chilterns mscentre care and 5UPPOrt for people with multiple sclerosis ANNUAL REPORT FOR 2020 rkiiiterts Iscenire Registeredcompany Number.. 02294557 (England & Wales) Registeiedcharity NumbeT'. 8W853 Frontcover photoihanksto Stevecookfrcm Swole Photojraphy Our Vision Our vision is to be a beacon of excellence and a lifeline to everyone affected locally by multiple sclerosis (MS). Our Mission We believe that local people affected by multiple sclerosis deserve to lead healthier and happier lives. Our mission is to empower them to achieve their goals through physical, practical and emotional support, for both themselves and their families, for as long as they need. ee GILLSSTORY I have had MS for many year5 and I started coming to the Centre In 2017.1 had been doing classes alternate Saturdays and Yoga on a Monday evening. When lockdown happened, my husband and I started working from home and I signed up to do the zoom exercise classes. The Centre did a brilliantjob and set thern up really quickly and they have been a real-life saver for me. There is a variety of classes and they cater for different abilities. I have seen a physical benefit from them too, like when one class moved from dolng spikey ball exercises, toe curl-ups and ankle movement exercises to stamping hard on the spot and I found I could lift my knees up much higher than I normally could when in a sitting position - I was amazed. It has spurred me on to do more feet exercises myself. The other benefit is emotionally connecting with the therapist and others doing the class- seeing all those friendly faces is a great lift. As I'm sat on a chair all day working from home, the zoom classes give me a reason to have a break and provide a structure to my day. I can't thank the Centre enoughl 99 Contents Page(s) Report of the Trustees (including Directors Report) Ito28 Report of the Independent Auditors 29to32 Consolidated Statement of Financial Activities (including Income and Expenditure account) 33 Consolidated Balance Sheet 34 Consolidated Cash Flow Statement 35 Notes to the Consolidated Cash Flow Statement 36 Note5 to the Consolidated Financial Statements 37to50 "I wanted to thank you all at the Centre for the support that you provided Mum and l over the years and in particularly the Sensory Group in recent times- a genuine highlight of my last few years with Mum and I know she really enjoyed attending. I know how much fun she had in physio too and how much the chance to get out of the house and socialise meant to her. It has been a tough year for everyone and she undoubtedly missed her trips to the Centre. So thank you and please do keep up the hard work and know it is so, so worthwhile. We loved the support packs too and l enjoyed those, particularly over the summerwhen I was able to spend more time with heroutside., Emma WELCOME TO THE CHILTERNS MS CENTRE REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2020 This has been one of the most challenging years in the Centre's 35 year history of supporting people with multiple sclerosis (MS). When we were planning ouranniversary celebrations at the start of the year we could not have imagined what lay ahead.The Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic is immeasurable. We had to close the doorstothe Centre and Stop offering face to face treatments, therapies and social groups. Instead, we faced months of financial uncertainty. Ll With manyof our member5 being vulnerable and shieldingi lockdown and social distancing presented potentially devastating impacts on both mental wellbeing and physical health. Our passion and drive to help people affected by MS meant we immediately offered as much of our support a5 possible remotely. We started Zoom exercise classes, telephone and online consultations and social medla groups and by connecting people to us, and each other, we continued to be a lifeline. The new remote services were well received and enabled us to further our objectiveto engage with the wider MS community. For some, the virtual Centre has presented new opportunities enabling them to engage more often and from the comfort oftheir own home. We have been ableto improve communication and strengthen relationshiDS WTrth a new-look member newsletter and brand new'centre Times, SUPFKJrter newsletter.we are luckythat so many of our members have forged such strong friendship5 With each other. As a result, our special community is thriving through social media and regular phone calls - connecting carers With each other as well as provldlng supportto member& Everyone was excited when we reopened in August. We were delighted to see members back at the Centre whose need5 could not be met remotely and a face to face inteNention was necessary. With strict protocols in place, this remains our policy as the pandemlc contlnues. Following two years of financial deficit, a key objective for 2020 was to develop a strategy for a sustainable future and it was clear that action was needed to ensure long-term