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2024-11-30-accounts

Babons Cancer Support

147 High Street

Tonbridge

Kent TN9 1DH

Charity Number: 1204376

Annual Report and unaudited Financial Statements Year Ending 30[th] November 2024 Approved by the Board of Trustees at the Annual Meeting on 25[th] March 2025

1 BABONS CANCER SUPPORT - Annual Report for year ending November 30[th] 2024

CONTENTS Page

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Administrative Information
3
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Report of the Board of Trustees

4
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How Babons Cancer Support came to be
4
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Objectives and Activities
5
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Structure, Governance and Management and
6
Statement on Public Beneft
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Achievements and Performance
7
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Financial Review and Reserves Policy
10
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What does the Future Hold?
11
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Statement of Trustees’ Responsibilities
12
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BABONS CANCER SUPPORT - Annual Report for year ending November 30[th] 2024

Administrative Information

Status Babons Cancer Support was registered
as a Charitable Incorporated
Organisation (CIO) with the Charity
Commission on 16thAugust 2023, under
charity number 1204376.
Co-Founders Mrs Heidi Spickernell-Foad
Miss Tracy Spickernell
Mr Douglas Spickernell
Board of Trustees Mr Neil Williams (Chair)
Mr Matt Gent
Mrs Louise Burgess
Mrs Heidi Spickernell-Foad
Miss Tracy Spickernell
Registered Ofice Babons Cancer Support
147 High Street
Tonbridge, Kent
TN9 1DH
01732 711634
www.babons.org.uk
Independent Examiner Shruti Soni Ltd
117A St John’s Hill
Sevenoaks
TN13 3PE
Bank Co-operative Bank
Business Customer Services
PO Box 4931
Swindon SN4 4PL

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BABONS CANCER SUPPORT - Annual Report for year ending November 30[th] 2024

Report of the Board of Trustees for the year ending 30[th] November 2024

The Board of Trustees present their Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 30[th] November 2024.

The Trustees confirm that the Annual Report and Financial Statements comply with the current statutory requirements, the requirements of the charity’s governing document and the provisions of the Statement of Recommended Practise (SORP), applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and the Republic of Ireland (FRS102) (Effective 1[st] January 2019).

How Babons Cancer Support came to be

Babons Cancer Support has been created in memory of Jean Spickernell (called “Babon” by her grandchildren) who lost her life to cancer in 2022. Jean was a “pocket rocket” who loved her community and always looked for ways to help others even when she needed help herself.

Her family had experience of supporting the cancer community through counselling, but then in 2020 the stories they were hearing from others became their own as Jean was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. Whilst dealing with this devastating diagnosis, the journey they experienced as a family highlighted just how much help was needed, and how fast things changed on a daily basis with Jean’s care. They felt very alone as a family, with no one there to guide them through.

With this in mind, support for the local cancer community was very close to Jean’s heart. She shared her desire for something to be set up locally so that others going through something similar to her were able to be supported and cared for. Sadly, she did not live long enough to see it happen, but her family took up the baton and BABONS was born.

B ringing A B it O f N eeded S upport

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BABONS CANCER SUPPORT - Annual Report for year ending November 30[th] 2024

Objectives and Activities

The mission and purpose of the charity is laid out in the Charity’s Constitution held by the Charity Commission in the UK and can be viewed online on the Charity Commissions web site The Charity Commission - GOV.UK

The objects of the CIO are:

For the public benefit, the relief of need of those suffering or recovering from cancer, their family members and carers or people otherwise impacted by cancer, living in or around the Kent area, primarily by:

Our objective is to provide support, outside of medical interventions, for the local cancer community primarily in Tonbridge, Kent.

Babons Cancer Support offers a variety of sessions and workshops designed to provide a safe space at our Drop-in Cancer Support Centre to talk about cancer whether they are the patient, carer, family member, colleague or friend.

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BABONS CANCER SUPPORT - Annual Report for year ending November 30[th] 2024

Structure, Governance and Management

The day-to-day control of Babons Cancer Support is carried out by the two co-founders and trustees Mrs H. Spickernell-Foad and Miss Tracy Spickernell and is supported by Mr Douglas Spickernell.

