Evening Reflections Bereavement Group Trustees’ Annual Report Year ended 30[th] June 2025
The Trustees are pleased to present their annual report and financial statements for the year ended 30[th] June 2025.
| Trustees’Annual Report for the period | Trustees’Annual Report for the period | Trustees’Annual Report for the period | Trustees’Annual Report for the period | Trustees’Annual Report for the period | Trustees’Annual Report for the period | Trustees’Annual Report for the period | Trustees’Annual Report for the period |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Period Start Date | Period End Date | ||||||
| Day | Month | Year | Day | Month | Year | ||
| From | 16 | 07 | 2024 | To | 30 | 06 | 2025 |
ADMINISTRATION DETAILS
| Charity Name: | Evening Reflections Bereavement Group |
|---|---|
| Charity Registration Number: | 1209142 |
| Charity Registered Address: | 56 Woodcotes Shoeburyness Southend-on-Sea SS3 8XH |
| Trustee Names: | Amanda Wilkinson Lynsay Pratt Sarah Blackie Alison Morris |
STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT
| Type of governing document: | The charity is governed by a constitution adopted on 14th May 2024. |
|---|---|
| How the charity is constituted: | The charity is constituted as a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO), registered with the Charity Commission for England and Wales. |
| Trustee selection methods: | New trustees are appointed by the existing trustees in accordance with the procedures set out in the charity's constitution. |
OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES
| Charitable Purpose: | To provide a service beneficial to the community within Southend and the |
|---|---|
| surrounding area in order to relieve the mental and physical distress of those who are experiencing bereavement or loss. Summary of the main activities in relation to these objects: - Providing a safe space for individuals to express their feelings without judgement - Sharing experiences to allow individuals to connect with others who understand their grief - Providing coping strategies in the form of tools and techniques to navigate the grieving process to help manage emotions and adjust to life after loss - Normalising grief by validating the range of emotions experienced after loss and reassuring individuals that their feelings are common and understandable - Facilitate healing through shared stories, mutual support and the opportunity to speak with a trained professional upon appointment to the group - Building a support network by connecting with other local groups to create a sense of community and signpost individuals to other services which may benefit them Statement confirming whether the trustees have had regard to the guidance issued by the Charity Commission on public benefit: The Trustees confirm that they have had due regard to the guidance issued by the Charity Commission on public benefit when reviewing the charity’s aims and objectives and in planning its activities for the year. |
surrounding area in order to relieve the mental and physical distress of those who are experiencing bereavement or loss. Summary of the main activities in relation to these objects: - Providing a safe space for individuals to express their feelings without judgement - Sharing experiences to allow individuals to connect with others who understand their grief - Providing coping strategies in the form of tools and techniques to navigate the grieving process to help manage emotions and adjust to life after loss - Normalising grief by validating the range of emotions experienced after loss and reassuring individuals that their feelings are common and understandable - Facilitate healing through shared stories, mutual support and the opportunity to speak with a trained professional upon appointment to the group - Building a support network by connecting with other local groups to create a sense of community and signpost individuals to other services which may benefit them Statement confirming whether the trustees have had regard to the guidance issued by the Charity Commission on public benefit: The Trustees confirm that they have had due regard to the guidance issued by the Charity Commission on public benefit when reviewing the charity’s aims and objectives and in planning its activities for the year. |
|---|---|
| surrounding area in order to relieve the mental and physical distress of those who are experiencing bereavement or loss. |
|
| Summary of the main activities in relation to these objects: |
- Providing a safe space for individuals to express their feelings without judgement - Sharing experiences to allow individuals to connect with others who understand their grief - Providing coping strategies in the form of tools and techniques to navigate the grieving process to help manage emotions and adjust to life after loss - Normalising grief by validating the range of emotions experienced after loss and reassuring individuals that their feelings are common and understandable - Facilitate healing through shared stories, mutual support and the opportunity to speak with a trained professional upon appointment to the group - Building a support network by connecting with other local groups to create a sense of community and signpost individuals to other services which may benefit them |
| Statement confirming whether the trustees have had regard to the guidance issued by the Charity Commission on public benefit: |
The Trustees confirm that they have had due regard to the guidance issued by the Charity Commission on public benefit when reviewing the charity’s aims and objectives and in planning its activities for the year. |
ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE
During its first year of operation, Evening Reflections Bereavement Group made a significant and positive impact on individuals coping with grief and loss in Southend and the surrounding areas.
The group held twice-monthly sessions, providing a supportive and non-judgmental environment where attendees could share their experiences and receive guidance.
