OpenCharities

This text was generated using OCR and may contain errors. Check the original PDF to see the document submitted to the regulator.

2024-12-31-accounts

CHARITY REGISTRATION NUMBER: 1203238

The Helpline

Unaudited Financial Statements 31 December 2024

HAFFNER HOFF LTD

Accountants 2nd Floor - Parkgates Bury New Road Prestwich Manchester M25 0TL

The Helpline

Financial Statements

Year ended 31 December 2024

Page
Trustees' annual report 1
Independent examiner's report to the trustees 8
Statement of financial activities 9
Statement of financial position 10
Statement of cash flows 11
Notes to the financial statements 12

The Helpline

Trustees' Annual Report

Year ended 31 December 2024

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

Reference and administrative details

Registered charity name The Helpline
Charity registration number 1203238
Principal office 7 The Crescent
Radford Street
Salford
M7 4JR
The trustees
David Marcus Lachs (Chair) (Appointed 20 May 2024)
Alexander Benjamin Woolfstein (Appointed 20 May 2024)
Rebecca Sarah Abeles (Appointed 3 April 2024)
Benjamin Daniel Rosenberg
Naomi Leah Halpern (Resigned 3 April 2024)
Hadassah Goldman (Resigned 20 May 2024)
Independent examiner Mr Howard Schwalbe ACA
2nd Floor - Parkgates
Bury New Road
Prestwich
Manchester
M25 0TL

Objectives and activities

To promote and protect the mental health of individuals, particularly but not exclusively of the Orthodox Jewish faith, through:

a) providing a confidential helpline service to support persons who are experiencing feelings of distress or despair,

b) raising awareness and providing information about mental health conditions and how to maintain good mental health,

c) other activities that promote good mental health.

- 1 -

The Helpline

Trustees' Annual Report (continued)

Year ended 31 December 2024

Structure, governance and management

The HelpLine was founded in 2019 and due to its remarkable growth and impact became a registered charity (CIO) on 24 May 2023. The HelpLine was created in response to a series of teenage suicides in the Jewish community, with the aim of providing a confidential, non-judgmental, and anonymous listening service for individuals facing mental health challenges. Our management team has lots of experience and is fully committed to carrying out our mission. A team of trained supervisors ensures the highest standard of service, overseeing the volunteers who are responsible for providing support to our callers. These supervisors were trained by Mrs. Debbie Gross of Tahel Crisis Centre (Israel), who continues to offer guidance on best practices and complex cases.

Trustees serve voluntarily, and any related party transactions are disclosed in the notes to the accounts. The recruitment and appointment of new trustees are carried out according to the governing document, ensuring alignment with the charity's evolving needs.

Risk review

The trustees regularly assess the risks to which the charity is exposed, particularly in relation to operations and finances. We are confident that effective systems are in place to manage these risks and ensure the sustainability of our operations.

- 2 -

The Helpline

Trustees' Annual Report (continued)

Year ended 31 December 2024

Achievements and performance

About The HelpLine

Operating 24/7, The HelpLine offers support via telephone, SMS, and WhatsApp, with over 120 dedicated volunteers. Every interaction with The HelpLine is completely anonymous and confidential, enabling individuals to express themselves openly and receive the support they need. We address a range of mental health issues, including anxiety, depression, self-harm, and suicidal ideation. Our volunteers are trained to provide compassionate listening and offer essential support, empowering individuals to manage and overcome their challenges. As a 24/7 service, including during Shabbos and Yom Tov, we fill a critical gap that other services cannot provide. For example, we offer stabilising support between therapy sessions, allowing individuals to maintain their mental health until their next session.

Case managers also offer guidance and support to individuals dealing with mental illness and trauma, attending care assessments and meetings to ensure clients receive the best possible care.

In January 2024, we had a tremendously successful fundraising campaign that raised over £500,000, which not only sustained our operations but also significantly boosted awareness. As a result of the awareness generated by the campaign, we saw nearly 2,000 calls in January alone, a marked increase that underscores the growing demand for our services.

