Trustee Annual Report and Financial Statements
For the year ended 28 February 2025
Advocates and Angels
Prepared by Janine Massey
Contents
Page Reference and Administration Details 2 & 3 About Advocates and Angels 4 Objectives and Activities 5 Achievements and Performance 6, 7 & 8 Financial Review 9, 10, 11 & 12 Independent Examiners Report 13
Advocates and Angels
Reference and administrative
details Current Trustees
Trustee Appointed on Stepped down
Bethan Germon 21.06.2025 Janine Massey 25.03.2021 Christopher Jenkins 02.03.2025 David Germon 21.06.2025
Charity Registration number
1195239
Registered address
Suite 1, 270 Cockett Road Cockett Swansea SA2 0FN.
Registered Telephone Number
0330 043 9794
Independent Examiner
Christies Accountants and Tax Advisors, Dalgety Bay, Scotland
Recruitment and Appointment of Trustees
The initial trustees were appointed at the inauguration of the Angels and Advocates (CIO). Trustees appointed after this followed a recruitment process including interview and selection conducted by existing trustees.
Governing Document
The founding document of the Charity is the Constitution.
Charitable Purpose:
SORP reference Para 1.17: Summary of the purposes of the charity as set out in its governing document
The object of the CIOis: for the public benefit, to relieve the needs of sick or disabled children and by extension their families and carers and any other individual involved in the provision of caregiving without remuneration, including those suffering from bereavement by the death of a person they care for, in particular but not exclusively by the provision of appropriate information, resources, advice and support.
Structure, Governance and Management
Advocates and Angels is governed by a Board of Trustees and operates under a charitable constitution.
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Reference and administrative details
Trustee Recruitment
During the year, the charity advertised for new Trustees with the aim of appointing at least two suitable candidates who aligned with the charity’s values. Interviews took place at the beginning of 2025 and selection was made.
Christopher Jenkins was appointed following this process and officially confirmed at a board meeting several weeks later.
Chris already supported the charity and brought:
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Business expertise
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Board experience in a men’s charity/community group
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A strong alignment with Advocates and Angels’ values
His appointment has strengthened the charity’s governance capacity. Chris was selected February 2025 then appointed early March in the following reporting period.
Trustees During the Reporting Period (1 March 2024 – 28 February 2025)
Bethan Germon Appointed 25.03.2021
Janine Massey Appointed 25.03.2021
Statement of Trustees’ Responsibilities
Trustees are responsible for:
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Maintaining proper accounting records.
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Preparing financial statements that comply with the Charities Act. Safeguarding the charity’s assets.
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Ensuring compliance with all relevant legislation and governance requirements.
Approved by order of the board of Trustees on 27th December 2025 and were signed n it’s behalf by:
___ Janine Massey - Trustee
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About Advocates and Angels
The Trustees of Advocates and Angels present their annual report and financial statements for the year 1 March 2024 to 28 February 2025.
Advocates and Angels provides emotional, practical and wellbeing support to parent carers and families navigating hospital admissions, disabilities, palliative care and bereavement. The charity works to reduce stress, isolation and emotional burden during the most challenging moments.
Mission
Our Mission is to help parent careers navigate the complex world of disabilities, hospital admissions, palliative care and bereavement. Providing tangible, practical resources, guidance and support that makes life a little easier day by day.
Values
Compassion - always. Families deserve gentleness int he hardest of times.
Courage - in action. We speak up and create change, even when it is uncomfortable.
Community - over completion. We grow stronger by connecting, sharing and lifting each other up.
Sustainability - we build models that protect our team, our planet and our families from burnout.
Authenticity- We don’t do false comfort or sugar coating. We meet families where they are with honesty and empathy.
Consistency- and simplicity. No over promises, no red tape, no jargon. We keep it real and keep it simple.
