# **Charity No. 1214984 ANNUAL REPORT & ACCOUNTS** _Should you require this report to be presented in a different format/manner please contact the charity on 07395 962072_ ## **WHAT IS THOMAS’S FUND?** Thomas’s Fund benefits the public through the provision of Music Therapy to support children/young people’s development; preserve and protect good health and enrich the lives and experiences of the most vulnerable children/young people (aged 0 to 19 yrs) in Northamptonshire, who have a lifelimiting or life-threatening diagnosis, or disability with multiple complex needs, resulting (for medical reasons) in being unable to attend school (or an Early Years setting) for prolonged periods, often leaving them isolated. **Charity No. 1214984** > pg. **1** ## **WELCOME** ## **Welcome to our Annual Report - 25 to 26!** I hope that you enjoy finding out about everything that our amazing Music Therapy Team and, incredibly dedicated, team of volunteers have achieved! I, also, hope that the comments and evaluations, from the families whose lives are touched by our sessions, support why it is essential that our charity continues well past its 20th birthday (next year). You will find many individuals, groups and organisations, who are thanked throughout this report. I would like to thank everyone mentioned too. Without the kindness and support of everyone, within these pages, there is no way that we could raise the amount required to run our service. When we set up, in 2007 we needed approximately £10,000 per year - to run the service that we provided then. Due to an expanded service at home; across the community and in hospitals and Neonatal departments (coupled with increased fuel costs) we are now looking at needing at least £120,000 per year - to offer our service across Northamptonshire. I am so grateful that we have managed to keep going, for so long, but am constantly aware of the need to ‘future-proof’ Thomas’s Fund within today’s shifting sands. ## **JAN HALL - CO-FOUNDER & CHAIR** For this reason (and following advice) a lot of our time and energy, this year, has been spent on changing the legal structure of Thomas’s Fund to that of a ‘Charitable Incorporated Organisation’ (CIO). This is why, the more ‘eagle-eyed’ amongst you will have noticed that our charity number ( _formerly 1123075_ ) has changed to **1214984** . In all other ways, our charity and service is exactly the same. Thank you so much for reading this and thanks for your support. **Jan p.s.** I would just like to add that one of our, highly valued and supportive, Trustees - Laura Clarke - received an MBE, at Windsor, this year. Well done Laura! > pg. pg. **22** ## **THOMAS’S FUND’S MUSIC THERAPY TEAM REPORT 2025 – 2026 COMPILED BY ESTHER MITCHELL -** ## **COMPILED BY ESTHER MITCHELL - LEAD MUSIC THERAPIST** > pg. **3** ## **INTRODUCTION** 2025 – 2026 has been a busy year for Thomas’s Fund. The therapy team – myself, Lynn Connor and Miranda Bray, have continued to work across the Community, with sessions in the home; our group project across County; weekly sessions on the children’s wards (at Kettering and Northampton General Hospitals) and continued development of our NICU Music Therapy Project. We have been hugely fortunate, this year, to have ongoing funding from the National Lottery Community Fund grant; support from Northants Community Foundation with grants from the Queens Institute Fund and Cecil Pettit Legacy Fund and support from the Albert Hunt Trust all supporting clinical work. In February we, also, began new work - supported by the Radcliffe Trust and a further grant from the D’Oyly Carte Fund. With increasing time needed for project management, we have worked hard to seek core funding and were delighted to have (in addition to support from the Masonic Charitable Trust - our final year of 3 year funding), funds from the Postcode Lottery, which has supported both the Lead Music Therapy post and financial administration. Whilst grant funding is absolutely vital, we could not continue without donations from our community, across Northamptonshire - people who go out of their way to think of, and initiate, wonderful fundraising events to support our work (often topping up or even match funding grants). Without this help projects would, at times, not happen. This year has seen an increase in our Neonatal Music Therapy work, with a pilot on Northampton General’s Gossett Ward. NICU Music Therapy is only in its early development within the UK, with work mostly taking place in the large children’s hospitals, such as Great Ormond Street Hospital. Our work, now spans across the whole County and is therefore really groundbreaking, especially as it is paired with support into the home and the community postdischarge. This provides wrap-around support for many. > pg. **4** With a growing interest, amongst our team, around Cerebral Visual Impairment (CVI) and the realisation that this affects a number of individuals referred to us, Thomas’s Fund mounted an online ‘CVI Training Morning’ with Janet Harwood (Visual Impairment Specialist and Chair of the CVI Society). This event was attended by parents and professionals, with recordings sent out to those who could not make it on the day. We have since, with the support of volunteers, funded and had made 6 orange tents for use within therapy and for loan to families, who have children with CVI, to support with visual processing and sensory regulation. > pg. **5** **THE NUMBERS** **From April 1st 2025 to March 31st 2026** Sometimes, as in any service of this type, sessions do not/cannot take place. Over the year, this has averaged out to be around 3 to 4 per week across the service. This might be due to the child/ young person being