This year, our monthly call volume reached a peak of 2,179 calls, reflecting a sustained increase in demand. Throughout 2024, we handled over 2,000 calls and chats on Shabbos and Yom Tov, highlighting the growing reliance on our services during these critical times. To meet this demand, we have expanded our volunteer base through training programs and aim to continue this expansion into 2025.

Technology and Innovation

In line with our commitment to providing up-to-date, efficient service, we have launched a bespoke SMS integration for The HelpChat, ensuring that our technology meets the highest standards of confidentiality and integrity. This integration enables us to offer a seamless experience for those seeking support through text-based communication.

We also have increased the amount of automation in our systems, to help us maintain our highest level of service as the demand for our HelpLine increases. We are currently at 120 active volunteers with more trainings taking place and planned. With these increases, in both call volume and volunteers, we are always looking to be ahead of the curve and have the correct systems in place to maintain, and better, our level of readiness to best serve our callers.

Therapy Services

Our Help Centre is home to six therapy rooms, which are currently used by Integrate Families, a leading provider of trauma therapy. At present, 34 members of our community are receiving therapy through Integrate Families at our location. Last year, we refurbished the centre, transforming it into a modern, welcoming space that enhances the therapeutic environment. We continue to ensure that the premises is conducive to the healing journey of the clients who come for therapy at our centre. Although we do not directly provide therapy services, our partnership with Integrate Families allows us to offer direct and streamlined access to these vital sessions without the need to travel far. We plan to expand this collaboration in the coming years to increase the availability of therapy services for those in need.

- 3 -

The Helpline

Trustees' Annual Report (continued)

Year ended 31 December 2024

Maintaining Awareness and Public Engagement

We maintain high visibility through regular advertising, including weekly placements in local and national publications. Our marketing team runs four major advertising campaigns each year and is continuously exploring new mediums to raise awareness of our services. Additionally, we have strengthened our community engagement efforts through outreach initiatives in schools and synagogues, educating individuals about mental health and encouraging help-seeking behaviour.

In December 2024, we were featured on the front cover of Mishpacha magazine, significantly increasing awareness of our work. This exposure has led to an increase in requests for support as well as new volunteer sign-ups. We also presented our work to the Neshomo Mental Health Network, which aligns with our ambition to be a widely recognised resource for other organisations to signpost to.

We created and distributed an awareness brochure for Tishrei, with a particular focus on peripheral communities across the UK. This initiative helped ensure that all members of the community had access to information about The HelpLine's services. We received requests from members of the public to volunteer for The HelpLine as they had seen the brochures in synagogue.

We also provided cultural awareness training to the Bury Mental Health Early Access Team, strengthening their ability to serve diverse communities. We have more such trainings planned, as more clinical teams have been reaching out to request for our trainings.

Training and Development

Our volunteers undergo rigorous training to equip them with the skills necessary to handle a wide range of mental health crises. This year, we expanded our training programs to include additional modules on trauma-informed care, cultural sensitivity, and advanced communication techniques. Additionally, we hosted workshops with guest speakers from respected mental health organisations, ensuring our volunteers are up to date with the latest best practices.

To meet the growing demand for support, we trained additional supervisors, ensuring that the welfare of our volunteers is prioritised and that they have the necessary guidance to support callers effectively. Furthermore, two of our senior staff members completed DSL safeguarding training and substance abuse awareness training, broadening our ability to support individuals dealing with a range of mental health challenges.

We have a comprehensive plan for training for 2025, for volunteers and supervisors, ensuring that we are always fully equipped to support our callers in the very best possible way.

