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2024-12-31-accounts

Charity registration number 1196341 (England and Wales)

SIMON SAYS CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE'S BEREAVEMENT SUPPORT

ANNUAL REPORT AND UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

SIMON SAYS CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE'S BEREAVEMENT SUPPORT

LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION

Trustees Mr S Williams
Ms K Hearsey
Mr T Stanley
Ms S Gadd
Mr M Berrett
Ms S Bateman (Appointed 28 May 2024)
Mr H Jennings (Appointed 28 May 2024)
Dr D W Smith
Charity number (England and Wales) 1196341
Principal address 1 The Old Carthouses
Broadlands Park
Romsey
Hampshire
SO51 9LQ
Independent examiner Oliver Read FCCA ACA
James Todd & Co Limited
Drayton House
Drayton Lane
Chichester
West Sussex
PO20 2EW
Bankers HSBC Bank PLC
Above Bar Street
Southampton
SO14 7DS

SIMON SAYS CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE'S BEREAVEMENT SUPPORT

CONTENTS

Page
Chairman's statement 1 - 4
Trustees' report 5 - 7
Independent examiner's report 8
Statement of financial activities 9
Balance sheet 10
Notes to the financial statements 11 - 19

SIMON SAYS CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE'S BEREAVEMENT SUPPORT

CHAIRMAN'S STATEMENT

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

This annual report covers the year of charitable activities from 1st January 2024 to 31st December 2024 for Simon Says.

1. SUMMARY :

This has been a year of significant strategic development for Simon Says, whilst retaining our immediate focus on delivering direct support to children who have been bereaved.

The key components of change to underpin our future work have been : the commencement of our 8[th] Support Group; the start of an internal staff restructure to enhance our educational focus around the child; a significant celebratory event to thank all our volunteers; the creation of a new website to enhance engagement with families, professionals and our supporters; and a relocation of our office base in order to provide welcoming and professional space for all visitors and staff.

I am particularly proud that this year we have also initiated the soft launch of our Champion Schools programme of work, culminating in an invitation to participate in the All-Party Parliamentary Group on curriculum reform in order to include education about bereavement.

We have also welcomed 2 new trustees to the Board, to complement existing skills and experience.

Below is the story of our 2024 year in facts, figures and individual testimonies.

Table :

Table :
Helpline Calls 789
Attendances at Support Groups 1179
New Registrations 274
Schools supported 150 contacts
Professionals Trained 800 +
Active Volunteers 100

2. CHILDREN AND FAMILIES

Attendance at groups as ever, has fluctuated during the year. Over the 10 months of regular groups and additional activity days we have supported 1179 attendances. Some of these are children who have been attending for a while, but specifically we have registered 274 new children during the course of the year. The Helpline have also taken 789 direct calls from families and professionals looking for support and advice.

As a result of gaps in coverage across the wide geography of Hampshire we had previously committed to opening another group in the densely populated area of Southampton. This commenced in June and now has 35 children registered for attendance. This uptake has made us more determined to explore the opening of another group next year in the northern end of the county.

2.1 Parent feedback

To Simon Says

I wish to write and express my sincere thanks for the help and compassion your team of volunteers showed my children Melanie and Sean when they attended sessions.

I am aware that they may never truly get over the loss of their father, but I do believe they have been given tools and coping mechanisms to helps them in the future. They also feel that they do not need to attend anymore sessions. Again thank you for all that you have done. Nicola

“I would just like to say that the last few years that my son has been a part of Simon Says he has absolutely loved every single minute of time spent with the leaders and the other teenagers. I really can't thank you all enough for your incredible kindness and support.”

Tracy A.

SIMON SAYS CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE'S BEREAVEMENT SUPPORT

CHAIRMAN'S STATEMENT (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

I am unsure how Jack and I would have navigated the past five years without Simon Says and the amazing volunteers we see each month at the sessions and those at the end of the phone . I cannot stress enough how valuable the work they do is . It is not until you experience a major loss as we did that you understand the need for such organisations.

Many Thanks

Andrea

2.2 Child progress

We have initiated basic Smiley Face feedback for children who have started to attend our new Southampton Group. This allows a child to indicate with a tick by a face, how they are feeling when they arrive at Group and likewise at the end of the session. We will be monitoring this as the group develops to see if there are bereavement topics and activities which seem to be more useful than others. Although very subjective it gives us, and the child, an indication of what is working for them. It also helps volunteers immediately see the value in the support they have given at that session.

