the cafés. 81 unique participants attended, including 26 Ukrainian beneficiaTies. Participant5 worked on individual and collaborative projects. inclLJding our Community Quilt, while guest practition8rs introduced creative approaches exploring storytelling. identity and even the combination of stitch and coding.
Participants interested in developing their creative practice also joined our Sell Your Work programme, exploring marketing. pricing. goal-setting and the realities of turning a hobby into small busine55. This led into our first Exhibition and Sale, where participants displayed and sold garments, upcycled pieces and textile art. The event welcoTned 126 visitors and generated £2,500 in participant Sales, with participants donating £230 to Sew Positive. Across the four grant funded activities alone, we provided 231 places across six projects. SLJPPOrting 63 unique aduks and 12 children. Together, the four grants ¢ated a progression route from learning and social connection through to cultural experiences. confidence. enterprise and public celebration. Two subsidised trips helped rernove financial and confidenco barriers to cultural activities. The first took Ukrainian adults. chiSdren and volunteers to the Stitch Festival in Birmingham, offering inspiration and the chance to experience a major créatlV8 évent together. A second evening trip to Anglesey Abb8y, delivered with the National Trust. COTnbined an exhibition. live music and time in the gardens. "Sharing my work meant that I feft seen by everyone at Sew Positive. It led to meaningful conversation5 that I may not have otherwise had. Alongside pncredible projects and work. the feeling of eommunity and intlu$ion was the essence of thts exhibrtion and sale. This event brought all communities of Sew Positive together.. Participant from the Sell Your Work programme. Our partnorship with Rèd Hen brought accessible family creativity into CB4. We delivered Wellbeing Wednesday and school holiday artivities including cyanotype printing, badge-making and upcycled ba9-making. A Pumpkin Party w¢l¢om¢d 43 childron and 29 adults, while repurposed bedsheets were transformed into 35 reusable bags. Demand far exceeded our original target of 40 beneficiaries, with 123 children and adults supported. Several families subsequèntly joined other Sew Positive activities. and one participant progressed into our Ambassador Programme.
AMBASSADOR PROGRAMME Thanks to fijnding froTn PEM. we launched our first Sew Positive Ambassador Programme. creating a n¢w progression pathway for participants who wanted to give something back to the community that had supported them. We are grateful to The Red Hen Project for sharing some of their early experiences of running an ambassador programme. which helped inform our initial thinking. From there, we co-produced a model uniq(Je to Sew Positive with our participants, co-facilitated with volunteer Hilary. Together we designed an approach where ambassadors remain participants in their own right, recognising that wellbeing is an ongoing journey. We developed an Amba55ador Charter, explored welcoming others, safeguarding. boundaries and representing Sew Positive, before creating our own handmade Ambassador T-shirts. By making rather than buying them, participants developed new skills while creating a shared identity and sense of ownership. Feedback from our fvtur• Ambassadors... "Being asked to become an amba55ador has grven me a stronger sense ¢tf bglonging to thg ¥vidor Sewcialise commLtnrty as well as a huge milestone rn improving my own wellbeing. I can't wait to get startedl" "I wanted to become an ambassador because I believe everyone deserves to fe81 welcome, included, and valu•d. Thrtsugh041t my lifo I'v• s••n how a simple ¢onversation. a smile. or someone taking the time to listen can make a real difference. I hope to Use this role to encourage others, h8lp people feel connerted. and b• a po&tiv• ropres¢ntativ¢ ¢f tho organisation. If l ¢an help even one person feel Irke they belongi then I'll know I've made a difference."
