Charfty number: 1193445
THE ASSOCIATION OF BREASTFEEDING MOTHER5
TRUSTEES. REPORT AND UNAUDITED ACCOUNTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED
31 MARCH 2024

THE ASSOCIATION OF BREASTFEEDING MOTHERS
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
Reference and administrative infomiation
Trustees, report
Report of the independent examiner
Statement of financial activlties
io
Balance sheet
li
Notes to the accounts
12-16

THE ASSOCIATION OF BREASTFEEDING MOTHERS
REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
Trustees
Eleanor Campbell Chair
Hazra Aya
Caroline Bolton
Sharon Breward
jessica Brown (from 19 May 20231
Ann Bruce
Samantha Kennedy Christian
Claire Flood (resigned l April 20231
Emily Johnson Ifrom 18 May 20231
Caroline Harrower
Anneka Ruff (resigned 6 May 20241
Kathryn Stagg (resigned l April 20231
Charlty number
1193445 IEngland and Wales)
ReElstered office
PO Box 1629
Bedford
MK42 5EF
Independent examiner
Samantha Wells FCA
Lindeyer Francis FerEu50n Limited
Chartered Accountants
North House
198 High Street
Tonbridge
Kent
TN9 IBE
Page I

THE ASSOCIATION OF BREASTFEEDING MOTHERS
TRUSTEES, REPORT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
The trustees present their annual report, together wlth the financial statements for the year ended
31 March 2024. The trustees confirm that the Annual report and financial statements of the charity
comply with the currerbt statutory requirements, the requirements of the governlng document and
the provisions of "Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice
applicable to charitie5 preparing their account5 in accoidance with the Financial Reporting Standard
applicable in the UK and Republic of Ire13nd IFRS 1021" leffertive I january 20191 Icharities SORP IFRS
10211.
The reference and administrative information on the previous page forms part of this report.
Structure. Governance and Mana8ement
The ABM is a Charitable Incorporated Organisations governed by a wrltten Constitution and managed
by a Board of Trustees.
The ABM has a written safeguardin8 Statement to help breastfeeding sUPPOrters who are concerned
about the welfare of a child or of a vulnerable adult.
We also have a social media policy in response to the increased use of online contarts.
The ABM collaborates Wlth The Breastfeeding Network IBfNI to provide volunteers for the National
Breastfeeding Helpline INBHI-
All trustees give theirtime voluntarily and receive no remuneration or other benefits for their work as
trustees.
The charity is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation I"CIO"l incorporated on l August 2021
Iregistered charity number 11934451. It was fomed to convert an unincorporated tharity of the same
name (registered charity number 2805371 to CIO status. The CIO 15 governed by its Constitutio
re8lStered on l August 2021.
Vlslon. Misslan and Strategy
The ABM is established to-
l. Promote the physical and psychological health of mothers and children through education in
the techniques of breastteeding.
2. Advance the education of the public and especially those persons concerned with the care of
children on the health benefits, both immediate and long-term. of breastFeeding.
In planning our activities for the year, the trustees have had regard to the Charity Commission's
guidance on public benefit.
A main focu5 for the ABM'5 15 Supporting families via calls on the National Breastfeeding Helpline. in
partnership with The Breastfeeding Network a5 well as via Webchat, Social Media messages and
ernai15. These options befiefit families by providin8 accessible breastfeeding support, including
Page 2

THE ASSOCIATION OF BREASTFEEDING MOTHERS
TRUSTEES, REPORT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
evenings and weekends, 365 days of the year. Our support can be accessed by anyone of any
background.
We have our own training courses, which aim to train breastfeeding supporter5. whether Peer
Supporters, Breastteeding Counsellors or family/partner5 wishing to support their loved ones, to the
highest standard in order to offer up-to-date, evidence-based breastfeeding information. We offer
Foundation and Advanced levels courses, which are suitable for health professionals and those in a
paid breasrfeeding-related role. It encourages a broad scope of study and research that gives a deeper
understanding of how breastfeeding works and a good foundation to further breastfeeding education.
The ABM values its volunteer breastfeeding supporters highly. We have two levels of training for
volunteer breastFeeding supporters..
Peer Supporter5, who are trained to act as a 'well-informed frlend, in the community- They
support mothers and breastfeeding parents in the ordinary course of breasrfeeding and refer
them to more skilled help if the need arise5.
Breastfeeding Coun5ellor5 have undergone around 2 years of part-time training. They
volunteer on the helplines and can offer face-to-face 5UPPOrt with breastfeeding challenges.
We are enormously grateful to all our volunteers. The dlfference that a tralned volunteer ran make to
someone's breastfeeding experience is huge. and without our volunteers the ABM would not be able
to support familie5 in the way that we do.
Some 8reastfeedin8 Counsellors also run groups and classes. Support from ABM Counsellors is alway5
free to mothers. breastfeeding parents and familie5.
In addition to our training course5, the A8M hosts high quality regional and national study sessions for
members, trainees and graduates from all courses. These have zll been online this year.
We run an annual conference which 15 open to the public, including parents, breasrfeeding supporters
and health Professionals.
The Pamela Lacey Award Iformerly known as Pam's Prize) is an award given each year to a voluntary
breastfeedin8 counsÈllor from any of the UK'S breastfeeding organisations. It is in recognition of the
great contribution made by volunteers and is awarded at the ABM conferencè @ach year.
We produce animation and information leaflets on many aspects of breastfeeding. The full leaflets
an be purchased from the ABM, and text only versions can be downloaded from our website free of
charge.
Our Team Baby course is available for free for expectant parents and their families and supporters.
The ABM attends the APPG on infant feeding and inequalitie5. The A8M is also a member of the Babv
Feeding Law Group and the First 1001 Days movement. The ABM is on the steering group of the
Page 3