2.3 Fairthorne Residential

This year we re-instated a residential weekend, to assess (1) the demand (2) the support from volunteers (3) the cost/ benefit to the children attending a whole weekend, rather than a series of Activity Days. The weekend was successful and though difficult to assess scientifically, the feedback from all involved was that some extraordinary individual work with a number of children was hugely beneficial and could not have been undertaken a short day.

3. VOLUNTEERS

We started 2024 with 100 registered volunteers, and ended with 99. There have been some movements in terms of leavers and new recruits, but this level of support gives us confidence for the future in terms of ability to continue (and possibly expand) our work. We inducted 18 new volunteers during the course of the year, we also spoke to all leavers and collated their reasons for ending volunteering. We had 5 additional supplementary training sessions on a variety of topics and will build on that programme given the feedback we have had, in 2025.

The development of a strong sense of “team” with the education volunteers is proving highly successful due to having very skilled volunteers, often with a previous career in the sector.

Likewise, the Support Group Leads have a much clearer remit to build their local volunteer team. Our best news this year in relation to groups is that we have

These are key roles at a local level and part of the restructuring of the staff team (see below ) is due to the need for enhanced support for these key volunteers in their local communities.

We have also expanded the bank of volunteers able to assist us on the Helpline. We have trained 2 new members for this team and plan to add further depth to this group to ensure safe practice and emotional support for them as volunteers is consistently available.

Our Volunteer celebration event was very well received and brought together people from across the county who had never met before. One of our young service users made a speech and thanked volunteers on behalf of all the children who they support, following which his mother said a few words about her gratitude for their dedication.

4. FUNDRAISING

Once again, we have had some amazing support from a hugely valued volunteer who runs all our social media channels for us. This is beginning to get traction and in particular has been instrumental in connecting with potential business supporters. Key relationships have been initiated and consolidated, and this year we have received 109 donations ranging in terms of donors from private individuals, to schools, companies and charitable foundations.

The annual accounts reflect this growth and illustrate the impact of better coordinated communications, our focus on development of key relationships and the expansion of our range of supporters.

SIMON SAYS CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE'S BEREAVEMENT SUPPORT

CHAIRMAN'S STATEMENT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

5. INFRASTRUCTURE

As per our budget plan for 2024 we successfully tendered for an IT professional to help us re-design our website for impact, ease of use, and connection with all the different audiences we communicate with. The work began at the start of the summer and was completed for a charity-wide event in October. It was a major piece of work for staff and ran alongside their own specific work commitments. The effort and end-result is something the team are all proud of, and will develop further in 2025. Not to be forgotten is the major change of office location at the start of the year, which was planned and executed faultlessly, but with huge additional effort from staff. The new base gives us a safe, workable and future -proof space of which we are all proud.

6. EDUCATION

This year has seen the initiation, development and expansion of our Champion Schools Programme through the skill and experience (professional and personal) of our Education Lead.

The concept was developed to help schools and colleges prepare for any bereavement affecting their pupil population. The work was supported by Child Bereavement Network, particularly in light of proposed changes to the national school curriculum. It was trailed at a primary school in Basingstoke and the lessons learnt from that have allowed us to refine and further develop this support package. Our ability to influence the infrastructure of support around a bereaved child by working through others (with whom they have daily contact) is a key principle of this approach. Upskilling and supporting a staff team, is critical to open conversations and takes away the fear of talking about death. It also indirectly supports the remaining family because school is better informed of what they can do to have a positive impact at a critical time for a family. This year we have spoken to:

Plans for 2025 include an increase in this number and appointment of an additional staff member within our Simon Says team.

7. TRENDS IN HAMPSHIRE

Our review of the year has already been illustrated in facts and figures above, but we also have examples of the enormous pressure that families are under in terms of accessing any support for a child who is grieving and needs professional support. The gap between what statutory services can deliver and the load shifting to the voluntary sector is noticeable in every referral we are now receiving. The ethos of the work of Simon Says, which is to normalise grief and provide charitable support is being tested by the complexity of need that we are seeing. For example, this week we have taken a message from the contact form on our website, which appeared to be from a young person so overwhelmed that they stated they were considering suicide. On follow up by a Helpline volunteer it was discovered that actually this was a message written by a desperate mother who, having failed to get any support for her child from any statutory service, felt her only recourse was to contact us with a message that would illicit a response.

