TWINEASE Connectcd Community ANNUAI ACC•UNTS 2129 Connected Community ## A note from our trustees... We are delighted to share our very first annual accounts - a real milestone for Connected Community (known locally as Twinease). What started as a small community group in 2021 has now grown into a registered charity (incorporated as a CIO in April 2024), and this moment marks just how far we have come together. Our story is a deeply personal one. All of our trustees, and 7 of our volunteers, are mums of twins. We understand the emotional pressures, the isolation, the mental health strain and unique vulnerability of this journey, particularly while facing financial strain. Without judgement, we can relate to the anxiety, and the specifically intense demands of raising multiples - but we also know the resilience and hope that grow when mums support each other. That is why we set up Hackney’s first support group for mothers of multiples: to ensure no mum faces this journey alone, and every baby has the best chance for a healthy start in life. This first set of accounts is more than numbers - it tells the story of a community created by mums, for mums. We are so grateful to everyone who has been part of this journey so far: our dedicated volunteers, our funders, and above all the mothers of multiples who inspire us every single day with their resilience and strength. We look forward to building on this foundation, reaching more families, and continuing to grow a community where no mum of multiples feels isolated or in crisis, and every baby has a stable entry into the world. ... Yachi Niederman **Trustee** ## Our mission in a sentence: ## oUr VisIon: Supporting vulnerable mums of twins and their families in their wellbeing and daily coping. Connected Community exists to support mums of unplanned twins in managing the unique and often isolating challenges of raising multiples. We aim to ease daily pressures, improve wellbeing, and create a connected community where mums are truly empowered and able to be their best selves, and healthy, stable parents. ## 2025 in pictures Twins being taken out by a volunteer to give mum some respite. Our first Mum’s breakfast workshop Our on-site babysitting so mums can attend toilet-training workshop Twins posing with our Baby Formula Vouchers Our Annual Mums of Twins milestone event **----- Start of picture text -----**
Our Three Main
Focus Areas
Connected Community focuses on three key areas
that reflect the most significant challenges faced by
mums of multiples: mental health, coping skills, and
easing the financial pressures of raising twins. These
areas are statistically more severe for mothers of
multiples, and our support is tailored to address them
effectively.
Mental Health
Mums of twins are 43% more likely to struggle with
moderate or severe postnatal mental health challenges.
Through targeted emotional support, peer connection, and
social events, we help mums prevent crises, feel less
isolated, and access the guidance and care they need.
1
Daily coping skills
Day-to-day life with twins is overwhelming, and without the
right tools, can lead to a breakdown in overall family
functioning. We provide practical support and workshops
covering sleep routines, feeding, child development, toilet
training, and more. Our approach is not just about solving
2 immediate issues but empowering mums with the
knowledge and skills to cope confidently and manage daily
life effectively.
Financial Support
Raising twins can create enormous financial strain,
particularly for families on government benefits (as over 40%
of our beneficiaries are). The daily costs of feeding, clothing,
and caring for two babies are significantly higher every day,
putting families under continuous pressure Additionally, mums
often cannot return to work for a longer period, increasing
3
financial pressure. Through initiatives like the MultiShare
lending library, baby formula support, and meal provision, we
ease these pressures and ensure families have access to the
essentials they need.
**----- End of picture text -----**
**Connected Community focuses on three key areas that reflect the most significant challenges faced by mums of multiples: mental health, coping skills, and easing the financial pressures of raising twins. These areas are statistically more severe for mothers of multiples, and our support is tailored to address them effectively.** Mums of twins are 43% more likely to struggle with moderate or severe postnatal mental health challenges. Through targeted emotional support, peer connection, and social events, we help mums prevent crises, feel less isolated, and access the guidance and care they need. Day-to-day life with twins is overwhelming, and without the right tools, can lead to a breakdown in overall family functioning. We provide practical support and workshops covering sleep routines, feeding, child development, toilet training, and more. Our approach is not just about solving immediate issues but empowering mums with the knowledge and skills to cope confidently and manage daily life effectively. Raising twins can create enormous financial strain, particularly for families on government benefits (as over 40% of our beneficiaries are). The daily costs of feeding, clothing, and caring for two babies are significantly higher every day, putting families under continuous pressure Additionally, mums often cannot return to work for a longer period, increasing financial pressure. Through initiatives like the MultiShare lending library, baby formula support, and meal provision, we ease these pressures and ensure families have access to the essentials they need. ## Projects & Activities **Our Over the past year, Connected Community has delivered a range of projects designed to support mums of unplanned twins in their daily coping and wellbeing. These activities address the unique practical, emotional, and financial challenges of raising multiples:** ## Mothers of Twins Support Events Regular gatherings where mums of twins meet others in the same situation. These events combine baby-friendly activities, informal discussions, and peer support, helping to reduce isolation and improve mental health. ## Coping Workshops Practical sessions led by experts and experienced mums (with onsite babysitting so all mums are able to attend), covering topics