Mother ' ElblllllWNION Christian care for families Diocese of EIIZTh Chichester Reg. Charity No.249826 ANNUAL REPORT 2024 4• Patrons The Right Revd. Dr Martin Warner, Bishop of Chichester Andrew Blackman, Lord Lieutenant of East Sussex Lady Emma Barnard, Lord Lieutenant of West Sussex
CONTENTS Part 1: Annual Report 2024 Pages 1-13 Part 2: Annual Accounts 2024 Report of the Trustees Charity information Treasurer's Report Independent Examiner's Report Receipts and Payments account Statement of Assets and Liabilities Notes for the accounts
Annual Re ort 2024 Mothers, ChTl$tlan ¢aTe for famllles CtriiLNEs'i-Eft rJi0('L F. Introduction: 2024 is the last year of this triennium and was another busy year. We have continued to move fOard with our reimagining for the Branches through innovative ways including using Bitesize Metamorphosis. Members met together, sharing. and praying together. We had trustee meetings in person. and a quiet day. All our Diocesan Projects are continuing well. Our Worldwide Wave of Prayer seNices on 26th _28lh February were well attended by all. Maria Greco again produced a lovely service which went out to every member in the November edition of our Link magazine. We welcomed a new Editor for The Link, Mrs Maria Radford. Members started to embrace the national project "Rise Up" with the Spring Gathering on 4th May focussing on this. with a presentation from Kathryn Anderson (Provincial President), worship tailored to the subject and making Pea Doves. There were exciting highlights in 2024 with members meeting Her Majesty Queen Camilla and visiting Buckingham Palace for a Garden Party! On Thursday 28th March Patricia Barrett from St Michaels and All Angels Mothers. Union Lancing attended the Royal Maundy Service at Worcester Cathedral and received 2 purses of Maundy Money from Her Majesty Queen Camilla. Her Majesty Queen Camilla on a very rainy 161h May came to St Mary's Church, Rye, East Sussex. Her Majesty wanted to hear about local projects. I, Chris Emson, Shelley Jebb, Brenda Snashall and Kathy Redman, spoke to her about Away From It All holidays (AFIA), Ministry of Cake and Citizenship Ceremonies. Other local Charities were there, and it was a very special day for all involved. On Tuesday 21st May Linda Porter and her husband, Richard attended a Buckingham Palace Garden Party, in recognition of their work for AFIA. For Ihe last 10 years they have both cleaned, repaired and overseen the general maintenance of our Selsey caravan. They have done the meet and greet and been the first point of contact for the families who have been on holiday there. 111. 'Iy . Eastbourne Family Contact Centre (EFCC) has been run and funded by Mothers, Union for over 20 years. During the Covid pandemic of 2020 all the East Sussex and most of the West Sussex Family Contact Centres closed. EFCC was Ihe last one standing.
The trustees realised the need for a qualified Social Worker lo be employed at EFCC to meet the family's needs. It was accepted that whilst our membership volunteered at EFCC, we were not able to finance a qualified Social Worker. It was agreed to reach out olher similar Charities to share the project. The Chichester Diocesan Association for Family Support Work Charity (FSW) was the best choice as they employ Social Workers, and we have similar aims arld objectives. We went into partnership with FSW giving £5,000 per annum towards the cost and pay for Michelle Smart who became the EFCC Co-ordinator. FSW is a larger charily than ours and has the expertise to expand the much-needed work across both East and West Sussex Our trustees agreed unanimously that as the EFCC project became self-sufficient Mothers, Union would withdraw financial support in this project on 31st December 2024. Members still volunteer. Working in partnership with FSW has shown we are a stronger force for the love of Christ together. We have looked at different ways to fundraise, including Legacies and accessing funds outside of the membership for our main Di0san project. Away From11 All holidays (AFIA)- The members themselves have embraced "The Travelling Caravan" which has toured the Diocese this year. It has been a fun way to Fundraise! A model of a caravan was made from a shoe box and inside contained a map of the Diocese, AFIA leaflets and a diary. Members would hold an evenl for AFIA., have the caravan on display mark on the map where the caravan had been and write up the diary about the event and how much was raised. This helped raise awareness outside membership our wonderful project. 4r# In June we were again invited lo the South of England Show, in the Church Tent. We met there over a cup of tea the regional funding team for Barclays Bank. They were impressed enough to organise a fun event at East Grinstead where the Premier League Football Cups for bolh men and women were on display and supplied a wonderful raffle. All proceeds came to the AFIA project. Barclays have intimated they wish to continue supporting AFIA.