8. THE BOARD

8.1 Away Day – This annual event was held in August at our new offices. Key topics for discussion were 1) what are the challenges we face 2) where do we want to be in 12 months’ time 3) How will trustees support this? The actions were agreed, and trustees were identified to support each of these in 2025.

8.2 New trustees – Two new trustees were interviewed and appointed to enhance the skill set and functionality of the Board. One with legal expertise and another with social care experience and personal use of our bereavement support for her son.

8.3 Skills Audit – A new skills audit was taken at the end of 2024 to identify any remaining any key gaps that need fulling. As a result, at the first Board meeting of 2025 the chair will be discussing what additions will help us achieve our strategic objectives.

SIMON SAYS CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE'S BEREAVEMENT SUPPORT

CHAIRMAN'S STATEMENT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

9. CONCLUSION

2024 has been a busy and productive year for the charity. With major infrastructure developments, new working practices, and innovation in our educational offering. We are looking forward to building on these achievements in 2025.

Dr D Smith Chairman

Date: 4 April 2025

SIMON SAYS CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE'S BEREAVEMENT SUPPORT

TRUSTEES' REPORT

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

The trustees present their annual report and financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2024.

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out in note 1 to the financial statements and comply with the charity's governing document, the Charities Act 2011, FRS 102 "The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland" and the Charities SORP "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)".

Objectives and activities

Vision and Mission

When children lose someone close to them, they may feel angry, guilty, frightened, and alone. It can be difficult for a parent, carer, close relative, or friend to help a bereaved child when they are grieving too. Our mission is to provide support for children and young people up to the age of 18, living in the county of Hampshire, who have a significant person in their life who has died or is dying.

‘Simon Says’ aims to:

Support groups are held across Hampshire, in Andover, Basingstoke, Chandler’s Ford, Eastleigh, New Milton, Gosport and Portsmouth.

Public benefit

The trustees have paid due regard to guidance issued by the Charity Commission in deciding what activities the charity should undertake.

The Chairman’s statement aims to demonstrate the link between our charitable activity and how this benefits our service users.

Achievements and performance

Financial review

Income

Income for the twelve months to 31 December 2024, amounted to £216,567 (2023 - £214,776) and included restricted funding from the National Lottery of £40,015 (2023- £38,765).

Expenditure

For the period total expenditure amounted to £234,143 (2023 - £158,144). The main item of expenditure for the year was staff costs that amounted to 54% (2023 - 58%) of total costs.

The balance sheet as of 31 December 2024 shows reserve balances totalling £227,644 (2023 - £245,220).

SIMON SAYS CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE'S BEREAVEMENT SUPPORT

TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

Reserves policy

The Trustees continue to place foremost importance on the long-term sustainability of the CIO. Costs continued to be controlled, primarily through the application of budgets and monthly review of management accounts to ensure that the short-term funding needs can be met from within existing reserves and there is reasonable security of new funding to follow. Use of reserves can include, but is not limited to the following:

Designated Reserves

The Trustees approved in November 2023, the creation of the following designated reserves for identified projects to be undertaken by the charity.

£ IT Development 15,000 Relocation and property provision 45,000

Target range of reserves for the financial year

The level of reserves target has been set to a limit of six month's core operational costs. (To include salary and running costs of the CIO).

The reserves as of 31 December 2024 amounted to £227,644 of which £42,454 relates to Restricted activities and £22,121 to Designated reserves. The remaining unrestricted balance of £163,069 represents 11.9 months (2023 - 13.8 months) of the unrestricted budgeted expenditure for 2025.

This is to be reviewed on an annual basis as part of the budget setting plan, alongside cashflow requirements and is regarded as part of ongoing management of the CIO.

Where the reserves level is below target, consideration is given to whether this is due to short-term circumstance or longerterm reasons which might trigger a broader review of finances and reserves.

This will form part of a wider discussion by the Board of Trustees.

