Trustees’ Annual Report for the period
From Period start date To Period end date: 01 October 2024 - 30th September 2025
Charity name: Sensing Friends Charity registration number: 1205207
Objectives and Activities
SORP reference |
||
|---|---|---|
| Summary of the purposes of the charity as set out in its governing document |
Para 1.17 | The promotion of social inclusion for the public benefit among children and young people aged between 8 and 25 residing in London and Sussex who are socially excluded from society, or parts of society, As a result of physical sensory loss, neurological divergence, trauma, PTSD and anxiety, relieving their needs and assisting them to integrate into society, in particular but not exclusively by providing counselling, Therapy and group activities in a safe environment designed to support them and enable them to build confidence, increase self-esteem and develop social and life skills which help to increase their capacities and capabilities and maximise their potential. |
| Summary of the main activities in relation to those purposes for the public benefit, in particular, the activities, projects or services identified in the accounts. |
Para 1.17 and 1.19 |
● One to one counselling - 12 to 16 week blocks. Long term counselling where appropriate. ● Online groups - ( seasonal) ● Circle Of Friendship- Monthly (seasonal) ● Out and About - Monthly (seasonal) ● Sanctuary @ the plot - Quarterly ● Friendly Fridays - Weekly (seasonal) |
| Statement confirming whether the trustees have had regard to the guidance issued by the Charity Commission on public benefit |
Para 1.18 | The trustees were presented with the guidance on public benefit issues by the charity commission on 12th February 2026 |
Additional information (optional)
You may choose to include further statements where relevant about:
| SORP reference | ||
|---|---|---|
| Policy on grant making | Para 1.38 | N/A |
| Policy on social investment including program related investment |
Para 1.38 | N/A |
| Contribution made free by volunteers |
Para 1.38 | N/A |
| Other | N/A |
Achievements and Performance
| SORP reference | ||
|---|---|---|
| Summary of the main achievements of the charity, identifying the difference the charity’s work has made to the circumstances of its beneficiaries and any wider benefits to society as a whole. |
Para 1.20 | In 2025, Sensing Friends continued to provide therapeutic, peer-based and nature-based emotional support to young people (up to age 25) with sensory needs across the South East. Our work focused on reducing isolation, strengthening friendships and improving emotional wellbeing through counselling, in-person and online peer support, and community-based activities. Demand for services remained high throughout the year. We prioritised young people experiencing anxiety, trauma, social isolation and sensory overwhelm, while maintaining a strong commitment to young-person-led, ethical practice. Main Activities and Achievements Peer Support and Group Work We delivered consistent and accessible support across multiple strands: |
| ● Circle of Friendshipsupported approximately 12–15 young people through longer, nature-based therapeutic sessions. ● Friendly Fridayssupported approximately 20–25 individual young people through weekly in-person wellbeing groups. ● Online peer supportengaged 15–18 young people, ensuring accessibility during illness, anxiety or adverse weather. ● Out & About sessionssupported 10–14 young people to build confidence in community settings. Young people described Friendly Fridays as a “bookmark to the week” — a predictable, safe space to decompress after school or college. The allotment environment (Plot 97) was frequently described as calming, inclusive and community-building. Counselling In 2025: ● 68 young people were contacted from the waiting list ● 32 attended initial assessments ● 22 began one-to-one counselling Sessions were 50 minutes in length, with up to 12 sessions offered, extendable where clinically appropriate. We maintained strong ethical practice by affirming that counselling is most effective when a young person actively chooses to engage. Where counselling was not appropriate, alternative group-based support was offered. Waiting lists were actively managed through check-ins and interim support. |
||
|---|---|---|
Impact on Beneficiaries
Through our services, young people experienced:
-
Reduced isolation and increased sense of belonging
-
Improved emotional regulation and expression
-
Greater confidence in social and community settings
-
Access to trusted adults outside of school and family
We observed growing peer connections, with older young people offering informal support and guidance to newer members. Several expressed interest in future mentoring roles, informing plans for progression pathways.
Wider Public Benefit
Sensing Friends contributes to wider society by:
-
Providing early intervention and preventative mental health support
-
Reducing escalation to crisis-level services
-
● Supporting community cohesion and inclusion for neurodivergent young people, young refugees and those with sensory needs.