The Board of Trustees, under the Chair of Mr Neil Williams, met regularly throughout the year and approved the Annual Report and Accounts at the Annual General Meeting on 25[th] March 2025.

Babons Cancer Support has initiated and maintains 26 policies including the following:

Adult Safeguarding policy

Child Safeguarding policy

Confidentiality policy

Data Protection and GDPR policy

Health & Safety policy

Safer Recruitment policy

Volunteer policy

Statement on Public Beneft

The objectives and activities, and achievement and performance sections of this report clearly set out the activities which the charity undertakes for the public benefit. The Trustees confirm that they have complied with the duty in section 4 of the Charities Act 2006 to have due regard to public benefit guidance published by the Commission in determining the activities undertaken by the charity.

Major Risks

Babons Cancer Support Trustees regularly monitor and assess the major risks to which the charity has the potential to be exposed. Any risks identified are discussed at Trustee meetings and suitable measures put in place to mitigate those risks. All discussions and decisions made are recorded in the Trustee Minutes.

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BABONS CANCER SUPPORT - Annual Report for year ending November 30[th] 2024

Achievements and Performance

status. This was the search for suitable premises for Babons Cancer Supports Drop-In Centre.

facilities, on a ground floor so there was easy access for wheelchairs and those with limited mobility, and that had space within our budget that would provide facilities to enable a safe space for clients to just “drop in” to rest, to talk and to have tea or co�ee.

In 147 High Street, Tonbridge we found all those things, and room for 3 counselling rooms, a lounge area, toilet and kitchen facilities along with a small area of parking at the rear that can be reserved for clients with mobility issues. We had to completely redecorate and restructure the internal layout of the premises and opened to the public on 12[th] February 2024.

counsellors provide up to 12 counselling sessions free of charge to clients accessing this service. Clients are given an initial counselling assessment before starting their therapy.

At the end of November 2024, we had some 50 clients registered on our books.

and to talk to one of our volunteer listeners in a quiet environment. We’ve also had people simply drop-in to have a cup of tea while reading a book or bringing their own creative activity to do simply to have some respite from their home environment for a couple of hours.

Volunteers play a vital role in all areas of what we do, without them we would not be able to operate. Currently we have 21 volunteers regularly working in the centre.

ability to think clearly while trying to navigate through the government and local authority systems during times of distress. As a result, several of our volunteers have been trained to help clients with BLUE badge applications and PIP (Personal Independence Payments) applications. Working closely with the local Citizens Advice Bureau team has enabled us to provide a more rounded, greater level of support to the local cancer community.

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BABONS CANCER SUPPORT - Annual Report for year ending November 30[th] 2024

Several therapeutic support groups are run throughout the year, Clients can keep up with these via our social media.

These groups are:

Currently we are working alongside the Tonbridge Citizens Advice Bureau, at the local community project called “Living Well” based at St Stephens Church, Tonbridge. We have a presence at the project so that we are working alongside other local charities to provide easily accessible joined up support where needed.

In September 2024 we began to supply the facilities to host Look Good Feel Better Workshops, a national campaign. At Babons, they run monthly confidence boosting workshops for women, men and young people with cancer. (www.lgfb.co.uk).

Alongside this, we have been invited to attend the local Farmers Market in Hildenborough where we have a monthly information and gift stall. This enables us to have a face in the local community to support people who may not necessarily know what we are about whilst also giving us the opportunity to raise some extra funds and donations.

Other services we have available at our centre are:

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BABONS CANCER SUPPORT - Annual Report for year ending November 30[th] 2024

During our first year our fundraising opportunities have evolved. As well as applying for Grants, the work we have done in our local community has led to the development of some important relationships but also unexpected financial support. These include Tonbridge Lions, Marks & Spencer (Tonbridge), Specsavers (Tonbridge), Cook (Tonbridge), Probus Women, Tonbridge WI and Legacies.