Major risks

A risk register is at the centre of the charity’s risk management process. It is a standing item on Board agendas and is reviewed and scrutinised prior to approval by the Board. Risk management is inherent in all the CIO’s activities and key risks broadly cover, safeguarding, financial sustainability, data protection, fundraising, governance, compliance, health, and safety.

The risk assessment process in this period identified the following major risks:

SIMON SAYS CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE'S BEREAVEMENT SUPPORT

TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

Structure, governance and management

The charity is set up as a Charitable Incorporated Organisation, registered with Charity Commission on 01 November 2021, replacing the previous unincorporated association with the name Simon Says (No.1088746), which was established in 2000. The charity is governed under its constitution and is managed by a Board of Trustees elected in accordance with the governing document.

Apart from the first charity trustees (who transferred from the unincorporated organisation), every trustee must be appointed for a term of three years by a resolution passed at a properly convened meeting of the charity trustees. In selecting individuals of appointment as charity trustees, the charity trustees must have regard to the skills, knowledge and experience needed for the effective administration of the CIO.

The Trustees hold legal responsibility for setting the strategy of the CIO and for ensuring compliance with the Charities Act and Statement of Recommended Practice. The Trustees delegate the day-to-day operational management of the CIO to the Chief Operating Officer to facilitate the effective delivery of the CIO’s aims and objectives and to ensure compliance with all regulatory requirements.

The Trustees have many responsibilities that can be summarized as two overriding objectives:

The trustees who served during the year and up to the date of signature of the financial statements were: Mr S Williams

Ms K Hearsey Mr T Stanley Ms S Gadd Mr M Berrett Ms S Bateman (Appointed 28 May 2024) Mr H Jennings (Appointed 28 May 2024) Dr D W Smith Mr David Farmer (Resigned 27 February 2024) Ms Lauren Long (Resigned 5 March 2024)

Recruitment and appointment of trustees

None of the trustees has any beneficial interest in the company. All of the trustees are members of the company and guarantee to contribute £1 in the event of a winding up.

Acknowledgements

We would like to thank everyone who has contributed to the CIO during this period, whether be time or donations, it all makes a difference. Thank you.

The trustees' report was approved by the Board of Trustees.

Dr D W Smith Trustee

4 April 2025

SIMON SAYS CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE'S BEREAVEMENT SUPPORT

INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT

TO THE TRUSTEES OF SIMON SAYS CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE'S BEREAVEMENT SUPPORT

I report to the trustees on my examination of the financial statements of Simon Says Children and Young People's Bereavement Support (the charity) for the year ended 31 December 2024.

Responsibilities and basis of report

As the trustees of the charity you are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011.

I report in respect of my examination of the charity’s financial statements carried out under section 145 of the Charities Act 2011. In carrying out my examination I have followed the Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Charities Act 2011.

Independent examiner's statement

Your attention is drawn to the fact that the charity has prepared the financial statements in accordance with the relevant version of the Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their financial statements in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) in preference to the Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice issued on 1 April 2005 which is referred to in the extant regulations but has now been withdrawn. I understand that this has been done in order for the financial statements to provide a true and fair view in accordance with UK Generally Accepted Accounting Practice.

I have completed my examination. I confirm that no matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect:

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 financial statements to be reached.

Oliver Read FCCA ACA

James Todd & Co Limited Drayton House Drayton Lane Chichester West Sussex PO20 2EW

4 April 2025

SIMON SAYS CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE'S BEREAVEMENT SUPPORT

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES INCLUDING INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

