COMPANY REGISTRATION NUMBER: 2253584 CHARITY REGISTRATION NUMBER: 701330 Reach Counselling Limited Company Limited by Guarantee Unaudited Financial Statements 30 September 2024 MArrocKS GRINDLEY Chartered Accountants 18 Mulberry Avenue Turnstone Business Park Widnes Cheshire WA8 OWN
Reach Counselling Limited Company Limited by Guarantee Financial Statements Year ended 30 September 2024 Page Directors, annual report (incorporating the directorfs report) Independent examiner's report to the directors 12 Statement of financial activities (including income and expenditure account) Statement of financial position 13 14 Notes to the financial statements 15 The following pages do not form part of the financial statements Detailed statement of financial activities 23 Notes to the detailed statement of financial activities 24
Reach Counselling Limited Company Limitsd by Guarantee Directors. Annual Report (Incorporating the Director's Report) Year ended 30 Septsmber 2024 The directors, who are also the directors for the purposes of company law, present their report and the unaudited financial statements of the charity for the year ended 30 September 2024. Reference and administrative detalls Reglsterod charity nam• Reach Counselling Limited Charty reglstration number 701330 Company registration number 2253584 Prlnclpal offlce and registered 85a Allerton Road office Liverpool Merseyside L18 The directors Dr J Lock P Morris Mr A Fraser Company se¢rotary Peter Morris Independent examlner Giles Mattocks FCA 18 Mulberry Avenue Tumstone Business Park Widnes Cheshire WA8 OINN
Reach Counselling Limited Company Limited by Guarantee Directors, Annual Report (Incorporating the Director's Report) (tontinued) Year ended 30 Septsmber 2024 structure, governance and managomont The company is incorporated as a company limited by guarantee. In the event of the company being wound up. each member may be called upon to contribute a sum not exceeding £1 towards the debt and liabilities of the company. There are currently three directorltrustees who meet bi-monthly. The Treasurer who is also a directorltrustee oversees the bookkeeping also reports to the bi-monthly council of management meetings on the financial perfomance of the charity. The staff salaries are set by directorsltrustees. Decisions on specific issues are usually made on the basis of agreement by all the directorsltrustees. All cheques require two signatures. No financial decisions are made that benefit any of the directorsltrustees. Throughout the year the charity had one Co-ordinator, a part time counselling appointments manager and hvo part time counselling supervisors. The charity continues to receive significant and sacrificial benefit from volunteers counselling, training, and office administration. The Co-ordinator is responsible for the management, training and organisation of the counsellors and the general management of the office. This is achieved by structured regular training and feedback with all the staff and volunteers. He is also responsible for the professional compliance and development of the organisation. Objectives and activities To offer professional quality Christian counselling to any individual, couple or family in need across the North West and beyond" ensuring that finance is not a hindrance to them receiving help. Christian counselling includes, pastoral counselling which we offer to those who have a Christian faith and who want their faith incorporated into the counselling, and community counselling which we offer to those of any other faith or of no faith. This ensures we offer this distinctive seNice with a commitment to respecting each client. We also aim to increase people's relational and care skills through training in listening, counselling and related issues.
Reach Counselling Limited Company Limited by Guarantee Directors, Annual Report (Incorporating the Directorfs Report) (tontlnued) Year ended 30 September 2024 Achievements and perfomiance This year Reach has continued to help hundreds of people, who have been in various levels of distress, through face-to-face Christian counselling across the North West, North Wales, West Yorkshire, in Stafford for the first time and those elsewhere in the U. K. and even abroad via remote methods. This was a year of many new clients, a near record number of appointments held, the development of a distinctive partnership, many wonderful changes in peoples, lives and some sad team news. Once again, many individuals (including some children) and couples who were often facing incredibly difficult circumstances, were able to find help and hope through Reach, as a.. reliable, accessible, professional, Christian and compassionate service. We have included selected quotes throughout this report from clients who have had, and usually concluded, counselling this year. These quotes appear to reveal the strong sense of Ca and transformation that many people experienced through coming to Reach in light of their relational, emotional, mental and spiritual difficulties. All of this was only made possible by the combination of work and support provided by our counsellors, administration team, trustees and supporters (both Partners and Friends). "l am thankful for this amazing service which has helped me... Reach has been there for me in some really difficult parts of my life with my anxiety and through my miscarriage. Many people saw a difference in me. I'm so glad I did this and I wouldny look back." former Reach client The total number of held appointments this year was the second highest ever in our 38 year history at 2463, just below last year's record of 2762. This is all the more impressive, as it was a year significantly affected by ill health for key counsellors and the sad death of our main Chester counsellor. INe are honoured that so many people from so many places, are being helped through Reach. Over 3000 appointments were arranged across our 6 different venues and remotely, at 3192. This represents a huge amount of work done by our counsellors and our reception and administration team. 230/0 of appointments were affected by postponements or non-attendances, this is higher than last yearfs, best ever, 170/0 and probabty due to some of the exceptional circumstances we have been dealing with. This is still lower than the 28 /0 figure from the last full pre-covid year. This improvement is mainly due to the In¢aSed direct communicats'on between clients and counsellors over appointment arrangement, and remote sessions being an option if a client can't make it in person. The number of new clients registering for counselling with us was 264 ts'ust below last yearfs record 276). This conts'nues to represent over one new person becoming a Reach client every single working day. To put it in context, the last three years have seen at least an increase of over 50 more new clients per year than we were dealing with four years ago. This increased level seems likely to continue. This also means, new clients are generally having slightly fewer appointments before finishing. WAth all these pressures, we have managed to allocate most new clients within 8-10 weeks, although this is becoming increasingly difficult to maintain. Under 50/0 of these have been for children and young people. These new registrations mean that we have now counselled over 6,000 people throughout our history at 6,192, This seems quite a significant number and means we have held well over 40,000 counselling appointments in the last fifteen years alone. We are humbled that so many people have seen Reach as a safe and hopeful place in their times of struggle and suffering, and we are very grateful to everyone who has made this possible. 