-
Offering safe, relational spaces that strengthen resilience and independence
Governance and Sustainability
In 2025, the charity began an organisational restructure to ensure long-term sustainability, leadership clarity and staff wellbeing, while protecting its low power distance, egalitarian and
feminist approach. Plans for 2026 governance and sustainability involve restructuring of general management and the overall roles such organisational leads and administrative leads providing clearer direction of leadership while maintaining low distance power ethos .
| Additional information (optional) You may choose to include further statements where relevant about: |
Additional information (optional) You may choose to include further statements where relevant about: |
Additional information (optional) You may choose to include further statements where relevant about: |
|---|---|---|
Achievements against objectives set |
Para 1.41 |
/ |
| Performance of fundraising activities against objectives set |
Para 1.41 | / |
| Investment performance against objectives |
Para 1.41 | N/A |
| Other | On a service delivery level, as well as our continued delivery of existing services, our aim is to set up level 2,3 and 4 Mentoring training qualifications delivered through Sensing Friends, for our young beneficiaries who wish to continued their post 16 studies with Sensing Friends. |
|
| Financial Review | ||
| Review of the charity’s financial position at the end of the period |
Para 1.21 | Two Important key areas regarding Sensing Friends financial review. September 24-25 Accounts… still being finalised through Quickbooks, nearly complete. |
| Feb 2025 -Jan 2026 and TNL end of year funding review.This is now complete please see link below with final figures. Final Budget Template Sensing Friends Including Variation Agreed 2025.xlsx |
||
|---|---|---|
| Statement explaining the policy for holding reserves stating why they are held |
Para 1.22 | In order for Sensing Friends to be financially viable, and to be able to maintain vital services to its beneficiaries in the long term, it needs to have a reserve of funds to cover any shortfall of funds. The reserve funds are primarily for the following purposes 1. Reserve funds can be used to continue the essential support already started, that the beneficiaries need for Sensing Friends to continue, and can benefit from in the following year. 2. This reserve funding will only be used while in the interim of applying for funding to funders for the service the beneficiaries need. 3.If and when we are successful in gaining the funding for a particular service then any reserve funding that has been used in the interim will be refunded to the reserves fund. 4. Reserve funds can be used to cover the cost of any additional vital expenses, that if not utilised would otherwise put the work and support sensing friends provide to its beneficiaries in jeopardy. |
| Amount of reserves held | Para 1.22 | |
| Reasons for holding zero reserves |
Para 1.22 | N/A |
| Details of fund materially in deficit |
Para 1.24 | N/A |
Explanation of any Para 1.23 N/A uncertainties about the charity continuing as a going concern
Additional information (optional)
| Additional information (optional) | Additional information (optional) | Additional information (optional) |
|---|---|---|
| You may choose to include further statements where relevant about: | ||
| The charity’s principal sources of funds (including any fundraising) |
Para 1.47 | The Big Lottery Reaching Community Fund |
| Investment policy and Objectives including any social investment policy adopted |
Para 1.46 | N/A |
| A description of the principal risks facing the charity |
Para 1.46 | N/A |
| Other | / |
Structure, Governance and Management
| Description of charity’s trusts: |
N/A | |
| Type of governing document(trust deed, royal charter) |
Para 1.25 | Constitution Document |
| How is the charity constituted? (e.g unincorporated association, CIO) |
Para 1.25 | CIO |
| Trustee selection methods including details of any constitutional provisions e.g. election to post or name of any person or body entitled to appoint one or more trustees |
Para 1.25 | The members of the charity trustees may at any time decide to appoint a new charity trustee, whether in place of a charity trustee who has retired or been removed in accordance with clause [15] (Retirement and removal of charity trustees). The members must be in agreement with this and the new trustee or re-appointed trustees, will be appointed by the members. |
Additional information (optional) You may choose to include further statements where relevant about:
| Policies and procedures adopted for the induction and training of trustees |
Para 1.51 | / |
| The charity’s organisational structure and any wider network with which the charity works |
Para 1.51 | Sensing Friends operates as a CIO – Charitable Incorporated Organisation and received charity status in 2023. |
| Relationship with any related parties |
Para 1.51 | - At present Sensing Friends works closely at times with other local key charities and local authorities. One of our main sources of referrals comes from the NHS- Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS). As in previous years, CAMHS continues to refer to us the referrals it receives that it does not have capacity to take up at present. - We also continue to work with Hummingbirds, Sight Support Worthing (SSW), Blatchington Court trust and The Green Well Being Alliance, as other local charities that support a similar group of the community. - Whilst this year we have found it harder at times to work directly with these organisation on joint ventures, due to our own limits of capacity with our high demand of referrals, we aim to continue our connections with these organisations in 2025 along with trying to forge ties with other local organisation such as Team Dominica and SupaJam who currently provide educational support and employment next steps support for teenagers with sensory needs, which aligns well with our objective to provide life skills support, including possible apprenticeship and career support for our young service users. |
