Trustees'Annual Report Queerwell 20th September 2024 - 31st March 2025 1. Reference and Administrative Details QU EER WELL (CIO - Community Interest Organisation> Charity Registration number.. 1210152 clo l.H. Segal & Co Devonshire House 582 Honeypot Lane Stanmore Middlesex HA7 1JS Trustees (appolnied durlng thls perlod) Ms Femi Otitoju (Chair of Trustees) Mr Andrew Flichards (Treasurer) Ms Deborah Toksvig Miss Maari Nastari appointed May 2024 apFX)inted March 2024 appointed March 2024 appointed March 2024 (deceased December 20251 appointed March 2024 appointed November 2024 appointed November 2024 Dr Henry Ashcroft Mr Sean Pettit-scheepers Mr Mario Muttenhaler Bank Details Unity Trust Bank, PO Box 7193, Planetary Road, Willenhall, WV19DG 2. Governance, Management and Structure Governance Arrangements FunCtIS and duties of charity trustees The charity trustees at Queerwell manage the affairs of the CIO and for that purpose exercise all the powers of the CIO. It is the duty ol each charity trustee.. to exercise
their powers and to perfon their functions in their capacity as a trustee of the CIO in the way they decide in good faith would be most likely to further the purFxises ot the cio. Number of charity tru*ees We currently have eight Trustees as of January 2026. of which six were appointed during the period covered by this report. We set our maximum number for Trustees at 10 ApFX)intment of charity trustees Apart from the lirst charity trustees, every trustee must be appointed for a term of three years by a resolution passed at a properly convened meeting of the charity trustees. Trustees may be apwinted for a second term of three years by a resolution passed at a properly convened meeting ol the charity trustees. In selecting individuals for appointment as charity trustees. the charity trustees must have regard to the skills. knowledge and experience needed for the etttIVe administration of the CIO Trustees are not paid and expenses are limited to travel and attendance at Board meetings. As part of the Trustee onboarding, we complete an induction to our policies, with special attention to safeguarding, and undertake a standard level DBS check. Management The Trustees delegate the day-to-day operational leadership and execution ol the strategy to the Chief Executive Officer. Public Benefit Queerwell provides public benefit by relieving mental distress and promoting mental wellbeing among LGBTQ+ people, a group that experiences significantly higher rates of poor mental health, isolation, and suicide risk, and faces wdl-documented barriers to accessing timely, affordable, and inclusive support. The charity delivers accessible, LGBTQ+-affirmative mental health services including therapy, coaching, and preventative worksfiops. Services are delivered online and in community settings to reduce geographical, physical, and financial t)arriers, with priority given to individuals experiencing the greatest disadvantage. Queerwell's "access and donate. model ensures that people with the least financial means can access the same quality of support as others, contributing to the prevention of crisis and reducing pressure on statutory services.
Queerwell also provides wider public benelit by advancing equality, reducing stigma, and improving the quality of mental health provision beyond its direct beneficiaries. The charity works in partnership with mainstream health, social care, and voluntary sector organisations to share leaming, improve LGBTQ+ mental health literacy, and support more inclusive service delivery. Through research, consultation, training. and public engagement, Queerwell contributes to a more informed, equitable, and responsive mental health sy*em. benefiting both the LG8TQ+ community and the public more broadly. 3. Objectlves and Activltles and Achlevements and Performance Mlss5on & Vl8lon Mission". We champion positive mental heath within LGBTQ+ communities by delivering innovative, prevention-tocused mental health and wellbeing support-free or at low-cost. We are committed to prioritising those most in need. with the fewest resources, and those who face discrimination on many levels. Vision.. Together. we strive to create a worfd where everyone feels supported, valued, and empowered to thrive. Charltabl8 Objectives 1. To preserve and protect the mental health of Igbtq+ people by the provision of support. 1 to 1. group work and in person or online coaching and therapy sessions, financial assistance, education. and practical advice and to advance the education of the general public in all areas relating to the mental health and wellbeing of LGBTQ+ people. and 2. The promotion of equality and diversity lor the public benefit by a) raising awareness of the specific challenges laced by LGBTQ+ people when accessing mental health services b) chaElenging discrimination against LGBTQ+ people within mental health settings 4. Achievements and Performance September 2024-March 2025 When we launched Queerwell in 2024, we knew the need was urgent. Every conversation, every piece ol research, every lived experience told the same story.. LGBTQ+ people were often not receiving the mental health support they needed. Waiting lists were too long. Discrimination was too common. This first six months, which was our pilot delivery period, has been nothing short of extraordinary. With the community's SUPPOrt, we have built Queerwell from an idea into a nationally recognised, trusted charity providing life-changing support to LGBTQ+ people from all intersections of the community.