THE ASSOCIATION OF BREASTFEEDING MOTHERS
TRUSTEES, REPORT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
Breastfeeding Alliance. and contributes to the WBTI'S 5-yearly audit of the breastfeeding landscape of
the four UK nations.
We publish an ABM magazine three times per year. This is sent to all our members. The magazine
features articles on a wlde variety of breastfeeding-related topics, written by and for our members.
Review of 2023-2024
Helpline, email and webchat support
Qualified A8M Breastfeeding Counsellors have continued to take calls on the National Breastfeeding
Helpllne INBHI, using a Virtual Call Centre system IVCCI. We have continued to receive talls from
parents, families and professionals covering a range of ages from new-born upwards and a diverse
range of issues. The number of families SUPPOrted has increased on all our platforms. During 2023-24
the NBH has supported 6,369 families by social media lup from 5,981 in the previous yearl, 1,119 by
webchat (increased from 426 in 20231 and 9,720 by telephone (increased from 8,645 Calls thè previous
year) giving an amazing total of 19,363 families supported by volunteers from the ABM and BfN.
The NBH has continued to provide a Voicemail service, so that caller5 who can't get straight through
to a volunteer can leave a message and receive a call back. In March 2024 the N8H@Night was
launched, making the NBH an around the clock seNice for families who need support with
breastfeeding.
Training and Education
Our Team Baby course ¢ontinues to provide free breastfeeding education for families. Over 670
families used this course during the year.
We have continued to adapt and update our training courses in Ilne with global developments in our
un(ler5tanding of lactation. Most notably this year, this involved change5 around sUPPQrting parents
with mastitls. Regular meetings Wlth the module markers and prathice call takers have led to smaller
changes being made to ensure that questions are worded clearly for trainees and the sug8e5ted
reading list for each module has been updated to ensure that all links are current.
Ouring 2023-24 over 200 people successfully tompleted our Peer Support course, and 23 people
qualified as Breastfeedin6 Counsellors. In terms of our courses for professionals, 72 completed the
Foundation course. and 6 completed the Advanced course. givinE them invaluable knowledge and
skills to ijse with breastfeeding families. We have received very positive feedback about these course5.
For example..
I have leomt qlotabout the bqckgroundandlows anXu￿breaS￿eethnq. lakofvel the course
hÉYs gfven me a deeper knowledge and under5tandlnqol4711aspects of breaStfr￿1￿ffj andqlso
howlmportttnt urtfve listenlnqskllls can be.
As a mlo%vlft I wlll be able to utiitse the knowkdqe ond skllls gainedfrom thts course In (
almost dolfy copaclty.
IfeltlhadL7 goodunderstondlng oyhow tosupportbreosrfeedingfvmilies beAorel tookon thls
coutse butthe course htts given me o deeper under5tundinq that wlll Impro¥emyprartice.
Page 4

THE ASSOCIATION OF BREASTFEEDING MOTHERS
TRUSTEES, REPORT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
ThecotsrseKwMoJhiteresthg topksandquestions. Whlle muchmore dounting thqn urtual
helpllne colls the prarttce colls ￿re realfy usefvl wlth theleedback belnq kln4 construrttve
ondhelpfvl. The sameqoesfv the morknng of each module.
As quolb7ed BFC and on A8M PS OA 13 yeats I hove thomughty enjoyed the new
trninlng npodules. l especiolty Aound the prartke colls & video Com on P&A explanotlon
Incredlbly helpfvl to prepore me fvr storfng on th N8H. Eoch topk wlth the counselllng
question Icompleted ondreceivedwonderfu4 encouraginth constructi&*morhng upon made
mefvelempowered to c￿ete the next. Eorh modulepu5hed me to reseorch more In depth
into such ¢7 varletyoAtYeos in breasrfeedlng thatl cleartyneeded to kam aboutin order
to thoroughtysUPpOrteveryfvtu￿fvrnKY1(0rne intocontart
Conference
Our conference was held in Birmingham on June 24 2023. This year. we were thrilled to be able to
retijrn to an in-persun conference for the first tirne since the pandemic. The conference wa5 also
streamed onllne. which increased our conference's reach by over 300%. The hybrid format
significantly increased the costs of Dur conference. Because we had an unusually short lead time for
this conference. trustees decided tD run a hybrid conference again in 2024, with a longer preparation
time, to allow us to judge the financial viability of the hybrid format.
A5 our 2022 conference had been held in September, we had les5 time than usual to plan the annual
conference, and we're really proud of our conference team who managed such a fast turnaround.
speakers and topics included-.
Kathryn Stagg." SupportlngBreastfeeding Multiples
Katie Pereira-Kot2e: Chonenge5 With Infvnt mllks thot tyre tysfvods Aor medkol puwes
wlthln the UK
Dr Ernestine Ndzi.. Breostfeedlng Not On The Agenda
Toni Harman.. BreastAeedlng ondthe Mi¢roblL)me
Dr Ilana Levene.. tlo Ireallyneed to expre$5 8 tlmes u doy?,
Shel Banks and Hannah Cresswell.. LThgitolBre*edinq Supwt.. FriendorFoeP
Feedback from the conference was very p051tive. Here are some quotes from dele8ates.'
Lovedlt an remlndedme whyl love myjobsomuch and1￿W1need to keep gdng. Itcan be a
reallytouqh andlsolotingjob ot tIn￿5 butthis hasremlmledme **ylcan tgfve up. Thonkpw
$0 much.
whkh hos he*dme In my bvork withfvmille
Lovedthe hytridexwlence. I wotchedon catch up butstillfvkyt ofttom.
All the swkers Kwefvntastk. It wos qreat tofvelpart oAthe communlty.
Page 5

THE ASSOCIATION OF BREASTFEEDING MOTHERS
TRUSTEES, REPORT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
Thinking ahead to 2024, we plan to hold another hybrid conference, with the in-person conference
being held in London.
Pamela Lacey Award
Each year, we invite families to nominate an individual Dr a breastfeeding group who had provided
outstanding breasrfeeding support. This year, the winners were Gloucestershire Breastfeeding
Supporters, Network. Multiple nominations for this group showed the irnpact that they have on the
families they support..
'If it wasn't for GBSN I wouldn't Still be feeding my 21 month old son. I can't thank them enough, they
deserve all the credit in the world true heroes.,
The GB5N group MOB5 In Stroud was and Is an absolute lrfeline for me, all the way from my first V151t
wlth my 3 week old first baby right up to now when that 'baby' is 12 years old! They have given me
help, support, vital information on how to feed my baby and lifelong friendships that I can't imagine
coping with the challenges of parenthood without. I still regularly attend as a volunteer to make new
mums a cup of tea and all of the BFCS and volunteers are wonderful.,
Magazine
Three tlmes each year all members receive a physical copy of the ABM magazine. This highquality
publication allows us to provide information and edijcation diredly to members.
Each issue contains a letter from the chair, a column on research developments from Professor Amv
Brown, an inspiration piece. book reviews, notices from our community and celebrations of the
achievements of our members, as well as a wide and varied r05ter of articles coverSng topical issues.
It provides an effective way of ensuring all of our members have acces5 to high-quality up-to-date
information on topics of interest, and is a powerful way of maintaining the passion many of our
members and volunteers share. This year we have featured art inspired by birth and breastfeedingi
education of medical students and doctors, changes to treatment of mastitis, milk expression in the
neonatal unit, use of specialist infant formulas, the use of apps for breastfeeding support, the
microbiome, 5UPI)orting Survivors of abuse, and using picture books to support weaning, reporting o
the findings or our diversity survey and morè. We are so appreciative of the work of our magazine
editor in creatin8 Such a valuable publication.
Flnancial Review
The Statement of Financial Activitie5 shows a net decrease in ￿SoUr￿5 for the year amounting to
£1,27712023: net decrease of £22,887). Our reserves stand at £127,45512023.. £128,732) at the year
end.
Around a third of the ABM'S income comes from membership subscriptions. We also recelve income
from contracts to deliver tTaining, and conference fees. We receive some fundinB from the
Breastfeeding Network towards our role in the National 8reastfeeding Helpline.
Page 6