| Other | ||
Reference and Administrative details
| Charity name | Sensing Friends |
|---|---|
| Other name the charity uses |
N/A |
| Registered charity number | 1205207 |
| Charity’s principal address | 13 Hollingbury Rise, Brighton BN1 7HH |
Names of the charity trustees who manage the charity
| Trustee name | Office (if any) | Dates acted if not for | Name of person (or body) | |
| whole year | entitled to appoint trustee (if | |||
| any) | ||||
| Tara Dutton | N/A | March 2023 - Present | N/A | |
| Peter Bowley | N/A | 2017 - Present | N/A | |
| Moira Vincent | N/A | September 2019 - | N/A | |
| Present | ||||
| Sophie Stone | N/A | March 2023 - Present | N/A |
– Corporate trustees names of the directors at the date the report was approved
Director name N/A
Name of trustees holding title to property belonging to the charity
Trustee name Dates acted if not for whole year N/A
Funds held as custodian trustees on behalf of others
Description of the N/A assets held in this capacity Name and objects of the N/A charity on whose behalf the assets are held and how this falls within the custodian charity’s objects
Details of arrangements N/A for safe custody and segregation of such assets from the charity’s own assets
Additional information (optional)
Names and addresses of advisers (Optional information)
Name Address Type of adviser
Name of chief executive or names of senior staff members (Optional information)
Exemptions from disclosure
Reason for non-disclosure of key personnel details
N/A
Other optional information
N/A
Declarations
The trustees declare that they have approved the trustees’ report above.
Signed on behalf of the charity’s trustees - Date 22/07/2026
Signature(s)
Full name(s) Tara Dutton - Chair
CHARITY REGISTERED NUMBER:1205207
SENSING FRIENDS
TRUSTEES' REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025
CHURCHILL ROSE
CHARTERED ACCOUNTANTS AND TAX ADVISERS 7 BELL YARD LONDON WC2A 2JR
SENSING FRIENDS
LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION
| Registered Charity Number: 1205207 |
Registered Charity Number: 1205207 |
|---|---|
| Chairman: Tara Marie Dutton |
|
| Treasurer: Peter Bowley |
|
| Trustees: Tara Marie Dutton |
|
| Sophie Stapleton | |
| Moira Vincent | |
| Peter Bowley | |
| Registered Office: 13 Hollingbury Rise |
|
| Brighton | |
| BN1 7HH | |
| Accountants: Churchill Rose |
|
| Chartered Accountants and Tax advisers | |
| 7 Bell Yard | |
| London | |
| WC2A 2JR |
SENSING FRIENDS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025
CONTENTS
| Page | Page |
|---|---|
| Trustee’s report | 1 |
| Charity - Examiners report | 2 |
| Balance sheet | 4 |
| Statement of financial activities | 5 |
| Schedule of funds | 6 |
| Notes | 7 |
Page 1
SENSING FRIENDS
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025
The trustees have adopted the provisions of the Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP) "Accounting and Reporting by Charities" issued in 2005 in preparing the annual report and financial statements of the charity.
Structure, Governance and Management
The charity is governed by its Articles of Association of 13 October 2023
Objectives and activities
The principal activity of the charity continues to be that of providing emotional support through therapeutic peer support groups, creative expression groups and one to one counselling support, to any young person aged 8 - 25 experiencing any form of physical or emotional disability or additional needs.
The charities aids in the promotion of social inclusion for the public benefit among children and young people aged between 8 and 25 residing in London and Sussex who are socially excluded from society, or parts of society, As a result of physical sensory loss, neurological divergence, trauma, PTSD and anxiety, relieving their needs and assisting them to integrate into society, in particular but not exclusively by providing counselling, Therapy and group activities in a safe environment designed to support them and enable them to build confidence, increase self-esteem and develop social and life skills which help to increase their capacities and capabilities and maximise their potential.
Summary of the main achievements of the charity
During 2025, Sensing Friends provided specialist emotional wellbeing, friendship and counselling support to over 80 young people with sensory needs across the South East. Our Circle of Friendship programme supported approximately 12–15 young people through longer, nature-based group sessions, while Friendly Fridays provided weekly peer support sessions from April to December, supporting 20–25 young people, with regular attendance of 4–10 participants each week. Community-based “Out and About” activities engaged 10–14 young people, and online peer support reached 15–18 young people, ensuring continuity of connection during periods of illness, anxiety and transition. Across all programmes, young people reported reduced isolation, increased confidence, improved emotional expression, stronger friendships and a greater sense of belonging.