This year Pam Brooks a Diocesan Member was 90 years young. To celebrate this evenl, she decided to walk 90 miles for 90 years from 5th to 16th July, raising funds for the national project., Literacy in Burundi. She set off from our Selsey caravan. and walked 10 miles every day, with different members meeting up with her along the way. She finished her walk at our Winchelsea Caravan where she had lea and cake, and a restl It is a reminder to us thal age is just a number. Elections took pla through the year and a new Diocesan President was elected, Mrs Michele White and with her a new trustee board for the next triennial. We have during 2024 touched the lives with Christ's love of over 1700 adults and 700 children with our Diocesan Projects, that is hundreds of families. I have not included in these figures the number of lives touched by Branch projects across the iwo counties in the Chichester Diocese. Greater detail of the Diocesan projecls is written in this report by the Members and staff running them. Safeguarding: The society is committed to ensuring a safe environment for all. In 2023 we adopted the national Mothers, Union policy and procedures. Mothers, Union Diocese of Chichester has no serious incidents to report to the Charity Commission for the year 2024. Away From It All Holidays IAFIA): Christine Bright is our Di0san AFIA Lead- she reports.. - 2024 Has been another very successful year for AFIA with both caravans in full use throughout the summer months. Each year we open for the Easter holidays.. MarchlApril and close for the winter at the end of October after the half term holiday,. this gives us a holiday season of 26 weeks. Risk assessments have been done on both caravans as well as PAT (portable appliance testing) on the electrical appliances as well as Boiler setvicing. One of Ihe things to come out of the Risk assessment was the need for skirling round Ihe bottom of Ihe caravan at Selsey to prevent a child from crawling underneath. Winchelsea already has skirting installed when the veranda was added last year. l am awaiting a quote for the cost of Ihis from the site at Seal Bay. Selsey. The first guests stayed in both vans the week following easler weekend. Again, my very grateful thanks to Brenda Snashall and her team from Rye and to Linda and Richard Porter and the team from Selsey who week by week through the season meet and greet and sort out any problems as well as making sure the caravans are clean and tidy for the next family coming in. Winchelsea held 2 Open Days, on 241h April and 4th October.
On Saturday 20th April the Open Day was well supported by members from the Eastbourne District. We had been a little late inviting the Lord Lieutenant for East Sussex and other supporters from local Councillors, Churches and the Masons., it was agreed to hold another Open Day later in the year. Friday 4th October the Lord Lieutenant of East Sussex, Mr Andrew Blackman CStJ . met some ofthe team from Rye who run the Winchelsea Caravan, including Brenda Snashall, Chris Emson and Janet Sherwood. Supporters and outside Donors also came including Reverend Jonathon Meyer, Rector of the local parish Church. the Deputy Mayor of Rye, Mr Andrew Stuart. the Rothei District Council Rep. Cheryl Creaser and Mr David Oliver. from the local Masonic Lodge. 13 referred families sta ed at Winchelsea made up of 21 children and 15 adults. We also offer spaS in term time at a suggested donation of £25 per night. This has been taken up by 9 bookings at Winchelsea for 7 MU members, 2 families or friends of MU and 1 Vicar. Some for a full week. others for a few days or a weekend. 14 referred families to Selse made up of 28 children and 21 adults with quite a few single parent families at both sites. Just 3 bookings by MU members at Selsey. The families who are referred the breakdown for 2024 are as follows: _ Winchelsea 8 from The Chichester Di0san Association for Family Support Work (FSW), 1 from Social Worker Lewes, 1 from MU, 1 from slaff member in Church House, and I from a Key Worker. Selse , 1 from food bank. 1 from a children and family worker S. Andrew, 2 from a WSCC young carers key worker, 2 from Parish Priesls, and 2 Mothers, Union Members, with remaining 6 families from FSW. These are the breakdowns, but does it show the impact? In both caravans we leave a comment book. These give a belter idea of the impact of our holidays. Thank you so much for this get away. Me and my son's 1st ever holiday toqether. So was amazinq. Good Moming. We would like to thank you again for offering us this wonderful break. We, having a fanlastic time here and making a lot of happy memories. Kind Wishes Had a lovely time away. Thank you.