THE ASSOCIATION OF BREASTFEEDING MOTHERS
TRUSTEES, REPORT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
Resebves
The trustees of the A8M consider that reserves would be needed in the event of..
31 unforeseen emergency or other unexpected need for funds,.
bl unforeseen day-to4ay operational costs, e.g. employing temporary staff to cover a long-terni sick
absence:
cl A source of income. such as a grant, not being renewed. Funds might be needed to give the
trustees time to take artion if income falls below eKpectations,'
dl Planned commitments, or designations, that cannot be met by future income alone,. and
el The need to fund short-term deficits in a cash budget.
The ABM aims to hold reserves amounting to approximately six months, average expenditure. Thi5 IS
approximately £30,000.
The A8M currently hold5 more reserves than this, free reserves lunrestricted funds less fixed asset51
stand at £124,353 12023.. E128,6931. The Trustees and Central Committee are bringing down the
reserves by investing funds in time-limited projects of strategic importancè, such as developing the
online training courses.
Trustees, Responslbllitles
The Trustees are responsible for preparing the Trustees, report and the financial 5tstements in
accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom
Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).
The law applicable to charities in England and Wales requlres the Trustees to prepare financial
statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the State of the affairs of the
charlty and of the incoming resources and application of resources of the charlty for that perlod. In
preparing these financial statements, the Trustèes are required to..
select suitable accoLJnting policies and then apply them conslstentlv:
observe the methods and principles in the Charities SORP,.
make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
state whether applicable accountin8 5tandard5 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 unle55 It is inappropriate to
presume that the charity will continue in operation.
The TnFStees are responsible for keeping 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 wlth the Charities Act 2011, regulations made thereunder, and the provisions of
the trust deed. They are also ￿sponsible for safeguarding the assets of the charity and hence for
taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.
Page 7

THE ASSOCIATION OF BREASTFEEDING MOTHERS
TRUSTEES, REPORT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
Signed on behalf of the trustees on.....
Eleanor
Chair of T
bell
Page 8

INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF THE ASSOCIATION
OF BREASTFEEDING MOTHERS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
Responslblllties and basls of report Independent examlnerfs statement
I report to the trustee5 on my examination of the accounts of the Association of Breasrfeeding
Mothers (the Charity) for the year ended 31 March 2024, whlch are set out on pages 9 to 15.
Responsibilltles and basis of report
As the Charity'5 trustees you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with
the requlrements of the Charities Act 20111'the Arfl.
I report in respett of my exafflination of the Charl￿S accounts carried out under section 145 of the
2011 Act and in carrying out my examination I have followed all the applicable Oirections given by the
Charity Ctsmmission under section 14515llbl of the Act.
Independent examlnerfs statement
I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matter5 have come to my attention in
connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respert..
accounting records were not kept in respect of the Charity as required by section 130 of the
Act; or
2. the accounts do not accord with those records- or
3. the accounts do not c(Imply with the applicable requirements concerning the form and
content of accounts set out in the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulation5 2008 other
than any requirement that the accounts give a 'true and fair view, which is not a matter
onsidered as part of an independent examination.
I have no concern5 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.
Somantha Wells FCA
Llndeyer Francis Ferguson Limlted
North House
198 High Street
Tonbridge
Kent TN9 IBE
Page 9

ASSOCIATION OF BREASTFEEDING MOTHERS
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
Note
2024
2023
Income Irom:
Donations
Membership fees
Charitsble activities
Investment5- bank interest
9,346
37,127
49,617
241
480
37,062
47,021
97
T(rtèl Income
96,331
84,660
Expendlture on:
Charitable activities
97,608
107,547
Totsl expenditure
97,608
107,547
Net expendlture and net movement in funds for the year
11,2771
122,8871
Reconciliation of lunds:
Total funds brought forward
128,732
151,619
Total funds carried forward
127,455
128,732
There were no restricted funds held during the year or the previous year
Page 10

ASSOCIATION OF BREASTFEEDING MOTHERS
BALANCE SHEET
A T31 MARCH 2024
Note
2024
2024
2023
2023
Fixed assets
Tangible fixed assets
3,102
39
Current assets
Debtors
Cash at bank and in hand
7.398
141,798
149,196
15,334
121,355
Total currerht assets
136,689
CredTtors: amounts falling due within one year
{ 24,8431
17,9961
Net current assets
124,353
128,693
Net assets
127,455
128,732
Charity fund5
Unrestricted funds
127,455
128,732
Total funds
127.455
128,732
The financial statements were approved by the Management Committee on.....
signed on their behalf by-
and
Ann Bruce
Trustee
Elean
Trust
mpbell
Page11

ASSOCIATION OF BREASTFEEDING MOTHERS
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
Accounting policies
The principal accounting policles adopted, judgements and key sources of estimation uncertainty in
the DreDaration of the financial statements are as follow5.
1.1 status
The Association of 8reastfeeding Mothers is a Charitable Incorporated Organi5ation. re8lStered with
the Charity Commission in En8land and Wales. Its principal address is ABM, PO Box 1629. Bedford,
MK42 SEF.
1.2 Basis ol preparallon of financial statements
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with "Accounting and Reporting bv
Charities.. Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charitie5 preparing their accounts in
accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UX and Republic of Ireland IFRS
1021" (effective l January 20191 (Charities SORP IFRS 10211, thè Financial Reporting Standard
applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland IFRS 1021.
The Association of Breastfeeding Mothers meet5 the definrtion of 3 public benefit entity under FRS
102. Assets and liabilities are initially recognised at historical cost or transartion value unless
otherwise stated in the relevant accounting policy notelsl.
There are no material uncertainties about the charity's abilwly to continue, and so the going concern
basis of accountin￿ has been adopted.
The financial statements are presented in pounds sterling and rounded to the nearest pound.
1.3 Income
Income is recognised when the charity is entitled to it, it is probable that it will be received and it can
be measured reliably. For donations and membership fees thi5 is usually on receipt. Training and
conference income is recoAnised in the Deriod to which it relates.
1.4 Expendliure
Expenditure is recognised when a present legal or constructive obligation exists at the balance sheet
date as a result of a past event, It Is probable that a transfer of economic benefit5 will be required to
settle the obligation, and the amount can be measured or estimated reliably Costs of charitable
activ1ties are those costs, including support costs, relating to the provision of advice. tralnlng and
advocacy servlces.
Governance costs are support costs ineurred In connection wlth the administration of the charity and
compliante with constitutional and statutory requirements.
Page 12