Feedback from Callers

We have received positive feedback from callers and chatters, some of which we cannot disclose for GDPR reasons. However, a few comments stand out:

- 4 -

The Helpline

Trustees' Annual Report (continued)

Year ended 31 December 2024

Gratitude

We extend our deepest gratitude to our volunteers, donors, supporters, and partners. Your unwavering commitment to our cause makes an enormous difference in the lives of many. To our matchers, your contributions have provided invaluable support to those in need. Our volunteers, who selflessly devote time and energy to helping individuals at their lowest points, are the heart and soul of The HelpLine. We are continually inspired by their dedication and service.

- 5 -

The Helpline

Trustees' Annual Report (continued)

Year ended 31 December 2024

Financial review

Fundraising

The HelpLine sustains its operations through a combination of crowdfunding, corporate donations, private contributions, and grants. Our January 2024 crowdfunding campaign was particularly successful, raising over £500,000, which has played a significant role in supporting our operations this year.

Income

The charity received £609,392 (2023: £200,995) in donations and grants during the year.

Expenditure

The charity spent £410,643 (2023: £166,638) on direct charitable activities and support costs. Fundraising costs amounted to £17,108 (2023: £2,425).

Details of related party transactions are disclosed in the notes to the accounts.

The charity saw a net income and a net movement in funds for the year of £185,809 (2023: £31,932).

Reserves

The trustees have implemented a reserves policy, with an aim of having 2 months cash in reserve.

The charity's free reserves, representing net current assets, stand at £217,741. Of these £4,400 are attributable to the restricted fund and £213,341 attributable to the unrestricted fund.

Looking Ahead

The HelpLine is committed to further expanding its services and increasing its impact in the coming year. Our key priorities include:

- 6 -

The Helpline

Trustees' Annual Report (continued)

Year ended 31 December 2024

The trustees' annual report was approved on 28 May 2025 and signed on behalf of the board of trustees by:

David Marcus Lachs (Chair) Trustee

- 7 -

The Helpline

Independent Examiner's Report to the Trustees of The Helpline

Year ended 31 December 2024

I report to the trustees on my examination of the financial statements of The Helpline ('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 (‘the Act’).

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

Independent examiner's statement

Since the charity’s gross income exceeded £250,000 your examiner must be a member of a body listed in section 145 of the 2011 Act. I confirm that I am qualified to undertake the examination because I am a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW), which is one of the listed bodies.

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

  1. accounting records were not kept in respect of the charity as required by section 130 of the Act; or

  2. the financial statements do not accord with those records; or

  3. the financial statements do not comply with the applicable requirements concerning the form and content of accounts set out in the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 other than any requirement that the accounts give a ‘true and fair' view which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination.

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 accounts to be reached.

Mr Howard Schwalbe ACA Independent Examiner

2nd Floor - Parkgates Bury New Road Prestwich Manchester M25 0TL

28 May 2025

- 8 -

The Helpline

Statement of Financial Activities

Year ended 31 December 2024

Period from Period from
1 Feb 23 to
Year to 31 Dec 24 31 Dec 23
Unrestricted Restricted
funds fundsTotal funds Total funds
Note £ £ £ £
Income and endowments
Donations and legacies 4 589,442 19,950 609,392 200,995
Investment income 5 4,168 4,168
-------------------------------- ---------------------------- -------------------------------- --------------------------------
Total income 593,610 19,950 613,560 200,995
================================ ============================ ================================ ================================
Expenditure
Expenditure on raising funds:
Costs of raising donations and
legacies 6 17,108 17,108 2,425
Expenditure on charitable activities 7,8 395,093 15,550 410,643 166,638
-------------------------------- ---------------------------- -------------------------------- --------------------------------
Total expenditure 412,201 15,550 427,751 169,063
================================ ============================ ================================ ================================
-------------------------------- ---------------------------- -------------------------------- --------------------------------
Net income and net movement in funds 181,409 4,400 185,809 31,932
================================ ============================ ================================ ================================
Reconciliation of funds
Total funds brought forward 31,932 31,932
-------------------------------- ---------------------------- -------------------------------- --------------------------------
Total funds carried forward 213,341 4,400 217,741 31,932
================================ ============================ ================================ ================================

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

The notes on pages 12 to 18 form part of these financial statements.