such as newborn care, breastfeeding and bottle-feeding, sleep routines, and child development etc. These workshops give mums the knowledge and confidence to manage day-to-day challenges more effectively. ## Care Packages Essentials baskets for new mums of twins, including nappies, wipes, baby clothes, and formula, alongside small wellbeing items such as teas, bath products, and self-care essentials. These packages offer both practical help and a supportive emotional boost during a difficult transition. ## Meal provision Fresh, nutritious meals provided to families in the early weeks after birth. These meals ensure mums have the energy to recover physically and emotionally, while easing pressure on households struggling to manage the demands of newborn twins. ## Projects & Activities continued ## Volunteer support Trained volunteers offer hands-on help in the home, including Mother’s Helpers who care for the twins for a short period each week. This respite allows mums to rest, manage household tasks, or simply have time to themselves. ## Baby formula vouchers With formula costs doubling for twins, vouchers are provided to help mums meet the expense of feeding two babies. This immediate support relieves significant financial pressure at a time when income is often stretched thin. ## Night Nurse Advice and Support Access to advice and, when possible, short-term help from qualified night nurses. This guidance supports feeding and sleep routines, enabling mums to rest and reducing the risk of exhaustion-related health issues. ## MultiShare Lending Library A community-based initiative allowing families to borrow baby equipment, clothing, and furniture in multiples. From double prams to cots, these items are costly new, but can be shared and reused, easing financial strain and promoting sustainability. ## women supported in 2025 26 370+ cans of baby formula distributed, easing financial pressure on families nutritious meals provided to new mums and their families 110 34 trained volunteers providing in-home respite and baby care essential items borrowed through our MultiShare lending library 50+ social events hosted, connecting isolated mums of multiples 6 hours of hands-on help and respite 500+ mums of twins supported since we started 60+ ## Future Plans We are excited about the next stage of Connected Community and the opportunities it brings to strengthen our work with mums of unplanned twins. Building on the success of our current programmes, we are planning to: ## Expanded MultiShare Lending Library ## Community Hub **Establish a dedicated centre where volunteers can spend time with twins, siblings can come after school, and mums can gather for connection, rest, and support.** **Grow our collection of baby equipment and develop a user-friendly catalogue so mums can easily browse and select the items they need.** ## more frequent care packages Peer Pairing **Create a system to pair mums of twins with others whose children are of similar ages, fostering friendships, support, shared learning, and encouragement.** **Increase the frequency and reach of our essentials baskets, ensuring every new mum of twins receives timely, practical, and meaningful support.** These developments will allow us to reach more mums, reduce waiting times, and deepen the sense of community at the heart of our charity, ensuring no mum of twins ever feels she has to face the journey alone. ## **TRUSTEES' REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025** The trustees present their annual report and financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2025. The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out in note 1 to the financial statements and comply with the charity's governing document, the Charities Act 2011 and "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 (FRS 102)" (effective 1 January 2019). ## **Objectives and Activities:** To preserve and protect the physical and psychological health of twins or higher multiples and their parents / family by addressing the practical, emotional, and nutritional aspects of parenting, through such support and assistance as the trustees deem appropriate ## **Public Benefit:** The Trustees have taken due heed of their obligations relating to Public Benefit Duty affecting charities, as well as to their obligations under the Equalities Act 2010. The Trustees are satisfied that they meet their obligations. ## **Achievements and performance** The charity is dependent on income from voluntary donations and grants. Total incoming resources during the year were £49,133. Charitable expenditure amounted to £39,436. ## **Financial Review** ## **Reserves policy** The charity's policy is to maintain reserves equivalent to at least 3 months of core running costs. This level of reserves is intended to provide financial stability, ensuring that the charity can continue its essential operations in the event of unexpected funding shortfalls or unforeseen expenses. This level of reserves has been maintained throughout the year. The Reserves Policy is reviewed annually to ensure it remains appropriate for the charity's needs and circumstances ## **Structure, governance and management** The charity is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation and is controlled by it's governing document. It was registered as a charity on 03 April 2024. The trustees who served during the year and up to the date of signature of the financial statements were: Chana Gross- Chair Bracha Filip Yachi Niederman The day to day affairs of the Charity are administered by the Board of Trustees. It is not currently the intention of the Trustees of the Charity to appoint new trustees. Should the situation change in the future, the Trustees will apply suitable recruitment and training procedures. None of the trustees has any beneficial interest in the charity. The trustee report was approved by the trustees and is signed on its behalf by: Chana Gross- Chair 01 July 2025 ## **INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF CONNECTED COMMUNITY.** I report to the trustees on my examination of the financial statements of Connected Community (the charity) for the year ended 31 March 2025. ## **Responsibilities and basis of report** As the trustees of the charity you are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 (the 2011 Act). I report in respect of my examination of the charity’s financial statements carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act. In carrying out my examination I have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act. 