In just six months, during our pilot period we have.. Reached people across the UK with therapy. coaching. workshops, and creative wellbeing spaces - LK)th online and in-person. Prioritised the most underserved, including racialised LGBTQ+ people, trans and non-binary individuds, disabled community members, and those in rural or isolated areas. Built a diverse network of accredited mental health professionals, reducing waiting times and ensuring every service is safe. affirming. and high-quality. Partnered with organisations across sectors, from LGBTQ+ community groups to non-LGBTQ+ bodies. Raised awareness and challenged stigma through campaigns such as BrirKJ Me Sunshine at Manchester Pride, and by growing our digital presence into a vibrant community hub. QUeenell has laid the foundations for a brighter mental heath future for LGBTQ+ people through community consultation, partnership-building. and a pilot of our programmes across the UK. Highlights include: Building a team of volunteers arKJ Trustees Launching a wellness hub at the BFI LGBTQIA+ film fe*ival Ont)oarded a team of 25 Practttioners - a third of whom are actively volunteering thetr services whilst we raise funds In-house therapy for older LGBTQ+ residents at the Tonic Housing Retirernent Community Workshops and coaching ses&ons for intergenerational LGBTQ+ groups across the North and South of England (including wellness space at Flare Film Festival), focused on resilience and mental health PlayshOPS - Including a drama I storytelling vrkShOp bringing people together to tell their stories and find ways to overcome anger and hurt caused ty LGBTQ+phobic societal and w)Ittical actions. Mindfulness based puppy workshops to help people facing loss and bereavement Targeted supwrt for youryJ LGBTQ+ twple of colour and Trans people navigating workplace challenges Our work In Numbers: Our tirst slx months Thanks to our volunteer, trustees, and public and donor suptx)rt, Queerwell has.. support 180 LGBTQ+ people through workshops, group coaching, creative playshops, events and therapy.
65 /• service users are trom underserved cornmunities. including racialised. translnon-binary, Clisabled and rura LGBTQ+ people. Seen 920/0 of participants report improved mental health or wellbeing. Built a network of 25 accredit mental heath practitioners, reducing waiting times and providing culturally competent. LGBTQ-affimiing care. Fomied 30+ partnerships with organisations such as BUPA, the NHS, the Civil Service. Lloyds Bank, and the 8FI. Undertaken the world's most upto4ate review of LGBTQ+ mental health research and been Inted to present findings nationally. Begun development of a Wellbeing in the Workplace programme. to help support better mental health in the workplace and create a sustainable income stream to Strength our community services. Secured pro bono SUprt to deliver our services worth £98,000. Quotes form People accessing our Seryices during our pilot. Peter - "After losing my partner of 30 years. I fett completely aione. Mental health services did not understand what it meant to be an older gay man. and I could not afford privale therapy. Queenvell's free support helped me rebuild my confidence and find joy again.. Deiia- 'When I my friend, I was too anxious and sad to leave my house. Then Queerwell brought a puppy playshop session to my residential building. Twenty minutes of cuddles. and I realised how rnh I needed people around me." Mal - .1 am a young 81ack bisexual man: I have fac1 so much judgment that I thought I would never succeed. eerWell'S free group coaching helped me overcome my self-doubt. Now. I feel ready to #ep into the job market.. Suranne - "As a trans woman, l often feel unheard-even in LGB spaces. At a Queerwell Learning Space workshop, l finally lelt like I belonged. My only wish? That it lasted longer.. 5. Financial Review Our accounts cover our first six months of activty followirg our registration by the Charity Commission on 20th September 2024 and refer to our pilot period of operation. This has provided QueeNiell with an evidence base uwn which to build a sition of trust and awareness of our work amongst funders, sponsors, and the blic - which we have already taken forward to supwrt our income generation. Total income and expenditure for the year.. Income." £4.798 Expenditure: £3.422