Counselling provision was expanded during the year, with 68 young people contacted from the waiting list, 32 initial assessments completed and 22 young people commencing counselling. The organisation further enhanced its therapeutic offer through the use of Plot 97 allotment as a nature-based wellbeing space, combining counselling, gardening and creative activities. Young people’s feedback directly informed future service development, while strong financial management enabled the charity to deliver services below budget and invest in plans to strengthen sustainability, trauma-informed practice and organisational resilience.
Looking ahead, Sensing Friends aims to build on these achievements by strengthening its leadership structure, expanding support for parents and carers, enhancing trauma-informed practice through additional specialist training, and securing funding for a new mentoring programme. This programme will create opportunities for former participants with lived experience to become paid mentors, providing positive role models while supporting pathways into skills development, employment and community participation. Throughout this growth, the charity remains committed to its values-led, relationship-based approach and to ensuring that young people continue to shape the services they receive
Financial review
The total restricted income received in the year was £99,992. This was received in two separate grants from the Big Lottery Fund.
There was an underspend of the Big Lottery Fund in the year. The surplus funds are to be reallocated in agreement with the Big Lottery Fund. All of the grant was used and will be used as restricted income, in line with the terms of the grant.
Page 2
The unrestricted income received in the year was Nil. The Brought forward unrestricted fund was used in its entirety on unrestricted spend in the year.
Approved by the trustees on 30 June 2026 signed on its behalf by:
..................................................... Tara Marie Dutton Trustee
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT
TO THE TRUSTEES OF SENSING FRIENDS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025
I report on the accounts which are set out on pages 3 to 8
Respective responsibilities of the
The trustees who are also directors of the company for the purpose of company law are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. The trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year under section 144 (2) of the Charities Act 2011 (the 2011 Act) and that an independent examination is needed. Having satisfied myself that the charity is not subject under company law and is eligible for independent examination, it is my responsibility to:
Examine the accounts under section 145 of the 2011 Act; follow the procedures laid down in the general directions given by the Charity Commission (under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act); and state whether particular matters have come to my attention.
Basis of independent examiner's report
My examination was carried out in accordance with the General Directions given by the Charity Commission. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts, and seeking explanations from you as trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit, and consequently no opinion is given as to whether the accounts present a "true and fair view" and the report is limited to those matters set out in the statement below.
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:
-
accounting records were not kept in respect of the company as required by section 386 of the 2006 Act; or
-
the accounts do not accord with those records; or
-
the accounts do not comply with the accounting requirements of section 396 of the 2006 Act 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; or
-
the accounts have not been prepared in accordance with the methods and principles of the Statement of Recommended Practice for accounting and reporting by charities applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS102).
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.
Page 2
........................................ Dated:30 June 2026 Churchill Rose Chartered Accountants and Tax advisers 7 Bell Yard London WC2A 2JR
Page 2
SENSING FRIENDS
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025
| Rest'd Total Total |
Rest'd Total Total |
|---|---|
| Unrest'd Income Funds Funds |
|
| Funds Funds 2026 2025 |
|
| £ £ £ £ |
|
| Incoming resources Incoming Resources from generated funds: Voluntary income 27 99,878 99,905 96,292 |
|
| –––––– –––––– –––––– –––––– |
|
| Total incoming resources 27 99,878 99,905 96,292 |
|
| –––––– –––––– –––––– –––––– |
|
| Resources expended Costs of generating funds 0 19,611 19,611 10,870 |
|
| Charitable activities 2,607 63,745 66,352 41,399 |
|
| Governance costs 126 8,089 8,215 8,904 |
|
| –––––– –––––– –––––– –––––– |
|
| Total resources expended 2,733 91,445 94,178 61,173 |
|
| –––––– –––––– –––––– –––––– |
|
| Net movement in funds (2,706) |
8,433 5,727 35,119 |
| Total funds brought forward £ 2,988 £56,876 £59,864 24,746 |
|
| –––––– –––––– –––––– –––––– |
|
| Total funds carried forward £ 282 £65,309 £65,591 £59,865 |
|
| –––––– –––––– –––––– –––––– |
Details of Incoming resources and resources used are given in the notes to the financial statements.
