2024-08-31-accounts

Mustard Seed Autism Trust CIO

Annual Report & Accounts

17th March 2023 - 31st August 2024

Registered charity: 1202378

Contents

Administration Details	3
Transition to CIO	4
Our Aims, Mission and Vision	5
Supporting Families	6
Our Team	8
Our Funders, Partners and Supporters	9
Governance and Management	10
Finances and IE Report	11
Strategy Review & Plans	18
Support Us	19

Administration Details

Mustard Seed Autism Trust CIO - registered charity: 1202378

Registered address: 23 Ash Tree Close, Farnborough, Hampshire, GU14 0QP

Operational address: Odiham Cottage Hospital, Buryfields, Odiham, RG29 1NE

Bank: HSBC, 30 Princes Mead, Farnborough, GU14 6YB

Website: www.mustardseedautism.co.uk

Email: [e-mail]

Tel: [phone]

Trustees

Caoimhe McManus - Chair Mary Prior (retired June 2024) Natalie Walker - Treasurer Elaine Ninnes Shelley Reddall Simon Martin Graham Burrell Linda Casey Sam Gray

Management Staff

Francis Bland - Lead Occupational Therapist and Co-founder Jen Hill - Service Delivery Manager

Sarah Clements - Fundraising and Communications Manager and Co-founder

Office and Financial Administrator -Nicola Wilson

Accountants - Charity Assist

Independent Examiner - Abdul Qudeir Khan, FMAAT FCPA

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Our transition to CIO

Francis Bland and Sarah Clements set up Mustard Seed Autism Trust in September 2011 and registered as a charitable trust in July 2012. They combined their skills and knowledge of occupational therapy and specialist teaching to create a unique, holistic service that supports whole families – autistic children, parents and siblings.

In 2023 we decided to transition to become a Charitable Incorporated Organisation to provide a better foundation to grow the charity. We registered the CIO with the Charity Commission in March 2023 and wound up the original charity on the 10th June 2024. Our name, referral criteria, and services have remained the same.

As we did not start operating as the CIO until June 2024, this report is based on three months (June - August 2024) of service delivery and funding. For a more typical picture of the work of the charity, we can send you our 23/24 annual report and accounts for Mustard Seed Autism Trust registered charity 1148938.

“I learnt so much from this really informative and inclusive course! So many techniques and ideas to use in and around the home to regulate my child, and also just so nice feeling understood and around like minded individuals and others who get what you're going through. So grateful to have been a part of it and will continue to use my new knowledge to better our family life.”

(Empowering Parents Course feedback)

4

Our Aims

To promote and protect the physical and mental health of autistic people and related conditions and their families and carers through the provision of support, therapeutic intervention, education and practical advice.

Our Vision

A world that understands

Our Mission

To equip children, empower parents, and educate society so that together we can build a more understanding world.

“Georgina magically was able to get our daughter to talk about her feelings and get her to open up, which being a stranger is very unusual, so a true testament to her skills. The most important thing is that our daughter felt heard and could understand herself and her emotions better. She came away with some coping tools to help her throughout her day to day life. The team at Mustard Seed have been great throughout the process and are a vital service.”

5

Supporting families

Between 12th June 2024 - 31st August 2024 we delivered..........

----- Start of picture text -----
Occupational 1-1 sessions Ready Steady
Therapy Go
11 children
13 children 3 children
Chill Out Friendship
Advice Line
Zone Zone
12 calls
8 children 4 children
----- End of picture text -----

“The parent sessions were extremely valuable in helping us continue the work at home, and to offload some of the week’s stresses with others who understand.”

(Chill Out Zone feedback)

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Supporting families

We started supporting primary aged siblings in 2015 and a couple of years later set up a second group for young teens. Whilst our work with parents and autistic children is short term, the sibling well-being groups provide longer term support. Our monthly sessions provide two hours of fun, friendship, and well-being support for children and young people.

In June 2024 we organised day trips for both groups. The teens enjoyed a visit to Marwell Zoo and the primary group had a wonderful day at Wellington Country Park.

The monthly sessions and day trips provide the siblings with activities they don’t always get to experience due to having an autistic brother or sister. They build relationships with peers with similar family backgrounds, and enjoy having their own space to focus on their needs and well-being.

“I cannot express how wonderful the experience has been for my son. These sessions have become a highlight in his life, offering a fantastic opportunity for him to connect with other kids who share a similar family dynamic.

The atmosphere is always welcoming, vibrant and filled with joy. The activities are not only engaging but also perfectly designed to foster a sense of camaraderie among the siblings. It's heartening to see my son come back home with a big smile on his face, having been involved in fun games, crafts, cooking, making new friends and created lasting memories.”