financial stability. It was critical that the Board of Trustees monitored the immediate and future financial impact of COVID on the charity. We set up a COVID-19 Committee which met at least every two weeks to ensure we held sufficient funds to meet expenditure, fulfil restricted funding obligations and take necessary actions. Our future financial stability will continue to be the main focus of 2021. We had a tremendous response to our emergency appeal, our supporters raised funds for us and we had crucial financial assistance from various trusts in our time of need. This, combined with substantial income from the furlough scheme, has enabled the Centre to continue to operate through the challenging months of 2020 and into 2021, albeit in a very different way. We were also very fortunate to receive a very large capital grant for the renovation of our hydrotherapy pool and an upgrade of our IT system. The charity had business interruption in our insurance policy. However, after initially being optimistic about making a claim, it became clear we could not rely on this income as the Financial Conduct Authority's (FCA)'s business interruption insurance test case was launched in the courts. Still facing financial hardship and a reduced ability to provide treatments, regrettably we had to take action to mitigate the impact of COVID as much as possible through restructuring. It was an extremely difficult time for all of us. A number of staff took the opportunity to take voluntary redundancy and another was unfortunately made redundant. We were very sad to say goodbye to these very loyal and talented members of our team. I would like to thank them for their immeasurable contribution during their time at the charity and wish them well for the future. It is testament to the incredible hard work of all our staff and volunteers and the amazing support we have received from so many of our wonderful stakeholders that the charity has endured as a going concern through these unprecedented times. I give my heartfelt thanks to everyone involved for supporting us and in doing so, enabling us to continue the vital work we do in helping people with MS. **C A T H E R I N E** _**G**_ **O L D S Chair ofTrustees** 2 MS Is an unpredirtable, long-terni and often disabling condition that afferts the central neNous system. It (auses a wide range of symptoms including difficulties with walking, balance, impaired vision and bladder problems. 1 in 500 people in the UK have been diagnosed wlth the condition. Living with MS can be really tough. Who We Are We are a dynamic, local, independent charity positively changing the quality of dally life for people affected by multiple sclerosis (MS) and their families and friends. Ourvision is to be a beacon of excellence and a lifeline to everyone affected locally by MS. What We Believe We are an embracing communlty of supportto everyone affected by MS and we believe people with MS deserveto lead healthier and happier lives. Our mission 15 to help them achieve this by empowering them to manage their 5yrnPtom5 through long-term physicali practical and emotional support. Who We Support If people with MS want to use our services, they can become a member forjust £25 a year and we will welcome them into our Centre community. All we ask is that if our members are ableto. they make a donation towards the running of the Centre. Many members a150 make a significant contribution through volunteering and fundraising. 563 members with MS Our membership of 563 people with MS travel to us from across the whole of Buckinghamshire and the surrounding counties of Oxfordshire, Hertfordshire and Bedfordshlre. 51 carer members We recognisethe huge impact that MS can a150 have on the family and friends of peoplewith MS. We are supporting an increasing number of loved ones who are caring for someone with MS- we currently have 51 carers members. 5¥0 increase in members ave een atten Ing entre or over 5 years now an It Is a lifeline for me. When we went into lockdown, it was difficult at the beginning but the Zoom classes have been of major benefit, both in terms of having an exercise regime and the ability to see and speak with familiar faces on a regular basis, the social aspect being as important as the physical." Mark How We Offer Support Zoom exercise classes & Yoga MS Members Staying Sane video clips & tips People with MS are at the heart of everything we do. Through our support. help and guldance, we aim to positively changethe quallty of their daily life and keep them independent for as long as possible. Video Iphone physio & coun5elling consultations Our range of services usually includes physiotherapy, hydrotherapy, exercise classes, counselling, complementary and occupational therapies We also supportthe wellbeing of our members through a numberof social, art and gardenlng groups as well as input from a dietitian. Virtual coffee momings, bingo & quizzes Postal artivity packs The COVID-19 pandemic meant we had to totally