ASSOCIATION OF BREASTFEEDING MOTHERS
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
1.5 Tangible fixed a$5ets and deprKSation
All expenditure exceeding £250 on fixed assets is capitali5ed at cost.
Tangible fixed assets are statèd at cost less depreciation. Depreciation is provided at rates calculated
to write off the cost of fixed assets. less their estimated residual value, over their expected useful
lives on the following bases:
Fixtures. fittings & equipment- io% to 33% straight line
1.6 Financlal instruments
The charity ha5 financial instruments of a kind that qualify as basic financlal instruments. The
charitV'5 short term debtors and creditors are measured at their settlement value.
1.7 Fund accountlnz
The general fund Is an unrestricted fund which is available for use at the discretlon of the
Management Committee in furtherance of the general objectlves of the charity and which have not
been designated for other purposes.
Restricted funds cark only be used for the particular restricted purposes within the objects of the
charity. Restrictions arise when specified by the donor or when funds are raised for particular
purposes. The charity does not currently have any restricted funds.
Income from charltable activities
Z024
2023
Training
Conference fees
National Breastfeeding Helpline
Leaflets and educationa5 items
32.820
9.052
7.300
445
34,752
4.700
125
49,617
47,021
Page13

ASSOCIATION OF BREASTFEEDING MOTHERS
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
Expenditure on charitable actlvlties
2024
2023
Dlrert Costs:
Training and development grants
ABM conference
Training
Publication printing and Stationery
Leaflets and educational item5
Public awareness
Support costs (note 41
183
29,117
7,592
13,447
1,205
693
45,371
2,017
13,653
45,380
10,393
711
35,393
97,608
107,547
Trainin8 and development grants relate to small bursaries given to individuals.
Suppc*rt costs
2024
2023
Administration salaries Inote 51
Insurance
VenLre hire
Office costs
Postage
Sundry expenses
Subscriptions
Computer and website costs
Bank charges
Depreciation
Professional fee5
Travel and accommodation
Governance cost5:
Independent examination
21,237
679
19,428
304
251
702
468
580
1.198
7,293
1,808
600
896
234
656
614
6,598
5,210
2,088
144
1,631
4,264
2,016
1,865
45,371
35,393
Page 14

ASSOCIATION OF BREASTFEEDING MOTHERS
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEJIR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
Staff costs
2024
2023
Gr05S Salaries
Pension costs
20,800
437
19,043
385
The average number of employee5 during the year was I 12023..1). No employee re￿iVed
emDlovment benefits over £60.00012023= £nill.
Key management personnel are considered to be the members of the Management Committee.
During the year no remuneration was received by key management personnel12023: £nill.
During the year four trusteès received reimbursement for expenses related to accomodation and
travel totalling £66912023: £nill.
Tangible flxed assets
Flxtures,
fittings &
equipment
Cort
At l April 2023
Additions
3,188
3,207
At 31 March 2024
6,395
Depre<latlon
At l April 2023
Charge for the year
3,149
144
At 31 March 2024
3.293
Net book value
At 31 March 2024
3,102
At 31 March 2023
39
Page 15

ASSOCIATION OF BREASTFEEDING MOTHERS
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
Debtors: amounts falling due within one year
2024
2023
Trade debtors
Prepayments and accrued income
1,018
6,380
10,035
5,299
7,398
15,334
Credltors: amounts lalllng due within one year
2024
2023
Trade creditors
Accruals and deferred income
Taxation and social security
Other creditors
240
24,506
7,535
364
97
97
24,843
7,996
Deferred income relates to training income received in advance of the course starting and amounted
to £22,49012023: £5,615).
Related portles
Fees were pald to one trustee, Caroline Bolton, for Markers fees of £2.65012023-. £3.5001.
There have been no other rèlated party transactions in the year12023: £nill.
Page 16

Charfty number: 1193445
THE ASSOCIATION OF BREASTFEEDING MOTHER5
TRUSTEES. REPORT AND UNAUDITED ACCOUNTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED
31 MARCH 2024

THE ASSOCIATION OF BREASTFEEDING MOTHERS
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
Reference and administrative infomiation
Trustees, report
Report of the independent examiner
Statement of financial activlties
io
Balance sheet
li
Notes to the accounts
12-16

THE ASSOCIATION OF BREASTFEEDING MOTHERS
REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
Trustees
Eleanor Campbell Chair
Hazra Aya
Caroline Bolton
Sharon Breward
jessica Brown (from 19 May 20231
Ann Bruce
Samantha Kennedy Christian
Claire Flood (resigned l April 20231
Emily Johnson Ifrom 18 May 20231
Caroline Harrower
Anneka Ruff (resigned 6 May 20241
Kathryn Stagg (resigned l April 20231
Charlty number
1193445 IEngland and Wales)
ReElstered office
PO Box 1629
Bedford
MK42 5EF
Independent examiner
Samantha Wells FCA
Lindeyer Francis FerEu50n Limited
Chartered Accountants
North House
198 High Street
Tonbridge
Kent
TN9 IBE
Page I

THE ASSOCIATION OF BREASTFEEDING MOTHERS
TRUSTEES, REPORT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
The trustees present their annual report, together wlth the financial statements for the year ended
31 March 2024. The trustees confirm that the Annual report and financial statements of the charity
comply with the currerbt statutory requirements, the requirements of the governlng document and
the provisions of "Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice
applicable to charitie5 preparing their account5 in accoidance with the Financial Reporting Standard
applicable in the UK and Republic of Ire13nd IFRS 1021" leffertive I january 20191 Icharities SORP IFRS
10211.
The reference and administrative information on the previous page forms part of this report.
Structure. Governance and Mana8ement
The ABM is a Charitable Incorporated Organisations governed by a wrltten Constitution and managed
by a Board of Trustees.
The ABM has a written safeguardin8 Statement to help breastfeeding sUPPOrters who are concerned
about the welfare of a child or of a vulnerable adult.
We also have a social media policy in response to the increased use of online contarts.
The ABM collaborates Wlth The Breastfeeding Network IBfNI to provide volunteers for the National
Breastfeeding Helpline INBHI-
All trustees give theirtime voluntarily and receive no remuneration or other benefits for their work as
trustees.
The charity is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation I"CIO"l incorporated on l August 2021
Iregistered charity number 11934451. It was fomed to convert an unincorporated tharity of the same
name (registered charity number 2805371 to CIO status. The CIO 15 governed by its Constitutio
re8lStered on l August 2021.
Vlslon. Misslan and Strategy
The ABM is established to-
l. Promote the physical and psychological health of mothers and children through education in
the techniques of breastteeding.
2. Advance the education of the public and especially those persons concerned with the care of
children on the health benefits, both immediate and long-term. of breastFeeding.
In planning our activities for the year, the trustees have had regard to the Charity Commission's
guidance on public benefit.
A main focu5 for the ABM'5 15 Supporting families via calls on the National Breastfeeding Helpline. in
partnership with The Breastfeeding Network a5 well as via Webchat, Social Media messages and
ernai15. These options befiefit families by providin8 accessible breastfeeding support, including
Page 2