PART OF OUR PLACE These connections continue to create lasting impact. Relationships developed through networking have led to new fundin9, pro bono expertise. corporate partnerships. media opportunities and community collaborations. DepLty Lieutenant Hanadi Jabado first met Sew Positive at a local networking event, later attended our first exhibition and is now runnin9 the Cambridge Half Marathon with her family to raise funds for the charity. It is a wonderful example of how investin9 in our local place stTÈngthens both Sew P051tive and the communities we serve. Attending community events is about faT more than Taisin9 awareness. It enables us to build tTUSted relationship5 across our local commLJnities that lead to collaboration5. funding opportunities and new ways of reaching people who might otherwise remain isolated. This year we worked alongside NHS partners, Cambridge City Council, businesses and local charities to engage commLJnities experiencing health inequalities, chronic pain and social isolation. Participants and volunteeTS represented Sew Posttive at Commtjnity Pain Appointment Days, events for older people, Cambridge City Council's Engage programme and conferences focused on Teducing health inequalities, ensuring lived èxpèri$neo hèlps shape local convèrsations around craativè hèalth and wellbeing. Reaching men through health and community partnerships In June we joined Cambridge 5 Men'5 Health and Nutrition event at the Abbey Stadium, alongside 22 local organisations. The event attracted 85 people, with a particular focus on the health and wellbeing of oldÈr men. Our stand was run alongside Adam Cleevely, an original Men's Hems participènt. who raised £1,500 to launch K2Tog and volunteered to talk to other men about our services. Thi5 event encouraged men to think about physical and mental health, social connection. volunteering and becoming more active. Being part of events like this helps us reach men beyond our own doors and challenge assumptions about who 5ewingi making and creative community activities are for. A highlight of the year was receiving the Cambridgeshire kneutenancy Award for Voluntary Service 2025- Sew Positive was Highly Commended. recognising our King's Award for Voluntary $8rvice nomination. Celebrating alongside participants, voluntèèrs, staff. our nominator Ashish Dasgupta M8E and our farnilies was proud milestone In Sew Positive's journey and reinforced the importance of volunteering within our community. iy
COMMUNITY FUNDRAISING & DONATIONS O(Jr commLJnity doesn'tjust attend Sew Positive - it helps sustain it. Communty fundraising and donations are becoming an increasingly important part of our future, creating unrestricted income that allow5 U5 to respond to new opportunities while keeping our cor8 $8rvices free. Wè fundraising is about belonging. Our runners, volunteers and supporter5 becorne part of the Sew Positive Community. coming to services, helpin9 collect donations, meeting at parkruns, sharing fundraising and training milestones and encouraging one another along the way. This year six Cambridge Half Marathon runners and our first London Marathon Gold Bond runners helped inspire othèrs to got involved. Tru5tO0 Joseph and fundraiser Gabi raised more than £6.500, while returning fundraiser Isla has also committed to the London Marathon- an even bigger challenge for 2027. One of our London Marathon runners told us: The fundraising of our Cambridge Half Marathon runners also unlocked a further £3,0(KJ unrestricted donation from Ali Kinn•ar of th• Bransford Trust. -Fundraising for Sew P05itive gave me such purpos• in training for th• marathon. In my final few miles, as I was really having to motivate mys•ff to keep running. each pound that had been donated to the charity kept rne going." Fundraisin9 can be just as rewarding for those taking part too. xxxxxxx
Beyond running. Isla has organised craft sales, offered to donate her tutorin9 fee from a pattem drafting workshop, and even created her own Sew Positive running outfitl Our relationships often grow into much more than one form of support. Sarah Coates of Tees Law has provided more than £4,000 of pro bono legal Property support, volunteered at our first Hub exhibition and is now running the London Marathon to raise funds for Sew Positive. She has also involved her dau9hter'. -I've relr5hed the opportunity to involve my daughter where l Can nd show her the importance and bonefits of this type of artivity. It's helped sowing and craft become a shared hobby for u5." Our supporters contribute in rnany different ways. Prinfab, have twice donated the digital printing of our Sew Positive logo onto fabric. Volunteers use these squares to create their own p*rsonalisod lanyards, whith havè become a Sew Positive rite of pa55age. Each is completely Ljnique, celebrating individual creativity. Connections made through local networks are growing our fijndraising community too. Deputy Lieutenant Hanadi Jabado DL first met Sew Positive through a With Purpose Network event and subsequently visited our first Hub exhibition. She. her husband and daughter have now 11 signed up to run the 2027 Cambridge HaEf Marathon fr)r us. We were finally able to accept three industrial sewing machines. alongside several Janomè sewing machinès. specialist equipment and generou5 fabric donations. These gifts enable us to teach Tnore advanced skills. reduce textile waste and make the very best use of donated resources. 'The work that Melissa and Sew Positiv• do inspir• m• b•yond w¢rd$ and motivatg m•- which is why I will be rnnnrng the Cambridg• Half in 2027 in support of S•w Postive." . Hanadi Jabado DL Evèry milè run.10g0 printèd. machin• donated, metTe of fabric saved and pound raised help5 more people discover the confidence, creativity and community that Sew Positive provides.