Some more comments from our guest books.. We are so grateful for the caravan holiday it is lovely inside. We have made some memories to last a lifetime. Best part was the outdoor kids play pa and indoor swimming pool, Ihank you had the best time. One 10 year old child wrote. The caravan is amazing with so much thought pul in wilh each touch - lego, films, games, buckets and spades - we had evenrthino needed. A very successful season, a few problems here and there but upholding our aim to help families in adversity. This project only works because of the oulstanding work done by Ihe local Branches to the caravans and certain members who are prepared to give of their time every week. Prisons: Scilla Page our Prison Liaison Officer reports= At HMP Ford, Claire Haine, the Lead Family Engagement Worker from Prison Advise and Care Trust (PACT), is firmly in charge and is well funded to lay on Family Days, buy toys and keep the paper and pencils stocked up. PACT also pay travelling expenses to volunteers. PACT is a Christian organisation. and prayers are sent round for volunteers to join in. 5 members of the Mothers Union continue to support family visits and family days at Ford Prison. My thanks to Diane Clack who has left after a long period of diligent service. We volunteer as part of the much larger PACT organisation, who run training and manage a team of 10 volunteers in Ford and teams in many other prisons in England. Signed Christmas cards were sent to both prisons. and MU was warmly thanked by the prisons, chaplaincies I would encourage anyone who wishes to work for family cohesion in our prisons to do so through PACT. There is a 2nd team at HMP Lewes, where new volunteers will also be very welcome. They have a Christian foundation and are experienced in helping prisoners and their families both in jail and when released. Mothers, Union central, based in Mary Sumner House, are organised into communities of interest. Our prisons, community is led by Emily Brailsford. Flourishing Families: Diane Clack our Diocesan lead for Flourishing Families, reports- It is forty years since l joined Mothers, Union. and it remains a privilege to be part of a global organization, committed to supporting and improving the quality of family life. Much has changed since Mary Sumner's vision nearly 150 years ago, but our commitment, passion and hard work remain the same. In the year 2000, the 'Passionate about Parenting program was launched to train facilitators to lead groups. Inviting parentslcarers to attend a 'parer)Is' group. could be misinterpreted by suggesting an inadequacy in the care given to the family, I find that those attending these groups are usually good parentslcarers, who want to improve their skillsl
At the end of 2019 a revision of the facilitator training programme began. Our first meeting was at Mary Sumner House, and then technology enabled us to meet during Lockdown, and included members from across the world. The need for children to be nurtured in a safe and loving environment does not change, but societal differences determine the way it is delivered. In 2023 and following extensive research. a team from Mary Sumner House produced a revised facilitator training programme and 6 session outlines. This was looked at by expeiienced facilitators and other stake holders and was trialled at 'Coffee Tots, in Coventry. We felt that while the stiuctuie foi the session oullines had been given, the sessions needed to be further developed to make them more accessible for facilitators to deliver. Karen, Deborah. Diane and later Stephanie Mooney from Mary Sumner House, met through the Spring and Summer of 2024 and prodUd a pilol draft of 5 sessions, ready to be delivered to groups of parentslcarers. Families have always had to deal with issues which cause them strife. We hope a 'Flourishing Families, group will develop as a self-help group, where participants can support each other as they build up mutual trust and feel safe to share the challenges of family life. The sessions are mindful of the well-being of the participants and are designed to consider wider family and olher relationships. Please pray for this work and for the delivery of the pilot schemes. Citizenship Ceremonies: Throughout East Sussex members attend and run the refreshmenls for Citizens Ceremonies. As can be seen by our Worldwide Prayer Links many of the people who apply for British Citizenship will have known Mothers, Union in their countries of origin. Bri hton: Maria Greco, Trustee reports.. - Mothers, Union continues to be involved in the welcome to new citizens at the ceremonies in Brighton Town Hall. These ceremonies happen monthly on the first Monday of the month. There are two remonIes, one in the morning and one in the afternoon. The average number of people on each date is 100, to include new citizens and their guests as well as local dignitaries. The ceremonies are solemn but the Mothers, Union welcome with tea and cakes afterwards is fun, touching, family oriented and multicultural, as people from a great variety of origins and cultures get together to celebrate an important rite of passage in their lives. Whether the group of new citizens and their families is big or small, whether the ceremonies happen regularly every month or just when they are needed. we have a chance to meet new people, share in theirjoy and above all listen to their stories. The new citizens come from all around the world., as a rule, each group of thirty includes people from 20+ countries. It is impossible to work out how many come from each country, but we can name Latin America, Eastern Europe and the Middle East as areas where a lot of new citizens come from. Thanks lo Brighton Council who give a grant of £780 per annum to help with costs of travel, parking and ingredients.