Page 5
SENSING FRIENDS
BALANCE SHEET
AT 30 SEPTEMBER 2025
| Note 2026 2025 |
Note 2026 2025 |
Note 2026 2025 |
Note 2026 2025 |
Note 2026 2025 |
Note 2026 2025 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| £ £ £ £ |
|||||
| Tangible fixed assets | |||||
| Tangible assets | 4 | 100 150 |
|||
| Current assets | |||||
| Bank Accounts | 66,187 60,410 |
||||
| –––––– –––––– |
|||||
| 66,187 60,410 |
|||||
| Creditors | |||||
| Amounts falling due within | |||||
| one year | 5 | 696 695 |
|||
| –––––– –––––– |
|||||
| Net current assets 65,491 59,715 |
|||||
| –––––– –––––– |
|||||
| Total assets less current liabilities 65,591 59,865 |
|||||
| –––––– –––––– |
|||||
| Net assets £65,591 £59,865 |
|||||
| –––––– –––––– |
|||||
| Capital funds | |||||
| Restricted funds | 65,309 56,876 |
||||
| Unrestricted funds | 282 2,989 |
||||
| –––––– –––––– |
|||||
| Total funds £65,591 £59,865 |
|||||
| –––––– –––––– |
Approved by the trustees on 30 June 2026 and signed on its behalf.
................................................... Tara Marie Dutton
The annexed notes form part of these financial statements.
Page 5
SENSING FRIENDS
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES
DETAILED ANALYSIS OF MOVEMENTS IN FUNDS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025
| 2026 2025 |
2026 2025 |
2026 2025 |
2026 2025 |
2026 2025 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| £ £ £ £ |
||||
| General Fund | ||||
| Balance B/fwd | 2,988 5,058 |
|||
| Deficit for the year (2,706) |
(2,069) | |||
| –––––– –––––– |
||||
| 282 2,989 |
||||
| Restricted Income Fund | ||||
| Opening Balance | 56,876 19,688 |
|||
| Income from donations and legacies | 99,878 94,267 |
|||
| Office/General Administrative Expenses | (8,272) | (2,545) | ||
| Administrative freelance cost | (11,339) | (8,325) | ||
| Room and travel costs | (4,626) | (4,778) | ||
| Charitable freelance costs | (59,119) | (35,383) | ||
| Other charitable costs | (8,089) | (6,048) | ||
| –––––– –––––– |
||||
| 65,309 56,876 |
||||
| –––––– –––––– |
||||
| Total funds at 30 September 2025 £65,591 £59,865 |
||||
| –––––– –––––– |
Page 6
SENSING FRIENDS
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025
1. Accounting policies
The charity constitutes a public benefit entity as defined by FRS 102. The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with Accounting and Reporting by Charities: 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 (FRS102) issued in October 2019, the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland (FRS102), the charities Act 2011 and UK Generally Accepted Practice.
The financial statements are prepared on a going concern basis under the historical convention (modified to include certain items at fair value). The financial statements are presented in sterling which is the functional currency of the charity and rounded to the nearest pound.
The significant accounting policies applied in the preparation of these financial statements are set out below. These policies have been consistently applied to all years unless otherwise stated.
Incoming resources
All incoming resources are included in the SOFA when the charity is legally entitled to the income and the amount can be quantified with reasonable accuracy.
Funds structure
Where there is a restriction on the purpose to which a fund may be put, the fund is classified a restricted fund. Restricted funds are those where the donor has provided for the donation to be spent in furtherance of a specified charitable purpose.
Resources expended
All expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis and has been classified under headings that aggregate all costs related to the category Where costs cannot be directly attributed to particular headings they have been allocated to activities on a basis consistent with use of the resources.
Charitable activities
Costs of charitable activities comprise all costs incurred in the pursuit of the charitable objects of the charity.
Tangible fixed assets and depreciation
Tangible fixed assets are stated at cost less depreciation. Depreciation is provided at rates calculated to write off the cost less estimated residual value of each asset over its expected useful life, as follows:
Plant and Machinery - 25% per annum of cost
2. Turnover
All incoming resources are included in the SOFA when the charity is legally entitled to the income and the amount can be quantified with reasonable accuracy.
