2025-08-31-accounts - Huckleberries

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Charity registration number: 1209671

HUCKLEBERRIES TRUSTEES' REPORT AND UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025

Holy Brook Associates Ltd

Huckleberries Contents

	Page
Trustees' Report	1—6
Independent Examiner's Report	7
Statement of Financial Activities	8
Statement of Financial Position	9
Notes to the Financial Statements	10—13
The following pages do not form part of the statutory accounts:
Detailed Statement of Financial Activities	14—15

Huckleberries Trustees' Report For The Year Ended 31 August 2025

The trustees present their report and the financial statements for the year ended 31 August 2025.

Objectives and Activities

Aims and Objectives

The Trustees of Huckleberries present their first Annual Report together with the financial statements for the period 20 August 2024 to 31 August 2025 (year ended 31 August 2025).

Huckleberries is a children’s mental health and education charity, reimagining wellbeing, learning, and belonging for children experiencing emotional wellbeing challenges and seeking a more purposeful learning journey. Hands-on, naturebased experiences nurture confidence, resilience, and self-awareness, helping young people feel valued, connected, and supported, so they can develop emotional strength, a love of learning, and find ‘a place to be me’.

Significant Activities

Our charitable objects are:

(1) For the public benefit, the relief of children and young people in need, who are experiencing or at risk of experiencing poor emotional or mental health, and to advance the education and development, including social development, of such children and young people, in particular, by:

providing children and young people with progressive nature-based education and learning, mentoring, counselling and other services. advocating on behalf of children and young people in need, facilitating a community of support, and ensuring their voices are heard and their rights are respected.
supporting families, helping them understand and respond to the challenges faced by their children and young people.
education of the wider public and professionals, raising their awareness to effectively meet the needs of children and young people experiencing difficulties with their emotional and mental health.

(2) For the public benefit, to advance the education and development of children and young people generally through the provision of progressive nature-based education and learning.

These Objects are delivered through the:

Nurture Farm - providing therapeutic outdoor alternative provision for children with mental health and emotional wellbeing needs
Wild Learning Centre - providing self-directed learning and project-based experiences, underpinned by strong emotional wellbeing support
Community Hub – offering peer-to-peer support for families, and the involvement of local community volunteers to benefit the children and young people
Schools Programme – providing short-term emotional wellbeing interventions
Wild About Huckleberries Forest School – providing community outdoor learning for local children

Public Benefit

Huckleberries’ work clearly advances both mental health and education, providing direct benefit to children, young people, who are experiencing

emotional distress, trauma, school-related anxiety, or barriers to learning and their families. The majority of placements during the year were provided free of charge, further supporting the public benefit of the charities work.

The trustees confirm that they have complied with the requirements of Section 17 of the Charities Act 2011 to have due regard to the Charity Commission’s guidance on public benefit.

Value and Vision

In developing the charity’s Strategic and Business Plan this year, the charity has articulated its values and vision:

Values - Courage, community, authenticity, autonomy, generosity, kindness, compassion, belonging and reliability, are core values that steer our ethical compass.

They shape the behaviours and mindset of our young people, staff, volunteers and leaders, guiding us to work with integrity towards our shared purpose - delivering positive outcomes, fostering inclusive and sustainable growth, and championing nature stewardship.

Our Overarching Vision - Transforming young lives by nurturing their capacity to thrive.

...CONTINUED

Page 1

Huckleberries Trustees' Report (continued) For The Year Ended 31 August 2025

Value and Vision - continued

Nurture Farm Therapeutic Vision - A place to be me. Reimagining wellbeing through the power of nature, connection and belonging.