- 9 -

The Helpline

Statement of Financial Position

31 December 2024

2024 2023
Note £ £
Current assets
Cash at bank and in hand 220,592 39,971
Creditors: amounts falling due within one year 13 2,851 8,039
-------------------------------- ----------------------------
Net current assets 217,741 31,932
-------------------------------- ----------------------------
Total assets less current liabilities 217,741 31,932
-------------------------------- ----------------------------
Net assets 217,741 31,932
================================ ============================
Funds of the charity
Restricted funds 4,400
Unrestricted funds 213,341 31,932
-------------------------------- ----------------------------
Total charity funds 15 217,741 31,932
================================ ============================

These financial statements were approved by the board of trustees and authorised for issue on 28 May 2025, and are signed on behalf of the board by:

David Marcus Lachs (Chair) Trustee

The notes on pages 12 to 18 form part of these financial statements.

- 10 -

The Helpline

Statement of Cash Flows

Year ended 31 December 2024

2024 2023
£ £
Cash flows from operating activities
Net income 185,809 31,932
Adjustments for:
Other interest receivable and similar income (4,168)
Accrued expenses 90 900
Changes in:
Trade and other creditors (5,278) 7,139
-------------------------------- ----------------------------
Cash generated from operations 176,453 39,971
Interest received 4,168
-------------------------------- ----------------------------
Net cash from operating activities 180,621 39,971
================================ ============================
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents 180,621 39,971
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year 39,971
-------------------------------- ----------------------------
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year 220,592 39,971
================================ ============================

The notes on pages 12 to 18 form part of these financial statements.

- 11 -

The Helpline

Notes to the Financial Statements

Year ended 31 December 2024

1. General information

The charity is a public benefit entity and a registered charity in England and Wales and is unincorporated. The address of the principal office is 7 The Crescent, Radford Street, Salford, M7 4JR.

2. Statement of compliance

These financial statements have been prepared in compliance with FRS 102, 'The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and the Republic of Ireland', the 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) (Charities SORP (FRS 102)) and the Charities Act 2011.

3. Accounting policies

Basis of preparation

The financial statements have been prepared on the historical cost basis, as modified by the revaluation of certain financial assets and liabilities and investment properties measured at fair value through income or expenditure.

The financial statements are prepared in sterling, which is the functional currency of the entity.

Going concern

There are no material uncertainties about the charity's ability to continue.

Judgements and key sources of estimation uncertainty

The preparation of the financial statements did not require management to make judgements, estimates or assumptions that affect the amounts reported.

Fund accounting

Unrestricted funds are available for use at the discretion of the trustees to further any of the charity's purposes.

Designated funds are unrestricted funds earmarked by the trustees for particular future project or commitment.

Restricted funds are subjected to restrictions on their expenditure declared by the donor or through the terms of an appeal, and fall into one of two sub-classes: restricted income funds or endowment funds.

- 12 -

The Helpline

Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)

Year ended 31 December 2024

3. Accounting policies (continued)

Incoming resources

All incoming resources are included in the statement of financial activities when entitlement has passed to the charity; it is probable that the economic benefits associated with the transaction will flow to the charity and the amount can be reliably measured. The following specific policies are applied to particular categories of income:

Resources expended

Expenditure is recognised on an accruals basis as a liability is incurred. Expenditure includes any VAT which cannot be fully recovered, and is classified under headings of the statement of financial activities to which it relates:

All costs are allocated to expenditure categories reflecting the use of the resource. Direct costs attributable to a single activity are allocated directly to that activity. Shared costs are apportioned between the activities they contribute to on a reasonable, justifiable and consistent basis.

Financial instruments

A financial asset or a financial liability is recognised only when the charity becomes a party to the contractual provisions of the instrument.