Page 7
SENSING FRIENDS
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025
3. Operating loss
----- Start of picture text -----
||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
|2025|2024|
|£|£|
|This is stated after charging:|
|Accountancy|696|696|
|Depreciation of owned assets|50|50|
|––––––|––––––|
|4.|Incoming resources|
|Rest'd|
|Unrest'd|Income|Total|Total|
|Funds|Funds|Funds|Funds|
|2025|2025|2025|2024|
|£|£|£|£|
|Voluntary Income|
|Donations|27|0|27|2,025|
|Income from donations and legacies|0|99,878|99,878|94,267|
|––––––|––––––|––––––|––––––|
|27|99,878|99,905|96,292|
|––––––|––––––|––––––|––––––|
----- End of picture text -----
4. Tangible fixed assets
----- Start of picture text -----
|||
|---|---|
|Plant|
|and|
|Machinery|
|£|
|Cost:|
|At 1 October 2024|200|
|–––|
|At 30 September 2025|200|
|–––|
|Depreciation:|
|At 1 October 2024|50|
|Charge for the year|50|
|–––|
|At 30 September 2025|100|
|–––|
|Net book value:|
|At 30 September 2025|£100|
|–––|
|At 30 September 2024|£150|
|–––|
----- End of picture text -----
SENSING FRIENDS
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025
5. Creditors
| Amounts falling due within one year:- | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2025 2024 |
||
| £ £ |
||
| Accruals And Deferred Income 696 695 |
||
| ––––– ––––– |
||
| £ 696 £ 695 |
||
| ––––– ––––– |
CHARITY REGISTERED NUMBER:1205207
SENSING FRIENDS
TRUSTEES' REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025
CHURCHILL ROSE
CHARTERED ACCOUNTANTS AND TAX ADVISERS 7 BELL YARD LONDON WC2A 2JR
SENSING FRIENDS
LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION
| Registered Charity Number: 1205207 |
Registered Charity Number: 1205207 |
|---|---|
| Chairman: Tara Marie Dutton |
|
| Treasurer: Peter Bowley |
|
| Trustees: Tara Marie Dutton |
|
| Sophie Stapleton | |
| Moira Vincent | |
| Peter Bowley | |
| Registered Office: 13 Hollingbury Rise |
|
| Brighton | |
| BN1 7HH | |
| Accountants: Churchill Rose |
|
| Chartered Accountants and Tax advisers | |
| 7 Bell Yard | |
| London | |
| WC2A 2JR |
SENSING FRIENDS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025
CONTENTS
| Page | Page |
|---|---|
| Trustee’s report | 1 |
| Charity - Examiners report | 2 |
| Balance sheet | 4 |
| Statement of financial activities | 5 |
| Schedule of funds | 6 |
| Notes | 7 |
Page 1
SENSING FRIENDS
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025
The trustees have adopted the provisions of the Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP) "Accounting and Reporting by Charities" issued in 2005 in preparing the annual report and financial statements of the charity.
Structure, Governance and Management
The charity is governed by its Articles of Association of 13 October 2023
Objectives and activities
The principal activity of the charity continues to be that of providing emotional support through therapeutic peer support groups, creative expression groups and one to one counselling support, to any young person aged 8 - 25 experiencing any form of physical or emotional disability or additional needs.
The charities aids in the promotion of social inclusion for the public benefit among children and young people aged between 8 and 25 residing in London and Sussex who are socially excluded from society, or parts of society, As a result of physical sensory loss, neurological divergence, trauma, PTSD and anxiety, relieving their needs and assisting them to integrate into society, in particular but not exclusively by providing counselling, Therapy and group activities in a safe environment designed to support them and enable them to build confidence, increase self-esteem and develop social and life skills which help to increase their capacities and capabilities and maximise their potential.
Summary of the main achievements of the charity
During 2025, Sensing Friends provided specialist emotional wellbeing, friendship and counselling support to over 80 young people with sensory needs across the South East. Our Circle of Friendship programme supported approximately 12–15 young people through longer, nature-based group sessions, while Friendly Fridays provided weekly peer support sessions from April to December, supporting 20–25 young people, with regular attendance of 4–10 participants each week. Community-based “Out and About” activities engaged 10–14 young people, and online peer support reached 15–18 young people, ensuring continuity of connection during periods of illness, anxiety and transition. Across all programmes, young people reported reduced isolation, increased confidence, improved emotional expression, stronger friendships and a greater sense of belonging.
Counselling provision was expanded during the year, with 68 young people contacted from the waiting list, 32 initial assessments completed and 22 young people commencing counselling. The organisation further enhanced its therapeutic offer through the use of Plot 97 allotment as a nature-based wellbeing space, combining counselling, gardening and creative activities. Young people’s feedback directly informed future service development, while strong financial management enabled the charity to deliver services below budget and invest in plans to strengthen sustainability, trauma-informed practice and organisational resilience.
Looking ahead, Sensing Friends aims to build on these achievements by strengthening its leadership structure, expanding support for parents and carers, enhancing trauma-informed practice through additional specialist training, and securing funding for a new mentoring programme. This programme will create opportunities for former participants with lived experience to become paid mentors, providing positive role models while supporting pathways into skills development, employment and community participation. Throughout this growth, the charity remains committed to its values-led, relationship-based approach and to ensuring that young people continue to shape the services they receive
Financial review
The total restricted income received in the year was £99,992. This was received in two separate grants from the Big Lottery Fund.
