# Reports and financial statements End of year accounts 2025 ## Structure, Governance & Growth LilyAnne’s Wellbeing is a registered charity (No. 1204878), The Charity's governing document is its Constitution dated 22 Sep 2023 as amended on 05 Feb 2026. Governed by a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) constitution using the association model, with voting members separate from its charity trustees. The charity must have a minimum of three trustees. Trustees retire on a rotational basis at each Annual General Meeting, with the longest-serving stepping down first. Vacancies can be filled by members at the AGM or appointed by trustees, with any new trustee appointments subject to the organisation’s governing limits and retirement provisions. The charity has a range of policies and procedures in place to manage risks effectively. These include safeguarding, conflicts of interest, complaint handling, serious incident reporting, volunteer management, and staff payment policies. Trustees regularly review these policies to ensure the charity’s operations are safe, transparent, and well-governed. This year marks an important chapter for the charity as we continue to strengthen our mission and deepen our impact within the community. With the opening of our new home at Titan House, we now have a space that reflects the heart of who we are: welcoming, accessible and designed to offer calm, connection and meaningful support for those who need it most. As part of this development, we have introduced new support pathways that allow us to focus on where we can make the greatest difference. Our work now centres on individuals experiencing mental health challenges and loneliness, including those who are neurodivergent. This ensures that everyone who accesses our service receives person-centred, humanistic, and trauma-informed support tailored to their needs. 1 ## Focusing Support Where It Matters We are committed to creating mental health services that are neurofriendly and fully accessible, recognising that autistic people, those with ADHD and others with neurodiverse profiles often experience higher levels of loneliness, increased mental health challenges and, at times, significant distress, including thoughts of not wanting to be here. Many face barriers when trying to access traditional services, and too often their needs are misunderstood or overlooked. Our focus is to remove these barriers by offering support environments that are sensory aware, predictable, understanding and tailored to different communication and processing needs, ensuring people feel safe, valued and truly heard. LilyAnne’s Wellbeing is committed to ensuring individuals have access to the right support at the right time. Where needs fall outside our provision, we actively connect people with appropriate VCSE and statutory services across Hartlepool, ensuring no one is held back or left without support. We work collaboratively with local organisations, building strong, supportive partnerships that place the individual at the centre and prioritise outcomes over organisational boundaries. To remain true to this focus, the Trustees have taken the considered decision to end our homelessness support within Hartlepool. While this was a valued part of our journey, we believe our resources and expertise are best placed in supporting people experiencing mental health challenges, many of whom also face loneliness, isolation and the barriers that come with neurodiversity. Those who approach us with homelessness needs will continue to be compassionately signposted to trusted partner organisations who can help the specialist support they deserve. Looking ahead, we are proud to enhance our Support on the High Street, introduce streamlined referral pathways, and expand our walk-in support for people in mental health crisis. 2 ## Sustainable Growth Strategies Our Trustees remain deeply committed to ensuring LilyAnne’s Wellbeing continues to be a place of hope, connection and understanding for our community. We thank everyone who has walked alongside us this year and look forward to continuing our mission of reducing loneliness, improving wellbeing and standing beside those facing mental health challenges. LilyAnne’s Wellbeing maintains reserves to ensure continuity of services and to manage financial risks associated with fluctuations in funding, demand, and operational costs. As a community-based mental health charity, maintaining stability is essential to support vulnerable individuals without interruption. The charity aims to hold free reserves equivalent to approximately three months of core operating costs. which is considered sufficient to cover essential expenditure, including staffing, premises at Titan House, utilities, and service delivery in the event of any unexpected disruption to income. Reserves are currently below the target level due to the charity’s recent establishment and rapid growth in service demand. The trustees are actively working to