unwell; falling asleep just before the session or at an appointment. Indeed, sometimes the Music Therapist, themselves, might be unwell. Where feasible, where a face to face session is not possible, our therapists will offer an alternative online session or will provide video material or suggestions for activities during the week. To maximise the efficiency of our service, we encourage early communication if a session needs to be cancelled. However, it is worth noting that 11 sessions were cancelled, with no notice and no reason given. > pg. **6** Community referrals this year have come predominantly through North Northamptonshire’s ‘SEND Support Team’ and ‘Community Nursing Team’; through West Northamptonshire’s ‘Inclusion and Intervention Support Team’ (IIST) and Community Nursing Team; through the Macmillan Children’s Nurse and via the Neonatal and Play Teams in the hospitals. In addition, parents/carers, who have heard about our work, have submitted referrals. Individuals referred continue to have a range of conditions, from chromosomal disorders to degenerative conditions; varying cancer diagnoses and severe forms of epilepsy. Those seen, within the hospital wards and the neonatal work, are prioritised for support due to their level of vulnerability; difficulties with treatment; pain issues and anxiety. Those seen, as part of the group project, include individuals with a range of complex needs, communication difficulties and developmental delay. Therapists continue to travel considerable distances to provide therapy in the home, hospital and community throughout the week. Over this year, the team travelled around 13,665 miles. Whilst we try our best to keep travel to a minimum (to reduce both costs and the environmental impact of our work), we also do our best to fit around families’ schedules – e.g. with regard to parents who work and other appointments. By necessity, due to the nature of our service, Thomas’s Fund’s Music Therapists often spend a considerable amount of their days in the car between sessions. > pg. **7** ## **WORK IN THE HOME** Over this financial year we have had 27 community referrals (which is more than usual). These are for individuals who are out of school, or of pre-school age, who meet our criteria. Referrals include: - more families choosing to home-school their children - with very complex needs - who, they feel, are too vulnerable to be in school children/young people with ‘Education Other Than At School’ (EOTAS) packages individuals who are awaiting a school place those who are at home following surgery those of pre-school age. Therapists continue to offer individuals, referred for work in the home, an initial 4 week assessment, a detailed assessment report and a subsequent block of up to 10 weekly sessions followed by a final therapy report. Team members liaise with other professionals working with the child and attend annual reviews; the ‘Team around the Family’ and ‘Children in Need’ meetings (where they can - balancing these needs with their case work). > pg. **8** EVALUATION To monitor and improve the effectiveness of our service and to be able to provide feedback to funders, we request evaluation (through post-session questionnaires) from clients, where feasible, or from parents/carers at intervals during therapy. WORK IN THE HOME Pre-session PogfE-g(&&8gOofft in excitement! Level of anxiety + a retained state of relaxation and happiness Ooh Level of anxiety Parentlcarers did obsern￿ 8 20% increase in tiredness post-session (which is understandable when individuals often put a great deal of effort into active play, attention and processing during sessions - with 1.1 support often feelingquite intense). These findings reflected that the children/young people's mood states changed from pre to post therapy. pg.9 Parents/carers completingthe, more detailed, telephone questionnaire (atthe end of a blockof therapy) observed significant changes in howtheir children engaged within sessions. Start of block of Music Therapy Childfyoung person not communlcatlng with intent. WORK End of block of IN THE HOME Music Therapy INTHE 100% Childfyoung person communicatingwith intent. He was veryquiet to begin with but, definitely, more communicative towards the end. 100% of respondents felt that their children were interacting more than usual at the end of therapy. She couldn't W8it for the sessions. Music therapy was a great distraction, i.e. helping with kneeling. 75% of parents and carers obseNed an increase in physical movement andlor Covordination. He re81ly changed tOW8rds the end of the sessions. He loved the drums. 100% of respondents, who rnplled to questions around pain, felt that music therapy supported a reduction in pain. I felt m8ssive improvement. She is like a different child after the sessions. Her skills grew. She started showing emotion. He does suffer pain [but] music, definitely. is a good distraction. pg. 10 Whilst parents and carers know their children better than anyone, at times they do, very understandably, need a little support in reading some non-verbal cues and in seeing what their children ARE doing. In music therapy we focus very much on what a child is able to do and are always keen to verbalise what they are seeing and to support parents in helping their children move to a new level of development, where possible. Modelling ways of supporting children in making choices; in having time to process and respond to what is being asked; in how to position objects to encourage a child to work their weaker side or to hear their own sounds or actions when given space within a focused environment can all make a huge difference for children and young people and also for parents/carers