Basic financial instruments are initially recognised at the amount receivable or payable including any related transaction costs.

- 13 -

The Helpline

Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)

Year ended 31 December 2024

3. Accounting policies (continued)

Financial instruments (continued)

Current assets and current liabilities are subsequently measured at the cash or other consideration expected to be paid or received and not discounted.

Debt instruments are subsequently measured at amortised cost.

Where investments in shares are publicly traded or their fair value can otherwise be measured reliably, the investment is subsequently measured at fair value with changes in fair value recognised in income and expenditure. All other such investments are subsequently measured at cost less impairment.

Other financial instruments, including derivatives, are initially recognised at fair value, unless payment for an asset is deferred beyond normal business terms or financed at a rate of interest that is not a market rate, in which case the asset is measured at the present value of the future payments discounted at a market rate of interest for a similar debt instrument.

Other financial instruments are subsequently measured at fair value, with any changes recognised in the statement of financial activities, with the exception of hedging instruments in a designated hedging relationship.

Financial assets that are measured at cost or amortised cost are reviewed for objective evidence of impairment at the end of each reporting date. If there is objective evidence of impairment, an impairment loss is recognised under the appropriate heading in the statement of financial activities in which the initial gain was recognised.

For all equity instruments regardless of significance, and other financial assets that are individually significant, these are assessed individually for impairment. Other financial assets are either assessed individually or grouped on the basis of similar credit risk characteristics.

Any reversals of impairment are recognised immediately, to the extent that the reversal does not result in a carrying amount of the financial asset that exceeds what the carrying amount would have been had the impairment not previously been recognised.

Defined contribution plans

Contributions to defined contribution plans are recognised as an expense in the period in which the related service is provided. Prepaid contributions are recognised as an asset to the extent that the prepayment will lead to a reduction in future payments or a cash refund.

When contributions are not expected to be settled wholly within 12 months of the end of the reporting date in which the employees render the related service, the liability is measured on a discounted present value basis. The unwinding of the discount is recognised as an expense in the period in which it arises.

4. Donations and legacies

Unrestricted Restricted Total Funds
Funds Funds 2024
£ £ £
Donations
Donations 589,442 589,442

- 14 -

The Helpline

Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)

Year ended 31 December 2024

4. Donations and legacies (continued)

Unrestricted Restricted Total Funds
Funds Funds 2024
£ £ £
Grants
Grants 19,950 19,950
-------------------------------- ---------------------------- --------------------------------
589,442 19,950 609,392
================================ ============================ ================================
Unrestricted Restricted Total Funds
Funds Funds 2023
£ £ £
Donations
Donations 200,995 200,995
Grants
Grants
-------------------------------- -------------- --------------------------------
200,995 200,995
================================ ============== ================================
5. Investment income
Unrestricted Total Funds Unrestricted Total Funds
Funds 2024 Funds 2023
£ £ £ £
Bank interest receivable 4,168 4,168
======================= ======================= ============== ==============
6. Costs of raising donations and legacies
Unrestricted Total Funds Unrestricted Total Funds
Funds 2024 Funds 2023
£ £ £ £
Costs of raising donations 17,108 17,108 2,425 2,425
============================ ============================ ======================= =======================
7. Expenditure on charitable activities by fund type
Unrestricted Restricted Total Funds
Funds Funds 2024
£ £ £
Charitable activities 366,993 15,550 382,543
Support costs 28,100 28,100
-------------------------------- ---------------------------- --------------------------------
395,093 15,550 410,643
================================ ============================ ================================
Unrestricted Restricted Total Funds
Funds Funds 2023
£ £ £
Charitable activities 161,083 161,083
Support costs 5,555 5,555
-------------------------------- -------------- --------------------------------
166,638 166,638
================================ ============== ================================

- 15 -

The Helpline

Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)