Lewes: Christine Smith, Citizenship Coordinator for Ringmer Branch reports= One more Ceremony than usual for the Ringmer Branch this year. We have already provided and served refreshments following the Ceremonies at Southover Grange in Lewes in April, August and September and December this year. On each occasion there have been 20 people attending to swear or make their oath of allegian to King Charles111 before receiving their Certificates of British Nationality. They have been drawn from across the globe. counlries such as Spain, Germany, Poland, the Czech Republic, Hungary, the Russian Federation, New Zealand, India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, South Africa, Syria, Ghana, Nigeiia. Brazil. the USA, Ihe Philippines and Indonesia, all with different stories to tell. Each new citizen is pemiitled lo bring two guests, and all are invited (sometimes instructedl} to stay for the Great Brilish institution of Tea and Cakes following the ceremony. Four members of the Ringmer Branch attend on each occasion and others willingly provide cakes and biscuits along with tea. coffee and milk etc. We are always warmly welcomed by the team of Registrars - similarly the two Dignitaries who are in attendance speak highly of the Mothers. Union {MU) as an organisation and the invaluable work it does. Everyone is very appreciative of the refreshments,. a great deal is made of them being "homemade" and we have been asked to pose for several photographs. It really is a pleasure to be part of such a special day for so many people and to show the face of the MU in a good way. Crowborou h: Mary Sumner, Heathfield Branch reports.. We have 10 candidates and 1 friend with them. It is a small place in Crowborough. Myself and another member of the Mothers, Union attend, and we seNe tea, coffee and biscuils. They always erljoy the time we have together at the end. The mayor and the Lord Lieutenant also join us to chat, and we have a laugh and make a happy atmosphere for all. We have two sessions, one at 10am and one at 12pm. A busy day, but very rewarding. Qne lady from Ilaly told us we were the cream of the crop tea Eastbourne: Trish Clarke, Polegate Contact reports.. Once again it was a joy to serve tea and cake at these ceremonies. There have been 4 this year. We are always made very welcome by the town hall staff and the Lady Mayor comes for a sneak preview to decide which cake she fancies. Both she and the Lord Lieutenant speak very warmly about the Mothers, Union and the work we do. It is so nice to chat with our new citizens who come from so many different counlries. Hastin s: Chris Emson Bexhill District Trustee reports: Bexhill Districl attended 3 reMOnieS this year in Hastings Town Hall with up to 60 guests and new citizens at each ceremony. It is a real privilege to be part of this special day for our new citizens. HM Lord Lieutenant of East Sussex, Mr Andrew Blackman CstJ or his deputy and the Mayor always make a point
of thanking the Mothers, Union and introducing us, often recommending their favourile cakes or savouriesl The Town Hall staff hover about at the end hoping for some leftovers. It is a real privilege to be able to witness this very special day for our new citizens and we are proud to do our part. Ministry of Cake (MOC): Christine Emson Trustee reports.. Many branch projects come under the heading of MOC,. however. MOC is there to support all medical staff, to let them know we are there for them, through all difficulties. All volunteers who go onto the wards are attached to the Hospital Chaplaincy teams and undergo NHS volunteer training either online or in person. Worthing Hospital West Sussex: This project is running in the Brighton District Area and my thanks to all the metnbers and Branches who support us both in prayer and by fund raising. Members from St Andrew West Branch, and St George East Worthing Branch have been busy supporting this project. Memory bags, emergency wash bags including new baby grows have been going into the (neo natal} Beeding ward and delivery suite. We didn't expect our daughter so had no clolhes for her, and you slrange cared enough lo think for us. Members were taking cakes onto Bluefin Children ward. and Beeding each Monday afternoon for staff and parents. It is with sadness I musl report that due to illness, accidents and clerical errors we have had to suspend Ministry of Cake, at Worthing Hospital for the foreseeable future. Sadly. this was put on hold in October due to ill health of members. It is on hold now until we can access new volunteers and have them complete the NHS training. Worthing Hospital is in the parish of St Georges Church: Sin the Sanctuary area within Worthing Hospital has been moved downstairs there is less space in the Chapel area for large services. The Chaplain. Allison Becker has been blessed with a large, waim, and modern church in St Georges. The larger services are now held there which is lovely as both branches work well together. There has been one service in October for families who have lost babies, where members formed a small choir to sing when the families could not and then serve tea. cake and a listening ear when needed. Conquest Hospital Hastings East Sussex: This project runs in the Bexhill District Area- thanks go to all members and Branches who support the work in pray and by fundraising. Bexhill District is still maintaining a weekly visit to the special baby unit and the maternity wards in the Conquest hospital. Unfortunately. there are only 4 of us now so we have to be very organised. The staff are very supporlive and make us very welcome and it is such a privilege to listen to families, especially ir) the Special Baby Unit, who are watching their little angels growing stronger. We have some who don't make it. and we pray that our presen has been of comfort. One Mum said last week that she remembered me from the last baby she had and how welcome Ihe cake and chat was.