in feeling they can support their children. In this way parents/carers are able to see how their children can make choices; can initiate interaction; can take control and can develop vital communication, social, cognitive and physical skills. > pg. **11** For some, music therapy is not about developing skills, it is purely, and vitally a space in which a child can express and process some very difficult emotions. They can feel heard (whether they are verbal; have no words or even have no ability to make vocal sounds) and can explore something of their inner emotional world- supporting an increase in mental wellbeing and quality of life. > pg. **12** ## **CASE STUDY - WORK IN THE HOME** ## **BY LYNN CONNOR - MUSIC THERAPIST** Music therapy was offered to H, aged five, following a number of difficult medical experiences. Sessions were attended by H alongside his Mum, Nan and younger sibling. The aim of the work was to help H develop musical tools for self-expression; strengthen his confidence and resilience and support positive shared experiences with his family through music. From the beginning, music provided a motivating medium for H. He showed great curiosity about instruments and often asked thoughtful questions about how they worked. Music therapy also became a space for imaginative play. H frequently transformed instruments into “engines” that produced sound and energy. Over time, he began to sing more; compose his own songs and plan group improvisations with his family. H communicated clearly both verbally and through music. He often narrated his actions during sessions and confidently explained his musical ideas. Over time he increasingly invited others into his musical play and began sharing instruments and musical experiences with his younger sibling. A wide range of emotions were present during the sessions. Pride, humour and frustration were frequently seen, alongside moments where H was able to safely express vulnerability. In particular, I felt he showed much vulnerability while singing, using music as a way to express feelings that may have been difficult to communicate in other ways. H appeared to value the sessions, engaging consistently and showing enthusiasm. Music became a meaningful shared language between H, his family and I, supporting communication; emotional expression and connection. > pg. **13** ## **GROUP WORK IN THE COMMUNITY** The Thomas’s Fund County-Wide Group project has continued into its second year (funded now by the Lottery Community Fund), providing blocks of 10 weeks of group music therapy to pre-school children, with additional needs, across Northamptonshire. In addition, a further project started in February of this year, providing support to individuals, both in the home and in groups, following grants from the Radcliffe Trust and the D’oyly Carte Charitable Trust. This has enabled us to develop, in addition to our work with pre-existing groups, a group for children we have seen or are seeing on a 1:1 basis in the home. The group, taking place at Pen Green in Corby, is supporting individuals with complex needs who have had very little social opportunity to date. > pg. **14** Over this year we have had the pleasure of working with Daventry Hill School ‘Sensations’ Group and the ‘Stay and Play’ Group, at Pen Green in Corby. Monthly groups run in Wellingborough and Irthlingborough (facilitated by the SEND Support team in North Northants) and the West Northants new Family Hubs with new independent music therapy groups in both Towcester and currently Kingsthorpe, Northampton. Over this year 37 group sessions have taken place, with 69 children accessing the groups. Sessions are structured to include a range of musical activities, focused on development of early communication and social skills, with opportunities for taking turns, listening, sharing, taking the lead and choice-making all built into each session. Some activities remain the same each week, to support individuals in gaining confidence within predictable activities they know. Repetition also supports parents/carers in seeing just how much their children are developing. > pg. **15** ## **EVALUATION** These sessions provide, for some children attending the group, one of the first experiences of interacting with others their age and also provide a crucial opportunity (for parents/carers who often feel very isolated - living much of their lives at home supporting their children with complex needs) to meet other parents, with similar experiences, and to forge supportive relationships. > pg. **16** Esther is very wann and friendly. E has a lack of concentration and gets distracted very easily. However, Esther was very helpful in supporting us when we needed it. E responded, really well, to the sessions. He really enjoyed the shakers. [par8nt/c8rer] S is currently 11 months old but is developmentally delayed. During the session, we nOti￿d a positive change in his engagement and overall demeanour. He appeared more stimulated and responsive, which was really encouraging to see. We feel the session was beneficial for him and provided a good level of stimulation. We were very happy with how he was supported throughout. [parent/carer] Thanks for yesterday. It's the first time F hasn't cried shouted and clung to me in a group so amazing to see! tparent/carer] pg. 17 ## **HOSPITAL WORKING** During the course of this year, 199 sessions have taken place on the wards at Northampton and Kettering with 148 individuals aged 0 – 17 being seen. Work continues to be mostly one-off sessions but there are individuals, staying in both hospitals more long-term, who have accessed several weekly sessions - with some, then, being referred for more long-term