'We really like the frlendly infomial yet very professional atmosphere that seems to characterise Reach and the counselling sessions. We felt really listened to and afflrmed... This helped us to grow as a couple. We would absolutely return if we needed to. We really liked the
Reach Counselling Limited Company Limited by Guarantee Directors, Annual Report (Incorporating the Director's Report) (ntInu0) Year ended 30 September 2024 fair donation principle. ' former Reach clients Clients Our clients continue to include people from a wide variety of backgrounds, ages and ethnicities. Most of this year's clients are again betsveen the ages of 21 and 70, and include a significant number of married couples (about 200/0 of clients). We are pleased to have continued to see a notable number of couples seeking help who are black or of other ethnicities, where cultural influences are often a key part of the work. This seems that we are being trusted and able to work in a genuinely inclusive way. We have also counselled a small number of children and young people (ages 6-17). as two of our available counsellors are trained and experienced in this type of work. To all our clients we, have once again, offered a: distinctive, professionally managed and evaluated Christian counselling service. Again, most of our clients (about 60_ 70 % ) make it clear that they have chosen Reach because of our idents'ty and practice as a Christian agency. and want a pastoral counselling approach that enables their Christian faith to be fully incorporated into their counselling experience. This especially applies when working with church leaders, who will often particularly select Reach due to our Christian identity. It is very encouraging that leaders are being recommended to Reach by other leaders, and we feel very honoured to serve them in this way, as they lead and care for their congregations and communities. Those for whom community counselling is more appropriate often express their appreciation for the values they see associated with a Christian agency, especially when dealing with couples and marriage issues. The main source of all client referrals has once again been personal recommendation, accounting for over half of all new clients, other significant sources of referral include: the internet, G.Ps (which we now have to try and limit, otherwise we could be overwhelmed), other organisations and church relationships. We continue to work with our fair donation principle. Which asks clients to consider donating in line with their income, at £1 per session per £1000 of annual income (e.g. £20 per session for someone eaming £20k p.a. and so on). Our distinctive proposition allows people at all economic levels of society to aCsS counselling. This makes it available to those who are unemployed, students or on benefits, as well as those who are at the top of their professions. However, this means we don't control the average donation but nurture a respectful financial relationship. This year we held on to our target of £15 per session (even though this is not widely communicated), and once again achieved £13, as last year. Vvhile we would definitely like, if not need, this average to be higher, it is once again an indicator that we are often helping those who are among the poorest in our society, which we are pleased to be able to do. We can only do this thanks to our Partners, whose reliable, and usually monthly, giving continues to make this way of working possible. "Reach plays a vltal role In this region. Who knows how many suicldes, nervous breakdowns. marriagelrelationshlp breakdowns have been prevented through your crucial work? Who knows how many families have been saved from devastation? I was a broken woman when I came to Reach, my counsellor helped put me ba¢k together again - and somel I will be ever grateful to herl" former Reach client The main issues newly registered clients have presented on their registration forms, of the 19 areas we monitor are On again.. fearlpaniclanxietylstressldepression followed by marital and relational, with cases of loss also frequently identified. When working with couples, this can involve anything from, enabling them to improve their communication and resolve conflict better right through to helping them recover from an affair as they seek to rebuild their marriage. Newly registered clients add to the existing client caseload, Whe longer term issues are often being worked through, which can include trauma and abuse. Venues
Reach Counselling Limited Company Limited by Guarantee Directors, Annual Report (Incorporating the Director's Report) (contlnued) Year ended 30 September 2024 Face-to-face counselling now takes place in 6 venues (counting Stafford as 1, even though 4 different bases are used). Remote counselling now accounts for about a quarter to a third of all ourappointments. While many clients value the convenience of less travel and freedom to choose counselling from wherever they maybe,. many still have a strong preference for in-person appointments. Similarly, some counsellors are more comfortable with remote ways of working than others, so each counsellor shapes their own mix of fac&tO-face and remote work. At our Liverpool hub we have re-decorated one of our main counselling rooms after the donner window was replaced. Clients have commented favourably on the freshness, lightness and quietness of this room now. Some lights have also been replaced in the building. The venues beyond Liverpool are generally available to us due to the generosity and c(Foperation of either an individual church or a group of churches working together. Special thanks are due to.. King's Church Manchester, Kingsway Chester, West Kirby U.R.C (whose fantastic support also enables a Reach counsellor to work there), IPAC in Wrexham, St Thomas Philadelphia Sheffield and Fountains Counselling in Staffordshire for their exceptional generosity and ctroperation in making suitable rooms available for counselling for free or at token levels. As well as enabling us to offer counselling to