Fun - whether it’s the Courage Club, a care package, or a volunteering shift, we want people to feel that little ‘Yes’
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Objectives and Activities
The charity’s objectives for public benefit are to:
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Support parent carers facing hospital stays, bereavement, disability or crisis Provide wellbeing and hygiene items that reduce emotional and practical stress Deliver inclusive, child-centred resources through the Courage Club and seasonal support
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Reduce loneliness, isolation and financial burden for families
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Provide kindness, connection and community during difficult times
Activities delivered in 2024–25 included:
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Care packages for parent carers across multiple hospitals Seasonal wellbeing packs (Mother’s Day, Easter, Father’s Day, Christmas) Warm packs for families at risk of fuel poverty
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Design and research for the Courage Club, a reward based initiative for children receiving care or treatment in hospital
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Community fundraising and awareness events
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Volunteer-led outreach
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Sourcing grants for families whilst in hospital or returning
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home after a hospital admission
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Delivery of the Wales & West Utilities (WWU) funded
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programme, including expansion into South West England.
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Achievements and Performance
Care Packages and Family Support
In 2024–25 the charity delivered:
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3,275 care packages for parent carers in hospital.
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35 Mother’s Day parcels, containing hygiene essentials and a special item for mums unexpectedly spending the day in hospital with their children.
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100 Easter packs for families in hospital during Easter.
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20 Easter baskets delivered to Morgan’s Army in support of their families.
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75 pamper packs delivered to Ronald McDonald House in a short collaboration with another charity and parent.
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45 Father’s Day packs, including hygiene items and gifts for dads spending the day in hospital.
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120 Christmas stockings for children in Morriston Hospital (Swansea), Torbay Hospital (Devon) and Noah’s Ark Children’s Hospital (Cardiff). These were carefully designed to be suitable for all children, including those nil by mouth or too unwell for toys.
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80 warm packs containing items to help families at risk of fuel poverty stay warm during winter.
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Sourced thousands of pounds worth of grants for families in crisis or times of hardship during a hospital admission
These outputs reflect sustained demand and continued growth in the charity’s reach.
Feedback from both hospital staff and families has been positive throughout the year. By delivering these resources directly to wards, the charity supports frontline staff by reducing the time and cost involved in sourcing essential items, allowing them to focus on patient care.
“I received one of these whilst staying in Ronald McDonald in Cardiff and it was so useful. It was just so nice to be able to brush my teeth as I didn’t have anything with me. It’s brialliant what you do’’ Parent Carer, Childrens Ward, Royal Glamorgan Hospital, South Wales
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Achievements and Performance
Advocate FC – Community Football Engagement
David continued to lead the charity’s football team, Advocate FC, which played matches against other charities and community groups throughout the year. Achievements included:
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A regular schedule of friendly matches.
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An awards night to recognise the team’s commitment.
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Appointment of Chris as Manager to support organisation and planning. Establishing a full kit and a regular training location.
Advocate FC provides community visibility, connection and a positive outlet for supporters.
Events and Community Engagement
A Christmas concert was held with charity volunteers, a local church and members of the local community. The event featured carols, music and conversations that raised awareness about the charity’s work. A raffle was held and funds were raised for the charity. This money went on essential tube feeding kits for children. This included a Tube Feeding log, patterned tube tape, cleansing wipes and alcohol gel. This was all packaged in a fun backpack style package for children to enjoy,
Sarah’s Driving School held a raffle and bucket collection, raising funds and making a cash donation to support the charity’s mission. The donation money from this was put towards Easter packs for children that were in hospital during the Easter period and they were thoughtfully curated so that they were suitable for all children, whether nil by mouth, tubefed or on specialist diets.
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Achievements and Performance
Investment in our volunteers
Volunteers are at the heart of Advocates and Angels, and the charity would not be able to deliver its services without their time, commitment and compassion. Throughout the year, volunteers supported the preparation and distribution of care packages, assisted with events, and helped deliver practical support to families and hospital wards.
Recognising the emotional demands involved in this work, the charity made a conscious decision to invest in volunteer wellbeing. During volunteering days, lunch and refreshments were provided, ensuring volunteers felt supported and valued while giving their time. Advocates and Angels also provided branded or appropriate clothing for volunteers to wear while volunteering, helping to ensure comfort, consistency, and clear identification when working in hospital and community settings.
In addition, the charity was able to fund a small amount of counselling support for volunteers, during this financial year. This was an important step in acknowledging the emotional impact of supporting families through hospital admissions, palliative care and bereavement, and reflects the charity’s commitment to sustainability and preventing burnout.