build reserves through increased income generation, diversification of funding, and improved financial planning to achieve a sustainable reserve level of £8625 for three months costs. Over the next year, LilyAnne’s Wellbeing will continue to strengthen its position as a community-based mental health and neurodiversity support provider in Hartlepool. Priorities include expanding access to counselling and one-to-one support, further developing specialist ADHD and autism provision, and continuing to reduce loneliness through community-based initiatives. Alongside this, we will continue to build and strengthen our participation in local collaborative working, engaging actively in working groups and partnerships across the VCSE and statutory sector. 3 ## Service Standards & Innovation We will implement minimum standards for all volunteers, including enhanced DBS checks and appropriate qualifications. This will include safeguarding, mental health, and counselling training to a minimum of Level 3 or an equivalent standard deemed acceptable by LilyAnne’s Wellbeing. Alongside this, we will continue to develop our volunteer framework to ensure safe, consistent, and high-quality support delivery. In parallel, we will further integrate AI technology into our service provision, embedding structured workflows and automations to improve efficiency, access, and responsiveness. This will be supported by the development and implementation of robust policies to ensure safe, ethical, and compliant use of technology within our services. The charity will also continue to refine referral and triage pathways to ensure individuals are connected quickly to the most appropriate support, including working collaboratively with local VCSE and statutory organisations to ensure people receive the right support without delay. The funding strategy will focus on securing a mix of grant funding, commissioned services, and partnership opportunities, alongside developing more sustainable and unrestricted income streams to support long-term stability and growth. The trustees confirm that they have had due regard to the Charity Commission’s general guidance on public benefit, in accordance with section 4 of the Charities Act 2011, when planning and delivering the charity’s activities. LilyAnne’s Wellbeing exists to provide accessible, community-based mental health support to adults experiencing mental health challenges, loneliness, and neurodiversity, including ADHD and autism. All activities are designed to deliver clear public benefit by improving wellbeing, reducing social isolation, and supporting individuals to access the right help at the right time. 4 ## Growth, Impact & Outcomes During the year, we introduced minimum standards for all volunteers, developed a team of 10 volunteers supporting the charity, and transitioned from a staffed coffee shop to automated coffee and vending provision to prioritise human connection and a person-centred approach, allowing more time to speak with and support those who need us; we supported 513 individuals through one-to-one work, welcomed 6,843 attendances at our coffee mornings, delivered 1,968 hours of counselling with no waiting lists, and launched our internal radio station, reaching an average of 3,167 listeners per week and helping people stay connected to our community. We became a registered safe place with the Teeswide Safeguarding Adults Board, whereby people who feel unsafe can come when they need help and support, raising this with the police and other authorities. Our Facebook page grew to 17,000 followers, and our private group to 7,000 members, while our website was updated to improve awareness of our services and introduce a digital pathway enabling 24-hour access to support and referrals; referrals continue to be driven primarily through strong partnerships with the police, GPs, social workers, the crisis team, and secondary mental health services. During the year, the Charity’s receipts totalled £143,233 (2024: £11,895), of which £37,669 (2024: nil) was restricted income. Total payments were £142,326 (2024: £9,707), consisting of £37,669 (2024: nil) from restricted grants and £104,657 (2024: nil) from general funds. Total unrestricted funds, also known as reserves, at the year-end are £3,095 (2024: £2,188). The increase in income reflects the continued growth and development of LilyAnne’s Wellbeing, alongside increased demand for services within the community. 