It is a real joy to be able to welcome new babÉes on the maternity wards. Members of Brede branch are still supplying emergency wash bags for the Conquest Hospital, targeting older adults who are unexpectedly admitted. Can't thank you enough, the emergency wash baa- saved mv life. This is a simple outreach. but not to the families who in a strange environment receive a helpful gift. or slice of cake and a friendly smile. Sometimes just being there is what is most important. Eastbourne Family Contsct Centre IEFCC): EFCC has continued as a joint projecl with The Chichester Diocesan Association for Family Supporl Work {FSW). A £2,942 grant in 2024 was given to FSW towards the running costs of the project. Michelle Smart Senior Family Support PractitionerlEFCC Co-ordinator reports'.- Over the past year, 21 families have used Eastbourne Family Contact Centre. Sin November 2023 we have had an influx of referrals which has meant pre visit meetings at nearly every session. The result being, we were at full capacity throughout this year. Five families in 2024 have moved on. We currently have 5 families attending regular contact sessions.. the maximum being 6-7 (depending on the number of children). During 2024 2 of the non-resident parents were female. Our plan to offer supervised contact sessions was delayed due to the administration involved in setting this up. It came into practi in Autumn of 2024. It is run simultaneously with supported contact on a Saturday Referrals are now from the courts, CAFCASS, Social Services, self-referrals and solicitors. More recently we have had referrals from children servIS whereby families are on a Child protection plan. We currently have a waiting list for supported contact running with 2 families on it. One parenl said that by coming to EFCC they soon realised it was 'all about the children, and she and her ex-partner have pul their differences to one side for the sake of their child. Some of the children are separated from their parents due to domestic violence, drug and alcohol abuse and mental health issues. However, when their parents come to us, to have contact with their children they have worked with other agencies to address their problems, so they are not a high risk. Face-to-face training has been re- introdud. and we have enjoyed using the Gateway Centre for our training needs. We don't always get lo heal follow-up stories. but there have been some successful outcomes whilst at the contact centre. Please keep us in your prayers for the expansion of supervised and supporled contact for families.
Worldwide Links: Caroline Sewell our Worldwide Links Officer reports.. - l am in communication with 3 of our link MU dioceses as follows. Margaret in Seoul, Korea, Bishop Monday in Mundri. South Sudan and Nesta in Madi and West Nile, Uganda. Interestingly I communicate via atsApp with Nesta and Bishop Monday and email with Margaret, My role is therefore I reflect much easier than it was for others not so many years backl Seoul South Korea: Our contact here is a member of one of the biggest churches in Korea. She says they have a few MU groups and Girls Friendly Societies. Margaret, my contact shared that they elected a new MU president, but it had obviously been hard to find someone as everybody is very reluctant to take on the role. Together, they attend a zoom meeting with Mary Sumner House. She explains that the main work of the church's MU is to study the Bible, support priests and church projecls., Margaret is involved in the comprehensive business of three MU dioceses. They used to provide lunch after services before Covid, but it has become very hard now to find volunteers and they have hired 5 women to do this, so the members do not have to do it. Everyone is very happy about thisl The Seoul Diocese MU also support priests when they visit members houses by taking Holy Communion to them. We often both remark on the similarities of our own Diocesan MU work and that of Seoul's. Mundri South Sudan: Bishop Bismark Monday Avokaya is our contact in Mundri. He is quite chatty about his personal life and occasionally about his life as Bishop of Mundri and his theological stand points. He is very conservative in his beliefs in keeping with many in Africa. His wife Rina has written in past years to us. but she spends a lot of time in Kampala in neighbouring Uganda. The family was diSplad during the years of the civil war and some of them contirlue to life there. The Bishop's son in law was killed in a road accident at the end of last year so Rina spends a lot of time supporting her daughter and her 4 granddaughters there in Kampala I think Ihe Bishop has been quite traumatised by his son in law's death and the taking on of the responsibility for the education of his granddaughters and this has formed the whole content of his Corresponden this year. I'm sure he will greatly appreciate our prayers. Madi and West Nile U anda: News from Nesta in Madi and West Nile has been sparse this year. What we do know is thal they are a busy MU involved in supporting the sick, organising conference-, in parlicular rentlY for women leaders, educating about Gender Based Violence and encouraging the young and old alike.
Their latest project this year was to raise funds to construct an eating house but sadly funds ran out after the building of the first wall. and it has not been completed. It seems they have many of the same challenges that we have here in Chichester. Isuikwato in Ni eria.. I still have no contact with this Mothers. Union Link. whilst some other Dioceses are slowly reaching out from Nigeria. our Link here has not yet. Please pray for the work they will be doing and for us to once again be in communion with each other. Modern Day Slavery: Reverend Sue Foster continues as our Modern-Day Slavery Ambassador and Trustee, she reports'.- The numbers of those living in slavery has increased to 49.6 million worldwide which is an increase of 10 million, and children make up nearly a quarter of these people. There are at least 136 thousand in the UK who are in different types of slavery, from sexual exploitation, county lines, forced labour, domestic servitude and criminal exploitation. This is a huge problem not only here but throughout the world. We are called to do what we can where we are and to that end. I continue to visit branches of Mothers, Union to raise awareness of this awful crime. Over these past months I have visited Selsey branch and All Saints Eastbourne. I have also had zoom meetings with my fellow Ambassadors from Sussex and Surrey. During this Triennial I visited 19 branches. a Rotary Group. a Friday club and preached at two churches in the Diocese. These visits have enabled me to raise awareness of Modem slavery to nearly 300 people. I continue to keep in touch with my fellow Ambassadors in Sussex and Surrey. while also using the Clewer web site to update me with what is happening throughout the UK and abroad. During September I was asked by the Coventry Diocesans President to do a presentation on zoom for her Trustees and others. This reminded me again how we can share infomation and that we are not alone trying to fight this horrendous crime against men. women and children. Lel us all be aware of those who live Iheir lives under the influence of others and have very little or no opportunity to live the life God wants them to. We can all do our bit, whoever we are and wherever we live. We are all valued in God's eyes, and he wants us to have the freedom to enjoy life and not be controlled or live under the Influen of olhers. I have been elected for another three years as Trustee and will continue to visit throughoLtt the Diocese, raising awareness.