Unrestricted
Designated
Restricted
funds
funds
funds
2024
2024
2024
Notes
£
£
£
Income and endowments from:
Donations and legacies
3
110,611
-
40,015
Other trading activities
4
61,588
-
-
Investments
5
3,023
-
-
Other income
6
1,330
-
-
Total income
176,552
-
40,015
Expenditure on:
Raising funds
7
2,776
-
-
Charitable activities
8
172,459
34,887
22,101
Other expenditure
12
1,920
-
-
Total expenditure
177,155
34,887
22,101
Net income/(expenditure)
(603)
(34,887)
17,914
Transfers between funds
-
-
-
Net movement in funds
(603)
(34,887)
17,914
Reconciliation of funds:
Fund balances at 1 January 2024
163,672
57,008
24,540
Fund balances at 31 December 2024
163,069
22,121
42,454		 Total
Unrestricted
Designated
Restricted
funds
funds
funds
2024
2023
2023
2023
£
£
£
£
150,626
145,864
-
38,765
61,588
25,371
-
-
3,023
2,248
-
-
1,330
2,528
-
-
216,567
176,011
-
38,765
2,776
4,054
-
-
229,447
102,978
2,992
46,553
1,920
1,566
-
-
234,143
108,598
2,992
46,553
(17,576)
67,413
(2,992)
(7,788)
-
(60,000)
60,000
-
(17,576)
7,413
57,008
(7,788)
245,220
156,258
-
32,329
227,644
163,671
57,008
24,541		 Total
2023
£
184,629
25,371
2,248
2,528
214,776
4,054
152,523
1,566
158,143
56,633
-
56,633
188,587
245,220

The statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year. All income and expenditure derive from continuing activities.

SIMON SAYS CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE'S BEREAVEMENT SUPPORT

BALANCE SHEET

AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2024

Notes
Current assets
Debtors
14
Cash at bank and in hand
Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
15
Net current assets
The funds of the charity
Restricted income funds
16
Unrestricted funds - general
18
Unrestricted funds - Designated funds
17		 2024
£
9,756
221,621
231,377
(3,733)		 £
227,644
42,454
163,069
22,121
227,644		 2023
£
4,891
246,406
251,297
(6,077)		 £
245,220
24,541
163,671
57,008
245,220

The financial statements were approved by the trustees on 4 April 2025

Dr D W Smith Trustee

SIMON SAYS CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE'S BEREAVEMENT SUPPORT

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

1 Accounting policies

Charity information

Simon Says Children and Young People's Bereavement Support is a registered charitable incorporated organisation (CIO) registered under the charity number 1196341.

1.1 Accounting convention

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the charity's governing document, the Charities Act 2011, FRS 102 "The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland" and the Charities SORP "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)". The charity is a Public Benefit Entity as defined by FRS 102.

The charity has taken advantage of the provisions in the SORP for charities not to prepare a statement of cash flows.

The financial statements have departed from the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 only to the extent required to provide a true and fair view. This departure has involved following the Statement of Recommended Practice for charities applying FRS 102 rather than the version of the Statement of Recommended Practice which is referred to in the Regulations but which has since been withdrawn.

The financial statements are prepared in sterling, which is the functional currency of the charity. Monetary amounts in these financial statements are rounded to the nearest £.

The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention. The principal accounting policies adopted are set out below.

1.2 Going concern

At the time of approving the financial statements, the trustees have a reasonable expectation that the charity has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. Thus the trustees continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting in preparing the financial statements.

1.3 Charitable funds

Unrestricted funds are available for use at the discretion of the trustees in furtherance of their charitable objectives.

Designated funds comprise funds which have been set aside at the discretion of the trustees for specific purposes. The purposes and uses of the designated funds are set out in the notes to the financial statements.

Restricted funds are subject to specific conditions by donors or grantors as to how they may be used. The purposes and uses of the restricted funds are set out in the notes to the financial statements.

1.4 Income

Income is recognised when the charity is legally entitled to it after any performance conditions have been met, the amounts can be measured reliably, and it is probable that income will be received.

Cash donations are recognised on receipt. Other donations are recognised once the charity has been notified of the donation, unless performance conditions require deferral of the amount. Income tax recoverable in relation to donations received under Gift Aid or deeds of covenant is recognised at the time of the donation.

Legacies are recognised on receipt or otherwise if the charity has been notified of an impending distribution, the amount is known, and receipt is expected. If the amount is not known, the legacy is treated as a contingent asset.

SIMON SAYS CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE'S BEREAVEMENT SUPPORT

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

1 Accounting policies

(Continued)

1.5 Expenditure

Expenditure is recognised once there is a legal or constructive obligation to transfer economic benefit to a third party, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefits will be required in settlement, and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably.