THE ASSOCIATION OF BREASTFEEDING MOTHERS
TRUSTEES, REPORT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
evenings and weekends, 365 days of the year. Our support can be accessed by anyone of any
background.
We have our own training courses, which aim to train breastfeeding supporter5. whether Peer
Supporters, Breastteeding Counsellors or family/partner5 wishing to support their loved ones, to the
highest standard in order to offer up-to-date, evidence-based breastfeeding information. We offer
Foundation and Advanced levels courses, which are suitable for health professionals and those in a
paid breasrfeeding-related role. It encourages a broad scope of study and research that gives a deeper
understanding of how breastfeeding works and a good foundation to further breastfeeding education.
The ABM values its volunteer breastfeeding supporters highly. We have two levels of training for
volunteer breastFeeding supporters..
Peer Supporter5, who are trained to act as a 'well-informed frlend, in the community- They
support mothers and breastfeeding parents in the ordinary course of breasrfeeding and refer
them to more skilled help if the need arise5.
Breastfeeding Coun5ellor5 have undergone around 2 years of part-time training. They
volunteer on the helplines and can offer face-to-face 5UPPOrt with breastfeeding challenges.
We are enormously grateful to all our volunteers. The dlfference that a tralned volunteer ran make to
someone's breastfeeding experience is huge. and without our volunteers the ABM would not be able
to support familie5 in the way that we do.
Some 8reastfeedin8 Counsellors also run groups and classes. Support from ABM Counsellors is alway5
free to mothers. breastfeeding parents and familie5.
In addition to our training course5, the A8M hosts high quality regional and national study sessions for
members, trainees and graduates from all courses. These have zll been online this year.
We run an annual conference which 15 open to the public, including parents, breasrfeeding supporters
and health Professionals.
The Pamela Lacey Award Iformerly known as Pam's Prize) is an award given each year to a voluntary
breastfeedin8 counsÈllor from any of the UK'S breastfeeding organisations. It is in recognition of the
great contribution made by volunteers and is awarded at the ABM conferencè @ach year.
We produce animation and information leaflets on many aspects of breastfeeding. The full leaflets
an be purchased from the ABM, and text only versions can be downloaded from our website free of
charge.
Our Team Baby course is available for free for expectant parents and their families and supporters.
The ABM attends the APPG on infant feeding and inequalitie5. The A8M is also a member of the Babv
Feeding Law Group and the First 1001 Days movement. The ABM is on the steering group of the
Page 3

THE ASSOCIATION OF BREASTFEEDING MOTHERS
TRUSTEES, REPORT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
Breastfeeding Alliance. and contributes to the WBTI'S 5-yearly audit of the breastfeeding landscape of
the four UK nations.
We publish an ABM magazine three times per year. This is sent to all our members. The magazine
features articles on a wlde variety of breastfeeding-related topics, written by and for our members.
Review of 2023-2024
Helpline, email and webchat support
Qualified A8M Breastfeeding Counsellors have continued to take calls on the National Breastfeeding
Helpllne INBHI, using a Virtual Call Centre system IVCCI. We have continued to receive talls from
parents, families and professionals covering a range of ages from new-born upwards and a diverse
range of issues. The number of families SUPPOrted has increased on all our platforms. During 2023-24
the NBH has supported 6,369 families by social media lup from 5,981 in the previous yearl, 1,119 by
webchat (increased from 426 in 20231 and 9,720 by telephone (increased from 8,645 Calls thè previous
year) giving an amazing total of 19,363 families supported by volunteers from the ABM and BfN.
The NBH has continued to provide a Voicemail service, so that caller5 who can't get straight through
to a volunteer can leave a message and receive a call back. In March 2024 the N8H@Night was
launched, making the NBH an around the clock seNice for families who need support with
breastfeeding.
Training and Education
Our Team Baby course ¢ontinues to provide free breastfeeding education for families. Over 670
families used this course during the year.
We have continued to adapt and update our training courses in Ilne with global developments in our
un(ler5tanding of lactation. Most notably this year, this involved change5 around sUPPQrting parents
with mastitls. Regular meetings Wlth the module markers and prathice call takers have led to smaller
changes being made to ensure that questions are worded clearly for trainees and the sug8e5ted
reading list for each module has been updated to ensure that all links are current.
Ouring 2023-24 over 200 people successfully tompleted our Peer Support course, and 23 people
qualified as Breastfeedin6 Counsellors. In terms of our courses for professionals, 72 completed the
Foundation course. and 6 completed the Advanced course. givinE them invaluable knowledge and
skills to ijse with breastfeeding families. We have received very positive feedback about these course5.
For example..
I have leomt qlotabout the bqckgroundandlows anXu￿breaS￿eethnq. lakofvel the course
hÉYs gfven me a deeper knowledge and under5tandlnqol4711aspects of breaStfr￿1￿ffj andqlso
howlmportttnt urtfve listenlnqskllls can be.
As a mlo%vlft I wlll be able to utiitse the knowkdqe ond skllls gainedfrom thts course In (
almost dolfy copaclty.
IfeltlhadL7 goodunderstondlng oyhow tosupportbreosrfeedingfvmilies beAorel tookon thls
coutse butthe course htts given me o deeper under5tundinq that wlll Impro¥emyprartice.
Page 4

THE ASSOCIATION OF BREASTFEEDING MOTHERS
TRUSTEES, REPORT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
ThecotsrseKwMoJhiteresthg topksandquestions. Whlle muchmore dounting thqn urtual
helpllne colls the prarttce colls ￿re realfy usefvl wlth theleedback belnq kln4 construrttve
ondhelpfvl. The sameqoesfv the morknng of each module.
As quolb7ed BFC and on A8M PS OA 13 yeats I hove thomughty enjoyed the new
trninlng npodules. l especiolty Aound the prartke colls & video Com on P&A explanotlon
Incredlbly helpfvl to prepore me fvr storfng on th N8H. Eoch topk wlth the counselllng
question Icompleted ondreceivedwonderfu4 encouraginth constructi&*morhng upon made
mefvelempowered to c￿ete the next. Eorh modulepu5hed me to reseorch more In depth
into such ¢7 varletyoAtYeos in breasrfeedlng thatl cleartyneeded to kam aboutin order
to thoroughtysUPpOrteveryfvtu￿fvrnKY1(0rne intocontart
Conference
Our conference was held in Birmingham on June 24 2023. This year. we were thrilled to be able to
retijrn to an in-persun conference for the first tirne since the pandemic. The conference wa5 also
streamed onllne. which increased our conference's reach by over 300%. The hybrid format
significantly increased the costs of Dur conference. Because we had an unusually short lead time for
this conference. trustees decided tD run a hybrid conference again in 2024, with a longer preparation
time, to allow us to judge the financial viability of the hybrid format.
A5 our 2022 conference had been held in September, we had les5 time than usual to plan the annual
conference, and we're really proud of our conference team who managed such a fast turnaround.
speakers and topics included-.
Kathryn Stagg." SupportlngBreastfeeding Multiples
Katie Pereira-Kot2e: Chonenge5 With Infvnt mllks thot tyre tysfvods Aor medkol puwes
wlthln the UK
Dr Ernestine Ndzi.. Breostfeedlng Not On The Agenda
Toni Harman.. BreastAeedlng ondthe Mi¢roblL)me
Dr Ilana Levene.. tlo Ireallyneed to expre$5 8 tlmes u doy?,
Shel Banks and Hannah Cresswell.. LThgitolBre*edinq Supwt.. FriendorFoeP
Feedback from the conference was very p051tive. Here are some quotes from dele8ates.'
Lovedlt an remlndedme whyl love myjobsomuch and1￿W1need to keep gdng. Itcan be a
reallytouqh andlsolotingjob ot tIn￿5 butthis hasremlmledme **ylcan tgfve up. Thonkpw
$0 much.
whkh hos he*dme In my bvork withfvmille
Lovedthe hytridexwlence. I wotchedon catch up butstillfvkyt ofttom.
All the swkers Kwefvntastk. It wos qreat tofvelpart oAthe communlty.
Page 5