all, these partnerships give a warm cooperative message of care to those in need who are seeking a safe place with safe people. We have continued to build our relationship with Fountains Counselling, a charity who a based in Staffordshire. They were seeking how to resume their counselling service. After nearly a year's work together, we have now estsblished a working agreement in order for counselling to resume in the Staffordshire region. This distinctive partnership will involve Reach managing the counselling, using our usual systems, and Fountains contributing resour$, local support and publicity. Both sets of trustees are excited about this unique development, as we Sha a similar desire for people, who are hurting and in need, to experience quality Christian help. Each of the four recruited counsellors will follow Reach guidelines and use their own venues, which are also used for their private work. arrived at Reach feeling 'stuck'. After six meetings with my counsellor, I felt empowered. It is also made me feel lighter somehow and hopeful for the future. Airing deep hurts has lessened tho pain of them. l am definitety not stuck anymore. Thank youl My counsellor had a perfect domeanour, pace and sonsitivity. He made me feol heard understood and •n¢ourag•d." former Reach client Counselling and Team This yea¢s 3192 arranged counselling appointments were managed by a team of 18 counsellors across all venues and remotely, this includes 4 new counsellors recruited under our partnership with Fountains. The counselling team is a mix of paid and volunteer Counsellors. We finish the year with a counselling team of 16 (12 women and 4 men), as four joined, one left and sadly one died. We were very sad to loose Wendy who passed away. Her incredible commitment and energy kept her as an active Chester counsellor into her eighties. She was a remarkable woman and clients were also very saddened to loose such a caring counsellor. Six of our counsellors are now being paid, usually on a per appointment basis. We see this investment in our counsellors as crucial to our credibility and care for our clients. We want our counsellors to know they are highly valued, and seek to reward them the best we can with our very limited resources. This also puts us in a stronger place to replace counsellors should they leave, rather than being too reliant on the generosity of volunteer counsellors. We have had 4 people on our administration team this year. Which is fewer than many previous years and has its, limitations and challenges. Managing the 264 newly registered clients, has only been possible due to a continued refining of our systems and processes. We respond to new clients by
Reach Counselling Limited Company Limited by Guarantee Directors. Annual Report (Incorporating the Directorfs Report) (conrfnued) Year ended 30 September 2024 email (70 % plus of new registrations are now received by email) or phone within 3 days of receiving their registration, and give them a realistic expected waiting time before being contacted by a counsellor. Our appointments manager has ensured our finishing and evaluation processes are adhered to, and, in order to comply with our privacy policy has destroyed old notes, records and diaries. We are, On again, very grateful to ourvolunteerfinancial administratorAlan for his weekly commitment and reliability. The tremendous work he does one day a week in Liverpool includes, compiling monthly reports which are invaluable in giving us an accurate organisational picture alongside overseeing many other financial tasks. He also, once again, tracked and recovered our annual gift aid, in cooperation with our chair. We have continued with a commitment to record standard procedures for as many operational processes as we can. This practice has been prioritised following the Trustees exploring risk management and succession planning. Our Company Handbook is completed and awaiting distribution. This is to help new team members get up to speed as quickly as possible, and to ensure consistent practice, as we serve our clients and one another. "I no longer exp•ri•nce the high levels of anxlety, and can see I have been in an unhealthy situatlon. My ¢ounselling helped me feel comfortable and safe, and it was affordable to me and accessible. The fact you include prayerwhen It Is requosted is so nourishing to mind and spirit." former Reach client Although we want to expand the counselling team, we have only invited onto the team counsellors who we believe can offer quality counselling, and are prepared to grow with us. Sometimes, this has involved counsellors doing additional work after interview and before we confirm their place on the team. This is consistentwith all ourcounsellors being on the national accredited registerofcounsellors and complying with the most up to date government regulations regarding counselling. The register is overseen by the Professional Standards Authority and we aCsS it through the Association of Christian Counsellorfs. Although it is 'voluntary' it is seen as an expected hallmark of professionalism and involves a commitment to work to a code of ethics. Most of our counsellors work with the A.C.C code of ethics as we are an Affiliated Organisation with them. Some work with the BACP (British Association of Counsellors and Psychotherapists) code of ethics which is very similar. We are enormously grateful to all our counsellors, whether employed or volunteers, who again have all worked to the same quality and 'professional' standards within an evaluated service. The sense of team and consistency of values is maintained through the counsellors being treated with the same warmth and respect with which they are expected to treat their dients. All counsellors, team and trustees were invited to our Christmas meal. "Counselling made me able to deal wlth the bullying issues in the workplace. Also gave me the courage to walk away from a toxic situation. Overall my sense of well-being was increased, my self-image improved. Also counselling helped me to be able me to admit what was wrong with me too. I feel I have been given the necessary tools to tackle my problems." former Reach client To ensure a high quality of counselling we continue to use evaluats'on forms with clients once their counselling has concluded. Some of our counsellors also use measurement tools particularly when working with clienfs dealing with depression and anxiety. The returned evaluations are generally very encouraging showing once again average progress from a well being of 1-2 to 4-5 (on a scale of 1-5). Vve remain attentive to the national discussion taking place on banning 'conversion therapy,, and how, if at all, this may influence any work we do with those exploring their sexuality and gender (as it is mostly referred to). We offer supervision to some of our in-house counsellors, as well as to external counsellors. chaplains and managers,. then on a fee paying basis. Through this work,. we are also playing a significant role in
