## **The Chayse West Legacy** ## **Registered Charity No.:** 1207928 **Legal Structure:** Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) **Address:** 8 Empire Walk, Alresford, CO7 8FQ **Website:** www.thechaysewestlegacy.com ## **Trustees’ Annual Report for the Year Ended Date – 01/11/2024** ## **1. Objectives and Activities** The Chayse West Legacy is a charitable organisation established to provide **financial support to bereaved parents and carers** who have experienced the loss of a child/ young person (18-25). Our mission is to ease the financial burdens associated with bereavement, such as funeral and memorial costs, while raising awareness of the emotional and practical challenges faced by grieving families. We aim to create a compassionate community, reduce stigma around grief, and ensure that no family feels alone during such a painful time. ## **Who benefits from our work?** Primarily, **bereaved parents and carers** across the UK are the beneficiaries of our services. ## **2. Achievements and Performance** ## **Fundraising Events** Over the past year, the charity successfully hosted several fundraising events: - **Three Peaks Challenge** - **Sponsored Pier to Pier Walk** - **Annual Chayse West Festival** – featuring a family fun day and football tournament These events helped raise awareness of our mission while generating essential funds for our work. ## **Support Provided** We were proud to provide **direct financial assistance to 3 families** during the year, helping them navigate the practical costs of bereavement. ## **Partnerships and Outreach** - Built strong relationships with **local football clubs** and the **local parish council** - **One family which we helped was from a local football team.** - Connected with **RoadPeace** , other bereaved families, **funeral directors** , and **local hospitals** - Launched the charity on **social media platforms** - Gained **media coverage** which helped raise awareness and build credibility ## **3. Public Benefit** Through our fundraising efforts and public engagement, we deliver significant public benefit by: - **Supporting bereaved families** during one of the most challenging times in their lives - **Raising public awareness** of child/ young adult loss and the emotional and financial impact it has - **Creating community connections** and encouraging openness about grief and support We meet the Charity Commission’s public benefit requirement by directly aiding individuals in need and promoting broader social understanding around child bereavement. ## **4. Structure, Governance and Management** The Chayse West Legacy is governed by a **Board of Trustees** , responsible for overseeing operations, compliance, and strategy. The trustees are supported by a group of **volunteers** who assist in delivering events and outreach. ## **Trustee Appointment:** Trustees are **appointed by the existing board** , based on their alignment with the charity’s aims and their ability to contribute meaningfully. ## **Sub-committees or advisory groups:** None at present. ## **5. Financial Review** ## **Summary:** - **Total income:** £39,673 - **Total expenditure:** £24,635 - **Closing reserves: £15,037** ## **Income Sources:** - Donations - Community fundraising events ## **Main Expenditure Areas:** - Event costs - Marketing and advertising - Support to bereaved families At the end of the financial year, the charity held funds across two bank accounts: a current account for day-to-day operations and a separate savings account. The savings account is used to hold reserve funds not required for immediate use, helping to ensure the long-term sustainability of the charity. As of 01 November 2024, the balance in the savings account was £800.00. This was not added to the final figure as there was no space on the Annual return for this. The charity remains in a healthy financial position and is committed to using its funds responsibly and transparently. ## **6. Risk Management** The main risks identified include: - **Ongoing funding challenges** - **Reliance on volunteers** - Difficulty in **reaching a wider audience** beyond current supporters We mitigate these risks through: - **Regular reviews** and planning sessions - Active **outreach to hospitals and funeral directors** - Continued efforts to **destigmatise financial aid** during bereavement These strategies support the sustainability of the charity and help increase our reach to those most in need. ## **7. Plans for the Year Ahead** For the upcoming year, The Chayse West Legacy is planning several initiatives: - Our second **Annual Chayse West Fest** - Participation in the **Brighton Half Marathon** - A **London to Paris Cycle Ride** - Continued **awareness campaigns** and local outreach These activities aim to raise vital funds, grow our community, and ensure families know support is available when they need it most. ## **8. Trustees** Current trustees as of the date of this report: - **Leah West** - **John West** - **Shanice Edwards (née Poulter)** **No changes** to the board of trustees occurred during this reporting period. **Please note:** Submission of this report and accompanying accounts was delayed beyond the Charity Commission deadline due to delays in finalising the independent examination. Measures have been taken to ensure timely filing in future years. ## **9. Declaration** The trustees declare that they have approved this report and confirm that it complies with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 and the guidance of the Charity Commission for England and Wales. ## **Signed on behalf of the Board of Trustees:** Name: Leah West Position: Trustee Date: 01/09/2025 ## **Receipts & Payments Account** For the Year Ending **Receipts Amount (£) (Income)** Donations Fundraising 32300 Events **Total Receipts** **38,070** **Payments Amount (£) (Expenditure)** Event Costs 18,000 Marketing & Advertising 6,635 **Total Payments 24,635** | **Net Movement in Funds** | **13,435** | | Opening Balance | 0 | | **Closing Balance** | **13,435** | - **Charity Name** : The Chayse West Legacy - **Year End** : 01 November 2024 ## **INDEPENDENT EXAMINER’S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF THE CHAYSE WEST LEGACY** ## **Charity Number:** 1207928 **Year Ending:** 01 November 2024 I report on the accounts of the charity for the year ended 01 November 2024. ## **Respective responsibilities of trustees and examiner** The charity’s trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the Charities Act 2011 (“the Act”). The charity's trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year under section 144(2) of the Act and that an independent examination is required. It is my responsibility to: - examine the accounts under section 145 of the Act; - to follow the procedures laid down in the general Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Act; and - to state whether particular matters have come to my attention. ## **Basis of independent examiner’s statement** 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 the trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not apply 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 below. ## **Independent examiner’s statement** I have completed my examination, no matter has come to my attention: 1. which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect the requirements: - a. to keep accounting records in accordance with section 130 of the Act; and - b. to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and comply with the accounting requirements of the Act have not been met; or 2. to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached. **Name:** Carrie-Anne Smith AAT **Relevant professional qualification or body (if any):** **Address:** 83 Speedwell Road, Colchester, Essex, CO28DN **Date:** 04.09.25