Expenditure is classified by activity. The costs of each activity are made up of the total of direct costs and shared costs, including support costs involved in undertaking each activity. Direct costs attributable to a single activity are allocated directly to that activity. Shared costs which contribute to more than one activity and support costs which are not attributable to a single activity are apportioned between those activities on a basis consistent with the use of resources. Central staff costs are allocated on the basis of time spent, and depreciation charges are allocated on the portion of the asset’s use.

1.6 Cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents include cash in hand, deposits held at call with banks, other short-term liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less, and bank overdrafts. Bank overdrafts are shown within borrowings in current liabilities.

1.7 Financial instruments

The charity has elected to apply the provisions of Section 11 ‘Basic Financial Instruments’ and Section 12 ‘Other Financial Instruments Issues’ of FRS 102 to all of its financial instruments.

Financial instruments are recognised in the charity's balance sheet when the charity becomes party to the contractual provisions of the instrument.

Financial assets and liabilities are offset, with the net amounts presented in the financial statements, when there is a legally enforceable right to set off the recognised amounts and there is an intention to settle on a net basis or to realise the asset and settle the liability simultaneously.

Basic financial assets

Basic financial assets, which include debtors and cash and bank balances, are initially measured at transaction price including transaction costs and are subsequently carried at amortised cost using the effective interest method unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where the transaction is measured at the present value of the future receipts discounted at a market rate of interest. Financial assets classified as receivable within one year are not amortised.

Basic financial liabilities

Basic financial liabilities, including creditors and bank loans are initially recognised at transaction price unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where the debt instrument is measured at the present value of the future payments discounted at a market rate of interest. Financial liabilities classified as payable within one year are not amortised.

Debt instruments are subsequently carried at amortised cost, using the effective interest rate method.

Trade creditors are obligations to pay for goods or services that have been acquired in the ordinary course of operations from suppliers. Amounts payable are classified as current liabilities if payment is due within one year or less. If not, they are presented as non-current liabilities. Trade creditors are recognised initially at transaction price and subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method.

Derecognition of financial liabilities

Financial liabilities are derecognised when the charity’s contractual obligations expire or are discharged or cancelled.

SIMON SAYS CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE'S BEREAVEMENT SUPPORT

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

1 Accounting policies

(Continued)

1.8 Employee benefits

The cost of any unused holiday entitlement is recognised in the period in which the employee’s services are received.

Termination benefits are recognised immediately as an expense when the charity is demonstrably committed to terminate the employment of an employee or to provide termination benefits.

2 Critical accounting estimates and judgements

In the application of the charity’s accounting policies, the trustees are required to make judgements, estimates and assumptions about the carrying amount of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. The estimates and associated assumptions are based on historical experience and other factors that are considered to be relevant. Actual results may differ from these estimates.

The estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognised in the period in which the estimate is revised where the revision affects only that period, or in the period of the revision and future periods where the revision affects both current and future periods.

3 Income from donations and legacies

Unrestricted
Restricted
funds
funds
2024
2024
£
£
Donations and gifts
100,344
-
Grants
5,750
40,015
Other
4,517
-
110,611
40,015		 Total
Unrestricted
Restricted
funds
funds
2024
2023
2023
£
£
£
100,344
135,539
-
45,765
4,500
38,765
4,517
5,825
-
150,626
145,864
38,765		 Total
2023
£
135,539
43,265
5,825
184,629

4 Income from other trading activities

Unrestricted Unrestricted
funds funds
2024 2023
£ £
Fundraising events 61,538 25,306
Shop income 50 65
Other trading activities 61,588 25,371

SIMON SAYS CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE'S BEREAVEMENT SUPPORT

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

5 Income from investments
Unrestricted Unrestricted
funds funds
2024 2023
£ £
Interest receivable 3,023 2,248
6 Other income
Unrestricted Unrestricted
funds funds
2024 2023
£ £
Other income 1,330 2,528
7 Expenditure on raising funds
Unrestricted Unrestricted
funds funds
2024 2023
£ £
Fundraising and publicity
Other fundraising costs 2,776 4,054

SIMON SAYS CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE'S BEREAVEMENT SUPPORT