Reach Counselling Limited Company Limited by Guarantee Directors, Annual Report (Incorporating the Director's Report) (contlnuedj Year ended 30 September 2024 overseeing the quality, support and development of counselling and care outside of Reach. Envlronmental We continue to recognise our environmental impact. It would be fair to say we have a couple of environmental 'champions' on the team who alert us to ways we could be more eco-friendly. We then look for ways of implementing these suggestions. We have continued and strengthened our recycling praCtIS within our Liverpool offices. Vthile we normally encourage counsellors to bunch their clients together and allocate new clients as close to home as possible to minimise travelling, since the pandemic, there has been far less travel, with so many appointments now being held by video or phone. "My experience of counselling not only allowed me to deal better with what I was going through, it's also had a significant impact on my growth as a Christian. I was able to shed some of the paralysing anxiety and fear connected to the loss of my mum, freeing my mind for God to be able to give me peace and hope." former Reach client Flnanclal Support Once again, right at the heart of our financial support are the Reach Partners. These are the individuals, couples, churches and organisations who either commit to regular giving., usually monthly and via standing order, or as in the case of a number of churches offer us the use of their premises ft)r free or at a token level. Everything that Reach does: the number of people helped, the quality of care offered and the distinctive donation based Christian service is only possible because of the support our Partners provide. We remain hugely grateful to them for their care for others and their generosity. This reliable monthly support, gives us a vital financial foundation to work from each month. Allowing us to pay a number of our team and to operate our fair donation policy, which is at the heart of our highly socially inclusive service. This year the number of Partners has decreased by 2 to 62, although the level of expected giving from Partners has increased, and when we factor in all giving from supporters it is just over 200/0 up on last years. This was boosted by one significant and very generous gift of £10,000. However, counselling donations from clients were down by down by about 150/0 on last year. (all these donation numbers are prior to gift aid being recovered where possible)- We also have 185 Friends, which is 7 up on last year. These are the individuals, couples and churches who are happy to be identified as generally supportive of Reach and generally may choose to give on an occasional basis. We have sent one update communication this year to Partners and Friends via email, and post where appropriate. 'Thank you for being with me on this Journey. It was helpful to pay in relation to my salary rather than a fixed amount. The sessions were helpful and very positive I felt comfortable and listened to.. former Reach client Governance Reach is governed by a Council of Management of 4 individuals (including one co-OPted- our coordinator), and though small in number they bring a tremendous range of skills and depth of experien in.. finance, medicine, mental health, business and management. The Council met four times this year, being a mix of video and in-person meetings. Alongside overseeing the normal running of the charity, focus has also been on risk management and succession planning.
Reach Counselling Limited Company Limited by Guarantee Directors, Annual Report (Incorporating the Directorfs Report) (continued) Year ended 30 September 2024 We seek to operate with a reserve policy mind set, to cover up to 8 months running costs, as advised by the Charity Commission as good practice. This is regularly reviewed to ensure we have an intelligent reseNe policy relevant to our situation. Our Objects of Association have been re-drafted in order to give an accurate expression of our up-to- date identity and work as a Christian Counselling charity. This is in contrast to our earlier days, when we had much broader objects. We are seeking to transition from the double identity as a 'Limited Company by Guarantee, and 'Charity" to a singular Charitable Incorporated Organisation {CIO). A CIO is corporate form of business designed for charitable organisations in England and Wales. Our aim is to give a more accurate understanding ofwho we are and whatwe do. We have also changed our name from Reach Merseyside Ltd to Reach Counselling Ltd. with the Charity Commission and with Companies House, as this is far more reflective of the nature and range of our present work. We have also registered this new name with our bank. "Our counsellor was amazing to work with and was a huge help during a traumatic time. This experience with Reach has been wonderful." former Reach client Marketing and Fundralslng The focus this year has been on communication with supporters. maintaining and developing our website, and especially preparations towards a specific fundraising campaign and identifying suitable trusts to contact next year. Jeff, who works on marketing and fundraising for us 112 a day a week, has been able to give ourwebsite regular attention. Especially with our Supporter's Café page, where we share the latest developments, opportunities and challenges. We hope this will help our supporters feel more connected to the work they enable through their generosity. The website and other publicity has been up-dated to include our partnership with Fountains and the counselling availability in Staffordshire. We are seeking to explore relationships with charitsble trusts, in orderto hopefully secure funds towards a higher level of interior refurbishment of our Liverpool rooms and offices, as well as other funding needs. We have been able to Contact our Partners and Friends once this year. This was either by email, to direct them to the updates on our Supporterfs Café page, or to send them it as a printed Newsletter, when no email address is available. "The counsollor brought out the best in me, they gave me tools to address my feelings and thoughts In a methodical manner. They put me at ease stralght away." former Reach client Financial review The Charity reports a financial deficit for the year of £6,591 (2023: deficit £13,914). All the directors are directly involved in the management of the charity and continue to oversee the operation on a regular basis. As stated in the Governance section. the directors wish to maintain reserves to at least cover 6 months running costs which has been estimated at £40.000. Free reserves currently stand at £50,314, a level which is considered sufficient but not too high.