THE ASSOCIATION OF BREASTFEEDING MOTHERS
TRUSTEES, REPORT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
Thinking ahead to 2024, we plan to hold another hybrid conference, with the in-person conference
being held in London.
Pamela Lacey Award
Each year, we invite families to nominate an individual Dr a breastfeeding group who had provided
outstanding breasrfeeding support. This year, the winners were Gloucestershire Breastfeeding
Supporters, Network. Multiple nominations for this group showed the irnpact that they have on the
families they support..
'If it wasn't for GBSN I wouldn't Still be feeding my 21 month old son. I can't thank them enough, they
deserve all the credit in the world true heroes.,
The GB5N group MOB5 In Stroud was and Is an absolute lrfeline for me, all the way from my first V151t
wlth my 3 week old first baby right up to now when that 'baby' is 12 years old! They have given me
help, support, vital information on how to feed my baby and lifelong friendships that I can't imagine
coping with the challenges of parenthood without. I still regularly attend as a volunteer to make new
mums a cup of tea and all of the BFCS and volunteers are wonderful.,
Magazine
Three tlmes each year all members receive a physical copy of the ABM magazine. This highquality
publication allows us to provide information and edijcation diredly to members.
Each issue contains a letter from the chair, a column on research developments from Professor Amv
Brown, an inspiration piece. book reviews, notices from our community and celebrations of the
achievements of our members, as well as a wide and varied r05ter of articles coverSng topical issues.
It provides an effective way of ensuring all of our members have acces5 to high-quality up-to-date
information on topics of interest, and is a powerful way of maintaining the passion many of our
members and volunteers share. This year we have featured art inspired by birth and breastfeedingi
education of medical students and doctors, changes to treatment of mastitis, milk expression in the
neonatal unit, use of specialist infant formulas, the use of apps for breastfeeding support, the
microbiome, 5UPI)orting Survivors of abuse, and using picture books to support weaning, reporting o
the findings or our diversity survey and morè. We are so appreciative of the work of our magazine
editor in creatin8 Such a valuable publication.
Flnancial Review
The Statement of Financial Activitie5 shows a net decrease in ￿SoUr￿5 for the year amounting to
£1,27712023: net decrease of £22,887). Our reserves stand at £127,45512023.. £128,732) at the year
end.
Around a third of the ABM'S income comes from membership subscriptions. We also recelve income
from contracts to deliver tTaining, and conference fees. We receive some fundinB from the
Breastfeeding Network towards our role in the National 8reastfeeding Helpline.
Page 6

THE ASSOCIATION OF BREASTFEEDING MOTHERS
TRUSTEES, REPORT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
Resebves
The trustees of the A8M consider that reserves would be needed in the event of..
31 unforeseen emergency or other unexpected need for funds,.
bl unforeseen day-to4ay operational costs, e.g. employing temporary staff to cover a long-terni sick
absence:
cl A source of income. such as a grant, not being renewed. Funds might be needed to give the
trustees time to take artion if income falls below eKpectations,'
dl Planned commitments, or designations, that cannot be met by future income alone,. and
el The need to fund short-term deficits in a cash budget.
The ABM aims to hold reserves amounting to approximately six months, average expenditure. Thi5 IS
approximately £30,000.
The A8M currently hold5 more reserves than this, free reserves lunrestricted funds less fixed asset51
stand at £124,353 12023.. E128,6931. The Trustees and Central Committee are bringing down the
reserves by investing funds in time-limited projects of strategic importancè, such as developing the
online training courses.
Trustees, Responslbllitles
The Trustees are responsible for preparing the Trustees, report and the financial 5tstements in
accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom
Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).
The law applicable to charities in England and Wales requlres the Trustees to prepare financial
statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the State of the affairs of the
charlty and of the incoming resources and application of resources of the charlty for that perlod. In
preparing these financial statements, the Trustèes are required to..
select suitable accoLJnting policies and then apply them conslstentlv:
observe the methods and principles in the Charities SORP,.
make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
state whether applicable accountin8 5tandard5 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 unle55 It is inappropriate to
presume that the charity will continue in operation.
The TnFStees are responsible for keeping 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 wlth the Charities Act 2011, regulations made thereunder, and the provisions of
the trust deed. They are also ￿sponsible for safeguarding the assets of the charity and hence for
taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.
Page 7

THE ASSOCIATION OF BREASTFEEDING MOTHERS
TRUSTEES, REPORT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
Signed on behalf of the trustees on.....
Eleanor
Chair of T
bell
Page 8

INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF THE ASSOCIATION
OF BREASTFEEDING MOTHERS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
Responslblllties and basls of report Independent examlnerfs statement
I report to the trustee5 on my examination of the accounts of the Association of Breasrfeeding
Mothers (the Charity) for the year ended 31 March 2024, whlch are set out on pages 9 to 15.
Responsibilltles and basis of report
As the Charity'5 trustees you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with
the requlrements of the Charities Act 20111'the Arfl.
I report in respett of my exafflination of the Charl￿S accounts carried out under section 145 of the
2011 Act and in carrying out my examination I have followed all the applicable Oirections given by the
Charity Ctsmmission under section 14515llbl of the Act.
Independent examlnerfs statement
I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matter5 have come to my attention in
connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respert..
accounting records were not kept in respect of the Charity as required by section 130 of the
Act; or
2. the accounts do not accord with those records- or
3. the accounts do not c(Imply with the applicable requirements concerning the form and
content of accounts set out in the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulation5 2008 other
than any requirement that the accounts give a 'true and fair view, which is not a matter
onsidered as part of an independent examination.
I have no concern5 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.
Somantha Wells FCA
Llndeyer Francis Ferguson Limlted
North House
198 High Street
Tonbridge
Kent TN9 IBE
Page 9