Summary: 2024 has been a busy and productive year for the membership of Mothers, Union. AFIA is an expensive but very worthwhile project to upkeep. A total of £18,015.95 was spent on both caravans for 2024. The fundraising by branches and individuals is greatly appreciated. Another way of raising funds is through legacies which have helped to pay for the veranda on the caravan at Winchelsea last year and skirting round the caravan at Selsey this year, recommended after a risk assessment was carried out at the beginning of the season. To grow our projects, we need to grow our membership and find more partners to work with. It is unfaif and impossible to expect our members to finance all the projects. Members are working towards change looking closely on how and where we meet, this has meant that none of our branches have closed. and our membership has not changed this year and is still 796. We have strengthened our ties with the Diocese through our work on the Diocesan Committees. We have representation on The Diocesan Overseas Committee (DOC), and the Diocesan Committee for the Common Go(Kl. I have continued as a member of Diocesan Synod. Whilst our Overseas Prayer Links are not the same as the Diocese, because of sitting on the DOC we have continued to work as a conduit between the Diocese and Mary Sumner House. Proving we are all around the world, but we are just around the corner too. It has been important therefore to continue strengthening our links with our sistei Diocesan Charity - Family Support Work (FSW) and forge new links with others. During this last triennial Hayley Cole, our administrator, has worked incfedibly hard as have all the trustees and Officers across the Diocese. my thanks to you all. This is the end of my term of office, during these the last 5 years, the trustees and I have slrived lo ensure that as our Mothers. Union steps into 2025, she is stronger and more focussed on the needs of our members and the communities in which we live and serve.
It is now a time to begin anew and to grow and serye those in our communities. How do we begin? We need to step outside of what we know, to learn the needs of those we do not know and have the failh to start something new. The project may fail., but nothing is without any hope at all even in failure. to do nothing is without hope. We say there is always tomorrow but tomorrow can start today. When we choose change. when we choose connection, when we choose a different path. For that is how we will meet each other, and the things we long for. That is how we learn, and move ahead, we watch. we listen, we look, we share. But nothing is of Consequen but this....- to simply Begin, Begin, Begin. Then the story will unfold exactly as it should. We can make a difference if we just look, listen. and act, but we have to begin. Karen Hill Diocesan President Mother ' Christlan care for f kmilles II&IZ4JILhlLhesl¢T
MOTHERS, UNION CHICHESTER DIOCESE CONTENTS YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024 Charity address Garton House 22 Stanford Avenue Brighton East Sussex BN16AA Registered Charty number 249826 Trustees Mrs Karen Hill Mrs Michele While Mrs Christine Bright Mrs Lesley Bryant Mrs Christine Emson Revd Sue Foster Mrs Maria Greco Revd Emma Ham-Riche Mrs Detx)rah Matthews Officers Mrs Hayley Cde - Diocesan Adminislralor Revd Margarel Conslable - Diocesan Chaplain Bankers Barclays Bank Independent Examiners Shoreline Accountants Limited
MOTHERS, UNION CHICHESTER DIOCESE REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024 The Trustees present their Annual Report and the Financial Slalemenls of the charity for the year ended 31 December 2024. Vision and Mission Vision Our vision is a world where everyone prospers. We actively pursue this vision through prayer and action, helping to build confident people and resilient communities. Our movement seeks to bring about justice, challenge prejudice and advocate change. Mission We aim lo show our Christian faith by helping the sustaina1e Iransformalion of communities worldwide. We do this by helping to nurture strong relationships at all levels. promoti peace and reconciliation I(ally. nationally and globally. We aim to: uphold Christ's teaching on the nature of marriage and to promote ils wider understanding- encou rage parents to bring up their children in the faith and life of the Chu rch., maintain a world-wide fellowship of Christians u nited in prayer, worship and service., promote conditions in society favourable to stable family life and the protection of children., and help those whose family life has metwith adversity- Organisational Structure The charity is run by the Trustees Trustees Those who served during Ihe year were as follows.. Mrs Karen Hill Mrs Michele While Mrs Christine Bright Mrs Lesley Bryant Mrs Christine Emson Revd Sue Fosler Mrs Maria Greco Revd Emma Ham-Riche Mrs Deborah Malthews Officers Mrs Hayley Cole - Diocesan Administrator Revd Margaret Conslable- Diocesan ChatAain