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 2011 Act; or 2) the financial statements do not accord with those records; or 3) the financial statements do not comply with the applicable requirements concerning the form and content of accounts set out in the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 other than any requirement that the accounts give a true and fair view which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination. I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the financial statements to be reached. C Weberman Weberman Ltd Fairholt Road London N16 5HW Dated: 1 August 2025 ## **STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025** |||**2025**|**2025**|**2025**| |---|---|---|---|---| |**Notes:**||**Restricted**|**Unrestricted**|**Total**| |||**£**|**£**|**£**| |**Income and endowments from**||||| |Donations and legacies|3|5,000|44,133|49,133| |**Expenditure on charitable activities**||||| |Charitable activities|4|0|39,436|39,436| |**Net Income / (Expenditure)**||5,000|4,697|9,697| |**Reconciliation of funds**||||| |Total funds carried forward||5,000|4,697|9,697| ## **STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION AS AT 31 MARCH 2025** |**Current Assets**
Cash at bank
Debtors: Deposits
Total
**Current Liabilites**
Accruals
**Net Current Assets**
**Net Assets**
5
**Notes**
5,000
5,000
**2025**
**Restricted**
**£**
5,000
5,000
**Fund Analysis:**
Restricted funds
Unrestricted funds
Total funds
(1,000)
4,697
4,697
**2025**
**Unrestricted**
**£**
697
5,000
5,697|**2025**
**Total**
**£**
5,697
5,000
10,697
5,000
4,697
9,697
(1,000)
9,697
9,697| |---|---| The financial statements were approved by the trustees on 01 July 2025. Chana Gross- Chair Chair ## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025** ## **1 Accounting policies** ## **Charity information** The charity is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation. ## **1.1 Accounting convention** The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the charity's governing document, the Charities Act 2011, FRS 102 “The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland” (“FRS 102”) and the Charities SORP "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 (FRS 102)" (effective 1 January 2019). The charity is a Public Benefit Entity as defined by FRS 102. The charity has taken advantage of the provisions in the SORP for charities not to prepare a Statement of Cash Flows. The financial statements have departed from the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 only to the extent required to provide a true and fair view. This departure has involved following the Statement of Recommended Practice for charities applying FRS 102 rather than the version of the Statement of Recommended Practice which is referred to in the Regulations but which has since been withdrawn. The financial statements are prepared in sterling, which is the functional currency of the charity. Monetary amounts in these financial statements are rounded to the nearest £. The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention, modified to include the revaluation of freehold properties and to include investment properties and certain financial instruments at fair value. The principal accounting policies adopted are set out below. - **1.2 Going concern** At the time of approving the financial statements, the trustees have a reasonable expectation that the charity has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. Thus the trustees continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting in preparing the financial statements. ## **1.3 Charitable funds** Unrestricted funds are available for use at the discretion of the trustees in furtherance of their charitable objectives. Restricted funds are subject to specific conditions by donors as to how they may be used. The purposes and uses of the restricted funds are set out in the notes to the financial statements. Endowment funds are subject to specific conditions by donors that the capital must be maintained by the charity. ## **1.4 Income** Income is recognised when the charity is legally entitled to it after any performance conditions have been met, the amounts can be measured reliably, and it is probable that income will be received. Cash donations are recognised on receipt. Other donations are recognised once the charity has been notified of the donation, unless performance conditions require deferral of the amount. Income tax recoverable in relation to donations received under Gift Aid or deeds of covenant is recognised at the time of the donation. Legacies are recognised on receipt or otherwise if the charity has been notified of an impending distribution, the amount is known, and receipt is expected. If the amount is not known, the legacy is treated as a contingent asset. ## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025** ## **1.5 Expenditure** Expenditure is recognised once there is a legal or constructive obligation to transfer economic benefit to a third party, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefits will be required in settlement, and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably. Expenditure is classified by activity. The costs of each activity are made up of the total of direct costs and shared costs, including support costs involved in undertaking each activity. Direct costs attributable to a single activity are allocated directly to that activity. Shared costs which contribute to more than one activity and support costs which are not attributable to a single activity are apportioned between those activities on a basis consistent with the use of resources. Central staff costs are allocated on the basis of time spent, and depreciation charges are allocated on the portion of the asset’s use. ## **1.6 Tangible fixed assets** Tangible fixed assets are initially measured at cost and subsequently measured at cost or valuation, net of depreciation and any impairment losses. Depreciation is recognised so as to write off the cost or valuation of assets less their residual values over their useful lives