KEY FUNDERS & SUPPORTERS %'-._.*'r We arè incredibly grateful to the organisations. businesses and individuals who have supported Sew Positive this y&ar through funding. partnerships. volunteering, professional expertise. pro bono setvices and advocacy. Together. they enable us to deliver the work highlighted throughout this Annual Review and to continue building a stronger, more connerted commLLnty- OUR FUNDERS Arnold Clark Comrnunity Fund Cambscuisine Cambridgeshire Community Foundation Cambridge City Council Cambridge Communty Arts Cambridg• Managemènt Consulting CPSL Mind Grand Arcade Cambridge John Lewis Cambridge PEM Queen Edith's Forum Romsey Mill South Cambridgeshire Distriet Council The 8ran5ford Trust The Cole Trust The National Lottery Community Fund Waitrose Community Matters COMMUNITY CHAMPIONS & ADVOCATES Ashish Dasgupta MBE The Lord-Lieutenant's OFFic8 for CaTnbrid9eshiTe Deputy Lieutenant Belinda Sutton Deputy Lieutenant Hanadi Jabado Deputy Lieutenant Caroline Bewes
OUR PARTNERS & SUPPORTERS Ali Lyons Ilmpact Model Review) BBC Breakfast BBC Look East Imo Bakshi & Steve Hubbard) BBC Radio Cambridgeshire 0M Jackson, Dotty McLeod & Bella Hassanl Cambridge City 4 Primary Care Netsork (Personalised Care Team) Cambridge Chronicles Cambridge Design Rty)ms Cambridge Independent IAdrian Peel & Keith H¢ppelll Cambridge UniveTStty Botanic Garden Communr(ies Tear Cambridge University Press & Assessment Charity Recruit Podcast (Emily Formbyl Charity Times (Melissa Moody) COEL Fair Collective Fullscope Gile5 Yeo How Aro YoL* Cambridgè and South Cambs John Lewis Golden Jubilee Trust Julia Ajayi IFundrai5ing support) Making Stitches Podcast (Lindsay Westonl Metro Bank Mills & R8eve LLP Natwest Community Rooms NHS Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Integrated Care Board (Neighbourhood Heah & Partnerships Teaml Prinfab Red Hen Project Sarah Lou Studio (Sarah Bevanl Support Cambridgeshire (formerly CCVSI TEOM (the Expert On Ourselve51 Tees Law (Sarah Coatès) THEMS Freelance IETnma Stewart) With Purpose Network (Rachel Hales)
Sew Positive CIO
Strategic Report
The trustees present the annual report together with the financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31 March 2026.
Financial review
Policy on reserves.
Donation income and income from events for businesses are our primary funding sources for our core fund from which we support all of the organisation's fixed costs. The charity has secured a number of grants covering up to three years of funding. At the same time, the charity has taken on an employee and signed a three year lease for premises.
This presents the Trustees with new legal obligations around minimum notice periods and employee rights. The Trustees have therefore agreed to set aside designated reserves for these minimum legal obligations.
Additionally, donated income cannot always be predicted, and the success of funding bids is not guaranteed. Trustees have therefore considered carefully the level of undesignated reserves that should be held back as it is important that as much of the charity’s income as possible is used to provide services to participants. The Trustees believe it is prudent for the charity to work towards a minimum reserve equivalent to 0.5% of income. This will provide:
the ability to meet unforeseen expenditure (excluding contractual obligations arising should Sew Positive be wound up as these would be met by designated reserves); and flexibility in achieving our objectives.