rethink how we SUPPOrt our rnembers through different and innovative ways. Our aim is to contribute to the maintenance of, and improvements in, their health, mobility, energy, independence and, criticallythrough these challenging and unsettling times, their mental wellbeing. Interartive worksho Ibeing Diet Through a range of online and telephone sessions, ourexpert theraplsts have continued to target and improve speclfic symptoms and help people to achievetheir goa15, whether big or small. It may be as simple as enabling them to do something that manytake for granted such as putting on a pair of socks in the morning. We have developed new services such as our Buddy Scheme where a simple call can make such a difference to a person with MS or their carer. Weight programme Art challenges On-line fatigue course Buddy scheme Outreach physio The charity was flrst started by people wlth MS 35 years ago with the ethos of self-help. 2020 was a yearwhen the emphasis on thi5 wa5 more Important than ever-we have continued to support, guide, help and advise our members even if we can't see them face to face at our Centre. You Tube Resources hand strength skin care good sleep breathing immune funrtion mstentfe How We Offer Support Volunteers Ourwonderful volunteers are absolutely vital to the functioning of the charity- we simply wouldn't be able to operate withoutthem and they have continued to be hugely supportive during the pandemic. In March we launched our remote buddy schemewhich now supports membersand carers With a regular friendly phone call for social support and up to date information about the Centre. When we restarted face to face appointments in August, our volunteers were there to help us. They have supported us by running the Oxygen chamber, helping on reception and completing the necessary COVID-19 screening checks before members enterthe building. Volunteers have also worked behind the scenes with research for the fundraising department, supporting remote clinical initiatives and keeping the gardens looking bright and tidyfor those still able to visit the Centre. Carers The wellbeing of family and close friends isjust as importancespecially if their loved one relles on them for regular care. Itcan be very difficult and lonely being a carer, particularly during lockdown, so we continued to supportthem through the pandemic- a voice of someone who cares and understands their situation can be invaluable tothem. We have also arranged regular social gatherings on zoom for our carer community. ar asn een wor Ing an uck at home due to the pandemic. I'm fairly certaln hewould have sunk withoutthe upport on Zoom. I have really appreciated regular phone contact from my buddy enny, who'5 been a great sounding board. s good talking to someone who has faced imilar issues and has a real understanding of the ifficulties." een ' Being part of the MS Centre new Buddy scheme has been really positive for me as a volunteer as well as the person l am calling to support. I really enjoy having a chat and knowing that l am doing something to help and support one of the members in these really challenging times.. Charlotte, rer member Sue, Volunteer Partnerships We continue to bulld productive worklng relatlonshlps wlth the local Clinical Commissioning Groups. General Practitioners and other bodies that support people with MS, to ￿SUre that they can carry outtheir core purposes and that the needs of their patient5 are fully understood and 5UPPOrted by this wider community. Paul's Story Lucktly my MS nurse told me aboutthe Centre and I'm so glad I went along. Thanksto their practlcal and emotional support, l am now learning to live with my MS and not let it define me. I no longerfeel isolated and l am heading in the rlghtdirection to get my life backon track But a few years ago, life was very different. I was a successful chemical engineer when I received the devastating diagnosis of Primary Progressive multiple sclerosis in 2013. My moblllty progressively got worse and everyday tasks became more difficult oreven impossible and my life began to fall apart. I had to retire from a job I loved, separate from my family and watch my independence disappear. I10st my confidence and sense of purpose. I had Ilttle soclal Interaction with others and felt worthles5. In a few short years, I had gonefrom living lifeto simplyexisting. All because I have multiple 5clerosis. Now I have amazing friends and a partner I met the Centre who I can be myself with and know I have a safe place that will support me whenever I need. 99 Our phys5otherapist Shazia said I saw Paul after the lockdown in September. His maln issues were increased weakness In his right leg and frequent falls. My treatment plan involved strengthening, activating his leg muscles and gait training. l also referred him tothe Buckinghamshire wheelchairservices and his GP for Paul to be assessed for a FUP (foot splint), which will i help his rightfootto clear the ground while walklng reducing