MOTHERS, UNION CHICHESTER DIOCESE REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024 Performance and Flnan¢lal Review For 2024, the total incoming resources of our funds were £71.382.43 {2023.' £75,655.15) and are detailed in the financial slalements. Income from Subscriptions decreased by £1394 10 £29.11712023: £30.5111. Income for our major projects, AFIA and EFCC. decreased by £19,199.23 to £9189.19 (2023.. £28.388.421. Districts and Branches continued their Supp with contributions lo the General Fund. There was a surplus in the accounts at 31 DecemlH 2024 of £74,657.52. As part of the charities commilment to secure the continued running of the Diocesan's main project the Away From 11 AII IAFIA) caravans, during 2024 the Irustee board agreed lo transfer £12,100 from the main AFIA fund into AFIA reserve fund,. this is shown as a receipt into the AFIA reseNe and the 'main' AFIA fund in receipts is Iherefore reduced by £12,1( to £9,090.11. The AFIA reserve was set up to ensure funding was available for unforeseen costs incurred on the Iwo diocesan caravans and act as a fund for future replacement of the caravans should the need arise. Reserves Policy 11 is the Trustee Board's policy to maintain a balance on funds and nJnnirvJ costs which are up lo 24 months. worth of payments as a contingency against unforeseen situations and the unexpected drop in mem bership. In particul8r, this would cover running costs of AFIA and EFCC, plus general Diocesan expenditure. The closing balance of the Projecl Fund this year of £41.877.9812023= £41,229.79} represents about 23 months. This F)olicy will be reviewed annually. Public Benefit The Trustees believe that the objectives and activites set out above fulfil this requirement of the Charity Commission's public benefit disclosure. Signed on behalf of the Trustees Mrs H Cole
MOTHERS, UNION CHICHESTER DIOCESE INDEPENDENT EXAMINERS REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024 I report on the accounts of the Trust for the year ended 31 December 2024. which are set out on pages 5 to RESPECTIVE RESPONSIBILITIES OF TRUSTEES AND EXAMINERS The Charity's Trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. The Charity's Trustees Consider that an audit is not required for this year under Section 144 (2) of the Charities Act 2011 (the 2011 Act) and that an independent examination is needed. It is my responsibility lo.. examine the accounts under Sedion 145 of the 2011 Act., to follow the procedures laid down in the general Directions given by the Charity Commission under Section 145 (5}(bl of the 2011 Act.. and - to state whether particular matters have come lo my attention. BASIS OF THE INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT My examination was canied out in accordance with the general Directions given by the Charity Commissioners. An examination indudes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the account5 presented with those records. It also inclu(les wnsideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts and seeking explanations from you as trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit, and consequently no opinion is given as to whelher the accounts present a 'true and fair view, and the report is limited to those matters sel out in the slalement below. INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S STATEMENT In connection with my examination, no maller has come to my attention: a) which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in any malefial respect the requirements.. il to keep accounting records in accordance with Seclion 130 of the 2011 Act., and ill to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and comply with the accounting requirements of the 2011 Act., have nol been mel.. or bl lo which. in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached. 25 Clinton Place Seaford East Sussex BN25 1NP Mark Boxall Chartered Accountant Shoreline Accountants Limited