We have a reserves policy as noted above, with a current undesignated reserve of 0.4%. In accordance with the Charity Commission's guidelines, the Trustees review this policy annually and consequently manage the cash flow in an appropriately prudent manner. For this financial period, our total income was £64,318, made up of donations of £5,779, grants of £46,584, Gift Aid of £1,457, and other fundraising and trading income of £10,498. After the year's expenditure, we ended the period with a finishing balance of £9,400. In addition to this, we carry forward £43,783 of grants which were awarded at the end of the financial year to fund activities during the financial year 2026-27.
The strategic report was approved by the trustees of the charity on 2 September 2026 and signed on its behalf by:
Elke Taylor Trustee
Page 1
Sew Positive CIO
Statement of Trustees' Responsibilities
The trustees are responsible for preparing the trustees' report and the financial statements in accordance with the United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice) and applicable law and regulations. The law applicable to charities requires the trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charity and of the incoming resources and application of resources of the charity for that
period. In preparing these financial statements, the trustees are required to:
select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;
observe the methods and principles in the Charities SORP;
make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
state whether applicable accounting standards have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements;
and 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 proper accounting records that 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
Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008, and the provisions of the constitution.
The trustees 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.
The trustees are responsible for the maintenance and integrity of the corporate and financial information included on the
charitable company's website. Legislation governing the preparation and dissemination of financial statements may differ from legislation in other jurisdictions.
Approved by the trustees of the charity on .........................................2 September 2026 and signed on its behalf by:
Elke Taylor
Trustee
Page 2
Sew Positive CIO
Independent Examiner's Report to the trustees of Sew Positive CIO
I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of Sew Positive CIO for the year ended 31 March 2026.
Responsibilities and basis of report
As the charity trustees of Sew Positive CIO you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 (‘the Act’).
I report in respect of my examination of the Sew Positive CIO's accounts carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination I have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Act.
Independent examiner’s statement
I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material 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 Sew Positive CIO as required by section 130 of the Act; or
-
the accounts do not accord with those records; or
-
the accounts do not comply with the accounting 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.
...................................... Lisa King Burdett King Accountancy Limited
8 The Hamiltons Newmarket Suffolk CB8 0NF
1 September 2026
~~Page 3~~
Sew Positive CIO
Statement of Financial Activities for the Year Ended 31 March 2026
| Unrestricted | Restricted | Total | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Note | funds £ |
funds £ |
2026 £ |
||
| Income and Endowments from: | |||||
| Donations and legacies | 2 | 5,779 | - | 5,779 | |
| Charitable activities | 3 | 16,955 | 41,584 | 58,539 | |
| Total income | 22,734 | 41,584 | 64,318 | ||
| Expenditure on: | |||||
| Raising funds | (1,053) | - | (1,053) | ||
| Charitable activities | 4 | (10,029) | (62,303) | (72,332) | |
| Total expenditure | (11,082) | (62,303) | (73,385) | ||
| Net(expenditure)/income | 11,652 | (20,719) | (9,067) | ||
| Transfers between funds | (6,073) | 6,073 | |||
| Net movement in funds | 5,579 | (14,646) | (9,067) | ||
| Reconciliation of funds | |||||
| Funds brought forward as previously stated | 14 | 344 | 14,646 | 14,990 | |
| Prior year adjustment | 3,477 | - | 3,477 | ||
| Funds brought forward as restated | 3,821 | 14,646 | 18,467 | ||
| Total funds carried forward | 9,400 | - | 9,400 | ||
| Unrestricted | Restricted | Total | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| funds | funds | 2025 | ||
| Income and Endowments from: | £ | £ | £ | |
| Donations and legacies | 5,209 | 5,209 | ||
| Charitable activities | 4,338 | 40,473 | 44,811 | |
| Total income | 9,547 | 40,473 | 50,020 | |
| Expenditure on: | ||||
| Raising funds | (1,457) | (144) | (1,601) | |
| Charitable activities | (9,575) | (36,318) | (45,893) | |
| Total expenditure | (11,032) | (36,462) | (47,494) | |
| Net(expenditure)/income | (1,485) | 4,011 | 2,526 | |
| Net movement in funds | (1,485) | 4,011 | 2,526 | |
| Reconciliation of funds | ||||
| Total funds brought forward | 1,829 | 10,635 | 12,464 | |
| Total funds carried forward | 344 | 14,646 | 14,990 | |
All of the charity's activities derive from continuing operations during the above two periods. The funds breakdown for 2026 is shown in note 14. The notes on pages 7 to 17 form an integral part of these financial statements.