Main sources of income.. donations and grants Summary of reserves.. £1,375 We would like to recognise the followirMJ partners provided pro bono SUprt to the charity worth the 8]uivalent 01 £98.000 during this pericd. Remarkably (Design and Brand) Baker McKenzie (legal support) Uoyds (event and training space) George House Trust (training space) Debbie Taffler and Friends (brand origin) Please see the f inancial accounts for further information. 6. Priorities for 202&2026 Servl¢e Delivery 1. Sunday Sanctuary (Autumn 2025 launch) A physical and online space for LGBTQ+ people to access community, belonging and mental wellness support, on a when many other services are closed. The otter will comprise Coach, therapi and facilitator led workshops on everything from building resilience to ageing. Creative and fun playshops to help you reore or rebuild your mental wellness from mindfulness with puppies to storytellirvJ Peer supwrt groups wowde(I by local groups charities Expert-led discussions on issues which impact our community and mental wellness A place to unwind. meet friends, and leave restored All services will be offered free or at low cost, ensuring accessibility regardless of financial means. 2. Wellness In the Workspace and Employees Assislance Programma (Autumn I Winter 2025) Developed and delivered ty qualified, accredtted, and experienced coaches and therapists who have lived and learned experience of the corporate, voluntary, and public sector. our leaming space workshops and webinars will seek to explore and supp)rt the wellness of your team wrthin work and life with a focus on restoring or building better mental health. Our Employee Assiance Programme will be an additional off er to organisations existing EAP schemes with a focus on prevention l early action mental health SUPfM)rt for LGBTQ+ employees comprisin9 culturally competent therapy. coaching, and workshops.
- Digital Resource Hub - (>Tlme {Spring 2026) Live online mental wellbeing sessions for LGBTQ+ adults nationwide- this is based on the belief that we all need to make Quality Time to restore and ensure our mental health. Join us lor coach. therapist and facilitator-led sessions designed to help you build the skills and strength to overcome challenges. A gentle mix of leamirKJ-based workshops. mindful and creativity playshops, discussion and communty - when you need it most. Access to a free digital resource hub, where you can download wellbeing tools and recordings of our mo popular workshops. A space to learn. reflect. connect, and f1 9JPFM)rted.
- Declaration This report was approved by the Trustees of Queerwell on: 22 January 2026 Signed: Name: Andre Flichards Role: Treasurer Date: 22 January 2026
| queerwell: consolidated statement of financial activities | queerwell: consolidated statement of financial activities |
|---|---|
| for the fiscal year ending 05 April 2025 | |
| Unrestricted funds Restricted funds YE 24/25 YE 23/24 £ £ £ £ |
|
| Income from: Donations |
590.00) 2,900.00) 3,490.00) 0.00) |
| Charitable activities 1,055.00) 0.00) 1,055.00) 0.00) Speaking 0.00) 0.00) 0.00) 0.00) GiftAID 252.50) 0.00) 252.50) 0.00) Other Income 0.01) 0.00) 0.01) 0.00) Investments 0.00) 0.00) 0.00) 0.00) Total Income 1,897.51) 2,900.00) 4,797.51) 0.00) Expenditures on: Raising funds 1 1,108.92) 0.00) 1,108.92) 0.00) Charitable activities 2 0.00) 2,313.50) 2,313.50) 0.00) Total Expenditure 1,108.92) 2,313.50) 3,422.42) 0.00) Net (expenditure) / income 788.59) 586.50) 1,375.09) 0.00) |
1,055.00) 0.00) 1,055.00) 0.00) 0.00) 0.00) 0.00) 0.00) 252.50) 0.00) 252.50) 0.00) 0.01) 0.00) 0.01) 0.00) 0.00) 0.00) 0.00) 0.00) |
| 1,897.51) 2,900.00) 4,797.51) 0.00) |
|
| 1,108.92) 2,313.50) 3,422.42) 0.00) |
|
| 788.59) 586.50) 1,375.09) 0.00) |
|
| Reconciliation of funds Total funds brought forward Total funds carried forward |
789.00) 587.00) 1,375.09) 0.00) |
| 789.00) 587.00) 1,375.09) 0.00) |
|
| Notes |
Notes
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1 Amount comprises all aspects of charity set-up, including insurance, licensing and fundraising fees
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2 Expenses tied to pilot programme
FINAL: as of 11APR25