support, within the community, upon discharge. Individuals are referred to Miranda and Lynn, on their arrival on the wards each week, with those with complex needs and life-limiting conditions prioritised for sessions but with the therapists, also, supporting individuals struggling with anxiety; those with acute mental health problems and individuals coping with pain issues. At times therapists are, also, called in to provide music therapy to support individuals through specific treatments. The work consists mostly of 1:1 sessions but, occasionally, group working is feasible. Following the group work Lynn did in Northampton General Hospital, as part of National Lottery Open Week in March 2025, she has recently started to offer a weekly open group session within the Activities room on Paddington Ward. > pg. **18** We feel very fortunate that Thomas's Fund provide music therapy on the children's wards at Northampton General Hospital. Their work makes such a difference to the children and young people in our care, and provides opportunities for self- expression, relaxation and comfort during what can be a stressful time. Some of our patients spend a long time with us, and having weekly sessions from Lynn is something they can look foNard to each week and becomes part of their routine. This is a vital service that we would otherwise not be able to offer without the support of Thomas's Fund, and we really appreciate everything they do. [Emma Fee, Play Team Lead Northampton General Hospital] When I hear that instrument, it makes me tinglel I feel goodl pg. 19 EVALUATION Of those receiving Music Therapyg who were able to complete evaluations MUSIC THERAPYSESSIONS in the HOSPITALS 100 % I have proactively joined in with sessions through playing, talking, singing and listening. Pre-session Po&t-g@É&tOo of individuals stated theywere in ain pre- session, 33% ere bored , were worried. dividuals felt, understandably, shy during sessions. 100 % stated they were happy afterwards, with 66 % also feeling excited and 33 % feeling relaxed. No more negative emotions were felt post- session. pg. 20 She was looKing forward to the session all day. It has really bnghtened her day. tP8rent of child inpatient long-teffli on wardl OLL.E CJNOPC.'NH,- Music therapy hits the right note un sters usic Therapy, on Skylark Ward, continues to be hugely beneficial to the patients that Iliranda visits. a team, We are immenselyproud to be able to offer this service to our patients and their families. It is a highly anticipated day of the week for our frequent attenders and long.term patients• as it becomes part of their routine that provides a therapeutic outlet that is non-medical. pg. 21 ## **CASE STUDY - WORK IN THE HOSPITAL** ## **BY LYNN CONNOR - MUSIC THERAPIST** T, a teenager, engaged positively in a music therapy session while receiving chemotherapy. Despite the clinical environment and length of treatment, she showed strong motivation to participate and interact musically. T chose to play the keyboard, performing her preferred songs. The session then developed into a lengthy period of improvisation. T explored the large resonant tongue drum while I supported on the keyboard. This created a responsive and collaborative musical interaction, allowing T to express herself freely. T appeared to enjoy the session throughout, demonstrating sustained attention, musical engagement, and emotional responsiveness. She told me that the session had helped her that afternoon. Both T and her mother expressed gratitude at the end of the session. Music therapy provided T with not only a positive distraction from the medical procedure, but also opportunities for choice, control, and selfexpression. Additionally, the emotional support within this challenging treatment context was welcomed. This session highlights the value of a one-off music therapy in Hospital Settings. Even during intensive treatment such as chemotherapy, music therapy can enhance wellbeing, reduce distress, and create moments of connection, enjoyment, and emotional relief. > pg. **22** ## **CASE STUDY - WORK IN THE HOSPITAL** ## **BY MIRANDA BRAY - MUSIC THERAPIST** J was an 11-year-old boy with complex disabilities who was admitted to hospital while awaiting an appropriate care package. He spent an extended period on the ward with limited access to stimulating and expressive activities. J was referred to music therapy to support engagement, provide meaningful stimulation, and offer opportunities for self-expression during his hospital stay. From the outset, J showed a strong interest in music, particularly in creating DJstyle tracks. Thus far J has had 5 music therapy sessions on the hospital ward. J was invited to engage in music therapy through singing, songwriting, and the use of music technology, including creating and layering beats. Sessions were both structured and child-led, allowing J to explore his musical preferences while developing his own creative ideas. Some of J’s progression includes: **Self-expression** : J demonstrated a clear enthusiasm for expressing himself through music technology. He independently selected sounds, built layers, and structured his own DJ-style tracks. These sessions provided him with a meaningful outlet to communicate his preferences, identity, and creativity in a way that was accessible and motivating. **Engagement and stimulation** : J showed high levels of engagement throughout sessions, remaining focused and motivated while creating his music. The interactive and sensory nature of music technology appeared to increase his alertness and participation, providing valuable cognitive and emotional stimulation during his time on the ward. **Social connection** : J was