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Sew Positive CIO
(Registration number: 1192682) Balance Sheet as at 31 March 2026
| 2025 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Note | 2026 £ |
(restated) £ |
||
| Fixed assets | ||||
| Tangible assets | 10 | 243 | 286 | |
| Current assets | ||||
| Debtors | - | |||
| 11 | ||||
| Cash at bank and in hand | 12 | 53,299 | 38,661 | |
| Creditors:Amounts falling due within one year | 13 | (44,142) | (20,480) | |
| Net current assets | 9,157 | 18,181 | ||
| Net assets | 9,400 | 18,467 | ||
| Funds of the charity: | ||||
| Restricted income funds | ||||
| Restricted funds | - | 14,646 | ||
| Unrestricted income funds Unrestricted funds |
9,400 | 3,821 | ||
| Total funds | 14 | 9,400 | 18,467 |
The financial statements were approved by the trustees, and authorised for issue on 2 Sept 26 and signed on their behalf by:
Elke Taylor
Trustee
Page 5
Sew Positive CIO
Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 March 2026
1 Accounting policies
Statement of compliance
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the second edition of the Charities Statement of Recommended Practice issued 1st January 2026, the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) and the Charities Act 2011.
Basis of preparation
Sew Positive CIO meets the definition of a public benefit entity under FRS 102. The accounts (financial statements) have been prepared under the historical cost convention with items recognised at cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant note(s) to these accounts.
Going concern
The trustees consider that there are no material uncertainties about the charity's ability to continue as a going concern.
Income and endowments
Voluntary income including donations, gifts, legacies and grants that provide core funding or are of a general nature is regonised when the charity has entitlement to the income, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount can be measured with suffcient reliability.
Donations and legacies
Donations and legacies are recognised on a receivable basis when receipt is probable and the amount can be reliably measured.
Grants receivable
Grants are recognised when the charity has an entitlement to the funds and any conditions linked to the grants have been met. Where performance conditions are attached to the grant and are yet to be met, the income is recognised as a liability and included on the balance sheet as deferred income to be released.
Deferred income
Deferred income represents amounts received for future periods and is released to incoming resources in the period for which, it has been received. Such income is only deferred when:
-
The donor specifies that the grant or donation must only be used in future accounting periods; or
-
The donor has imposed conditions which must be met before the charity has unconditional entitlement.
Expenditure
All expenditure is recognised once there is a legal or constructive obligation to that expenditure, it is probable settlement is required and the amount can be measured reliably. All costs are allocated to the applicable expenditure heading that aggregate similar costs to that category. Where costs cannot be directly attributed to particular headings they have been allocated on a basis consistent with the use of resources, with central staff costs allocated on the basis of time spent, and depreciation charges allocated on the portion of the asset’s use. Other support costs are allocated based on the spread of staff costs.
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Sew Positive CIO
Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 March 2026 (continued)
Raising funds
These are costs incurred in attracting voluntary income, the management of investments and those incurred in trading activities that raise funds.
Charitable activities
Charitable expenditure comprises those costs incurred by the charity in the delivery of its activities and services for its beneficiaries. It includes both costs that can be allocated directly to such activities and those costs of an indirect nature necessary to support them.
Grant provisions
Provisions for grants are made when the intention to make a grant has been communicated to the recipient but there is uncertainty about either the timing of the grant or the amount of grant payable.
Support costs
Support costs include central functions and have been allocated to activity cost categories on a basis consistent with the use of resources, for example, allocating property costs by floor areas, or per capita, staff costs by the time spent and other costs by their usage.
Governance costs
’ These include the costs attributable to the charity s compliance with constitutional and statutory requirements, including audit, strategic management and trustees meetings and reimbursed expenses.