Alongside these, individuals and local businesses have chosen us as their charity to fundraise for, including two local schools' own clothes days/awareness projects, 4 halfmarathon runners, 1 sponsored walk, several raffles and donations of supplies for our therapy sessions.

We have created 2 very successful fundraising events which raised £3,500 profits along with a completely different clientele database. Following on from these successes we plan to hold 3 further events in the coming financial year.

We recognise that spreading the word to our local community, so that the people who need our Support know where to find us and walk through our door goes hand in hand with raising the finances to ensure that the support needed can be given.

9 BABONS CANCER SUPPORT - Annual Report for year ending November 30[th] 2024

Financial Review

Our initial bank balance started with a £50,000 donation.

We have worked hard in two specific areas:

  1. Growing the awareness of Babons Cancer Support which helps to encourage donations and legacies.

  2. Generating funds by applying for grants, receiving donations and targeted fundraising events within the community.

During the period February 2024 to end of November 2024 we have generated additional income to the value of just over £35,000. This has been achieved over 10 months. Total income for the year is £98,332.

In renovating our Centre, we spent approx. £12,000, we had salary costs of £24,000 (includes wages and ancillary costs). Total expenditure during the year amounted to £75,500.

Reserves Policy

The Trustees keep cash reserves of around 6 month operating costs with the bank.

As a small charity it is imperative that we keep a close eye on our income and expenditure so that we can service our local cancer community effectively and compassionately. It is early days for us to be able to forecast a reliable pattern.

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BABONS CANCER SUPPORT - Annual Report for year ending November 30[th] 2024

What does the future hold?

As a Charity we have made great strides in 2024 getting our name and support services out to our local community. Continuing with this and building on the work so far is paramount. We have capacity for increased use of the centre at Babons Cancer Support, and by increasing our profile is already showing an increase of foot-fall week on week.

We believe strongly in client service and during 2025 we will continue to look at what we offer and ensure that service means our clients come first and are cared for to the best of our abilities within our competencies.

We are looking to consolidate and build on the services we have begun in our first year, growing our counselling service and therapeutic support groups especially. We expect these to develop in 2025. There will also be a focus on how we reach men so that they can be supported more under this banner.

The intention is to offer our volunteers / listeners additional training, so they can help clients more with their enquiries.

Heidi Spickernell-Foad, heads up the Fundraising and a lot of the day-to-day admin. In 2025 we aim to free up her general admin time so she can get out in the community to network and continue building relationships there on behalf of the charity, as well as give focussed time to fundraising.

In 2024 we engaged in various activities that served as fundraising and awareness increasing events. We have a full programme of these types of events for Babons in 2025, ranging from quiz nights, egg hunts, summer fetes, a comedy night, and a fantastic number of Christmas Fairs starting in November 2025.

In 2026 we have secured a place in the London Marathon.

The aim in 2025 is to strengthen relationships with both Maidstone and Pembury hospital cancer departments, something we started in 2024. We also will be doing the same with GP surgeries. We can support them by providing extra help in the community.

We have learnt a lot in 2024 and must build on that in 2025. In the next couple of months, the Founders and Trustees will be meeting to discuss a document that outlines possible developments for 2025 and beyond.

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BABONS CANCER SUPPORT - Annual Report for year ending November 30[th] 2024

18,thon% The trustees are responsible for preparing the Trustees. Annual Report and the financial statèment$ in 8ccordan¢e with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United ￿"ngdorn Generally Accepted Accounting Practice}. In preparing these financi81 ststements, the trustees are required to: a} select suitable accounting policies and apply them consistently. b) observe the methods and principles in the Chariti68 SORP. ¢) make judgements and accounting estimatss that are reasonable and prudent. d} state whether applicable UK accountlng stsndards have been followed. Sutsj￿t to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financiat ststements. e} prepare thetinancialststements onthe goingconcern ba$is unless it is inappropriate to presume that the Trustwill continue in operation. The Trustees are responsible for keeping proper 8¢counting ￿COrdS that are sufficient to show and explain the Trust's transactions and discio8e with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the Trust and enable them to ensure that the financial statement8 comply with tho Charitie8 Act 2011. the ChaTIty IAc¢ounts and Report8) Rogulations 2008 and the provisions of the trust deed. Thay are al80 rn8pon8ible for 88f&guardln8 the a88ets ofthe Trust and hence for taking rea$on8bie Steps for tho prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities. Th18 report was approved by the Truytees on 25" March 2025 and signed on their behalf Signed ITru8t££) Name 12 8ABONS CANCER SUPPORT- Annual Report for year ending November 30 2024