eager to share his creations with others, often inviting staff and peers to listen to his tracks. This created opportunities for positive social interaction and helped foster a sense of pride and connection within the ward environment. > pg. **23** ## **THE NICU PROJECT** This year has seen further development in our Neonatal Music Therapy service, with extension of our work in Kettering and North Northants into West Northants. We were thrilled to be awarded further funding from the Albert Hunt Trust and, in July, commenced a 6 month pilot on Gossett Neonatal Unit at Northampton General Hospital. The pilot was another huge success, with evaluation from both parents and staff members overwhelmingly positive. In total Miranda, our qualified NICU Music Therapist, has seen 116 infants and 129 parents/carers during sessions on the units, in the home and the community, providing 310 sessions in total. Presentation of the pilot evaluation to Child Directorate management and the ward Matron was warmly received and the NICU has since applied for, and been awarded funding from the hospital charitable funds to support towards ongoing ½ day per week NICU Music Therapy. > pg. **24** Thomas’s Fund is now working hard along with both hospitals to raise the funds needed to provide ongoing music therapy on both neonatal units – Kettering and Northampton, continuation of the ongoing 1:1 music therapy sessions in the home, the NICU music therapy group in the Community in the North, and, it is hoped, a further extension to provide a further NICU Music Therapy group in West Northants, enabling Thomas’s Fund to provide an equitable NICU Music Therapy service across the County. NICU music therapy supports the infant’s physiological and psychological development, increasing relaxation, oxygen saturation, sensory regulation and sensitivity to sound amongst other benefits, whilst supporting a decrease in heart rate. Infants attending music therapy were noted to be in quiet alert, active alert, drowsy states, or asleep post session. No babies have ended sessions in distress. In addition to support for the infant, NICU Music Therapy promotes parents/infant interaction and positive attachment. Miranda works alongside every parent to support them in developing an understanding of early infant cues of engagement, which is vital in supporting shared interaction at times when the infant is ready and able to engage. > pg. **25** EVALUATION Parents/Carers NICU Evaluation NICU MUSIC THERAPY ItmitTffl100 % 11 we have noted that my/our baby interacted more during sessions. Ilwe have noted confident body language and active engagement. lTrTrTrm100% ,,-. , ,,.-.. ,. ..,.,, .,..,.,,,.. llwe felt confident interacting with our baby inlafter the sessions. Staff Evaluation ttttth100% I thlnk that Muslc Therapy 1$ good for bondlng, posltlve stlmulatlon and relaxatlon. I feel that It Is a benef 6clal Interventlon for both Infants and parents/carers. pg.26 The NICU music therapy group continues to provide a vital space for parents to meet with their infants, to support their babies with development of early communication and social skills. The world outside of the NICU unit can feel very daunting upon discharge and meeting other parents with similar experiences is vitally important for parents – the NICU music therapy group therefore provides a safe, nurturing environment. 1:1 sessions in the home support infants with more complex needs on discharge from hospital, allowing parents more time to develop confidence in engaging in shared pre-verbal interaction with their infants, supporting further parent/infant bonding whilst also supporting cognitive and physical development and providing continued physiological support to the infant. During this year, Miranda has found that the provision of 1:1 therapy in the home often coincided with sleep time for the infant. She has therefore moved these sessions to online, enabling her to be more flexible in supporting infants at times that suit them. > pg. **27** EVALUATION Additionally, the sessions appeared to stabilise their heart rates and breathing, as evidenced by more consistent readings on the NICU monitors. One of my twins initialty disliked touch, reacting negatively to routine care like temperature checks or deaning. However, through Ihe massage sessions and additsonal practice, she grew to tolerate and even enjoy touch, which significantly eased her ongoing care. Miranda was brilliant at adapting sessions to each twin's cues and needs. For example, when one twin showed discomfort with neck massage by tuming away, Miranda adjusted her approach until it was tolerated. When they were distressed due to bad constipation, she tsilored the massage to hdp. My t￿in daughters, bom at 30 weeks, spent 9 weeks in the NICU, during which they attended multiple music therapy and baby massage sessions. These sessions were incredibly beneficial for both my babies and me. I noticed signfficant positive effects on my twins. They often appeared more alert, wrth increased head-tuming and eye contact. When unsettled, the therapy calmed them, reduced grimacing (they have very expressive facesl), and hel￿d them to sleep. I noticed that, during massage, they would often stretch or extend their amis or legs in resp)nse to touch, indicating enjoyment. pg. 28 str￿ dosdy monitored vital signs, ensuring positive effects and adjusting rf one of them showed discomfort. During one session, the twins were particularly unwell with txonchiolitis post-RSV. They were back in an incubator, on breathing suppor( and highly stressed, with elevated heart rate, increased work of breathing, and frequent desaturations arKI bradycardia episodes. Miranda adapted the