Taxation
The charity is considered to pass the tests set out in Paragraph 1 Schedule 6 of the Finance Act 2010 and therefore it meets the definition of a charitable company for UK corporation tax purposes. Accordingly, the charity is potentially exempt from taxation in respect of income or capital gains received within categories covered by Chapter 3 Part 11 of the Corporation Tax Act 2010 or Section 256 of the Taxation of Chargeable Gains Act 1992, to the extent that such income or gains are applied exclusively to charitable purposes.
Tangible fixed assets
Individual fixed assets costing £200.00 or more are initially recorded at cost, less any subsequent accumulated depreciation and subsequent accumulated impairment losses.
Depreciation and amortisation
Depreciation is provided on tangible fixed assets so as to write off the cost or valuation, less any estimated residual value, over their expected useful economic life as follows:
Asset class Computer equipment Plant and machinery
Depreciation method and rate 33% straight line 25% straight line
Page 7
Sew Positive CIO
Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 March 2026 (continued)
Trade debtors
Trade debtors are amounts due from customers for merchandise sold or services performed in the ordinary course of business. Trade debtors are recognised initially at the transaction price. They are subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method, less provision for impairment. A provision for the impairment of trade debtors is established when there is objective evidence that the charity will not be able to collect all amounts due according to the original terms of the receivables.
Cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents comprise cash on hand and call deposits, and other short-term highly liquid investments that are readily convertible to a known amount of cash and are subject to an insignificant risk of change in value.
Borrowings
Interest-bearing borrowings are initially recorded at fair value, net of transaction costs. Interest-bearing borrowings are subsequently carried at amortised cost, with the difference between the proceeds, net of transaction costs, and the amount due on redemption being recognised as a charge to the Statement of Financial Activities over the period of the relevant borrowing.
Interest expense is recognised on the basis of the effective interest method and is included in interest payable and similar charges.
Borrowings are classified as current liabilities unless the charity has an unconditional right to defer settlement of the liability for at least twelve months after the reporting date.
Fund structure
Unrestricted income funds are general funds that are available for use at the trustees discretion in furtherance of the objectives of the charity.
Restricted income funds are those donated for use in a particular area or for specific purposes, the use of which is restricted to that area or purpose.
| Unrestricted | Total | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|
| funds | 2026 | 2025 | |
| 2 Income from donations and legacies | General | £ | £ |
| £ | |||
| Donations from individuals | 445 | 445 | 5,209 |
| Lottery Income | 169 | 169 | - |
| Legacy donation from Cambridge Community Arts | 5,165 | 5,165 | - |
| Total | 5,779 | 5,779 | 5,209 |
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Sew Positive CIO
Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 March 2026(continued)
3 Income from charitable activities
| Unrestricted | Restricted | Total | Total | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| funds General | funds | 2026 | 2025 | ||
| £ | £ | £ | £ | ||
| Fundraising income | 8,749 | - | 8,749 | 1,838 | |
| Grants | 5,000 | 41,584 | 46,584 | 42,973 | |
| Primary Purpose Trading | 1,455 | - | 1,455 | - | |
| Bank Interest | 294 | - | 294 | - | |
| Gift Aid | 1,457 | - | 1,458 | - | |
| Total | 16,955 | 41,584 | 58,539 | 44,811 | |
| Income from donations and legacies Income from charitable activities Total income received in the year Income received in the year and carried forward Income deferred at 31 March 2025 released in the year |
2026 £ 5,779 58,539 64,318 |
|---|---|
| 43,783 10,000 |
Page 9
Sew Positive CIO
Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 March 2026 (continued)