Advocates and Angels currently operates on a volunteer-led basis, and no trustees or volunteers received a wage during the reporting period. All contributions of time and expertise were given freely in support of the charity’s mission.
The trustees wish to place on record their sincere thanks to all volunteers for their dedication, empathy and continued support.
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Financial Review
RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS ACCOUNT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 28 FEBRUARY 2025
| RECEIPTS | 2024-2025 | |
|---|---|---|
| £ | ||
| Donations | 1,181.93 | |
| Grant Funding | 8,615.09 | |
| Advocate FC | 1,395.42 | |
| Grant Funding - WWU | 44,500.00 | |
| Grant - Groundworks (Tesco) | 375.00 | |
| EasyFundraising | 63.71 | |
| One Lottery | 626.84 | |
| Total Receipts | 56,757.99 |
| PAYMENTS | 2024-2025 | |
|---|---|---|
| £ | ||
| Hygiene Packs | 10,991.42 | |
| Respite Equipment | 1,371.09 | |
| Bereavement Resources | 4,202.81 | |
| Volunteer Training | 189.00 | |
| Volunteer Counselling | 2,120.00 | |
| Advocate FC | 445.71 | |
| Volunteer Clothing | 428.42 | |
| Venue Hire | 150.00 |
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| Mileage | Mileage | 306.76 |
|---|---|---|
| Rent | 6,000.00 | |
| Electricity | 200.00 | |
| Website | 113.94 | |
| Computer Software | 29.88 | |
| Computer Hardware | 344.99 | |
| Office Equipment | 266.16 | |
| Internet/Telephone | 1,081.44 | |
| Printing | 4,173.14 | |
| Stationery | 806.68 | |
| Sundries | 82.41 | |
| Motor Expenses | 6,660.16 | |
| Volunteer Expenses | 53.72 | |
| Advertising | 783.95 | |
| Accomodation & Meals | 878.01 | |
| Legal & Professional Fees | 78.80 | |
| Accountancy Fees | 395.00 | |
| Postage | 566.92 | |
| Subscriptions | 374.88 | |
| Bank/Finance Charges | 17.81 | |
| Insurance | 356.40 | |
| Total Payments | 43,469.50 | |
| Surplus/(Deficit) | 13,288.49 |
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Financial Review
STATEMENT OF BALANCES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 28 FEBRUARY 2025
| BALANCES NDED 28 FEBRUARY 2025 |
|
|---|---|
| 2024-2025 | |
| Bank and Cash Balance | £ |
| Opening Bank Balance | 21,879.81 |
| Starting Paypal Balance | 0.00 |
| Surplus/(Deficit) for Year | 13,288.49 |
| Closing Bank Balance | 34,393.12 |
| Closing Paypal Balance | 716.94 |
| Bethan Germon - Account | 58.24 |
| Overall Charity Funds | 35,168.30 |
Reserves
At year end, unrestricted reserves totalled £2,000.
Reserves Policy
The charity aims to hold 3 months of operating costs as reserves. Current reserves will be reassessed once full financial statements are finalised.
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Financial Review
Risk Management
Key risks identified:
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1.Funding stability – partly mitigated by securing an extension from WWU.
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2.Growing service demand – addressed through improved processes and volunteer support.
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3.Volunteer capacity – supported by ongoing recruitment and clearer communication.
Plans for 2025–26
The charity aims to:
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Deliver expanded services across South West England under the WWU contract. Build up stronger relationships with the wards by getting out and meeting everyone
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Increase the volume of care packages and seasonal support
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Strengthen Courage Club and children’s resource provision - launch this in Morriston to begin with
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Recruit and train additional volunteers - improve volunteer incentives and include them in social media campaigns
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Grow community fundraising and partnerships, including Advocate FC, CO-OP and Tesco Stronger Starts Grants
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Further strengthen governance and sustainability - recruit more trustees and update all policies and procedures
The financial statements were approved by the board of Trustees and authorised for issue on 27th December 2025 and were signed on it’s behalf by:
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Janine Massey
Trustee
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Independent Examiners Report
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19/12/202500000
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