Learning Centre Pedagogic Vision - Reimagining education as a purposeful, deeply connected, autonomous journey of lifelong learning

Achievements and Performance

Main Achievements

Headline Achievements

Year completed within budget

7,128 hours of direct therapeutic support delivered
68 children benefitted from emotional wellbeing interventions (+ 18 children attending forest school) Operations fully transferred from CIC to CIO Expanded staffing and appointed a Deputy DSO Five-day weekly operation established
Published a Strategic and Business Plan 2025–2030

Children and Young People

Full capacity achieved from September 2024: 6 children/day for 4 days, increasing to 30 children across 5 days from January 2025
27 out of 30 places per week were provided free of charge Three children were supported via EHCP-funded places
Increased complexity in referrals, including trauma, neurodiversity, school related anxiety and emotional based school non-attendance, eating disorders, looked after children (LAC), and difficult home circumstances. Ongoing assessment using Boxall Profile, Goodman SDQ, and internal emotional literacy tools shows consistent, strong progress.
Average attendance was 92%
One young person was supported to achieve the volunteering aspect of their Bronze Duke of Edinburgh award, and 2 young people by providing work experience.

The first community hub parent peer support gathering took place in June and was attended by 11 parents.

Community Engagement

The charity engaged with the local community through volunteering, fundraising events, and partnerships with sector networks.

Training and Staff Development

Staff and Trustees undertook appropriate safeguarding, first aid and professional development training during the year.

Financial Review

Financial Position

Expenditure during the year was primarily attributable to staffing costs, site and programme delivery costs, and professional and operational expenses associated with the transition from CIC to CIO. The charity ended the financial year with a healthy surplus of £95,121.

At the year end, the charity held a balance of restricted and unrestricted funds in line with funder requirements and operational needs. Trustees are satisfied that unrestricted reserves are adequate to meet the charity’s short-term obligations and support ongoing service delivery.

Financial summary – Year ended 31 August 2025:

Total income: £191,821

Total expenditure: £ 96,700

...CONTINUED

Page 2

Huckleberries Trustees' Report (continued) For The Year Ended 31 August 2025

Financial Position - continued

Net movement in funds: £ 95,121

Funds carried forward: £ 95,121

Main income sources included grants, EHCP-funded placements, Forest School income, donations and community fundraising. The charity also benefitted from probono advisory support.

Trustees serve in a voluntary capacity and received no remuneration or benefits from the charity during the period. No related-party transactions were entered into during the year. There was no reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses.

Reserves Policy

Trustees aim to hold unrestricted reserves equivalent to 2.5 months of operating costs, supported by a longer-term reserves target of 6 months operating costs. This level or reserves provides:

Working capital for periods of income fluctuation

Protection against unexpected expenditure
Continuity of service for children during fluctuating fundraising cycles
Orderly closure if required

Strategic resilience during periods of funding uncertainty

Trustees have taken a risk-based approach to identifying this reserves target, to ensure that the reserves policy is reasonable and proportional for the size of the charity and risk profile. The reserves policy will be reviewed annually.

Fundraising statement

The charity undertook fundraising activities during the period, including community fundraising events and received individual donations. Successful grant applications included Community Foundation Surrey Strategic Grant, and Children in Need. The charity did not engage any professional fundraisers.

Trustees are satisfied that fundraising activities were carried out in line with relevant legislation and recognised good practice. No complaints relating to fundraising were received during the period.

Structure, Governance and Management

Governing Document

Huckleberries is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation, registered in August 2024. It is governed by a Constitution dated 19/08/2024. The charity is managed by a Board of Trustees who oversee governance, strategy, risk management, safeguarding, financial stewardship and compliance, using a Foundation Model Constitution governance structure.

Transition from CIC to CIO

A major organisational focus from September 2024 to January 2025 was the transition of services from the former Community Interest Company (CIC) to the newly registered CIO. This included transfer of staff via TUPE, novation of contracts, assets, and grants, and the submission to Companies House for voluntary strike-off of the CIC (completed November 2025).

Trustee Selection Methods

Trustees are appointed by the Board in accordance with the charity’s Constitution, following an assessment of skills, experience and alignment with the charity’s values and objects. New Trustees receive an induction which includes an introduction to the charity’s operations, policies (including safeguarding and health and safety), governance framework, and financial position. Ongoing training and development is encouraged to ensure Trustees remain informed and effective in their roles. Trustee training during the year included governance and safeguarding.