Reach Counselling Limited Company Limited by Guarantee Directors, Annual Report (Incorporating the Directorfs Report) (contin) Year ended 30 September 2024 Plans for future periods We expect to see the partnership work with Fountains in Staffordshire and North Shropshire lead to building the client numbers in this area. We also remain committed to the principle of relational development, and would only expect to add further counselling locations should any proposals arise from strong relational development with another individual or churchlorganisation. We will continue with the improvements on our Liverpool hub. Our aim is to cate a place that provides a: welcoming, hopeful and healing environment. We hear from our clients that this is one area that could be improved. All aspects of the clients, and team's comfortwill be taken into account as we develop this. The level of work we can undertake will significantly depend on the level of success in our grant applications. We intend to replace our phone systems that are over 20 years old as well as our office fumiture. We will also consider any changes that could improve the energy efficiency of the building. Once again we will continue to carefully manage the balance of the number of counsellors with the level of publicity and interest in order to avoid becoming overwhelmed with demand. One challenge that continues, is that some in the NHS (and elsewhere) signpost people to us, who tend not to be the most liable of clients in their attendance. We will monitor our response protocol, as we inform clients we have received their registration within 3 days of receiving it. Our previous target of increasing or even maintaining the amount of counselling at over 3000 appointments per year remains. We would like to add someone to our Reception and Administration Team, particularly to assist our appointments manager. "Reach has been brllllant, my wlfe and I benefited masslvely." former Reach client We are very keen to recruit an additional counsellor to work in Chester, as we only have one due the sad passing of Wendy. We expect demand for counselling to remain high, and will continue with beginning more counselling relationships with an agreed limited number of sessions. Vve will review how we present our fair donation policy, considering presenting a 'banded' donation suggestion, so clients can identify their own 'band' according to their financial position, as we would like to achieve an average donation per session nearerto £20. We are also keen to further extend the number of counselling hours that are available to clients after 5 p.m. which may requi a higher rate of pay, and a higher donation level for these times. We would also hope to continue to increase our overall skill levels in working with clients who want C.B.T (Cognitive BehaviourTherapy) and those experiencing P.T.S.D (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder), couples counselling and work with children and young people. This may involve us supporting counsellors, who want to work in these areas. with further training. We hope to keep moving towards the general aim of having at least one employed eXperIend counsellor at each venue, often working alongside volunteers. We also acpt that this may not always be possible, or essential, when we have highly experienced volunteer counsellors at these venues. We will continue to incorporate qualified counsellors or student counsellors (on placement), as volunteers, when they are successful through our interviewing and recruitment process. Next year we expect, for the first time, to have fvrfo counsellors who will only do remote work as they live too far aware from any of our counselling rooms. We will adjust our processes to accommodate this. We would still like to add another supervisorto the team, this may have to be through one ofour present counsellors being trained to do this. We still intend to explore further how our website can encourage people to see Reach as both a counselling agency and a fundraising organisation. This would be to achieve a dramatic increase in the number of donations from those who aren't clients through ourwebsite. We may experiment with a more emotional 'storyline' or video to grab attention and help people more fully appreciate and connect
Reach Counselling Limited Company Limited by Guarantee Directors, Annual Report (Incorporating the Director's Report) (contlnu Year ended 30 September 2024 with the valued work Reach does. We will also look to simplify the process of people becoming Partners online. We will give attention to seeking funds from grant makers. We will launch our ' Could you be 1 of 12 in 25? ' campaign, to raise funds to cover our increased rent. We will give particular attention to developing legacy giving, both as an online proposal for supporters to consider, as well as through letters to selected supporters as appropriate to a good legacy giving strategy. 'We are grateful to God for Reach and would r•¢ommend to anyone needing counselling. We are glad Reach was able to provlde onlin• ¢ounsolling as we could not travel from Scotland for our sessions." former Reach client We will continue to explore how we can further increase capacity and integrate the work of marketing and fundraising into our day-to-day activities. In order to increase supporter recruitment and engagement, we will consider building on the use of the line. Together, every week, we are changing lives., We will continue to keep our Partners and Friends updated through the Supporters, Café and alert them to the latest ones. We will aim to do this tsvice next year. Extemal counselling training, or any other type of training, is only like should there be a radical review of our priorities, a suitable available trainer or developing relationship with another training agency. We will again make funds available to each counsellor to use towards their continuing professional development. "My counsellorfs pace and Ilstening skills wer• fabulous. I was really struck by his life experience and calm demeanour. It has helped mo to bottor understand myself and the reasons for my insecurities and to renew my mlnd In them." fonner Reach client Succession planning discussions will continue in the Council of Management. We would hope to conduct a Succession Audit and develop Succession Connections and to engage in Succession Conversations. We recognise there is no 'one way, of succession planning and practice, so will explore multiple avenues. We also hope to confinn our up-to-date Objects of Association with the Charity Commission, so anyone looking at us on their website will get a more accurate impression of the way we work now. The Council of Management have also set themselves the target