In total, there were 401 attendees across all sessions, including 63 new participants who accessed the service for the first time demonstrating growing community reach and awareness.
On average, 20 individuals attended each session. The meetings were either led by a qualified therapist (13 sessions) or featured guest speakers (8 in total) from other local organisations. These speakers offered valuable insights, shared practical coping strategies, and introduced tools and techniques for managing stress, anxiety, and emotional wellbeing. Many of the speakers also represented services that attendees could access for further support, helping to build a strong local network of care.
In addition to group sessions, the charity provided 64 in-house therapy sessions for individuals needing one-to-one support. These sessions allowed for deeper engagement and personalised guidance for those experiencing complex grief or heightened emotional distress.
Evaluative feedback collected from participants indicated:
-
A 32% reduction in reported feelings of isolation
-
A 21% improvement in emotional wellbeing
-
A 90% uptake in accessing external or additional support resources introduced through the group
These outcomes clearly demonstrate the effectiveness of Evening Reflections' approach in addressing both the emotional and practical needs of bereaved individuals. The charity has also helped foster community resilience, reduced stigma around grief, and strengthened collaboration with other local services.
FINANCIAL REVIEW
The charity was officially registered on 16th July 2024, and this report covers the financial period from that date through to 30[th] June 2025. However, prior to registration, the group was established in June 2024 and received initial funding and support that resulted in a surplus being carried into the reporting period.
Specifically, the group received:
-
£156.00 from Dignity Funerals Ltd
-
£2,993.50 from the Community Investment Board
In addition, donations from group attendees were collected during June and early July 2024, and funds were used to cover essential start-up costs including hall hire and insurance .
These transactions occurred prior to the charity’s official registration and therefore fall outside the formal reporting period. However, the resulting surplus was carried forward and is reflected in the opening balance as of 16th July 2024. This explains
why the financial statements for the year show an opening balance that does not match the income received during the reporting period.
During the reporting period itself (16[th] July 2024 to 30[th] June 2025), all income and expenditure have been recorded in line with the charity’s objectives. The trustees are satisfied that the funds both pre- and post-registration have been used appropriately, and that the charity remains in a secure financial position with effective controls in place.
Total income for the reporting period was £7887.81, received through a combination of:
-
Further funding from the Community Investment Board
-
Contributions from Dignity Funerals Ltd
-
Ongoing donations from group attendees
Total expenditure amounted to £4,374.82, covering key operational costs such as venue hire, insurance policies, therapy services, guest speakers, and events.
The charity ended the period with reserves of £3,512.99, which the trustees consider sufficient to sustain the charity’s core activities over the coming months.
The accounts have been prepared on a receipts and payments / accruals basis in accordance with the Charity Commission’s guidance for small charities.
The Trustees continue to monitor the financial position closely to ensure the charity’s long-term sustainability.
DECLARATIONS
The trustees declare that they have approved the trustees’ report above. Signed on behalf of the charity’s trustees.
Signature(s):