Independent Examiner’s Report to the Trustees of Babons Cancer Support

I report to the charity trustees on my examination of the accounts of the charity for the year ended 30 November 2024 which are set out on pages 14 to 15.

Responsibilities and basis of report

As the charity’s trustees you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 (‘the Act’).

I report in respect of my examination of the charity’s accounts carried out under section 145 of the 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

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:

  1. accounting records were not kept in respect of the charity as required by section 130 of the Act; or 2. the accounts do not accord with those records; or

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.

Shruti Soni FCCA FCIE Date: 01 April 2025 Shruti Soni Ltd ● Chartered Certified Accountants 117a St. John's Hill, Sevenoaks TN13 3PE

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Babons Cancer Support

Receipts and payments accounts For the period ended 30 November 2024

Receipts
Grants and donations
Fundraising income
Payments
Wages and other staff cost
Rent and Insurance
Repairs and Maintenance
Charity formation
DBS expenses
Membership
Miscellaneous expenses
Office equipment
Professional cost
Telephone and IT equipment
Travel expenses
Utilities
Net of receipts/(payments)
Cash funds last year end
Total payments
Cash funds this year end
Total Receipts		 16/08/2023 to 30/11/2024 16/08/2023 to 30/11/2024 16/08/2023 to 30/11/2024
Unrestricted
funds
£
83,208
12,374
95,582
24,669
13,181
10,822
1,360
649
750
9,499
5,000
4,360
2,065
136
3,009
75,500
20,082
-
20,082		 Restricted
funds
£
2,750
-
2,750
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
2,750
-
2,750		 Total funds
£
85,958
12,374
98,332
24,669
13,181
10,822
1,360
649
750
9,499
5,000
4,360
2,065
136
3,009
75,500
22,832
-
22,832

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Babons Cancor Support Statoinont ol•s•ets •nd ts•biiit al the •nd ofth• wl•)d 30 Ntsv•mb•r2024 Unrestrlet•d nd¥ Ro•trlct•d nds Dotalls Totalfund• Cash #t bank and on hand £20,082 £20.082 £2.750 £2.7SO £22.832 £22.832 Office •qulpmnt (donation in kindl £5.￿)0 Oebtor8- HMRC Wft Afid due Cr6dltor8- •ccruats £1,294 £1.123 R•lAt•d partytran••clk+n Tracy Spickernell. charityTrustee, 18 employgd as 8 qU8tified councellor and wa8 rernuneiated £20,907 dufing the ￿&r. No other charitytruste8 receivéd pa￿entIO[Profts88i0nal or oth?r $•IViC•$ 8uppli•d to charty. Thor8 are no other r•iatod pany transaerjons to disclosefor 2024 Th•fe 8r• no (lonation8 from relaied pani•8 ¥thieh ar• outshè the normal￿￿18• ol bu$in088. Don￿lOn In klnd Totsi unrtt¥tricied income ond exp•rKliiurè incLudg donated s¢￿e+S ree•ived ¢Jurin8the year valued at £13,230 ofwhich É270 was for r•paiis arhd m8inten8nce, £SOOwA3 forwebslte design, £3.600 wa8 lor rent-walvw. £2,400 forcounsetknngf808, £1.460 forTh8faPlSt fees 4nd ES.000 wa8 toi office eouipment. The tln&nclal ststement3 comprising of the Rts¢eipts and Paym•nts Summaryand Statement ol Assets and Liabilltl•8 wer• approved And auihori8•d tor1s8ue by the Btsard on Signed on beh#lf of th• board ottruthes Signatuiè Name Trnstee