5 ## Our first Honorary Patron Professor Brian Footitt OBE has made an exceptional contribution to LilyAnne’s Wellbeing, shaping the organisation with his leadership, commitment and long-standing dedication to improving mental health support. As the first Chair of the charity, he played a central role in guiding LilyAnne’s from its early foundations into a structured, credible and people-focused charity. His steady leadership helped establish strong governance, clear direction and a culture built on compassion, integrity and high standards. Brian brings decades of experience from his distinguished career within the NHS, where he held senior leadership positions, including Chief Executive roles within major hospital trusts. Throughout his career, he championed mental health awareness, patient-centred practice and the importance of accessible and safe services. His professional insight and calm, reflective approach helped shape LilyAnne’s focus on trauma-informed support, strong safeguarding and an unwavering commitment to removing barriers for those seeking help. His involvement in LilyAnne’s is also grounded in genuine care for the community and a deep belief in the value of lived experience. Brian’s ability to understand both strategic systems and the real human impact of mental health challenges made him an invaluable guide for the organisation during key periods of growth and transition. He supported the development of new pathways, encouraged innovation and helped strengthen the charity’s long-term vision. After stepping down as Chair, the Trustees were proud to award him the title of Honorary Patron, recognising his exceptional contribution. Brian becomes the first Patron of LilyAnne’s Wellbeing, a role that reflects both his influence and his continued dedication to the charity’s mission. Although he was travelling the world when the award was first intended to be presented, his connection to LilyAnne’s has remained strong and his encouragement continues to inspire the charity as it grows. 6 ## A Place to Be Understood LilyAnne’s Wellbeing began as a small community coffee space, created to offer connection and support for people experiencing loneliness and poor mental health in Hartlepool, where many were struggling to access timely and understanding support. Founded on lived experience, it quickly became clear there was a significant gap between what people needed and what was available. What started as a safe space to talk has grown into a registered charity providing counselling, one-to-one support, crisis response, daily coffee mornings, and inclusive support for both neurodiverse and neurotypical individuals. This includes a strong focus on adults with ADHD and autism, an area where local provision remains limited. LilyAnne’s Wellbeing has developed into a community-based hub that combines early intervention with structured support, delivered through a trauma-informed, person-centred approach. With a simple referral pathway and a commitment to ensuring no one is turned away without support, we work to connect individuals with the right help quickly, whether within our service or through trusted local partners. Working closely with health providers, crisis teams, and VCSE organisations, we play an active role in the local support system, helping to reduce pressure on services while improving outcomes for individuals. Today, LilyAnne’s continues to evolve, using innovation and collaboration to improve access to mental health and neurodiversity support. More than a service, it is a place where people feel understood, connected, and supported to move forward, helping to build stronger, healthier communities across Hartlepool. **Read our full story at www.lilyannes.co.uk/about** 7 ## Meat Our Team ## **TREVOR SHERWOOD** ## CEO Co-founder and Chief Executive of LilyAnne’s Wellbeing brings lived experience of autism, ADHD and long-term health conditions together with extensive professional training in counselling and psychology. His insight into the barriers people face when seeking support has shaped the charity’s person-centred, trauma-informed and accessible approach. Trevor’s leadership, resilience and commitment to improving mental health and neurodiversity support continue to drive the organisation forward and strengthen its mission within the community. ## **ANGELA ARNOLD** HUB MANAGER Co-founder and Hub Manager plays an important role in LilyAnne’s Wellbeing, bringing compassion, lived experience and a strong commitment to supporting others. Her understanding of mental health, loneliness and neurodiversity has helped shape the charity’s person-centred and trauma-informed approach. Her empathy and steady presence continue to support the charity’s mission to provide safe, welcoming and accessible support for the community. ## **KIERON HIGGINS** CHAIR OF TRUSTEE’S Brings valuable lived experience to the role of Trustee, having faced mental ill health, self-harm, crisis support and homelessness after family rejection. This insight strengthens his empathy and ensures the voices of people facing stigma are heard in Board decisions. Committed to inclusive, person centred and trauma informed support, plays an important role in helping LilyAnne’s deliver safe and compassionate services. 