ASSOCIATION OF BREASTFEEDING MOTHERS
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
Note
2024
2023
Income Irom:
Donations
Membership fees
Charitsble activities
Investment5- bank interest
9,346
37,127
49,617
241
480
37,062
47,021
97
T(rtèl Income
96,331
84,660
Expendlture on:
Charitable activities
97,608
107,547
Totsl expenditure
97,608
107,547
Net expendlture and net movement in funds for the year
11,2771
122,8871
Reconciliation of lunds:
Total funds brought forward
128,732
151,619
Total funds carried forward
127,455
128,732
There were no restricted funds held during the year or the previous year
Page 10

ASSOCIATION OF BREASTFEEDING MOTHERS
BALANCE SHEET
A T31 MARCH 2024
Note
2024
2024
2023
2023
Fixed assets
Tangible fixed assets
3,102
39
Current assets
Debtors
Cash at bank and in hand
7.398
141,798
149,196
15,334
121,355
Total currerht assets
136,689
CredTtors: amounts falling due within one year
{ 24,8431
17,9961
Net current assets
124,353
128,693
Net assets
127,455
128,732
Charity fund5
Unrestricted funds
127,455
128,732
Total funds
127.455
128,732
The financial statements were approved by the Management Committee on.....
signed on their behalf by-
and
Ann Bruce
Trustee
Elean
Trust
mpbell
Page11

ASSOCIATION OF BREASTFEEDING MOTHERS
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
Accounting policies
The principal accounting policles adopted, judgements and key sources of estimation uncertainty in
the DreDaration of the financial statements are as follow5.
1.1 status
The Association of 8reastfeeding Mothers is a Charitable Incorporated Organi5ation. re8lStered with
the Charity Commission in En8land and Wales. Its principal address is ABM, PO Box 1629. Bedford,
MK42 SEF.
1.2 Basis ol preparallon of financial statements
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with "Accounting and Reporting bv
Charities.. Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charitie5 preparing their accounts in
accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UX and Republic of Ireland IFRS
1021" (effective l January 20191 (Charities SORP IFRS 10211, thè Financial Reporting Standard
applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland IFRS 1021.
The Association of Breastfeeding Mothers meet5 the definrtion of 3 public benefit entity under FRS
102. Assets and liabilities are initially recognised at historical cost or transartion value unless
otherwise stated in the relevant accounting policy notelsl.
There are no material uncertainties about the charity's abilwly to continue, and so the going concern
basis of accountin￿ has been adopted.
The financial statements are presented in pounds sterling and rounded to the nearest pound.
1.3 Income
Income is recognised when the charity is entitled to it, it is probable that it will be received and it can
be measured reliably. For donations and membership fees thi5 is usually on receipt. Training and
conference income is recoAnised in the Deriod to which it relates.
1.4 Expendliure
Expenditure is recognised when a present legal or constructive obligation exists at the balance sheet
date as a result of a past event, It Is probable that a transfer of economic benefit5 will be required to
settle the obligation, and the amount can be measured or estimated reliably Costs of charitable
activ1ties are those costs, including support costs, relating to the provision of advice. tralnlng and
advocacy servlces.
Governance costs are support costs ineurred In connection wlth the administration of the charity and
compliante with constitutional and statutory requirements.
Page 12

ASSOCIATION OF BREASTFEEDING MOTHERS
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
1.5 Tangible fixed a$5ets and deprKSation
All expenditure exceeding £250 on fixed assets is capitali5ed at cost.
Tangible fixed assets are statèd at cost less depreciation. Depreciation is provided at rates calculated
to write off the cost of fixed assets. less their estimated residual value, over their expected useful
lives on the following bases:
Fixtures. fittings & equipment- io% to 33% straight line
1.6 Financlal instruments
The charity ha5 financial instruments of a kind that qualify as basic financlal instruments. The
charitV'5 short term debtors and creditors are measured at their settlement value.
1.7 Fund accountlnz
The general fund Is an unrestricted fund which is available for use at the discretlon of the
Management Committee in furtherance of the general objectlves of the charity and which have not
been designated for other purposes.
Restricted funds cark only be used for the particular restricted purposes within the objects of the
charity. Restrictions arise when specified by the donor or when funds are raised for particular
purposes. The charity does not currently have any restricted funds.
Income from charltable activities
Z024
2023
Training
Conference fees
National Breastfeeding Helpline
Leaflets and educationa5 items
32.820
9.052
7.300
445
34,752
4.700
125
49,617
47,021
Page13

ASSOCIATION OF BREASTFEEDING MOTHERS
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
Expenditure on charitable actlvlties
2024
2023
Dlrert Costs:
Training and development grants
ABM conference
Training
Publication printing and Stationery
Leaflets and educational item5
Public awareness
Support costs (note 41
183
29,117
7,592
13,447
1,205
693
45,371
2,017
13,653
45,380
10,393
711
35,393
97,608
107,547
Trainin8 and development grants relate to small bursaries given to individuals.
Suppc*rt costs
2024
2023
Administration salaries Inote 51
Insurance
VenLre hire
Office costs
Postage
Sundry expenses
Subscriptions
Computer and website costs
Bank charges
Depreciation
Professional fee5
Travel and accommodation
Governance cost5:
Independent examination
21,237
679
19,428
304
251
702
468
580
1.198
7,293
1,808
600
896
234
656
614
6,598
5,210
2,088
144
1,631
4,264
2,016
1,865
45,371
35,393
Page 14

ASSOCIATION OF BREASTFEEDING MOTHERS
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEJIR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
Staff costs
2024
2023
Gr05S Salaries
Pension costs
20,800
437
19,043
385
The average number of employee5 during the year was I 12023..1). No employee re￿iVed
emDlovment benefits over £60.00012023= £nill.
Key management personnel are considered to be the members of the Management Committee.
During the year no remuneration was received by key management personnel12023: £nill.
During the year four trusteès received reimbursement for expenses related to accomodation and
travel totalling £66912023: £nill.
Tangible flxed assets
Flxtures,
fittings &
equipment
Cort
At l April 2023
Additions
3,188
3,207
At 31 March 2024
6,395
Depre<latlon
At l April 2023
Charge for the year
3,149
144
At 31 March 2024
3.293
Net book value
At 31 March 2024
3,102
At 31 March 2023
39
Page 15

ASSOCIATION OF BREASTFEEDING MOTHERS
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
Debtors: amounts falling due within one year
2024
2023
Trade debtors
Prepayments and accrued income
1,018
6,380
10,035
5,299
7,398
15,334
Credltors: amounts lalllng due within one year
2024
2023
Trade creditors
Accruals and deferred income
Taxation and social security
Other creditors
240
24,506
7,535
364
97
97
24,843
7,996
Deferred income relates to training income received in advance of the course starting and amounted
to £22,49012023: £5,615).
Related portles
Fees were pald to one trustee, Caroline Bolton, for Markers fees of £2.65012023-. £3.5001.
There have been no other rèlated party transactions in the year12023: £nill.
Page 16



Lindeyer Francis Ferguson Limited North House, 198 High Street Tonbridge Kent TN9 1BE 

14 March 2025 

Dear Sirs 

This representation letter is provided in connection with your independent examination of the financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31 March 2024. 