MOTHERS, UNION CHICHESTER DIOCESE RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS ACCOUNT YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024 Unreslricted Reslricted 2024 2024 Total 2024 Total 2023 RECEIPTS Subscriptions Gift Aid Away from11 All Holidays (AFIA) Family Contact Centre {EFCC) MUE AFIA ReseNe MSH Projects Meetings Other Income Ban k Inleresl 29.117.00 7.532.95 29.117.00 7.532.95 9,090.11 9,090.11 99.08 99.08 3,814.72 12,100.00 12.100.00 260.00 704.32 8.347.30 316.95 316.95 49,776.29 21.606.14 71,382.43 30,511.00 0.00 28,188.42 200.00 3,302.07 0.00 512.00 764.42 12,107.24 70.00 75,655.15 3,814.72 260.00 704.32 8.347.30 PAYMENTS Subscriptions AFIA Family Contact Centre MUE AFIA AppeallReserve MSH Projects Insurance Trustee expenses Administrator Expenses DP Expenses Meetings Card processing Fees Printing & Stationery Wages & Administration Other Expendilure 17,285.00 17.285.00 18,015.95 18,015.95 2,942.00 2,942.00 3.820.38 3.820.38 0.00 0.00 560.00 560.00 792.95 792.95 654.29 654.29 904.45 904.45 980.53 980.53 388.76 388.76 6.23 6.23 4,250.00 4,250.00 9,889.06 9,889.06 5,376.01 5,376.01 44,907.66 20,957.95 65,865.61 15,489.00 24,578.34 5,000.00 1,655.68 0.00 279.00 584.99 301.18 530.76 1480.16 381.08 5.10 5,083.20 8.899.28 6.115.70 70,383.47 Nel receipts (payments) in year 4,868.63 648.19 5,516.82 5,271.68 Cash funds at 1 January 'Opening balance adjustment 'Closing balance adjustment 33,427.73 41,229.79 74,657.52 69.385.84 34.52 Cash funds al 31 December 38,330.88 41,877.98 80,208.86 74,657.52
MOTHERS, UNION CHICHESTER DIOCESE STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES AT 31 DECEMBER 2024 2024 2023 MONETARY ASSETS Barclay's- Community Account Barclay's- Active Saver Petty Cash 51,093.54 29,045.00 70.32 57993.67 16628.05 48.55 80 208.86 74 670.27 CURRENT ASSETS Slocks 1200.00 1400.00 FIXED ASSETS Caravan 18 423.75 21675.00 RESTRICTED FUND BALANCES Project Fund AFIA EFCC AFIA APPEALIRESERVE 5,295.65 12,832.98 0.00 23,749.35 5295.65 21758.82 2842.92 11332.40 41877.98 41229.79 Approved by the trustees on 14 2oSand signed on their ha by.. Mrs Cole Diocesan Administrator Mrs D Matthews Chair, Finan¢e & Services Mrs M While Diocesan President
MOTHERS. UNION CHICHESTER DIOCESE NOTES FOR THE ACCOUNTS THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024 A¢¢ounting policies Basis of a¢¢ountlng The financial statements have been prepared on a receipls and payments basis in accordance with section 133 of the Charities Act 2011. Incoming resource Incoming resources are rec(¥Jnised when e1Ved by the Charity. Resources used Expenditure is rectsJnised in the period in which il incurred and allocated to the appropriate cost cenlre. Expendilure includes irrecoverable VAT. Charitable funds Unrestricted funds are available for use al the discretion of the charity in furtherance of their charitable objectives unless the funds have been designated for other purposes. Reslricled funds are subject to specrfic conditions by donors as to how Ihey may be used. Restrlcted Funds Away From It All Hdidays IAFIA) provides free holKlays for families who otherwise would not have one due lo lack of resources. Away From11 All ReseNes IAFIA Reserves) was instigated for 2022 for funding of unforeseen costs incurred on the two diocesan caravans and a fund for future replacement of the caravans should the need arise. Easlboume Family Contact Cenlre (EFCC) provides supyLYted contact beeen absent parent and children. Project Fund is for projects which the Board of Trustees deem suitable for funding. Depreciation Policy Fixed assets are slated al cost less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation rate is 15 /0 calculated to write down the cost of each asset each year over ils expected useful life. Impairment reviews are carried out as and when evidence comes to light that the recoverable amount of a functional fixed asset is below ils net book value due lo damage. obsolesceTKe or other relevant factors.
MOTHERS. UNION CHICHESTER DIOCESE NOTES FOR THE ACCOUNTS CONTINUED THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024 Grants receivable Restricted funds 2024 Legacy from Richardson Legacy from J.Porter The Chichester Diocesan Association f(y Family Supwrt Work IAFIAI IAFIAI IAFIAI £750.00 £3000.00 £2520.00 Unrestricted funds 2024 Brighton & Hove City Council Mary Sumner House IBri9hton Citizenship ceremonie51 £780.00 Imue 57Je5 related 9ranii £750.87 Grants payable Restricted funds 2024 The Chichester Diocesan Association for Famity Support Work IEFCC I £2942.00
The Mothers. Union Prayer Loving Lord, We thank you for your love so freely given to us all. We pray for families around the world. Bless the work of the Mothers, Union as we seek to share your love through the encouragement, strengthening and support of marriage and family life. Empowered by your Spirit, may we be united in prayer and worship, and in love and service reach out as your hands across the world. In Jesus, name. Amen The Prayer of Mary Sumner, founder of Mothers, Union All this day, O Lord, let me touch as many lives as possible for thee; and every life I touch, do thou by thy spirit quicken, whether through the word I speak. the prayer I breathe, or the life I live. Amen