Page 3

Huckleberries Trustees' Report (continued) For The Year Ended 31 August 2025

Staff and Management

The CEO leads the day-to-day operations. During the year the charity appointed:

Two Learning Guides who are qualified teachers

One Learning Support Assistant who is a qualified Emotional Literacy Support Assistant A Deputy Designated Safeguarding Officer Administrative and Marketing Support

Operations expanded to five days per week.

Risk Management

Trustees review risks at each Board meeting. Principal risks relate to safeguarding, welfare, health and safety, funding stability, staff capacity, and regulatory changes affecting alternative provision. A summary of key risks and mitigations is provided below.

Reference and Administrative Details

Trustees

Ms Emma Herbert - Chair Mr Keith Armstrong Mr John Wills Ms Molly Biddell

Other Personnel

Beverley Cook - Chief Executive Officer The Cooperative Bank - Bank

Charity Number

1209671

Principal Address

3 Burford Lodge Elstead Godalming Surrey GU8 6HU

Independent Examiner

Rachel Eden FCMA Holy Brook Associates Ltd Curious Lounge Reading Berkshire RG11NH

Page 4

Huckleberries Trustees' Report (continued) For The Year Ended 31 August 2025

Other Information

Principle Risks and Mitigation

The following key risks and control measures were identified

Risk

Mitigation

DSL and Deputy DSO in place; staff training; annual safeguarding Safeguarding & welfare audit; ‘it could happen here’ attitude to safeguarding

Diversified income pipeline; Strategic & Business Plan 2025–2030; Funding stability proactive grant applications

Expanded team; structured training; clear competency framework; Staff capacity and recruitment safer recruitment training

Qualified teacher appointments; monitoring legislative changes; Regulatory changes (e.g., Children’s Wellbeing & scenario planning; preparedness in line with DfE Guidance Schools Bill, DfE Regulatory changes)

Dependence on site licence Licence secured until 2030; positive relationship with landowner Health & Safety Regular inspections; adherence to policies; staff training; incident reporting; proactive & dynamic risk assessment.

Plans for the Future

The charities priorities for 2025–26 include:

Embedding the five-day model across the Nurture Farm and Wild Learning Centre

Developing the family support network via the Community Hub

Strengthening partnerships with schools, LA teams and home education networks

Collaborating with higher education institutions and other Alternative Provision settings to refine impact measurement

Expanding our volunteer programme

Growing fundraising, diversifying income streams, and exploring outcome-based funding models

Statement of Trustees' Responsibilities

The trustees are responsible for preparing the Trustees' Report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).

The law applicable to charities in England and Wales requires the trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charity and of the incoming resources and application of resources of the charity for that period. In preparing the financial statements the trustees are required to:

select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;
observe the methods and principles in the Charity SORP;
make judgments and accounting estimates that are reasonable and prudent; and
prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the charity will continue in business.

The trustees are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records which disclose with reasonable accuracy at anytime the financial position of the charity and to enable them to ensure that the accounts 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 charity and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.

Page 5

Huckleberries Trustees' Report (continued) For The Year Ended 31 August 2025

The trustees are responsible for the maintenance and integrity of the corporate and financial information included on the charity's website. Legislation in the United Kingdom governing the preparation and dissemination of financial statements may differ from legislation in other jurisdictions.

Thank you

The Trustees wish to thank our many volunteers and supporters who have worked tirelessly to support our young people and our charity this year, without them we would not be able to achieve what we do. We would also like to thank our landowner who supports our work and helps us to grow our network, Farnham Rotary club and Chandler Junior School for their donations, our grantors: The National Lottery Community Fund, Children in Need and Community Foundation Surrey, for believing in us, local volunteers who built our yurt deck, John Coe who undertook a 12 hour paddleboard challenge to raise funds, Gilead Sciences whose staff used their volunteering day to build our outdoor music area, Triad Plc who refurbished and donated 5 laptops, and Surrey Choices who built a beautiful dead hedge, repaired footpaths and helped tidy the site.