8 ## Founding Trustees ## **DAVE GREEN** ## FOUNDING TRUSTEE Plays a valuable role within LilyAnne’s Wellbeing, bringing practical insight, steady support and a strong commitment to community wellbeing. His understanding of the everyday challenges people face helps shape a down-to-earth and approachable environment within the charity. Dave’s reliability, empathy and willingness to help strengthen the organisation’s focus on creating safe, inclusive and person centred spaces where people feel welcomed, supported and able to connect. ## **SAMANTHA SHERWOOD** ## FOUNDING TRUSTEE Plays a supportive and meaningful role within LilyAnne’s Wellbeing, bringing lived understanding of mental health and neurodiversity to help shape a compassionate approach. Her insight into the pressures faced by families and carers strengthens the charity’s focus on creating safe, inclusive and person-centred spaces. Her calm presence and empathy contribute to the organisation’s commitment to dignity, connection and supportive community wellbeing. ## **MATTHEW ARNOLD** ## FOUNDING TRUSTEE Lived experience played an important role in shaping the early direction and values of LilyAnne’s Wellbeing. His journey through mental health challenges, including the impact of military service and difficulties accessing support, highlighted the need for a safe, trauma-informed and person-centred space in Hartlepool. His resilience and openness helped inspire pathways focused on wellbeing, connection and reducing loneliness, influencing the charity’s commitment to compassionate and inclusive support. 9 ## Trustee’s ## **CHLOE MCKAY** ## TRUSTEE Brings strong lived experience to the role of Trustee after navigating lifelong mental health challenges, including crisis support and hospital admissions. Having been supported by LilyAnne’s and now two years without statutory services, offers deep empathy for those in crisis and helps ensure support remains accessible, trauma informed and shaped by real experience. ## **TRACEY EGGLESTONE** ## TRUSTEE Has spent her life caring for others through a long career in the care sector, with the impact of COVID-19 leaving her anxious about social connection. Brings important lived experience from her own journey through the mental health system, including crisis support and time spent sectioned, and with help from LilyAnne’s has rebuilt strength and resilience. Her compassion and person centred values give her a vital voice as a Trustee, championing inclusive and trauma informed support. Although unable to return to full-time work, she now uses her lived experience to help shape services that reduce stigma and support those who feel isolated or afraid. Full team profiles are available online at https://www.lilyannes.co.uk/meet-the-team 10 ## LilyAnne’s Values ## Values ## **Accessibility and Inclusion** We ensure that support is easy to reach for everyone, including autistic people, those with ADHD, and individuals who face barriers to traditional services. We create spaces where every person feels welcome, understood, and accepted. ## **Person Centred Practice** We place each individual at the heart of everything we do. Our support is shaped around personal needs, strengths, and experiences, ensuring care that is respectful, empathetic, and truly centred on the person. ## **Compassion and Support** We offer a safe and caring environment where people can talk openly and receive meaningful support. Our aim is to reduce loneliness, build connections, and empower people to feel more confident and resilient. ## **High Standards and Professionalism** We are committed to delivering safe, reliable, and high-quality services. Our work is guided by continuous learning, strong governance, and a dedication to doing things well for the benefit of the people we serve. ## **Trust and Integrity** We act with honesty, transparency, and respect. Trust is at the core of every relationship we build, and we take responsibility for creating an environment where people feel safe, valued, and able to share their experiences without judgment. ## **Lived Experience Led** We recognise the power of lived experience and ensure it shapes our services, our decisions, and our culture. Many of our team have walked similar journeys, helping us offer understanding that is grounded in real life 11 ## Activities And Obejectives ## Activities Providing free mental health support and counselling in Hartlepool, specialising in neurodiversity, including Autism and ADHD. We offer one-to-one sessions, wellbeing activities, and early intervention for those facing loneliness, trauma, or distress. Funds support counselling, neurodiverse inclusion, and our accessible community wellbeing hub. ## Obejectives To preserve and protect the mental health of the public, in particular but not exclusively, neurodivergent individuals, and those experiencing mental ill-health through social exclusion, by providing counselling services, early intervention support and crisis support. For the purpose of this clause ‘socially excluded’ means being excluded from society, or parts of society, as a result of one or more of the following factors: unemployment; financial hardship; youth or old age; ill health (physical or mental); substance abuse or dependency