session, focusing on containment hok11￿ and genlle singing instead of active massage with one ofthe twins who was more unwell. This had a calming effect, observed through body language and stabilised oxygen saturation and heart rate on the monitors. The sessions were a lifeline for me as a parenL In the overwhelming NICU environment, they brought joy and nomialcy, tecoming my favourite part of the week. They reduced my anxiety, hdped me bo￿1 and connect with my babies, and made a challenging experience more bearable. Miranda's compassionate, individualised approach made these sessions truly special. Since retuming home, I have tinued with the massage structure advised by Miranda alongside the singing and continue to noti￿ positive effects noted above, induding my t¥Mns reaching out to my face and smilirKJ at times. Miranda has discussed arranging some sessions at home which l am really boking forward to. renvcared pg. 29 ## **CASE STUDY - NICU WORK** ## **BY MIRANDA BRAY - MUSIC THERAPIST** ## **Background** Twin girls born at 30 weeks gestation spent nine weeks in the NICU and received regular music therapy and parent-guided infant massage sessions during their admission. ## **Intervention** Sessions incorporated responsive live singing, containment holding, and structured infant massage. Interventions were adapted according to each infant’s behavioural cues and physiological stability (heart rate, oxygen saturation, respiratory effort). Parent coaching was integrated throughout to promote confidence and carryover at home. ## **Music Therapist observed and parent-reported outcomes included:** Increased alertness, eye contact, and orienting responses Reduced distress behaviours and improved settling Stabilised heart rate and breathing during sessions Positive sensory engagement (stretching into touch) Improved tolerance of touch in a twin who initially demonstrated hypersensitivity - Reduced anxiety Increased confidence Strengthened bonding Mum noted that strategies introduced have continued at home, with ongoing positive infant engagement and social responsiveness. **----- Start of picture text -----**
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## **CONCLUSION** As we near the year end and bring together the statistics, I am always amazed at how many individuals we have supported within therapy and also how many family members have been involved in sessions. One of our many strengths as a team, working with the incredible, universal power of music, is our ability to, not only work with individuals with a huge range of needs, but also to support them, where appropriate, with family members.Engaging parents within sessions to support young children, supporting them in developing confidence in using the music medium and taking elements of what we do outside of sessions enables the benefits of using music as a therapeutic tool, as we do to support changes in communication, neurological, physical and cognitive development to happen that much quicker. It has been wonderful this year to see our service expand further with developments in the NICU Music Therapy work and its extension across County, and the group project supporting engagement with new organisations and groups, enabling us to raise further awareness of Thomas’s Fund and the benefits of music therapy. Demand for Thomas’s Fund’s 1:1 therapy has grown considerably over this year, with unprecedented referral levels reflecting the ongoing need for our service (and the value that those, repeatedly referring, place on music therapy as a valid, evidence-based treatment tool). I would like to take this opportunity, as always, to thank-on behalf of the therapy team- the incredible, ever present, support offered to us by Jan Hall (Chair) and the Board of Trustees - with particular mention to Lucy Smith, (Fundraising Lead); Ros Wooding and her team of volunteers; Laura Clarke (Safeguarding Lead); Sue Westall (our ever-patient Treasurer) and Perry Hall, a volunteer, who works behind the scenes tirelessly to support Jan and all at Thomas’s Fund. Thomas’s Fund could not exist without its dedicated team of therapists and I would also like to thank Lynn and Miranda for their ongoing work and for going the extra mile to support families, in listening and signposting, to liaise with professionals and to support the continued development of Thomas’s Fund. **C Esther Mitchell Lead Music Therapist** **Thanks to Esther, for working so hard to collate all the information and data for this report.** > pg. **31** ## **THOMAS’S FUND ANNUAL FUNDRAISING REPORT APRIL 2025 – MARCH 2026 BY LUCY SMITH - FUNDRAISING COORDINATOR** What a busy year we have had again, fundraising and raising awareness of Thomas’s Fund. I would like to thank everyone once again as, after 19 years, we are still growing strong. This is down to the amazing people who support us, and our volunteers, trustees and ambassadors, who all do such an amazing job. We have had lots of support from local choirs including ‘Long Buckby Choir’ who have chosen to support Thomas’s Fund this year. They have already held two concerts, with proceeds raised donated, and another concert planned for the summer of 2026. ‘The Shoe Town Big Band’ have also held, another, concert for Thomas’s Fund. Trevor Dyson organised a terrific concert, for our charity, this year performed by the ‘NMPAT Sinfonietta’. Thanks go to ‘Singing for All Choir’, who have donated their closing funds to us. Thanks, also, go to Jay Lucas (Trustee) and his family and friends, who celebrated 25 versions of their ‘Six Go’…shows by presenting a fabulous show, in Wellingborough, titled ‘Six at 25’ (and their annual Christmas show too!) in aid of us. More, brilliant fundraising