The trustees' report was approved by the board of trustees and signed on its behalf by:

Ms Emma Herbert Trustee 03/03/2026

Page 6

Huckleberries Independent Examiner's Report to the Trustees of Huckleberries For The Year Ended 31 August 2025

I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of Huckleberries (the Trust) for the year ended 31 August 2025.

Responsibilities and Basis of Report

As the charity trustees of the Trust you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 (“the Act”).

I report in respect of my examination of the Trust’s accounts carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination, I have followed the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Act.

Independent Examiner's Statement

I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material 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 Trust as required by section 130 of the Act; or
the accounts do not accord with those records; or
the accounts do not comply with the applicable requirements concerning the form and contents 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 accounts to be reached.

Rachel Eden FCMA 31/03/2026 Curious Lounge Reading Berkshire RG11NH

Page 7

Huckleberries Statement of Financial Activities For The Year Ended 31 August 2025

Unrestricted funds £ 25,307 11,726	Restricted funds £ 154,788 -	2025 Total funds £ 180,095 11,726
37,033	154,788	191,821
- (10,543)	1 (86,157)	1 (96,700)
(10,543)	(86,156)	(96,699)
26,490	68,632	95,122
26,490 -	68,632 -	95,122 -
26,490	68,632	95,122

The notes on pages 10 to 13 form part of these financial statements.

Page 8

Huckleberries Statement of Financial Position As At 31 August 2025

Unrestricted funds £ 5,251	Restricted funds £ 16,903	2025 Total funds £ 22,154
5,251 4,623 18,772	16,903 3,144 51,768	22,154 7,767 70,540
23,395 (2,156)	54,912 (3,183)	78,307 (5,339)
21,239	51,729	72,968
26,490	68,632	95,122
26,490	68,632	95,122
		68,632 26,490
		95,122

The notes on pages 10 to 13 form part of these financial statements.

Page 9

Huckleberries Notes to the Financial Statements For The Year Ended 31 August 2025

1. General Information

Huckleberries is a charitable incorporated organisation registered with the Charity Commission, registered charity number 1209671. The principal address is 3 Burford Lodge, Elstead, Godalming, Surrey, GU8 6HU.

2. Accounting Policies

2.1. Basis of Preparation of Financial Statements

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the Charities SORP (FRS 102) "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)", Financial Reporting Standard 102 "The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland" and the Charities Act 2011.

The charity is a Public Benefit Entity as defined by FRS 102.

2.2. Tangible Fixed Assets and Depreciation

Tangible fixed assets are measured at cost less accumulated depreciation and any accumulated impairment losses. Depreciation is provided at rates calculated to write off the cost of the fixed assets, less their estimated residual value, over their expected useful lives on the following bases:

Freehold

7 years

The policy above relates to the purchase of a Yurt.

2.3. Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents are basic financial assets and include cash in hand and deposits held at call with banks, other short-term highly liquid investments that mature in no more than three months from the date of acquisition and are readily convertible to a known amount of cash with insignificant risk of change in value, and bank overdrafts.

3. Income from Donations and Legacies

Donations and gifts Grants	Unrestricted funds £ 25,307 -	Restricted funds £ 7,326 147,462	2025 Total funds £ 32,633 147,462
	25,307	154,788	180,095

4. Net Income/(Expenditure)

The net income is stated after charging/(crediting):

Depreciation of tangible fixed assets - owned

2025 £ 1,008

5. Analysis of Expenditure

Raising funds Charitable Activities	Activities undertaken directly £ - 42,698	Support costs (see note 6) £ (1) 54,002	2025 Total £ (1) 96,700
	42,698	54,001	96,699

Page 10

Huckleberries Notes to the Financial Statements (continued) For The Year Ended 31 August 2025

6. Support Costs

Employee costs Premises expenses General administration	Raising funds £ - - (1)	Charitable Activities £ 35,388 961 17,653	2025 Total £ 35,388 961 17,652
	(1)	54,002	54,001

7. Independent Examiner's Remuneration

Independent examination of the financial statements Other assurance services Tax advisory services Other financial services	2025 £ 504 792 - 469
	1,765

All figures include VAT.