There was an underspend of the Big Lottery Fund in the year. The surplus funds are to be reallocated in agreement with the Big Lottery Fund. All of the grant was used and will be used as restricted income, in line with the terms of the grant.
Page 2
The unrestricted income received in the year was Nil. The Brought forward unrestricted fund was used in its entirety on unrestricted spend in the year.
Approved by the trustees on 30 June 2026 signed on its behalf by:
..................................................... Tara Marie Dutton Trustee
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT
TO THE TRUSTEES OF SENSING FRIENDS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025
I report on the accounts which are set out on pages 3 to 8
Respective responsibilities of the
The trustees who are also directors of the company for the purpose of company law are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. The trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year under section 144 (2) of the Charities Act 2011 (the 2011 Act) and that an independent examination is needed. Having satisfied myself that the charity is not subject under company law and is eligible for independent examination, it is my responsibility to:
Examine the accounts under section 145 of the 2011 Act; follow the procedures laid down in the general directions given by the Charity Commission (under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act); and state whether particular matters have come to my attention.
Basis of independent examiner's report
My examination was carried out in accordance with the General Directions given by the Charity Commission. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts, and seeking explanations from you as trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit, and consequently no opinion is given as to whether the accounts present a "true and fair view" and the report is limited to those matters set out in the statement below.
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:
-
accounting records were not kept in respect of the company as required by section 386 of the 2006 Act; or
-
the accounts do not accord with those records; or
-
the accounts do not comply with the accounting requirements of section 396 of the 2006 Act 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; or
-
the accounts have not been prepared in accordance with the methods and principles of the Statement of Recommended Practice for accounting and reporting by charities applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS102).
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.
Page 2
........................................ Dated:30 June 2026 Churchill Rose Chartered Accountants and Tax advisers 7 Bell Yard London WC2A 2JR
Page 2
SENSING FRIENDS
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025
| Rest'd Total Total |
Rest'd Total Total |
|---|---|
| Unrest'd Income Funds Funds |
|
| Funds Funds 2026 2025 |
|
| £ £ £ £ |
|
| Incoming resources Incoming Resources from generated funds: Voluntary income 27 99,878 99,905 96,292 |
|
| –––––– –––––– –––––– –––––– |
|
| Total incoming resources 27 99,878 99,905 96,292 |
|
| –––––– –––––– –––––– –––––– |
|
| Resources expended Costs of generating funds 0 19,611 19,611 10,870 |
|
| Charitable activities 2,607 63,745 66,352 41,399 |
|
| Governance costs 126 8,089 8,215 8,904 |
|
| –––––– –––––– –––––– –––––– |
|
| Total resources expended 2,733 91,445 94,178 61,173 |
|
| –––––– –––––– –––––– –––––– |
|
| Net movement in funds (2,706) |
8,433 5,727 35,119 |
| Total funds brought forward £ 2,988 £56,876 £59,864 24,746 |
|
| –––––– –––––– –––––– –––––– |
|
| Total funds carried forward £ 282 £65,309 £65,591 £59,865 |
|
| –––––– –––––– –––––– –––––– |
Details of Incoming resources and resources used are given in the notes to the financial statements.
Page 5
SENSING FRIENDS
BALANCE SHEET
AT 30 SEPTEMBER 2025
| Note 2026 2025 |
Note 2026 2025 |
Note 2026 2025 |
Note 2026 2025 |
Note 2026 2025 |
Note 2026 2025 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| £ £ £ £ |
|||||
| Tangible fixed assets | |||||
| Tangible assets | 4 | 100 150 |
|||
| Current assets | |||||
| Bank Accounts | 66,187 60,410 |
||||
| –––––– –––––– |
|||||
| 66,187 60,410 |
|||||
| Creditors | |||||
| Amounts falling due within | |||||
| one year | 5 | 696 695 |
|||
| –––––– –––––– |
|||||
| Net current assets 65,491 59,715 |
|||||
| –––––– –––––– |
|||||
| Total assets less current liabilities 65,591 59,865 |
|||||
| –––––– –––––– |
|||||
| Net assets £65,591 £59,865 |
|||||
| –––––– –––––– |
|||||
| Capital funds | |||||
| Restricted funds | 65,309 56,876 |
||||
| Unrestricted funds | 282 2,989 |
||||
| –––––– –––––– |
|||||
| Total funds £65,591 £59,865 |
|||||
| –––––– –––––– |
Approved by the trustees on 30 June 2026 and signed on its behalf.