concerts were organised by Ian Lavender. We are so grateful to all of these hardworking organisers and singers for supporting our charity. We really love these musical connections. Boughton Village Hall and Boughton Pocket Park merged to organise ‘Carols Around the Tree’ and collections were raised for us. ‘Rotary Club Kettering Huxloe’ chose to support several charities (with Thomas’s Fund being one of the choices) at their summer concert, so we are thankful to them too. We are grateful to ‘Wellingborough Technical Players’ too for their support. Once again, we were grateful to have the fundraising help of ‘Owen’s Troopers’ at a ‘Star Wars Day’ event. > pg. **32** DID 21, Pi(1 ITr W45TO pg. 33 ‘Dance ‘til Dawn and Nigel’ have been amazing supporters, again, this year and we are always grateful for the ongoing support from Dawn, Nigel and the generous dancers, who attend their dances (particularly Belinda, who donated the most beautiful quilt that she’d sewn to be auctioned for us and those who helped with the CVI orange tents too). Thanks to, regular supporters, Duston Village Bakery who, along with the annual support from the Christmas raffle and the carrier bag fees, also celebrated 100 years with a big raffle on their celebration day. Weston Favell shopping centre celebrated 50 years and made a generous donation to our charity. St Crispins Club invited Thomas’s Fund again to another Disco Bingo, which is immensely popular, and donated funds from the raffle and the bingo too. Welland Valley Cycle Club once more donated some funds raised at their annual Sportive, organised by Macmillan charity. Tim Forster Guitars got in touch with us last year about a collaboration to raise funds for us and has kindly been donating regularly from sales of merchandise on his website. Thanks, too, to Darren Copson (Promor). Once again regulars, Wellingborough Buffs, kindly donated to Thomas’s Fund following the sad death of Bob, who was such a keen supporter. Thanks to the families of Richard Cooper, Rose Harrison and David Cook (the father of our Lead Music Therapist Esther Mitchell), who all sadly died this year, asking for donations to be made in their memory. We are always humbled when families support us at such a sad time for them. Thanks to individuals who also chose to support Thomas’s Fund; Becca West kindly donated 3 paintings which were sold in aid of our charity and Mrs Pailton, who generously donated as well. Many thanks to Dan Gray and Stuart Frost who took on the massive challenge of cycling from John O’ Groats to Land’s End with sponsorship for Thomas’s Fund. Thanks to Croughton Square and Compass Club, who donated from their fundraising efforts during the year. I met Dave Crossley, who is involved in the club (which is affiliated with the Masonic organisation), a few years ago at a talk in his lodge. We are also grateful to supporters who donate monthly and to the players of The Giving Lottery and those who use Easy Giving. > pg. **34** VILLAGE . BOUGHTON HOUSE _ fl I. pg.35 360 Play at Rushden Lakes invited us along to promote the fund and I was invited to talk about the charity at Daventry Tuesday Fellowship. I was also incredibly delighted to be invited to Windsor Castle, a reception and concert with The King, to celebrate supporters of music across the country. I was fortunate to meet and chat extensively to Katie Derham, from The BBC Proms. She seemed very interested in all that our charity do. Thanks to volunteer Richard Tomalin and trustee Ros Wooding who organised and manned the stall at the Northampton Balloon Festival, along with other volunteers too. Also huge thanks to Jan (Chair) and Perry Hall who organised and manned a stall at The Homes and Garden stall at Boughton House, both in the summer and at Christmas too. Jan and Perry are the engine behind the scenes and work incredibly hard promoting the fund in all sorts of ways. Perry produces our monthly newsletter which goes out to over 300 supporters every month. We are grateful to all the grant makers who support us. Thanks to The Radcliffe Trust; The D’Oyly Carte Charitable Trust; The Postlethwaite Music Foundation; The Northampton Trefoil Guild; The Northamptonshire Community Fund (who promote and manage grants from The Queens Institute Fund; Cecil Pettit and Albert Trust). Many thanks to both The National Lottery Community Fund and GlobalGiving. These grants are all applied for and managed by our Lead Music Therapist, Esther Mitchell. Thanks to Esther for all the hard work involved in applying and reporting on these. We are now looking forward to next year, during which we will start to celebrate our 20th anniversary! > pg. **36** ## **THOMAS’S FUND LEGAL & ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION** Charity number 1214984 Registered Address: c/o 4, Poplar Street, Wellingborough Northants NN8 4PL Governing Document Constitution ## Bankers CAF Bank Ltd. 25, Kings Hill Avenue Kings Hill West Malling Kent ME19 4JQ ## Ambassadors Sophie Baylis Andy Dickson Thomas Redmond Matt Redmond Jenni Smith Richard Tomalin Audrey Calvin Florence Kaiden ## Patrons Earl Spencer Andrew Collins Professor Andrew Williams Musical Patrons Jonathan Gunthorpe Damien Thantrey 3 John Bowman Infographics can be used as a marketing tool to increase brand awareness and showcase a company's expertise in a specific field. Independent Examiner Lorraine Scullion - MAAT ## Trustees Jan Hall - CHAIR 4 Lucy Smith -FUNDRAISING & PUBLICITY CO-ORDINATOR Laura Clarke - SAFEGUARDING LEAD Paul Parker - DEPUTY SAFEGUARDING LEAD Kate Tollan - SECRETARY TO THE COMMITTEE Ros Wooding - VOLUNTEER CO-ORDINATOR 5 Chris Featherstone - HEALTH AND SAFETY Cindy Baylis - TRUSTEE Jay Lucas - TRUSTEE (Appointed Oct 2024) Treasurer Sue Westall > pg. **37** ## In our efforts to keep our vital service going, each financial year, Thomas's Fund strives to maintain funds and sufficient cash flow for known commitments and the replacement of certain assets. Ideally, to ensure we can meet our commitments to the families and to maintain an exceptional team of Music Therapists (by providing as much job security as we can) Thomas’s Fund aims to hold, ideally, at least one year of anticipated running costs in our bank accounts. We feel that, should our incoming funds decrease drastically (as we are solely dependent on grants, donations and fundraising events for our income and as funding for the charitable sector is increasingly unpredictable year on year), this would allow us time in which to find, research and hopefully secure other funding streams - whilst still enabling us to provide our service (or to wind-down our service, sensitively, should funding not be secured). Our bank accounts include ‘Restricted Funds’ (that will vary year on year, dependent on grants secured) and ‘Designated Funds’. The Trustees should aim to ensure that the ‘Designated Funds’ comfortably cover 6 months of our work across the community and in hospitals (and related costs), taking any ‘restricted funding’ into account. Regarding our ‘Reserves’ (i.e. readily available money that has not been earmarked as ‘restricted’ or ‘designated’) our policy is this: **A** : We will aim to keep 6 months of running costs in our Reserves. (This would enable us to ‘top-up’ the six months of Designated Funds - to reach our goal of a year +) as stated at the beginning of this policy. **B** : We are aware that there might be additional funds required - to replace or renew instruments and equipment; to meet any sharp rises in fuel costs or/and to ‘future-proof’ the charity (by funding any additional training, equipment or professional costs incurred when meeting new requirements, initiatives or the lack of a voluntary alternative). Our Reserves Policy, therefore, is to aim to ensure that there is enough money, within our ‘Reserves’ to cover the amount of **A** and **B** combined, as predicted yearly by the Trustees. > pg. **38** ## As Jan said, in her ‘Chair’s Report’, Thomas’s Fund changed its legal status (in September 2025) from its original ‘charity’ status, with reference number 1123075, to a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) with reference number **1214984** . This was done, based on sound advice, and to ‘future-proof’ the charity as much as we can. Apart from our legal status, our service continues to operate exactly the same. Therefore, on the following pages you will see an overview, and examined accounts, for the two time periods that fell within the year covered by this report: **from 1st April to 16th September 2025** (during which time we were a regular Charity ref:1123075) and **from 17th September 2025 to 31st March 2026** (during which we were a CIO ref:1214984). > pg. **39** ## Our overall balance on the 1/4/2025 was £116,195. This was made up of our CAF Cash Account £63,540 and our CAF Gold Account £52,655 At the start of operating as a CIO (17/9/2025) Thomas’s Fund charity (ref:1123075) transferred all of its funds, £137,236, to Thomas’s Fund CIO (ref: 1214984) During the financial period, from 1/4/2025 to 16/9/2025, we raised £71,665 and our total expenditure was £50,624 Thomas's Fund (CIO) still has two CAF accounts and the balance, when entering CIO status on was 17/9/2025, £137,236, made up of: CAF Cash Account - £84,077 CAF Gold Account - £53,159 Thomas’s Fund was founded in 2007 (becoming a registered charity in 2008). It continues as Thomas’s Fund CIO (from September 17th 2025) but the service that we provide and the ways that we fund that service remain the same. Our hope, as we continue as a CIO, is that we can find sources of regular funding to aid the sustainability of the fund. Approved by the Board of Trustees, at a Committee Meeting held on 10/8/2026 and signed on their behalf **Jan Hall (Chair)** > pg. **40** nicrfiAS'S FUND Rw5tered Charky Nurn￿r 112307S P•p42 Pw41 RECEPTSAND PAYMENTSACCIJJNT ThOMAS'S FUND rered thartyNurnbw. 112 Forth? Peviod 1st .16S• rn￿r 202S I rewt Dn th￿a￿Dunt5Ofthecharityftr￿ PÈrndOL04.25-1&09.25,*thKhirESetLYrtOnt attKhed pa8e542 ro46. M.04.25- 1&0925 VnrDbtrlct•d R•btrfjcted 2025 Invjmo From Thetru5teesare respo￿ble forthe pieparatKn oftheX￿1sThefDtheesr￿l1erlbaIan 15 nlltiequiredforthisyear Undersect￿ 14411] of the(harrt￿A£t2uII and thatan Ir￿09 eKatninatiOll 15 nEeded. 40.407 1.353 57.$4S IrtEr8st 539 54.242 29242 1.771 It L4 Myrespo￿bIlitY1o'. 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J￿1 ch*uè Otrwcc6ts 710 678 475 475 297 425 1.278 I￿a*￿Er￿¢￿ Exarnkn*sStateM In conneaion with rny euminarion. rornauerhJ5uAneronryatthnDM.' 21.041 l. Whlch &¥es mereasonablecèusetobelthethatin anymateiial ie¥e£L thereqweTh*ffl&" Tokeep4cwuntyry recordsin JCC¢rd4n￿WithsectyoTh 130o*the ZOll* pg. **47** THOIAAS'S FUND R•￿teredC￿Nll￿bTrr 1214984 Pap49 RECEPTS AMD PAYMENTSACCCIINT ThOMAS'S FUND tharftableln¢0￿ornted C*$a￿5•y0￿￿l¥￿ber. 1214984 I rEPllrt on the aciounts of theCIOforthe perilld l7.09.25-aL.03.26,Vkithar￿S￿t(WJ￿￿ th attached ￿ge54$tO 52 Pevlod 17thSe mbw2025-31st klarGh 2026 17.O9.25. 31.03.26 Thetru5tEe5 arE re5POtb5ible forthE prep3TrtK￿ Df the*tOunts. Thet[￿tte5c￿￿ldÈrthItIn a￿lt Is Th)trequiredlorthisyearundersectKffi 144121 ofthechartt￿ACl2Oll andihai* eKarninatiOn 15 nEeded. 19.679 19.679 565 IrtW8%1 It ￿mYreSpOr￿￿litY1O.' ExèfrMnetheacJ.1 21.7e6 51.934 My ekmlnati0nwascaff￿d0UI 1Th￿rdarKe *ith ￿￿raId1￿tiC*￿gylert tytheCh¥ity Commis5￿n. 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