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

8 Expenditure on charitable activities

Unrestricted Unrestricted
funds funds
2024 2023
£ £
Direct costs
Staff costs 126,038 93,724
Administration expenses 28,218 20,890
Premises expenses 30,415 16,662
Repairs and maintenance 8,456 866
Telephone and software 27,537 15,399
Printing, postage and stationery 3,543 1,692
Sundry expenses 1,065 412
225,272 149,645
Share of support and governance costs (see note 9)
Support - 600
Governance 4,175 2,278
229,447 152,523
Analysis by fund
Unrestricted funds - general 172,459 102,978
Unrestricted funds - Designated funds 34,887 2,992
Restricted funds 22,101 46,553
229,447 152,523

9 Support costs allocated to activities

Support costs allocated to activities
Governance costs
Analysed between:
Unrestricted funds		 2024
£
4,175
4,175		 2023
£
2,878
2,878

10 Trustees

None of the trustees (or any persons connected with them) received any remuneration or benefits from the charity during the year.

SIMON SAYS CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE'S BEREAVEMENT SUPPORT

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

11 Employees

The average monthly number of employees during the year was:

Employment costs
Wages and salaries
Social security costs		 2024
Number
5
2024
£
106,241
19,797
126,038		 2023
Number
5
2023
£
81,845
11,879
93,724

There were no employees whose annual remuneration was more than £60,000.

12 Other expenditure

Unrestricted Unrestricted
funds funds
2024 2023
£ £
Financing costs 1,920 1,566

13 Taxation

The charity is exempt from taxation on its activities because all its income is applied for charitable purposes.

14 Debtors

Debtors
2024 2023
Amounts falling due within one year: £ £
Prepayments and accrued income 9,756 4,891

SIMON SAYS CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE'S BEREAVEMENT SUPPORT

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

15 Creditors: amounts falling due within one year

Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
Other taxation and social security
Accruals and deferred income		 2024
£
2,333
1,400
3,733		 2023
£
2,297
3,780
6,077

16 Restricted funds

The restricted funds of the charity comprise the unexpended balances of donations and grants held on trust subject to specific conditions by donors as to how they may be used.

At 1 January Incoming Resources
At 31 December
At 31 December
2024 resources expended 2024
£ £ £ £
Lottery fund 24,540 40,015 (22,101) 42,454
Previous year: At 1 January Incoming Resources
At 31 December
2023 resources expended 2023
£ £ £ £
Lottery fund 32,328 38,765 (46,553) 24,540

SIMON SAYS CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE'S BEREAVEMENT SUPPORT

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

17 Unrestricted funds - Designated funds

These are unrestricted funds which are material to the charity's activities.

At 1 January Resources Transfers At 31 December
2024 expended 2024
£ £ £ £
IT development 15,000 (15,000) - -
Relocation and property provision 42,008 (19,887) - 22,121
57,008 (34,887) - 22,121
Previous year: At 1 January Resources Transfers At 31 December
2023 expended 2023
£ £ £ £
IT development - - 15,000 15,000
Relocation and property provision - (2,992) 45,000 42,008
- (2,992) 60,000 57,008

18 Unrestricted funds

The unrestricted funds of the charity comprise the unexpended balances of donations and grants which are not subject to specific conditions by donors and grantors as to how they may be used. These include designated funds which have been set aside out of unrestricted funds by the trustees for specific purposes.

At 1 January Incoming Resources Transfers At 31 December Transfers At 31 December
2024 resources expended 2024
£ £ £ £ £
General funds 163,672 176,552 (177,155) - 163,069
Previous year: At 1 January Incoming Resources Transfers At 31 December
2023 resources expended 2023
£ £ £ £ £
General funds 156,259 176,011 (108,598) (60,000) 163,672

SIMON SAYS CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE'S BEREAVEMENT SUPPORT

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

19 Analysis of net assets between funds

Unrestricted
Unrestricted
Restricted
funds
funds
funds
general
Designated
funds
2024
2024
2024
£
£
£
At 31 December 2024:
Current assets/(liabilities)
163,069
22,121
42,454
163,069
22,121
42,454
Unrestricted
Unrestricted
Restricted
funds
funds
funds
general
Designated
funds
2023
2023
2023
£
£
£
At 31 December 2023:
Current assets/(liabilities)
163,671
57,008
24,541
163,671
57,008
24,541		 Total
2024
£
227,644
227,644
Total
2023
£
245,220
245,220

20 Related party transactions

There were no disclosable related party transactions during the year (2023 - none).