Trustees' Annual Report for the period
Period start date Period end date Day Month Year Day Month Year From 01 August 2024 To 31 July 2025
Section A Reference and administration details
Charity name Reach Out for Mental Health
Other names charity is known by Registered charity number (if any) 1199647 Charity's principal address Athol House 65a Duke Street, Chelmsford Essex Postcode CM1 1HL
Names of the charity trustees who manage the charity
| 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 |
Trustee name | Office (if any) | Dates acted if not for whole year |
Name of person (or body) entitled to appoint trustee(if any) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thandekile Juliana Kawenga |
Chair person | Kirsty Eaton | ||
| Frederick Hillinger | KirstyEaton | |||
| Eranga Seneviratne | 28.08.2025 started | KirstyEaton | ||
| Liz McCaig | Treasurer | 30.06.2025 started | KirstyEaton | |
| LucyHowchen | 29.09.20.25 started | Juliana T Kawenga | ||
| Charlie Patterson | KirstyEaton | |||
Names of the trustees for the charity, if any, (for example, any custodian trustees)
Name Dates acted if not for whole year
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Names and addresses of advisers (Optional information)
| Names and addresses of advisers (Optional information) | Names and addresses of advisers (Optional information) | Names and addresses of advisers (Optional information) |
|---|---|---|
| Type of adviser Name Address |
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| Name of chief executive or names of senior staff members (Optional information) | ||
Section B Structure, governance and management
Description of the charity’s trusts
Type of governing document
Constitution
- (eg. trust deed, constitution)
How the charity is constituted
- (eg. trust, association, company)
CIO
Trustee selection methods
(eg. appointed by, elected by) We advertise widely through advertisement platforms such as Indeed and Charity job boards and Reach Volunteering. Our CEO will speak to any candidates initially and then ask for a Trustee to interview the potential Trustee alongside her. It will then go to a vote to the rest of the Board.
Additional governance issues (Optional information)
You may choose to include additional information, where relevant, about:
Reach Out for Mental Health exercises a typical centralised, hierarchical additional information, where relevant, about: organisational structure. Our organisational structure is small but efficient. We have a board of Trustees which manage and work alongside • policies and procedures the CEO. adopted for the induction and training of trustees;
We don’t have any relationships with any related parties.
- the charity’s organisational structure and any wider network with which the charity works;
One conflict of interest was declared in relation to the Chair of Trustees, Juliana Kawenga, who was proposed for a paid position within the Charity as Consultant Clinical Head of Service. In accordance with the Charity’s governance procedures, the Board convened separately, without the Chair present, to review the proposal and formally vote on whether to approve Ms Kawenga undertaking the role.
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relationship with any related parties;
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trustees’ consideration of major risks and the system and procedures to manage them.
No further conflicts of interest have been declared to either the Chief Executive Officer or the Board of Trustees.
Our risks are identified, monitored and managed through our risk register, which can be discussed with potential donors, funders and partnering organisations.
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Section C Objectives and activities
| Summary of the objects of the charity set out in its governing document Summary of the main activities undertaken for the public benefit in relation to these objects (include within this section the statutory declaration that trustees have had regard to the guidance issued by the Charity Commission on public benefit) |
The founding aims and objectives are to reduce the number of attempted and completed suicides in Essex through the delivery of free counselling, befriending and other welfare-related services to adults living in Essex. |
|---|---|
| Over the reporting period, Reach Out for Mental Health has continued to provide vital support to adults experiencing suicidal thoughts and complex mental health challenges through accessible, non-judgemental, and relationship-centred interventions. Feedback from those we support consistently highlights the importance of our human, compassionate approach, offering time, connection, and understanding at moments when individuals feel most alone. This relational model remains a core strength of the charity and continues to bridge a critical gap for people who may not meet thresholds for statutory services yet are at heightened risk without timely support. Our evaluation data demonstrates clear, measurable impact and meaningful improvements in individual wellbeing: - The majority of individuals report reductions in distress, increased emotional stability, and improved ability to manage day-to-day challenges following engagement with the service. - Many individuals report feeling more able to reach out for support in the future, demonstrating strengthened coping strategies and reduced stigma around discussing suicidal thoughts. These outcomes highlight not only improvements in wellbeing, but also increased self-awareness and help-seeking behaviour, both key protective factors in suicide prevention. By continuing to be a placement provider and offering free counselling, the charity can continue delivering potentially life-saving support to individuals living with suicidal thoughts, while simultaneously strengthening the sustainability of our model. Working collaboratively with local training providers of Level 4 and above student counsellors who are required to complete clinical placement hours as part of their qualification; enables us to increase service capacity, reduce waiting times, and offer more consistent support to those in distress. This approach not only enhances the reach and reliability of our service but also contributes to the development of the future counselling workforce. Students benefit from high-quality, real world experience in a specialist suicide-prevention setting, while the charity benefits from additional therapeutic resource grounded in contemporary training and evidence-basedpractice. Ultimately,this model allows us to maintain a |
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compassionate, relational service that meets people at their most vulnerable moments and provides the emotional safety and connection that can prevent escalation to crisis
PIAS: The service provides regular support to approximately 10–15 individuals each week, alongside a further 2–4 one-off contacts through telephone calls or walk-ins. Support is delivered flexibly through face-to-face sessions, telephone calls, WhatsApp messaging, and community outreach, ensuring accessibility for people in varying levels of distress. The service operates for 13 hours per week and, where clinically appropriate, offers ongoing support over several weeks to individuals whose mental health needs require sustained engagement.