(Sibling Support Group feedback)

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Our Team

Staff

In July 2024 we said goodbye to one of our Family Support Workers, Stacy Reilly as she moved on to new ventures. We welcomed Maria Butler-Gibson to the team in October 2024, and she is now working with children and running groups alongside our other Family Support Worker Michelle Sharpley, and Service Delivery Manager Jen Hill. Julia Lodge has continued to support children through Play Therapy and our two Occupational Therapists Francis Bland and George Iverson have been supported throughout 2024 by Vicky Byrnes as she completed her back to work OT sessions with us . We are thrilled that Vicky will be taking on some of our Branches OT work in the year ahead. Nicola Wilson has continued to support us with her office and financial skills, and Sarah Clements has focused on securing funding to keep the charity running.

Volunteers

We have been supported by two family support volunteers this year and 12 sibling group volunteers. We will be recruiting new volunteers to support our developing services in the latter part of 2024. All volunteers complete DBS and reference checks, and attend Safeguarding training annually. In addition, our family support volunteers complete our inhouse autism induction programme before working with children.

Trustees

We seek to be a diverse board, and many of our trustees are parents of autistic young people and children. This year we have welcomed a young trustee on board - Sam Gray, who brings a fresh perspective and passion for fundraising. We have also been supported by Liam Devlin, an IT professional who is generously donating his time and expertise to develop our IT systems .

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Funders, Supporters and Partners

Corporate Support

We are ending this year with some exciting new corporate support and partnerships! Thank you all for your support.

Grants

Events

In August 2024 the Maximus Gym in Frimley Green completed a challenging 4 hour event, raising an amazing £2776 for Mustard Seed! A huge thank you to everyone who participated and donated.

Between 12th June and 31st August we were very grateful to receive grant funding from:

• The Community Foundation of Surrey Frimley ICB The Pierrepont Trust Tesco - Stonger Starts

9

Governance & Management

Trustee Board

The Charity is governed by our board of currently eight Trustees. The board meets six times a year, and organises smaller working parties for specific tasks. All Trustees give their time voluntarily and are only reimbursed for expenses incurred on behalf of the charity. There were no Trustee expenses between 12th June -31st August 2024.

Trustees are required to disclose any relevant interests and withdraw from decisions where a conflict of interest arises. New trustees can be nominated by a current member of the board and are appointed by a resolution of the Trustees at a board meeting where quorum is met. New Trustees are provided with training and information required to fulfill their role. This includes Charity Commission guidance, our governing document, all policies and procedures, business plans, financial reports and accounts.

Safeguarding

The protection and safeguarding of children is of utmost importance to the charity, and all trustees, staff and volunteers are DBS and reference checked before joining the organisation. DBS checks are then carried out every three years and everyone in the charity attends annual safeguarding training. Our last Safeguarding training was delivered by an external specialist in January 2024. We review and update our Safeguarding policy and procedures annually.

Policies and Procedures

Mustard Seed has the following policies and procedures in place: Safeguarding Children Safeguarding Adults Financial Controls Conflicts of Interest Data Protection-GDPR Cyber Security Equal Opportunities Health and Safety + Lone Working Social Media Risk Assessment Record Keeping Critical Incident Monitoring & Evaluation Complaints Whistle-blowing Discipline & Grievance Environmental Online Safety Ethical Fundraising Gifts & Hospitality Staff Supervision Service User Involvement Recruitment & Selection for Trustees, Staff and Volunteers Continuing Professional Development

Community Relationships

Our families are signposted to us by Paediatric Consultants at Frimley Park Hospital, local schools, Children's Services, Children and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS), health professionals, social prescribers, and via word of mouth. We work alongside many other local charities and organisations supporting families in our community.

Venue

We lease and have sole use of three therapy rooms and office space at Odiham Cottage Hospital . The hospital is owned by Odiham Cottage Hospital Combined Trusts, a registered charity whose objectives are to support local health services through funding and venue provision. We hire rooms once a month at Frimhurst Family House for our Siblings groups, and Baker Hall in Odiham for our parent courses.

10

Finances

Financial Management

The financial management of the charity is overseen by the Treasurer who reports to the Trustee board on a monthly basis. The Treasurer is supported by our Office and Financial Administrator, Nicola Wilson. Charity Assist have provided our accountancy services since December 2023.

Our Financial Controls policy is reviewed annually or as required. The charity prepares its accounts on a receipts and payments basis.

Reserves Policy

Our Reserves policy is included within the Financial Controls policy and states that:

“The minimum level of reserves within the unrestricted fund will be the equivalent of six months operating costs, calculated and reviewed annually, or at such times where significant changes in regular expenditure occur.”

Statement of assets and liabilities at 31st August 2024:

Unrestricted funds - £117,811 Restricted funds - £18,313 Total funds - £136,124

With 6 months reserves set at £83,986 this leaves £52,138 as free reserves.

The Trustees review the level of reserves annually and may choose to designate any free reserves to be set aside for an essential spend or specific future purpose. Our rationale is outlined in the Reserves policy:

“Mustard Seed provides professional support, training, advice, therapy and resources to vulnerable children and their families. No other charity is providing this type of support to families in our local community. Given the high demand for our specialist service and the vulnerability of our clients, the charity has deemed it important to hold reserves sufficient for six months of operations. Instant termination of services would have a severe impact on these vulnerable families. The charity would need to plan and pace a rundown of services so that the closure would not adversely affect our community. We must also ensure we have sufficient funds to cover our liabilities to our staff. Being dependent on grants and donations means our monthly income can fluctuate, so our reserves ensure we can manage any shortterm cash flow shortages.”