of acquiring two new trustees next year. In looking fop4vard to next year, and as we head towards our 7,OOOth client, we are so aware of, and deeply grateful to all those whose generosity. work andcare has allowed so many hurting people to have been helped. Next years, challenges seem likely to be related to coping with high demand, recruiting new counsellors in key places and maintaining and increasing our fund-raising. This is to ensure we can still help all who come to Reach. especially those forwhom most other agencies wouldn't be the best fit. We continue to value our Christian identity that acknowledges our relationship with a loving God whose.. wisdom, grace and provision has guided and inspired all that has been done through Reach. It is both a privilege and a responsibility to face these particular challenges. We recognise that although thousands of people have been counselled by Reach over the years, we need to adapt appropriately in order to be in the best position to help all those who will seek help in the future. We will move ahead looking for ways of making things better and easier where possible. Knowing that for some people this distinctive help will be transformative for them as individuals or for some as couples and families. We are still surprised that Reach now helps people, not only locally but also, regionally, nationally and even internationally. This is way beyond what we ever expected. We can only wonder what the future may hold if we continue to put ourselves in the best position to serve those in need, and help them find 'a better life,. 10
Reach Counselling Limited Company Limited by Guarantee Dlrectors. Annual Report {Incorporating the Director's Report) fcontinued) Year ended 30 September 2024 Plans for future perlods (continu) PUBLIC BENEFIT Our service is open to anyone in need in the North-west, North Wales, Sheffield and now way bèyond. Counselling is offered where we believe we have the appropriate experience and skill to help. In practice this leads to our working with, individual adults of all ages and ethnicities, couples who are married, co- habiting or pre-marital. We also counsel children and young people, since this is the area of work that has been most affected since the beginning of the pandemic. Our records show a range of 19 main categories that people present as their reason for coming to see us. These include.. depression, abuse, fearlpaniclanxietylstress, anger, trauma. marital problems and other relationship concems. Through supervision and evaluation of the counselling we can maintain and develop the safety and effectiveness of our work. We pay p8rticular attention to the numerical evaluations and comments that clients put on their final evaluation forms, which, we are glad to say, consistently highlight how positively people have benefited trom their experience with Reach. "My counsellor was frlendly and approachable. She made me feel comfortable and no Issue was too blg or small." fonner Reach client Flnanclal instruments The company currently holds no financial instruments. Small company provlslons This report has been prepared in accord8nce with the provisions applicable to companies entitled to the small companies exemption. The directors, annual report was approved on .. .... trustees by.. ..kn.24nd signed on behalf of the board of Dr J Lock Director rris ctor 11
Reach Counselling Limited Company Limited by Guarantee Independent Examinefs Report to the Directors of Reach Counselling Limitsd Year ended 30 September 2024 I report to the directors on my examination of the financial statements of Reach Counsdling Limited {'the charity,) for the year ended 30 September 2024. Responsiblllties and basls of report The trustees who are also the directors of the company for the purposes of company law are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements. The 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.18m qualified to undertake the ex8minats.on by being a qualified member of'Accounting body,. Independent examinerfs statement I have completed my examination. I confirm that no matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe.. accounting records were not kept in respect of the charity 8s required by section 386 of the 2006 Act. or the financial statements do not accord with those records., or the financial 5tsternent5 do not comply with the accounting requirements of section 396 of the 20C£ Act other than any requirement that the accounts give a 'true and f8irf view which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination., or the financial statements have not been prepared in accordance with the methods and principles of the Statement of Recommended Pr8Ctice for accounting and reporting by charities applicable to charities preparing their accounts in acLordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland IFRS 102). I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examinats'on to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached. Giles Mattocks FCA Independent Examiner 18 Mulberry Avenue Turnstone Business Park dnes Cheshire WA8 OWN 7/r12C 12
Reach Counselling Limited Company Limited by Guarantee ststement of Financial Activlties (Including income and expendlture account) Year ended 30 September 2024 2024 Unrestricted funds Total funds Totsl funds 2023 Note Income and endowments Donations and legacies Investment income 87,969 516 87,969 516 74,473 307 Total income 88,485 88,485 74,780 Expendfture Expenditure on charitable acliMties Total expendlture 95,076 96,076 88,694 95,076 95,076 88,694 Net expendlture and net movement In funds (6,591) {6,591) (13.914) Reconclliation of funds Total funds brought forward Total funds carried forward 56,905 50,314 58.905 70,819 50.314 56,905 The statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year. All income and expenditure derive from continuing activities. The notss on pages 15 to 21 fom part of these financial statements. 13
Reach Counselling Limited Company Llmited by Guarantee ststement of Financial Position 30 September 2024 2024 2023 Nole FFxed assets Tangible fjxed assets 13 127 170 Cuffent assets Stocks Debtors Cash at bank and in hand 14 15 350 350 12,278 46,598 44,287 53,081 59.226 Credltors: amounts falllng due thIn one year Net current assets 16 2,894 2,491 60,187 50,314 50.314 56,735 56,905 56,905 Total assets less current Ilabllltles Net assets Funds of the charlty Unrestricted funds 50,314 60,314 56,905 56,905 Total charfty funds 18 For the year ending 30 September 2024 the charity was entitled to exemption from audit under section 477 of the Companies Act 20C6 relating to small companies. Directors, responsibilities.. The members have not required the company to obtain an audit of its financial statements for the year in question in accordance with section 476. The directors acknowledge their responsibilities for complying with the requirements of th8 Act with respect to accounting records and the preparation of financial statements. These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to companies subject to the small companies, regime. These financial statements were approved by the board of trustees and authorised for issue on . wsand are signed on behalf of the board by: Dr J Lock Director P Morris Director The notes on pages 15 to 21 forni part of these financial statements. 14
