Holding Hearts Baby Loss Support Annual Trustee Report Charity Number: 1203215 Year: 2023-24
1. Introduction
The trustees of Holding Hearts are pleased to present the annual report for the year 2023-24. Our mission remains to provide support and resources to families experiencing baby loss. This year was one of growth and outreach made possible by our volunteers, donors, and supporters.
2. Objectives and Activities
Holding Hearts exists to support parents and families who have experienced baby loss by offering emotional support, practical resources, and tangible remembrance items. Over the past year, we have undertaken the following key activities:
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Memory Items – Providing keepsake items for grieving families, including resin hearts and packets of forget-me-nots.
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Awareness Campaigns – Using social media, local events, and partnerships to break the silence surrounding baby loss.
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Support books – providing baby loss books & grief support books to hospitals around England to be distributed by Nurse Practitioners and care workers.
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Fundraising Initiatives – Events such as charity walks, raffles, and community fundraisers have helped sustain our work.
3. Achievements and Performance
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Supported approximately 1,500 families through supply of resin hearts
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Delivered 120 books to our supplier hospitals
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Partnered with 2 new local hospitals and organisations to expand our reach (Oxford & Bristol)
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Hosted a successful Charity Dinner Dance and raised over £7000
4. Financial Review
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Total income: £19.86K
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Total expenditure: £11.25K
Fundraising and Grants
This year, our funding came from various sources including: - Donations: Public donations and corporate donations.
- Fundraising Events: Bake sales & Community Raffles
Our main avenues of income were through paypal and JustGiving. Money was also raised by individuals in the community with coffee mornings and a charity skittles evening.
We raised £2857 through website donations and £17,002 was raised through events and cash donations.
Our money was spent on resin hearts, baby loss books, ultrasound scan cards for hospitals and to fund further charity events.
5. Governance and Structure
Holding Hearts is governed by a board of trustees who oversee the strategic direction and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements.
TRUSTEES
Jessica Perry – Chair & Trustee Charlitta Strinati – Trustee Samantha Bowles – Trustee
6. Plans for the Future
Looking ahead, we aim to:
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Expand our support to additional hospitals and stand-alone baby loss units around England.
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Look for suitable initiatives within hospitals where we can donate additional resources to facilitate the care of those who experience baby loss.
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Strengthen partnerships with healthcare providers.
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Increase funding to sustain and grow our services.
7. Conclusion
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who has supported Holding Hearts this year—our donors, volunteers, and beneficiaries. Together, we are making a difference in the lives of families facing loss.
SIGNED BY:
Jessica Perry 05.02.25
This report has been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Charity Commission.
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