4 Expenditure on charitable activities
| Note | Unrestricted | Restricted | Total | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| funds General | funds | 2026 | 2025 | ||
| £ | £ | £ | £ | ||
| Depreciation,amortisation and other similar costs | 202 | - | 202 | 566 | |
| Grant funding of activities | - | - | - | 4,217 | |
| Allocated support costs(see below) | 9,477 | 62,303 | 71,780 | 40,165 | |
| Governance costs | 350 | - | 350 | 945 | |
| Total | 10,029 | 62,303 | 72,332 | 45,893 | |
| - |
| Allocated support costs | Unrestricted funds General |
Restricted funds |
Total 2026 £ |
Total 2025 £ |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| £ | £ | ||||
| Freelance Costs | 4,032 | 36,290 | 40,323 | 27,234 | |
| Materials | 338 | 4,618 | 4,956 | 3,955 | |
| Advertising&Marketing | - | 1,369 | 1,369 | 553 | |
| IE and Accountancy Fees | 1,872 | 1,973 | 3,845 | 2,973 | |
| Bank Charges | 9 | - | 9 | 485 | |
| CRM Costs | - | 2020 | 2020 | - | |
| DBS Checks | 1 | 211 | 212 | 173 | |
| General Expenses | 102 | - | 102 | - | |
| Insurance | 282 | - | 282 | 1,001 | |
| IT Software and Consumables | - | 2920 | 2920 | 342 | |
| Legal and Professional Services | 50 | - | 50 | 533 | |
| Repairs and Maintenance | - | 106 | 106 | 49 | |
| Salaries | - | 2,481 | 2,481 | 486 | |
| Stationery&Office costs | - | 135 | 135 | 1,744 | |
| Subscriptions | 422 | 196 | 617 | 416 | |
| Telephone and Internet | 273 | 94 | 366 | - | |
| Training and Conference costs | 1,543 | - | 1,543 | - | |
| Travel | 188 | 84 | 272 | - | |
| Venue | 296 | 9,356 | 9,653 | - | |
| Volunteer Expenses | 69 | 450 | 519 | 221 | |
| TOTAL | 9,477 | 62,303 | 71,780 | 40,165 | |
Page 10
Sew Positive CIO
Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 March 2026(continued)
5 Analysis of governance and support costs
| Governance costs | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 2025 | ||
| £ | £ | ||
| Independent examiner fees | 350 | 945 | |
| 350 | 945 | ||
| 6 Net incoming/outgoing resources | |||
| Net incoming/(outgoing)resources for the year include: | |||
| 2026 | 2025 | ||
| £ | £ | ||
| Depreciation offxed assets | 202 | 566 | |
| 7 Trustees remuneration and expenses | |||
| 8 Independent examiner's remuneration | |||
| 2026 | 2025 | ||
| £ | £ | ||
| Examination of thefnancial statements | 350 | 945 |
Page 11
Sew Positive CIO
Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 March 2026 (continued)
9 Taxation
The charity is a registered charity and is therefore exempt from taxation.
10 Tangible fixed assets
| Furniture and | Furniture and | Furniture and | Total | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| equipment | £ | ||||
| £ | |||||
| Cost At 1 April 2025 |
1,854 | 1,854 | |||
| At 31 March 2026 | 2,013 | 2,013 | |||
| Depreciation | |||||
| At 1 April 2025 | 1,568 | 1,568 | |||
| Charge for the year | 202 | 202 | |||
| At 31 March 2026 | 1,770 | 1,770 | |||
| Net book value | |||||
| At 31 March 2026 | 243 | 243 | |||
| At 31 March 2025 | 286 | 286 | |||
| 11 Debtors | |||||
| 2026 | 2025 | ||||
| £ | £ | ||||
| Trade debtors | - | ||||
| 12 Cash and cash equivalents | 2025 | ||||
| 2026 | (restated) | ||||
| £ | £ | ||||
| Cash at bank | 53,299 | 38,661 | |||
| 13 Creditors:amounts falling due within one year | |||||
| 2026 | 2025 | ||||
| £ | £ | ||||
| Accruals | 350 | 480 | |||
| Other Creditors | 9 | - | |||
| Deferred income | 43,783 | 20,000 | |||
| Total | 44,142 | 20,480 | |||
Page 12
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Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 March 2026(continued)
14 Funds
| Balance | Incoming | Resources | Balance | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 April 2025 | resources | expended | Transfers | 31 March 2026 | ||
| Unrestricted funds | £ | £ | £ | £ | £ | |
| General funds | 3,821 | 22,734 | (11,082) | (6,073) | 9,400 | |
| Unrestricted Total | 3,821 | 22,734 | (11,082) | (6,073) | 9,400 | |
| Restricted Funds | ||||||
| Restricted Funds | 8,362 | 24,468 | (33,477) | 647 | - | |
| Government Grants | 11,750 | 17,116 | (28,826) | (40) | - | |
| Core Costs | (5,466) | - | - | 5,466 | ||
| Restricted Total | 14,646 | 41,584 | (62,303) | 6,073 | - | |
| Total Funds | 18,467 | 64,318 | (73,385) | - | 9,400 | |
Note.