Year ended 31 December 2024

8. Expenditure on charitable activities by activity type

Activities
undertaken
Support
Total funds Total fund
directly
costs
2024 2023
£ £ £ £
Charitable activities 382,543
27,110
409,653 165,738
Governance costs
990
990 900
-------------------------------- ---------------------------- -------------------------------- --------------------------------
382,543
28,100
410,643 166,638
================================ ============================ ================================ ================================
Analysis of support costs
Analysis of
support costs Total 2024 Total 2023
£ £ £
Staff costs 5,699 5,699 2,180
General office 21,411 21,411 2,475
Governance costs 990 990 900
---------------------------- ---------------------------- -----------------------
28,100 28,100 5,555
============================ ============================ =======================

9. Analysis of support costs

10. Independent examination fees

Period from
Year to 1 Feb 23 to
31 Dec 24 31 Dec 23
£ £
Fees payable to the independent examiner for:
Independent examination of the financial statements 990 900
============== ==============

11. Staff costs

The total staff costs and employee benefits for the reporting period are analysed as follows:

Period from
Year to 1 Feb 23 to
31 Dec 24 31 Dec 23
£ £
Wages and salaries 45,503 17,243
Employer contributions to pension plans 803 279
---------------------------- ----------------------------
46,306 17,522
============================ ============================

The average head count of employees during the year was 3 (2023: 3).

No employee received employee benefits of more than £60,000 during the year (2023: Nil).

12. Trustee remuneration and expenses

No remuneration or other benefits from employment with the charity or a related entity were received by the trustees.

- 16 -

The Helpline

Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)

Year ended 31 December 2024

13. Creditors: amounts falling due within one year

2024 2023
£ £
Trade creditors 1,153 3,106
Accruals and deferred income 990 900
Social security and other taxes 708 689
Other creditors 3,344
----------------------- -----------------------
2,851 8,039
======================= =======================

14. Pensions and other post retirement benefits

Defined contribution plans

The amount recognised in income or expenditure as an expense in relation to defined contribution plans was £803 (2023: £279).

15. Analysis of charitable funds

Unrestricted funds

Unrestricted funds
At
At 31 December
1 January 2024 Income Expenditure 2024
£ £ £ £
General funds 31,932 593,610 (412,201)
213,341
============================ ================================ ================================ ================================
At
At 31 December
1 February 2023 Income Expenditure 2023
£ £ £ £
General funds 200,995 (169,063)
31,932
============== ================================ ================================ ============================
Restricted funds
At
At 31 December
1 January 2024 Income Expenditure 2024
£ £ £ £
Restricted Funds 19,950 (15,550)
4,400
============== ============================ ============================ =======================
At
At 31 December
1 February 2023 Income Expenditure 2023
£ £ £ £
Restricted Funds
============== ============== ============== ==============

- 17 -

The Helpline

Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)

Year ended 31 December 2024

16. Analysis of net assets between funds

Unrestricted Restricted Total Funds
Funds Funds 2024
£ £ £
Current assets 216,192 4,400 220,592
Creditors less than 1 year (2,851) (2,851)
-------------------------------- ----------------------- --------------------------------
Net assets 213,341 4,400 217,741
================================ ======================= ================================
Unrestricted Restricted Total Funds
Funds Funds 2023
£ £ £
Current assets 39,971 39,971
Creditors less than 1 year (8,039) (8,039)
---------------------------- -------------- ----------------------------
Net assets 31,932 31,932
============================ ============== ============================
Analysis of changes in net debt
At At
1 Jan 2024 Cash flows 31 Dec 2024
£ £ £
Cash at bank and in hand 39,971 180,621 220,592
============================ ================================ ================================

17. Analysis of changes in net debt

18. Related parties

Donations totalling £8,486 were received from trustees and other related parties during the year.

19. Taxation

The Helpline is a registered charity and therefore is not liable to income tax or corporation tax on income derived from its charitable activities, as it falls within the various exemptions available to registered charities.

- 18 -