on the following bases: Plant and equipment - 40% RBM Fixtures and fittings - 20% RBM The gain or loss arising on the disposal of an asset is determined as the difference between the sale proceeds and the carrying value of the asset, and is recognised in the statement of financial activities. ## **Investment property** Investment property, which is property held to earn rentals and/or for capital appreciation, is initially recognised at cost, which includes the purchase cost and any directly attributable expenditure. Subsequently it is measured at fair value at the reporting end date. The surplus or deficit on revaluation is recognised in profit or loss. ## **Impairment of fixed assets** At each reporting end date, the charity reviews the carrying amounts of its tangible assets to determine whether there is any indication that those assets have suffered an impairment loss. If any such indication exists, the recoverable amount of the asset is estimated in order to determine the extent of the impairment loss (if any). ## **Cash and equivalents** Cash and cash equivalents include cash in hand, deposits held at call with banks, other short-term liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less, and bank overdrafts. Bank overdrafts are shown within borrowings in current liabilities. ## **Basic financial assets** Basic financial assets, which include debtors and cash and bank balances, are initially measured at transaction price including transaction costs and are subsequently carried at amortised cost using the effective interest method unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where the transaction is measured at the present value of the future receipts discounted at a market rate of interest. Financial assets classified as receivable within one year are not amortised. ## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025** ## **Basic financial liabilities** Basic financial liabilities, including creditors and bank loans are initially recognised at transaction price unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where the debt instrument is measured at the present value of the future payments discounted at a market rate of interest. Financial liabilities classified as payable within one year are not amortised. Debt instruments are subsequently carried at amortised cost, using the effective interest rate method. Trade creditors are obligations to pay for goods or services that have been acquired in the ordinary course of operations from suppliers. Amounts payable are classified as current liabilities if payment is due within one year or less. If not, they are presented as non-current liabilities. Trade creditors are recognised initially at transaction price and subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method. Financial liabilities are derecognised when the charity’s contractual obligations expire, are discharged or are cancelled. ## **Employee benefits** The cost of any unused holiday entitlement is recognised in the period in which the employee’s services are received. Termination benefits are recognised immediately as an expense when the charity is demonstrably committed to terminate the employment of an employee or to provide termination benefits. ## **2 Critical accounting estimates and judgements** In the application of the charity’s accounting policies, the trustees are required to make judgements, estimates and assumptions about the carrying amount of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. The estimates and associated assumptions are based on historical experience and other factors that are considered to be relevant. Actual results may differ from these estimates. The estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognised in the period in which the estimate is revised where the revision affects only that period, or in the period of the revision and future periods where the revision affects both current and future periods. Judgements made by the directors in the application of these accounting policies that have significant effect on the financial statements and estimates with a significant risk of material adjustment in the next year are as follows. ## **Property valuation** The valuation of the charity's investment property is subject to a degree of uncertainty, as the value depends on various factors including the nature of the property, its location and expected future net rental values, market yields and comparable market transactions, and is made on the basis of assumptions which may not prove to be accurate. ## **3 Donations and legacies** |Donation
Grant
Legacy|**2025**
**RF**
**2025**
**UF**
**2025**
**Total**
**£**
**£**
**£**
44,133
44,133
5,000
5,000
5,000
44,133
49,133| |---|---| RF- Restricted funds UF- Unrestricted funds NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 |**4**|**Charitable activities**|**2025**| |---|---|---| |||**£**
**£**| ||**Distributions**|| ||Distributions to UK charities|5,105| |||**5,105**| ||**Charitable projects**|| ||Meals|7609| ||Night nurse care programme|21181| ||Program costs|2017| ||Guidance and Support Program|1194| |||**32,001**| ||**Support costs**|| ||Admin|411| ||Advertising|46| ||Courier and travel|180| ||Bank charges|48| ||IT and software|114| |||**799**| ||**Governance**|| ||Legal and Professional|531| ||Accountancy|1000| |||**1,531**| |||**39,436**| ## **5 Trustees** None of the trustees (or persons connected with them) received any remuneration or benefits during the year. ## **6 Employees** The average number of employees was nil. Accordingly, there were no employees whose annual remuneration was more than £60,000. ## **7 Taxation** The charity is exempt from tax on income and gains falling within section 505 of the Taxes Act 1988 or section 252 of the Taxation of Chargeable Gains Act 1992 to the extent that these are applied to its charitable objects. ## **8 Related party transactions** There were no disclosable related party transactions during the year. ## **LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION** ## **ANNUAL ACCOUNTS 2025** ## **TRUSTEES:** Chana Gross- Chair Bracha Filip Yachi Niederman ## **ADMINISTRATION ADDRESS:** Flat 28 Maltings Court Rossendale Street London E5 8ES ## **CHARITY NUMBER:** 1207707 ## **INDEPENDENT EXAMINER:** C Weberman Weberman Ltd 44 Fairholt Road London N16 5HW