Full name(s): Amanda Wilkinson Lynsay Pratt Position: Trustee / Co-Chair Trustee / Co-Chair Date: 20/07/2025 20/07/2025
Trustee ERBG Financial Summary 2024-2025
| Financial Year 2024-2025 | July 2024 | August 2024 | September 2024 | October 2024 | November 2024 | December 2024 | January 2025 | February 2025 | March 2025 | April 2025 | May 2025 | June 2025 | Annual Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FIXED INCOME | |||||||||||||
| Donations | £33.50 | £20.00 | £29.00 | £56.00 | £43.00 | £32.00 | £65.00 | £27.00 | £45.00 | £66.00 | £36.00 | £0.00 | £452.50 |
| Southend CIB Investment (Annual) | £2,993.50 | £0.00 | £0.00 | £0.00 | £0.00 | £0.00 | £0.00 | £0.00 | £0.00 | £0.00 | £0.00 | £5,623.00 | £8,616.50 |
| Tanners Funeral Directors (Dignity Funerals Ltd) Funding (Monthly) |
£0.00 | £156.00 | £156.00 | £156.00 | £156.00 | £156.00 | £156.00 | £156.00 | £156.00 | £156.00 | £156.00 | £156.00 | £1,716.00 |
| Virgin Money Bank Account cashback |
£0.00 | £0.39 | £0.12 | £0.97 | £0.19 | £1.28 | £0.82 | £0.00 | £0.24 | £0.17 | £0.44 | £0.19 | £4.81 |
| Festive Afternoon Tea deposits | £0.00 | £0.00 | £0.00 | £0.00 | £10.00 | £90.00 | £0.00 | £0.00 | £0.00 | £0.00 | £0.00 | £0.00 | £100.00 |
| Refunds | £0.00 | £0.00 | £0.00 | £0.00 | £0.00 | £6.00 | £0.00 | £0.00 | £0.00 | £0.00 | £0.00 | £0.00 | £6.00 |
| TOTAL | £3,027.00 | £176.39 | £185.12 | £212.97 | £209.19 | £285.28 | £221.82 | £183.00 | £201.24 | £222.17 | £192.44 | £5,779.19 | £10,895.81 |
| FIXED EXPENDITURE | |||||||||||||
| Hall Hire | £28.00 | £56.00 | £56.00 | £56.00 | £56.00 | £56.00 | £56.00 | £56.00 | £56.00 | £56.00 | £56.00 | £142.00 | £730.00 |
| Personal Liability and Indemnity Insurance |
£24.64 | £12.32 | £12.32 | £12.32 | £12.32 | £12.32 | £12.32 | £12.32 | £12.32 | £0.00 | £0.00 | £0.00 | £123.20 |
| Counsellor | £90.00 | £180.00 | £180.00 | £180.00 | £180.00 | £180.00 | £180.00 | £180.00 | £180.00 | £180.00 | £180.00 | £180.00 | £2,070.00 |
| TOTAL | £142.64 | £248.32 | £248.32 | £248.32 | £248.32 | £248.32 | £248.32 | £248.32 | £248.32 | £236.00 | £236.00 | £322.00 | £2,923.20 |
| MISC. EXPENDITURE | |||||||||||||
| Refreshments | £11.43 | £1.65 | £14.11 | £20.90 | £5.45 | £123.19 | £19.40 | £13.40 | £4.70 | £16.50 | £3.40 | £38.70 | £272.83 |
| Stationery | £5.09 | £0.00 | £0.00 | £9.25 | £7.99 | £0.00 | £0.00 | £0.00 | £30.44 | £5.89 | £0.00 | £16.28 | £74.94 |
| Advertisement | £0.00 | £22.77 | £0.00 | £0.00 | £0.00 | £0.00 | £0.00 | £0.00 | £0.00 | £0.00 | £0.00 | £0.00 | £22.77 |
| Wellbeing Packs | £98.08 | £24.39 | £19.85 | £0.00 | £0.00 | £0.00 | £0.00 | £36.07 | £16.01 | £0.00 | £20.00 | £0.00 | £214.40 |
| Guest Speaker | £0.00 | £25.00 | £6.75 | £25.00 | £0.00 | £0.00 | £0.00 | £0.00 | £15.25 | £54.25 | £0.00 | £0.00 | £126.25 |
| Meetings/AGM | £0.00 | £0.00 | £0.00 | £0.00 | £0.00 | £10.55 | £0.00 | £0.00 | £0.00 | £44.40 | £49.65 | £75.41 | £180.01 |
| Group Outings | £0.00 | £0.00 | £250.00 | £0.00 | £350.00 | £66.25 | £0.00 | £0.00 | £0.00 | £0.00 | £0.00 | £0.00 | £666.25 |
| Raffle Prizes | £0.00 | £0.00 | £0.00 | £0.00 | £0.00 | £44.00 | £0.00 | £0.00 | £0.00 | £0.00 | £0.00 | £0.00 | £44.00 |
| TOTAL | £114.60 | £73.81 | £290.71 | £55.15 | £363.44 | £243.99 | £19.40 | £49.47 | £66.40 | £121.04 | £73.05 | £130.39 | £1,601.45 |
| SUMMERY | |||||||||||||
| Opening Balance | £113.00 | £2,882.76 | £2,737.02 | £2,383.11 | £2,292.61 | £1,890.04 | £1,683.01 | £1,637.11 | £1,522.32 | £1,408.84 | £1,273.97 | £1,157.36 | |
| Monthly Income | £3,027.00 | £176.39 | £185.12 | £212.97 | £209.19 | £285.28 | £221.82 | £183.00 | £201.24 | £222.17 | £192.44 | £5,779.19 | £10,895.81 |
| Monthly Expenditure | £257.24 | £322.13 | £539.03 | £303.47 | £611.76 | £492.31 | £267.72 | £297.79 | £314.72 | £357.04 | £309.05 | £452.39 | £4,524.65 |
| CLOSING BALANCE | £2,882.76 | £2,737.02 | £2,383.11 | £2,292.61 | £1,890.04 | £1,683.01 | £1,637.11 | £1,522.32 | £1,408.84 | £1,273.97 | £1,157.36 | £6,484.16 | |