Reach Counselling Limited Company Limited by Guarantee Notes to the Financial Statements Year ended 30 September 2024 General infomiation The charity is a public benefit entity and a private company limited by guarantee, registered in England and Wales and a registered charity in England and Wales. The address of the registered office is 85a Allerton Road, Liverpool, Merseyside, L18. statement of compliance These financial statements have been prepared in compliance with FRS 102. 'The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and the Republic of Ireland,, the Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (Charities SORP (FRS 102)) and the Companies Act 2006. Accounting policies Basls of preparatlon The financial statements have been prepared on the historical cost basis, as modified by the revaluation of certain financial assets and liabilities and investment properties measured at fair value through income or expenditure. The financial statements are prepared in sterling, which is the functional currency of the entity. Going concern There are no material uncertainties about the charity's ability to continue. Judgements and key sources of estimation uncertainty The preparation of the financial statements requires management to make judgements, estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported. These estimates and judgements are continually reviewed and are based on experience and other factors, including expectations of future events that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. Fund accounting Unrestricted funds are available for use at the discretion of the trustees to further any of the charity's purposes. Designated funds are unrestricted funds eannarked by the directors for particular future project or commitment. Restricted funds are subjected to restrictions on their expenditure declared by the donor or through the terms of an appeal, and fall into one oftsvo sub-classes.. restricted income funds or endowment funds. 15
Reach Counselling Limited Company Limited by Guarantse Notes to the Financial Statements (conllnued) Year ended 30 September 2024 Accounting policies (¢ontlnued) Incomlng resour¢oS All incoming resources are included in the statement of financial activities when entitlement has passed to the charity,. it is probable that the economic benefits associated with the transaction will flow to the charity and the amount can be reliabl! measured: The followina SDecific Dolicies are applied to particular categories of income.. income from donations or grants is recognised when there is evidence of entitlement to the gift, receipt is probable and its amount can be measured reliably. legacy income is recognised when receipt is probable and entitlement is established. income from donated goods is measured at the fair value of the goods unless this is impractical to measure reliably, in which case the value is derived from the cost to the donor or the estimated resale value. Donated facilities and services are recognised in the accounts when received if the value can be reliably measured. No amounts are included for the contribution of general volunteers. income from contracts for the supply of services is recognised with the delivery of the contracted service. This is classified as unrestricted funds unless there is a contractual requirement for it to be spent on a particular purpose and retumed if unspent. in which case it may be regarded as restricted. Resources expended Expenditure is recognised on an accruals basis as a liability is incurred. Expenditure includes any VAT which cannot be fully recovered, and is classified under headings of the statement of financial activities to which it relates: expenditure on raising funds includes the costs of all fundraising activits-es, events, non- charitable trading activities. and the sale of donated goods. expenditure on charitable activits'es includes all costs incurred by a charity in undertaking activities that further its charitable aims for the benefit of its beneficiaries, including those support costs and costs relating to the govemance of the charity apportioned to charitable activities. other expenditure includes all expenditure that is neither related to raising funds for the charity nor part of its expenditure on charitable activities. All costs are allocated to expenditure categories reflecting the use of the resource. Direct costs attributable to a single activity are allocated d1CtlY to that activity. Shared costs are apportioned between the activities they contribute to on a reasonable, justifiable and consistent basis. Tangible assets All fixed assets are initially recorded at cost. 16
Reach Counselling Limited Company Limited by Guarantee Notss to the Financial Statements f¢ontinu•d) Year ended 30 September 2024 Accountlng pollcles (contlnuedl Depreciation Depreciation is calculated so as to write off the cost or valuation of an asset, less its residual value, over the useful economic life of that asset as follows: Fixtures and Fittings Equipment 25Yts reducing balance 250/0 reducing balance Impairment of fixed assets A review for indicators of impairment is carried out at each reporting date, with the recoverable amount being estimated where such indicators exist. Where the carrying value exceeds the recoverable amount, the asset is impaired accordingly. Prior impairments are also reviewed for possible reversal at each reporting date. For the purposes of impairment testing, when it is not possible to estimate the recoverable amount of an individual asset, an estimate is made of the recoverable amount of the cash-generating unit to which the asset belongs. The cash-generating unit is the smallest identifiable group of assets that includes the asset and generates cash inflows that largely independent of the cash inflows from other assets or groups of assets. For impaiment testing of goodwill, the goodwill acquired in a business combination is, from the acquisition date, allocated to each of the cash-generating units that are expected to benefit from the synergies of the combination, irrespective of whether other assets or liabilities of the