Other financial services relates to payroll services provdied by the examiner's firm

8. Staff Costs

Staff costs were as follows:

taff costs were as follows:
Wages and salaries Social security costs Other pension costs	2025 £ 60,952 6,739 3,690
	71,381

No employees received employee benefits (excluding employer pension costs) for the reporting period of more than £60,000.

9. Average Number of Employees

Average number of employees during the year was: 6

10. Tangible Assets

Cost As at 1 September 2024 Additions As at 31 August 2025	Land & Property Freehold £ - 23,162
	23,162

...CONTINUED

Page 11

Huckleberries Notes to the Financial Statements (continued) For The Year Ended 31 August 2025

Depreciation As at 1 September 2024 Provided during the period As at 31 August 2025 Net Book Value As at 31 August 2025 As at 1 September 2024 11. Debtors Due within one year Trade debtors Other debtors 12. Creditors: Amounts Falling Due Within One Year Trade creditors Other creditors Accruals and deferred income	- 1,008
	1,008
	22,154
	-
	2025 £ 4,320 3,447
	7,767
	2025 £ 178 3,173 1,988
	5,339

13. Pension Commitments

The charity operates a defined contribution pension scheme. The assets of the scheme are held separately from those of the charity in an independently administered fund.

During the year the charge to the statement of financial activities in respect of defined contribution schemes was £3,690.

At the statement of financial position date contributions of £NIL were due to the fund and are included in creditors.

Movement in Funds

As at 1 September 2024 £ - - - -	Income £ 37,033 18,750 121,038 15,000	Expenditure £ (10,543) (11,319) (67,358) (7,479)	As at 31 August 2025 £ 26,490 7,431 53,680 7,521
-	154,788	(86,156)	68,632

-	191,821	(96,699)	95,122

Page 12

Huckleberries Notes to the Financial Statements (continued) For The Year Ended 31 August 2025

The National Lottery Community Fund - RC London and South East Region £58,520.30 was Received directly into the CIO from National Lottery fund

In addition £55,191.57 of restricted funds in relation to this grant were transferred as part of the novation of contracts from Huckleberries CIC to this CIO

Children In Need £18,750 received directly by the charity.

Community Foundation for Surrey - £15,000 was received directly by the charity

15. Transactions with Trustees

None of the trustees received any remuneration or any other benefits from an employment with the charity or a related entity during the current year.

No trustee expenses have been incurred.

16. Related Party Disclosures

There have been no related party transactions in the reporting period that require disclosure.

Page 13

Huckleberries Detailed Statement of Financial Activities For The Year Ended 31 August 2025

INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM:
Donations and legacies
Donations and gifts
Donations from organisations
Grants
Charitable Activities:
Charitable Activities
Income from charitable activities
Children's services
Sale of goods or services made or provided by beneficiaries
EXPENDITURE ON:
Raising funds
Sundry expenses
Charitable Activities:
Charitable Activities
Purchases
Purchases Type A
Purchases Type B
Purchases Type C
Subcontractor costs
Wages and salaries
Employers NI
Travel and subsistence expenses
Depreciation
Wages and salaries
Employers pensions - defined contributions scheme
Travel expenses
Light and heat
Repairs and maintenance
Other premises costs
Insurance
Printing, postage and stationery
Advertising and marketing costs
Training seminars and workshops
Accountancy fees
Other services
Sundry expenses

2025
Total
funds
£
2,278
30,355
147,462
180,095
2,624
9,060
42
11,726
191,821
1
1
(194)
(1,248)
(1,991)
(1,088)
(700)
(29,569)
(6,739)
(161)
(1,008)
(31,383)
(3,690)
(315)
(364)
(494)
(103)
(1,463)
(20)
(360)
(8,713)
(1,975)
(774)
(4,348)
(96,700)
(96,699)
...CONTINUED

Page 14

Huckleberries Detailed Statement of Financial Activities (continued) For The Year Ended 31 August 2025

NET INCOME

95,122

Page 15