including alcohol and drugs; discrimination on the grounds of sex, race, disability, ethnic origin, religion, belief, creed, sexual orientation or gender re- assignment; poor educational or skills attainment; relationship and family breakdown; poor housing (that is housing that does not meet basiccharitable standards; crime (either as a victim of crime or as an offender rehabilitating into society) ## Mission To improve mental health outcomes by delivering accessible, community-based support for adults experiencing mental health challenges, loneliness, and neurodiversity, ensuring no one is left without the support they need. We are committed to creating a safe, inclusive environment where adults do not have to mask, and can access support without fear, stigma, or judgement, feeling understood, accepted, and able to be themselves. 12 ## Our Impact ## **Counselling and Emotional Support** We delivered 1,968 hours of counselling with no waiting list, ensuring people received help exactly when they needed it. ## **Reaching People Where They Are** Our Mobile Wellbeing Unit and Support on the High Street made support accessible across the community, reducing barriers for those who struggle to reach traditional services. ## **LilyAnne’s Wellbeing Radio** Our wellbeing radio station had an average of 3,167 listeners every week, offering connection, reassurance and wellbeing content to people in their own homes. ## **Stronger Together** By working with GPs, Adult Social Care, NHS crisis teams and local partners, we ensured that every person had a clear pathway to the right support. 13 ## Our wider impact ## **ITV News Diversity Panel** Our contribution to the ITV News Diversity Panel has enabled us to support and contribute to ITV Local, ITV National Lunchtime News, ITV News at 10, and Good Morning Britain, sharing insight into how stigma, discrimination, and negative perceptions can significantly impact a person’s mental health. Through this involvement, we help raise awareness at both a regional and national level, highlighting the importance of inclusive representation and the emotional impact that poor or unbalanced media portrayals can have on individuals and communities. Speaking and directly supporting newsreaders and journalists editors and producers shape future coverage of impactful coverage when it comes to Mental Health, Autisum and ADHD within the media. ## **Teesside Wide Safeguarding Partnership** Through our involvement with the Teesside-wide Safeguarding Partnership, we continue to play an active role in strengthening safeguarding practice across the region. Our engagement ensures that mental health, loneliness, and neurodiversity are considered within safeguarding frameworks, influencing how services identify risk, respond to vulnerability, and protect individuals. We actively contribute to and benefit from partnership working, supporting the development of shared safeguarding policies, collaborative approaches, and the exchange of best practice. This includes participation in shared training, learning opportunities, and joint discussions that enhance our safeguarding knowledge, improve consistency across services, and strengthen outcomes for those we support. ## **Lived Experience Forum and Peer Network** Our involvement in the Lived Experience Forum provides a vital space for sharing insight, gathering feedback and deepening understanding of how the mental health system feels to the people who rely on it. This platform enables us to contribute real stories, highlight barriers and advocate for changes that make services more compassionate and accessible. Membership of the connected Peer Network strengthens this further by bringing organisations and individuals together to share learning, explore challenges and offer mutual support. Through these groups, the lived experience of mental health, loneliness and neurodiversity directly shapes the wider system and helps drive meaningful, person-centred change. ## **Hartlepool Mental Health Forum** The Hartlepool Mental Health Forum provides a dedicated space for VCSE leaders and NHS primary and secondary care services to come together, building a more connected and responsive mental health sector across the town. The forum is founded on the principle that no door should ever be closed, ensuring individuals can access the right support regardless of where they first present. Through regular engagement, the forum strengthens partnerships and relationships across services, enabling open discussion, shared learning, and collective problem-solving. It creates an environment where organisations can share ideas, identify emerging themes, and address challenges collaboratively, leading to more coordinated and effective support for the community. By working in this joined-up way, the forum not only improves local service delivery but also contributes to wider system development, feeding into key partnerships across Hartlepool, including the Hartlepool Health Board, Hartlepool Pride in Place, and the Hartlepool Opportunities Partnership. Together, this collaborative approach helps build a stronger, more inclusive mental health system that places people at the centre and ensures no one is left without support. 