We also respond to unplanned presentations, including individuals arriving in acute emotional crisis. In these instances, staff provide immediate de-escalation, emotional support, and onward signposting to specialist agencies when required. The service works with adults aged 18 and over, including some affected by addiction, provided they are able to engage coherently and safely during their sessions. This flexible, person-centred model enables the charity to meet people at their point of need, offering timely, compassionate support that can prevent escalation to crisis services.
Additional details of objectives and activities (Optional information)
Befriending Coffee groups
You may choose to include further statements, where relevant, about:
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policy on grantmaking;
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policy programme related investment;
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contribution made by volunteers.
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Section D Achievements and performance
Summary of the main achievements of the charity during the year
Key outcomes:
• 60% of individuals reported a reduction in suicidal thoughts • 69% felt more able to ask for help when needed • 75% developed a better understanding of their mental health and early warning signs • 94% felt treated with dignity and respect • 94% would recommend the service to others • 75% said they achieved what they hoped to through support These outcomes highlight not only improvements in immediate wellbeing, but also increased self-awareness and help-seeking behaviour, both key protective factors in suicide prevention. A consistent theme across all evaluations was the importance of having a safe, confidential space to talk openly without fear of judgement. For many, this was the first time they had been able to: • speak honestly about suicidal thoughts • feel heard and understood • process complex emotions in a safe environment Participants described the service as: • helping them cope during periods of crisis • reducing isolation and loneliness • providing stability during difficult periods • supporting them to “make sense” of their thoughts and experiences For some individuals, the impact was immediate and life-preserving, with support described as helping them to stay safe and manage overwhelming feelings. Beyond immediate emotional support, the service helped individuals to: • recognise early signs of declining mental health • develop coping strategies
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Section D Achievements and performance
- build confidence in reaching out for help
Even where suicidal thoughts had not reduced, individuals often reported increased understanding of their mental health and a greater sense of control — an important step in long-term recovery.
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Section E Financial review
Brief statement of the charity’s policy on reserves
The Charity aims to have a minimum of three months running costs (including salaries) in reserves. The Board and the CEO will maintain this wherever possible.
Details of any funds materially
in deficit
Further financial review details (Optional information)
You may choose to include additional information, where relevant about:
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the charity’s principal sources of funds (including any fundraising);
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how expenditure has supported the key objectives of the charity;
The charity receives funding from various sources, including the NHS, the National Lottery, and other funders as well as individual fundraising and donations.
We also engage in fundraising activities such as cake sales and other events. Regardless of the source, we ensure that all of our funding comes from organisations and individuals that uphold the highest ethical standards.
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investment policy and The funds we receive are used to support the charity's key objectives,
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objectives including any ethical investment policy such as providing essential services, raising awareness, and advocating adopted. for our cause.
Section F Other optional information
Section G Declaration
The trustees declare that they have approved the trustees’ report above.
Signed on behalf of the charity’s trustees
Signature(s) T. Kawenga Full name(s) Juliana Thandekile Kawenga Position (eg Secretary, Chair, etc) Chair Date 13.05.2026
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Charity Name No (if any) Reach Out For Mental Health CIO 1199647 Receipts and payments accounts CC16a For the period Period start date Period end date To from 01-Aug-24 31-Jul-25
| Section A Receipts and payments | Section A Receipts and payments | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A1 Receipts | Unrestricted funds to the nearest £ 7,031 50 - - - - 7,081 - - - 7,081 924 68 196 371 - 220 852 - - 169 2,800 - - - 2,800 4,281 7,862 ~~9,260~~ 21,403 |
Restricted funds to the nearest £ 9,660 102,865 20,000 13,000 25,000 - - - - 170,525 - - - 170,525 19,092 - 5,660 124 2,979 - 67 3,631 17 133,760 29,127 194,457 - - - 194,457 - 23,932 - 7,142 ~~78,241~~ 47,167 |
Endowment funds to the nearest £ - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - ~~-~~ - |