................................................... Tara Marie Dutton
The annexed notes form part of these financial statements.
Page 5
SENSING FRIENDS
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES
DETAILED ANALYSIS OF MOVEMENTS IN FUNDS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025
| 2026 2025 |
2026 2025 |
2026 2025 |
2026 2025 |
2026 2025 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| £ £ £ £ |
||||
| General Fund | ||||
| Balance B/fwd | 2,988 5,058 |
|||
| Deficit for the year (2,706) |
(2,069) | |||
| –––––– –––––– |
||||
| 282 2,989 |
||||
| Restricted Income Fund | ||||
| Opening Balance | 56,876 19,688 |
|||
| Income from donations and legacies | 99,878 94,267 |
|||
| Office/General Administrative Expenses | (8,272) | (2,545) | ||
| Administrative freelance cost | (11,339) | (8,325) | ||
| Room and travel costs | (4,626) | (4,778) | ||
| Charitable freelance costs | (59,119) | (35,383) | ||
| Other charitable costs | (8,089) | (6,048) | ||
| –––––– –––––– |
||||
| 65,309 56,876 |
||||
| –––––– –––––– |
||||
| Total funds at 30 September 2025 £65,591 £59,865 |
||||
| –––––– –––––– |
Page 6
SENSING FRIENDS
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025
1. Accounting policies
The charity constitutes a public benefit entity as defined by FRS 102. The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with Accounting and Reporting by Charities: 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 (FRS102) issued in October 2019, the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland (FRS102), the charities Act 2011 and UK Generally Accepted Practice.
The financial statements are prepared on a going concern basis under the historical convention (modified to include certain items at fair value). The financial statements are presented in sterling which is the functional currency of the charity and rounded to the nearest pound.
The significant accounting policies applied in the preparation of these financial statements are set out below. These policies have been consistently applied to all years unless otherwise stated.
Incoming resources
All incoming resources are included in the SOFA when the charity is legally entitled to the income and the amount can be quantified with reasonable accuracy.
Funds structure
Where there is a restriction on the purpose to which a fund may be put, the fund is classified a restricted fund. Restricted funds are those where the donor has provided for the donation to be spent in furtherance of a specified charitable purpose.
Resources expended
All expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis and has been classified under headings that aggregate all costs related to the category Where costs cannot be directly attributed to particular headings they have been allocated to activities on a basis consistent with use of the resources.
Charitable activities
Costs of charitable activities comprise all costs incurred in the pursuit of the charitable objects of the charity.
Tangible fixed assets and depreciation
Tangible fixed assets are stated at cost less depreciation. Depreciation is provided at rates calculated to write off the cost less estimated residual value of each asset over its expected useful life, as follows:
Plant and Machinery - 25% per annum of cost
2. Turnover
All incoming resources are included in the SOFA when the charity is legally entitled to the income and the amount can be quantified with reasonable accuracy.
Page 7
SENSING FRIENDS
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025
3. Operating loss
----- Start of picture text -----
||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
|2025|2024|
|£|£|
|This is stated after charging:|
|Accountancy|696|696|
|Depreciation of owned assets|50|50|
|––––––|––––––|
|4.|Incoming resources|
|Rest'd|
|Unrest'd|Income|Total|Total|
|Funds|Funds|Funds|Funds|
|2025|2025|2025|2024|
|£|£|£|£|
|Voluntary Income|
|Donations|27|0|27|2,025|
|Income from donations and legacies|0|99,878|99,878|94,267|
|––––––|––––––|––––––|––––––|
|27|99,878|99,905|96,292|
|––––––|––––––|––––––|––––––|
----- End of picture text -----
4. Tangible fixed assets
----- Start of picture text -----
|||
|---|---|
|Plant|
|and|
|Machinery|
|£|
|Cost:|
|At 1 October 2024|200|
|–––|
|At 30 September 2025|200|
|–––|
|Depreciation:|
|At 1 October 2024|50|
|Charge for the year|50|
|–––|
|At 30 September 2025|100|
|–––|
|Net book value:|
|At 30 September 2025|£100|
|–––|
|At 30 September 2024|£150|
|–––|
----- End of picture text -----
SENSING FRIENDS
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025
5. Creditors
| Amounts falling due within one year:- | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2025 2024 |
||
| £ £ |
||
| Accruals And Deferred Income 696 695 |
||
| ––––– ––––– |
||
| £ 696 £ 695 |
||
| ––––– ––––– |