charity are assigned to those units. Stocks Stocks are measured at the lower of cost and estimated selling price less costs to complete and sell. Cost includes all costs of purchase, costs of conversion and other costs incurred in bringing the stock to its present location and condition. Financial Instruments A financial asset or a financial liability is recognised only when the entity becomes a party to the contractual provisions of the instrument. Basic financial instruments are inrtially recognised at the amount receivable or payable including any related transaction costs, unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where it is recognised at the present value of the future payments discounted at a market rate of interest for a similar debt instrument. Deflned contrlbutlon plans Contributions to defined contribution plans are recognised as an expense in the period in which the related service is provided. Prepaid contributions are recognised as an asset to the extent that the prepayment will lead to a reduction in future payments or a cash refund. 17
Reach Counselling Limited Company Limited by Guarantee Notes to the Financial Statements (continued) Year ended 30 Septsmber 2024 Accounting policies (contlnued) Defined contribution plans (contlnued) lthen contributions are not expected to be settled wholly within 12 months of the end of the reporting date in which the employees render the related service, the liability is measured on a discounted present value basis. The unwinding of the discount is recognised as an expense in the period in which it arises. Llmited by guarantee The charity is a company Limited by Guarantee, having no share capitsl. Donations and legacles Unrestricted Total Funds Unrestricted Total Funds Funds 2024 Funds 2023 Donatlons Donations Gift Aid 76,670 11,299 76,670 11,299 66,234 8,239 66,234 8,239 87,969 87,969 74.473 74,473 Investment income Unrestricted Total Funds Unrestricted Total Funds Funds 2024 Funds 2023 Bank interest re1vable 516 616 307 307 Expenditure on charitable activities by fund type Unrestricted Total Funds Unrestricted Total Funds Funds 2024 Funds 2023 Direct Charitable Expenditure 95,076 95,076 88,694 88,694 Expenditure on charltable actlvltles by activity type Activities undertaken Total funds directly 2024 Total fund 2023 Direct Charitable Expenditure 95,076 95,076 88,694 18
Reach Counselling Limited Company Limited by Guarantse Notes to the Financial Statements (Continued) Year ended 30 September 2024 Net expenditure Net expenditure is stated after chargingl(crediting)- 2024 2023 Depreciation of tangible fixed assets 57 10. Independent examination fees 2024 2023 Fees payable to the independent examiner for.. Independent examination of the financial ststements 750 750 11. staff costs The average head count of employees during the year was 4 (2023.. 6). The average number of full-time equivalent employees during the year is analysed as follows.. 2024 No. 2023 No. Number of staff - counselling & administration No employee reiVed employee benefits of more than £60,000 during the year (2023.. Nil). 12. Trustee remuneration and expenses no remuneration or other benefits from employment with the charity or a related entity were reiVed by the trustees" 13. Tangible fixed assets Fixtures and fittings Equipment Total Cost At 1 October 2023 and 30 September 2024 Depreciation At 1 October 2023 Charge for the year At 30 September 2024 Carrying amount At 30 September 2024 At 30 September 2023 2,428 8,382 10,810 2,428 8,212 43 10,640 2,428 8,255 10,683 127 127 170 170 19
Reach Counselling Limited Company Limited by Guarantee Notes to the Financial Statements (conllnued) Year ended 30 Septsmber 2024 14. Stocks 2024 2023 Raw materials and consumables 350 350 15. Debtors 2024 2023 Trade debtors Prepayments and accrued income 7,168 1,276 11,151 1,127 12,278 16. Credltors: amounts falling due within one ygar 2024 2023 Accruals and deferred income Social security and other taxes other creditors 1,254 1,472 168 1,070 1,421 2.894 2,491 17. Pensions and other post retirement benefits Defined contribution plans The amount recognised in income or expenditure as an expense in relation to defined contribution plans was £7,959 (2023.. £8.774). 18. Anatysis of charitable funds Unrestricted funds At 30 September 2024 At 1 October 2023 Income Expenditure General funds 56,905 88,485 (95,076) 50,314 At 30 September 2023 At 1 October 2022 Income Expenditure General funds 70,819 74,780 (88,694) 56,905 20
Reach Counselling Limited Company Limited by Guarantee Notes to the Financial Statements (conrfnuedj Year ended 30 September 2024 19. Analysis of net assets between funds Unrestricted Total Funds Funds 2024 Tangible fixed assets Current assets Creditors less than 1 year Net assets 127 53,081 (2,894) 50,314 127 53,081 (2,8941 50,314 Unrestricted Total Funds Funds 2023 Tangible fixed assets Current assets Creditors less than 1 year Net assets 170 59,226 (2,491) 56,905 170 59,226 (2,491) 56.905 20. Financial instruments The company currently holds no financial instruments. 21
Reach Counselling Limited Company Limited by Guarantee Management Information Year ended 30 September 2024 The following pages do not forni part of the financial statements. 22
Reach Counselling Limited Company Limited by Guarantee Detsiled Ststement of Financial Activities Year ended 30 September 2024 2024 2023 Income and endowments Donations and 16gacles Donations Gift Aid 76,670 11,299 66,234 8,239 87,969 74,473 Invostment income Bank interest receivable 516 307 Total income 88,485 74,780 Expenditure Expenditure on charitable activities Wages and salaries Pension costs Rent Rates and water Light and heat Repairs and maintenance Insurance Legal and professional fees Telephone Other office costs Depreciation Bank Charges Publicity gifts and donations 56,643 7,959 11,535 1,309 2,551 338 2,608 3,953 2,613 1.332 52,841 8,774 8,880 973 1,247 3,257 2,474 1,524 2,465 1,411 57 213 4,191 387 202 3,566 424 95,076 88.694 Total expenditure 95,076 88,694 Net expenditure 16,591) (13,914) 23-
Reach Counselling Limited Company Limited by Guarantee Notes to the Detsiled Statement of Financial Activities Year ended 30 September 2024 2024 2023 Expenditure on charftabl• a¢tivitles Direct Charitable Expendlture Activities undertaken dlractly wageslsalaries pension costs rent rates & water light & heat 56,643 7,959 11,535 1,309 2,551 52,841 8,774 8,880 973 1,247 r i! repairs & maintenance insurance legal and professional fees telephone other Offi costs depreciation bank charges & interest publicity & website gifts and donations 338 2,608 3,953 2,613 1,332 3,257 2,474 1,524 2,465 1,411 57 213 4,191 387 202 3,566 424 95,076 88,694 Expenditure on charitable activities 95,076 88,694