Total funds to the nearest £ - - - 9,660 102,865 - 20,000 - - 13,000 7,031 50 25,000 - - - - 177,605 - - - 177,605 20,016 - 5,728 319 3,351 - 287 4,482 17 133,760 29,296 197,256 - - - 197,256 - 19,651 |
Last year to the nearest £ |
|
| Co-Operative | 2,301 | |||||
| Positive Energy | 8,500 | |||||
| Donations | 2,030 | |||||
| Essex CommunityFoundation | 21,000 | |||||
| National Lottery | 95,492 | |||||
| VoluntarySector Development Fund(2) | 57 | |||||
| Colchester Borough Council | 20,000 | |||||
| ASDA | 400 | |||||
| C360 Bursary- Thurrock | 45 | |||||
| ECF(Mid & South Essex) | - | |||||
| Donations | 7,031 | - | ||||
| Other | 50 | |||||
| Teland Ltd | ||||||
| - | - | |||||
| - | - | |||||
| - | - | |||||
| - | - | |||||
| ~~Sub total~~~~(Gross income for~~ AR) |
7,081 |
149,825 | ||||
| A2 Asset and investment sales, (see table). |
||||||
| - | ||||||
| - | - | |||||
| ~~Sub total~~ | - | - | ||||
| Total receipts A3 Payments Room Hire and Rates Heat, Light and Power Travelling Expenses Printing and Stationery Telephone and Computer charges Equipment and Rental Maintenance General Expenses and Marketing Bank Charges and Interest Gross Wages Professional Fees **Sub total ** |
||||||
| 149,825 | ||||||
| 12,165 | ||||||
| 480 | ||||||
| 4,752 | ||||||
| 253 | ||||||
| 2,953 | ||||||
| - | ||||||
| 3,141 | ||||||
| 8,385 | ||||||
| 11 | ||||||
| 97,353 | ||||||
| 11,759 | ||||||
| 141,252 | ||||||
| A4 Asset and investment purchases, (see table) |
||||||
| - | ||||||
| - | ||||||
| **Sub total ** | - | - | ||||
| Total payments Net of receipts/(payments) A5 Transfers between funds A6 Cash funds last year end Cash funds this year end |
||||||
| 141,252 | ||||||
| 4,281 | - 23,932 | - | - 19,651 | 8,573 | ||
| 7,862 | - 7,142 | - | 720 | - | ||
| ~~9,260~~ | ~~78,241~~ | ~~-~~ | ~~87,501~~ | ~~79,648~~ | ||
| 21,403 | 47,167 | - | 68,570 | 88,221 |
CCXX R1 accounts (SS)
15/05/2026
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| Section B Statement of assets and liabilities at the end of the period | Section B Statement of assets and liabilities at the end of the period | Section B Statement of assets and liabilities at the end of the period | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Categories Signed by one or two trustees on behalf of all the trustees B5 Liabilities B3 Investment assets B2 Other monetary assets B4 Assets retained for the charity’s own use B1 Cash funds |
Details Details Total cash funds (agree balances with receipts and payments account(s)) Bank & Cash Debtors Details Details Details Creditors Signature |
Unrestricted funds Restricted funds to nearest £ to nearest £ 16,220 54,309 - - - 16,220 54,309 Agreement Error Agreement Error Unrestricted funds Restricted funds to nearest £ to nearest £ - - - - - - - - - - - - Fund to which asset belongs Cost (optional) - - - - - Fund to which asset belongs Cost (optional) - - - - - - - - - Fund to which liability relates Amount due (optional) Unrestricted 1,958 - - - - Print Name |
Endowment funds to nearest £ |
| - | |||
| - | |||
| - | |||
| - | |||
| OK | |||
| Endowment funds to nearest £ |
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| - | |||
| - | |||
| - | |||
| - | |||
| - | |||
| - | |||
| Current value (optional) |
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| - | |||
| - | |||
| - | |||
| - | |||
| - | |||
| Current value (optional) |
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| - | |||
| - | |||
| - | |||
| - | |||
| - | |||
| - | |||
| - | |||
| - | |||
| - | |||
| When due (optional) |
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| Date of approval |
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CCXX R2 accounts (SS)
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CHARITY COMMISSION FOR ENGLAND AND WALES Independent examinerfs report on the accounts Section A Independent Examiner's Report Report to the trusteesl membors of Re8Lh Out For Mental Heatth CIO On accounts for the year ended July 2025 Charlty no (If any) Sot out on pages I report to the trustees on my examination of the accfjunts of the ab)ve chanty (Ihe Trust.) for the year end&J Rosponslbllilies and As the charty trustees of the Trust. you are responsible for the preparation basls of roport of the a¢¢ounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charitles Act 2011 (Ihe Acr). I report in respect of my examinatM?n of the Trust's accounts carried oul under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carying OLrt my examination, I have followed the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(51{b) of the Act. I have completed my examination. I confim that no matenal matters have come lo my attention (other than that disdosed below ') in connection with the examination whth gives me cause to believe that in, any material resp.. accJ)unting records were not kept in accordance %ith sects'on 130 of the Act or the accounts do not accord wrth the accounting records Independent examinerfs Statsment I have no concems and have come across no other matters in connection wrth Ihe examination to which attention should be drawn in order to enable proper understarKling of the aco)unts to be reathed. ' Please delete the words in the brnc8ts rflhey do not apply. Slgn•d: Date: May 11° 2026 Name: John Wc%xlrow Relevant profe$slonal qualifiGation(s) or b(Kly (rf any): Address: 9 Five Acres, Danbury Chelmsford Essex CM3 4NB IER October 2018