We confirm that the following representations are made on the basis of enquiries of the trustees, management and staff with relevant knowledge and experience (and, where appropriate, of inspection of supporting documentation) sufficient to satisfy ourselves that we can properly make each of the following representations to you: 

_The ABM is a charity run by volunteers for families._ 

_We have no grants, no paid executives, no offices, no unnecessary overheads. We keep costs to a minimum so we can concentrate on helping breastfeeding mums and families._ 

1. We have fulfilled our responsibilities as trustees under the Charities Act 2011 for preparing financial statements, in accordance with the applicable financial reporting framework, being “Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102)”. 

2. We confirm that in our opinion the financial statements give a true and fair view and in particular that where any additional information must be disclosed in order to give a true and fair view that information has in fact been disclosed. We confirm that the selection and application of the accounting policies used in the preparation of the financial statements are appropriate, and we approve these accounts for the year ended 31[st] March 2024. 

3. We confirm that all accounting records have been made available to you for the  purposes  of  your  examination,  in  accordance  with  your  terms  of engagement, and that all transactions undertaken by the charity have been properly reflected and recorded in the accounting records. All other records and related information, including minutes of all management and trustees’ meetings, have been made available to you. We have given you unrestricted access  to  persons  within  the  charity  and  have  provided  any  additional information that you have requested for the purposes of your examination. 

4. We confirm that the charity is controlled by the trustees. 







PO Box 1629 Bedford MK42 5EF 

abm.me.uk 08444 122948 

@AssocBfMothers 

@AssocBfMothers reg. charity no 280537 

5. We confirm the charity has satisfactory title to all assets and there are no liens or encumbrances on the assets, except for those disclosed in the financial statements. 

6. We confirm that the methods, significant assumptions and data used by us in making accounting estimates, and the related disclosures, are appropriate to achieve recognition, measurement or disclosure that is in accordance with the applicable financial reporting framework. 

7. We confirm that we have no plans or intentions that may materially alter the carrying  value  and,  where  relevant,  the  fair  value  measurements  or classification of assets and liabilities reflected in the financial statements. 



8. We confirm that the charity has no liabilities or contingent liabilities other than those disclosed in the financial statements. 

9. We confirm that all known actual or possible litigation and claims whose effects should be considered when preparing the financial statements have been disclosed to you and accounted for and disclosed in accordance with the applicable financial reporting framework specified above. 

10. We confirm that there have been no events since the balance sheet date which require disclosing or which would materially affect the amounts in the financial statements, other than those already disclosed or included in the financial statements. 

11. We confirm that we are aware of the definition of a related party for the purpose of the accounting framework being applied in the preparation of the accounts. 

We confirm that the related party relationships and transactions set out below are a complete list of such relationships and transactions and that we are not aware of any further related parties or transactions. 

|**Party**|**Relatonship**|**Nature of transacton**|
|---|---|---|
|Eleanor Campbell|Trustee|Travel  and  accommodaton<br>expenses|
|Caroline Bolton|Trustee|Markers Fees, travel and<br>accommodaton expenses|
|Sharon Breward|Trustee|None|
|Ann Bruce|Trustee|None|
|Samantha KennedyChristan|Trustee|None|
|Claire Flood (resigned 1 April<br>23)|Trustee|Travel expenses|
|Caroline Harrower|Trustee|Travel  and  accommodaton<br>expenses|
|Hazra Aya|Trustee|None|
|Anneka Ruf (resigned XX<br>April 2024)|Trustee|None|
|Kathryn  Stagg  (resigned  1<br>April 2023)|Trustee|None|
|Emily Johnson (appointed 18<br>May2023)|Trustee|None|
|Jessica Brown (appointed 19<br>May2023)|Trustee|None|



We confirm that all related party relationships and transactions have been accounted for and disclosed in accordance with the applicable financial reporting framework specified above. 

12. We confirm that the charity neither had, at any time during the year, any arrangement, transaction or agreement to provide credit facilities (including advances and credits granted by the charity) for trustees, nor provided guarantees of any kind on behalf of the trustees. 

13. We confirm that the charity has not contracted for any capital expenditure other than as disclosed in the financial statements. 

14. We confirm that the charity has complied with all aspects of contractual agreements that could have a material effect on the financial statements in the event of non-compliance. 

15. We confirm that we are not aware of any possible or actual instance of non-compliance with those laws and regulations which provide a legal framework within which the charity conducts its business, and which are central to the charity's ability to conduct its business. 



16. There have been no deficiencies in internal control of which we are aware. 

17. We confirm that there have been no actual or suspected instances of fraud involving management, employees who have a significant role in internal control or others where the fraud could have a material effect on the financial statements. We also confirm that we are not aware of any allegations of fraud by employees, former employees, analysts, regulators or others. 

18. We confirm that, in our opinion, the charity’s financial statements should be prepared on the going concern basis on the grounds that current and future sources of funding or support will be more than adequate for the charity’s needs. In reaching this conclusion, we have taken into account all relevant matters of which we are aware, including the availability of working capital and have considered a future period of at least one year from the date on which the financial statements will be approved. 

19. We confirm that in our opinion the effects of uncorrected misstatements are immaterial, both individually and in aggregate, to the financial statements as a whole. A list of the uncorrected misstatements is attached to this letter. 

20. We confirm that we are not aware of any matters of material significance that should be reported to regulators. We confirm that all correspondence with the Charity Commission has been made available to you. 

21. We confirm the following specific representations made to you during the course of your examination: · We confirm that the basis for the recognition of training income is reasonable and in line with the Statement of Recommended Practice. We agree that training income should be recognised over the length of the course (Foundation – 16 weeks, Advanced – 2 years) and recognised from the point of enrolment. 

   - We confirm that balance of deferred training income in the accounts of £22,490 is appropriate. 

22. We confirm that: 

- a. All income that the charity is entitled to has been recorded; 

- b. Restricted funds have been properly applied and 

c. All correspondence with the Charity Commission has been made available, including any serious incident reports’. 

Yours faithfully 

Signed on behalf of the board of trustees by: 

Date...................................................................... 

Trustee................................................................. 

Date…………………………………………………………………. 

Trustee…………………………………………………………….. 