14 ## Trustees’ Responsibility & Accountability The trustees are responsible for preparing the Trustees’ Annual Report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice). In preparing these financial statements, the trustees are required to: a) select suitable accounting policies and apply them consistently; b) observe the methods and principles in the Charities SORP; c) make judgements and accounting estimates that are reasonable and prudent; d) state whether applicable UK accounting standards have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements; e) prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the Trust will continue in operation. The Trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records that are sufficient to show and explain the Trust’s transactions and disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the Trust and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Charities Act 2011, the Charity (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 and the provisions of the trust deed. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the Trust and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities. This report was approved by the Trustees on 30th March 2026 and signed on their behalf by: ## **Chair, Kieron Higgins** 15 Independent Examinerfs Report to the Trustees of LILYANNE'S WELLBEING I report to the charity trustees on my examination of the accounts ofthe charity forthe year ended 30 September 2025 which are set out on pages f7 to 18 Responslbllltles and basls of report As the charitys trustees you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 {'the ACYI. I report in respect of my examination of the charitvs accounts carried out under sertion 145 of the Act and in carrying out my examination I have followed all the applicable Directions 8iven by the Charity Commission under section 14515llbl of the Act. Independent examlner'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.. accounting records were not kept in respect of the charity as required by section 130 of the Act; or 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. Shrutl Sonl FCCA FCIE Shruti Soni Ltd • Chartered Certified Accountants 117a St. John's Hill, Sevenoaks TN13 3PE Date: 10 April 2026 16 LILYANNE'S WELLBEING R•￿IPts and payments •c¢ounts Forthe yearended Xlsepternber X125 2025 2024 Unrestrlcted lunds Restrkted Totalfunds Unrestncted lunds Restricted TotolAunds Recelpts Donation Grants Sales 36,458 39,681 18,383 36,458 77,350 18,383 7.781 5LXI 3,614 7.781 500 3,614 37,669 Sub Tt7tal 94,522 37,669 132,191 11.895 11.895 Assets and lTh¥estrnent salej Lon8 terrn Loan5 11,042 11,042 Ttrtul 11,042 11,042 Total Reeelpts 105,564 37,669 143,233 11.895 11.89S Cost of Sales- Goods Strlpe Fees Cosi of Sales- Material$ Marketln8 Employee Wa8e5 and Salarlei Rent Water Rates General Rates Elecirtclty Vehlcle Fuel Entertainment P•$¢•8e and Carriaie Offl£e Stailonery Telephone Inteinet Charye$ Cornputer & Softw•re Le8al Fees Consultancy & Profes$k)nal Fees BuslThess Insurance Repair5 and Renewa15 Bank Ch•r8e5 and Intere$t Subscrlptions Tralnin8 Costs Offlee equlpment expenAd 2.631 2,631 1.074 1.074 5,192 1.942 46,290 14,383 160 5,192 1,942 69,721 14,383 160 474 281 5,782 474 281 5,782 23,431 190 1,057 190 1,057 4,398 452 4,398 452 51 51 2.322 1,083 2,322 1,083 30 203 103 1.570 2,137 150 1,570 2,137 150 so 378 so 378 10,947 1,185 1.148 1,179 759 10,947 1,185 1,148 1,179 759 20 Sub tot 102,281 23,431 125,712 9.￿? 9.707 Assets and Irh¥estrnent Purc￿le Fixtures and frttln8S Motor Vehicle5 2.376 2,376 14,238 14,238 Sub fotul 2,376 14,238 16.614 Total payrnents 104,657 37,669 142,326 9,707 9.707 Plet of re￿IPts1¢Pa￿neTrts1 907 2.188 2.188 Cash lunds last yearend 2.188 Ca5hfvnd5 thi5 year end 3,095 3,095 2,188 2,188 17 LILYANNE'S WELLBEING Statement of assets and liabilities at the end of the perlod 30 September 2025 Unrestrlcted funds Restrlcted funds Total funds Detalls Cash at bank and on hand 3,095 3,095 Debtors- Accrual income Creditors - Accrual expenses Unsercured Loan 7,506 11,042 7,506 11,042 During the year, the charity received unrestricted donations totalling £26,855 from key management personnel IKMPI, includin8 the CEO and senior management. In addltlon, the charlty recelved a short-term loan of £6,998 from KMP durlng the year, whlch was fullv repaid before the year end. Total remuneration pald to key management personnel during the year amounted to £33,320. The financial statements comprising of the Receipts and Payments Summary and Statement of Assets and Liabilities were approved and authorised for issue by the Board on 30th March 2026 Slgnature Print Name Kieron Higgins 18 ## Contact Us 01429 728040 office@lilyannes.co.uk www.lilyannes.co.uk 19