2024/2025

Our expenditure budget for 1st September 2024- 31st August 2025 is £187,064 Therefore 6 months reserves will be £93,532

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MUSTAP SEED AUTISM SUPPORT Charty Assist Accountsnts Ltd Certified Public AC￿untsnts arKI Chanty Independent Examlners Unit 27 Batley Enterprfse Centre 513 Bradford Road Batley Wlest Yorkshire Wffi17 8LL

Contents Page Independent examinerfs report Receipts and payments account

CHARITY COMMISSION FOR ENGLAND AND WALES Independent examinerfs report on the accounts Section A Independent Examiner's Report Report to tho tr￿te8•1 m•mb•rn of Mustard Seed Autism Tru8t On accounts forthe year ended 31 Augu 2024 Charlty no (If any) 1202378 Set out on pages I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounls of the above charlty for the year erKled 3110812024. As the chartty trustees of the CIO, you are responsible for the preparation of Ra8ponslbllltle8 and the accounts in accordance wkh the requirements of the Charitses Act 2011 basls of report (Yhe A¢*). I report in respect of my examlnation of the CIO'S accounts carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination, I have followed the applicable ￿rectionS given by the Chaiity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Act.

si Independenl examlneVs statement I have completed my examination. I confinn that no material matters have come lo my attenlion (other than that disclosed below'l in connection with Ihe examination which gives me cause lo believe thal in. any material respect: accounling records were not kept in accordan￿ vthh section 130 of the Act or the aC￿unts (k> Mt aecord wth the accounting records I have no concems and have rx)me acxoss no other matters in connection th the examination to which attentK>n should be drawn in order to enable a proper understarKliro of the accounts to be reached. Signed: Date: 28.8.20 Name: Abdul Qudeir Khan Relevant professlonal qualifi¢atlon($) or body (if any): FMUT FCPA Address: Unit 27. Batley Enterprise Centre 513 Bradford Road Batley WF17 8LL

CHARITY COMMISSION FOR ENGLANO AND WALE5 ND l¥ryl 1>)2378 Recelpts and payments accounts CC16a 5tsrt1 Section A Receipts and payments UTrr•¥¢rfct•d fund• R••lrf¢t•d Endowm•nt Total fund• Al Prt•l Fm A2 AM•t•nd knv••bh•ni••l•*. 08S 41 AYE Y13 14412 N•t olr•c•lpW(p•wrnnts) . A6 Tr•n•f•rn b•lwg•n lund• Ill C#h fund• l••tyMr •nd 14¥4 Ix 14671 fBI,3ni 124

Sectioii B Slateimeiil ol assets aiid liabilities at the end of the period UTrro6lrtcted Endowmeirt hd• CJte9orfe D•tal fund• ttM•Mt£ Bl Ca•h fund• 857 IV13 117ffi1 lund• n••r•4t£ fuh Details Oetsil Detail ATA

Strategy Review & Plans

Strategy Day plans

In January 2024 the team leaders and trustees met for a Strategy Day to start developing plans for the next 5 years. Feedback from the local community and families was collated and used to make decisions about our priority areas. We identified 5 areas of focus: School Development, Parent Support, Autism with complex needs, our Digital Offer and development of our OT for Schools service.

Progress to date:

School Development

• Reviewed staff capacity

• Piloted work with Ash Grange school and delivered parent workshops

• Delivered focused parent workshops for Talavera school

Parent Support

• Piloted parent support sessions during children’s Chill Out Zone course

• Excellent feedback led to sessions being established for other group courses First specialist workshop for parents planned and delivered

• 2 new family support volunteers received induction training

Autism with complex needs

• Defined complex needs (mental well-being support), our criteria, and type of support to be offered (“Intensive Support”)

• Planned and secured funding for staff training

• Secured funding for one team member to provide Intensive Support to selected families

Digital Offer

• Reviewed current work, developed plan for year ahead Social media policy created

• Funding secured to develop resources hub for our website and social media

• Volunteer IT Consultant joined team, providing technical support and advice

OT for Schools Service

• New name and re-brand - “Branches Occupational Therapy”

• Increased team of contracted therapists to deliver Branches work Meetings with local schools- sharing new package

• Created new business plan and reviewed policies and procedures Created webpage for Branches

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Support Us

There are many ways to support the valuable work we do at Mustard Seed Autism Trust.........

volunteering fundraising donating

• leaving a gift in your will becoming a trustee

Contact us for more information:

Phone

07704260199

• sharing our social media posts so more families can benefit from our resources

Our termly newsletters share more about our work, our impact stories, events and celebrations - please sign up via our website or pop us an email!

Email

[e-mail]

Website

www.mustardseedautism.co.uk

Social media

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