Transfers between funds represent the clearance of historic fund deficits and the release of residual balances on completed projects to general funds, following a fund-by-fund review carried out during the year. All restricted fund balances were fully applied or released by 31 March 2026; grant income received for future periods is held as deferred income (note 13).
Page 13
Sew Positive CIO
Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 March 2026 (continued)
| Analysis of funds by grant/project | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Balance at 1 | Incoming | Outgoing | Balance at 31 | ||
| April 2025 | Resources | Resources | Transfers | March 2026 | |
| £ | £ | £ | £ | £ | |
| Restricted funds | |||||
| Cambridge City Council United With Ukraine 25/26 | 9,832 | 4,516 | (14,221) | (127) | – |
| Cambridge City Council Community Fund 25/26 | – | 10,000 | (10,000) | – | – |
| Cambridge City Council UWU Crewelwork | 1,380 | – | – | (1,380) | – |
| SCDC Community Chest | 1,711 | – | (2,005) | 294 | – |
| SCDC Homes4Ukraine | – | 2,600 | (2,600) | – | – |
| National Lottery Reaching Communities 26–29 | – | 13,251 | (13,251) | – | – |
| National Lottery Sewcialise AWA 25–27 | – | 10,000 | (10,000) | – | – |
| CPSL Mind Good Life Fund Plus | 8,678 | – | (8,509) | (169) | – |
| PEM Ambassador Training 2026 | – | 1,217 | (1,217) | – | – |
| PEM(Sewcialise Jan–March 2025) | 422 | – | – | (422) | – |
| Arnold Clark Grant | – | – | (500) | 500 | – |
| Cheshire Community Foundation | 1,014 | – | – | (1,014) | – |
| Corporate Wellbeing Events | 1,412 | – | – | (1,412) | – |
| The Red Hen Project | 200 | – | – | (200) | – |
| Fund deficits brought forward(see footnote 1) | (10,003) | – | – | 10,003 | – |
| Total Restricted Funds | 14,646 | 41,584 | (62,303) | 6,073 | – |
| Unrestricted Funds | |||||
| Cole Charitable Trust(designated) | – | 2,000 | (2,000) | – | – |
| The Bransford Trust(designated) | – | 3,000 | (3,000) | – | – |
| General fund(restated) | 3,821 | 17,734 | (6,082) | (6,073) | 9,400 |
| Total Unrestricted Funds | 3,821 | 22,734 | (11,082) | (6,073) | 9,400 |
| - | |||||
| Total Funds | 18,467 | 64,318 | (73,385) | – | 9,400 |
| Footnotes |
1.Fund deficits brought forward comprises the deficit balances within restricted funds at 1 April 2025 as reported in the prior year financial statements: Government Grants £(1,173), Core Costs £(5,466) and £(3,364) within other restricted funds. These deficits were cleared by transfer from unrestricted funds during the year.
2.Transfers between funds represent the clearance of brought-forward fund deficits and the release to general funds of residual balances on completed projects, following a fund-by-fund review carried out during the year. All restricted funds were fully applied, released or cleared by 31 March 2026; grant income received for future periods is held as deferred income (note 13).
- 3.The balance at 1 April 2025 is stated after a prior year adjustment of £3,477 to unrestricted funds. See the prior year adjustment note.
Page 14
Sew Positive CIO
Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 March 2026(continued)
15 Related party transactions
There were no related party transactions in the year.
16 Prior Year Adjustments
During the year it was identified that cash at bank at 31 March 2025 was understated by £3,477 in the previously issued financial statements (reported: £35,184; per bank records: £38,661). The comparative figures have been restated accordingly. The effect of the restatement is to increase cash at bank and total funds at 31 March 2025 by £3,477, increasing opening unrestricted funds at 1 April 2025 from £344 to £3,821. There is no effect on the net movement in funds for either year.
Page 15
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