the ri5kof fall5. Although Paul's condition is progressive, ouraim is to keep hlm independent with transfers, self-care and other daily activities as long as we can. 99 OBJECTIVE I FOR 2020 We prlde ourselves on béing one of the countrls leading MS Centres and it is importantto share information with other Centres through MSNTC (Multiple Scler05i5 National Therapy Centresl.This has been more critical forthe wider MS communitythat relied on their therapy centres during the unprecedented challenges of 2020. We have engaged in regular meetings with our colleagues up and down the country to Share and learn on topics such as COVID-19 protocols, equipment and remote seNices. At the beginning of lockdown, we were contacted by people with MS who usually use other therapy centres. We were one of the first to offer a range of vlrtual servlces and were delighted that we could 5UPPOrtthem in theirtime of need. Another way we measure how we engage with the wider MS community 15 by how many members join us. We saw a rlse in membership of 5% from 2019 to 2020 despite not being able to see new members in person for an assessment at the Centre for a large part of the year. Instead, we did video assessments with our new members so we could signpost them to the resources and treatments thatwould help them reach theirgoals. OBJECTIVE 2 FOR 2020 DEVELOP A LONGER TERM STRATEGY TO Following strategic reviews and researth in the preceding two years, the charity launched a project early in 2020 to ensure the longer-term financial stability of the Centre. The projett started to review further options to reduce costs to match income and to research other possible operating models that would enable further Income growth. We had started to communicate to members and g7ve them the opportunity to'Have Your Say, on the future directlon of the charty. The impact of Covid-19 meant resources had to be re-directed with the focusvery much on survival through 2020 and beyond. With a fall in the number of appointments due to the crisis and the pressure on income, the charitytookthe very difficult decision to restructure. Regrettably, this resulted in six redundancies. This relieved sorne of the financial pressure of 2020 and 2021, but ensuring thefuture financial stability of the charity remains a key priority. The trustees will continue to focu5 on a longer-term strategy in 2021. Whi15ttheCOVID pandemic ha5 undoubtedly raised challenges, our learning and 501utions have given u5 insight into new and in some cases, better ways of sUPPOrting people affected by MS which will help towards our sustainability objective. OBJECTIVE 3 FOR 2020 IMPROVE OUR COMMUNICATIONS AND STREN THEN OUR RELATIONSHIPS 2020 was a strange year where, in particular. our online communications became even more important than before. We kicked off 2020 with a brand new look to our newsletters, designed in conjunction with our stakeholders. We changed our member newsletter to weeklyduring the height of the pandemic and grewthe number of people receiving itfrom 484 to 611. It is now fortnightly. We also launched a newe-newsletterfor our supporters- Centre fimes- which goes Out 4 times a year to 663 people. It has a 59.8% open rate and 18.5% click rate. These are marginally above the industry average for a non-profit organisation. In a very challenging environmenL we contlnued to build relatlonshlpswlth our stakeholders through mailshots. Atthe beginning of the lockdown, we made a special effort to contact each supporter with an update on our plans through the pandemic. We did the same at Christma5 a5 well as personalised thantyous. We also spread the new5 of our first-ever virtual event- Challenge 35-to our supporters. We contlnued to build our audience on social media. We increased ourfollowers across FaceboolTwitter, Instagram and Linkedln Social medla channels. The largest increase was In Instagram followers due to ourvery successful and well-attended Pop Up Art Weekend which was held in March ahead of the pandemic,. (* F•ns O Follower4 mscentre CENTRETIMES CEMfRE NEWS 1.8K 1.7K fans followers 61 Irom 1.7K 30 1.7K • Followe Followers parthmk.nellhHA 376 181 lollow¢rs followers IOfrorn2 JTr 60fr•rn 121 OBJECTIVES FOR 2021 DEVELOP A STRATEGY FOR A SUSTAINABLE Our main priorityfor 2021 is to secure thefinancial stabilty of the charity.Wewill resume our sustainability project and develop a longer-term strategy that ensures we are here to support people affected by MS for many years to come. We will contlnue our research of operating models to supportfuture income growth. BUILD A STAKEHOLDER-FOCUSED MARKETING STRATEGY We will create a compelling narrative to demonstrate the impact we have on the lives of our members. We will communicate this impact to OUT existing stakeholders to deepen our relationship with them. We will reach out to attract and engage new stakeholder5 to maximise all opportunities and support our key objectivesfortheyear. DEVELOP A MEMBER JOURNEY WITH SELF-MANAGEMENT AT ITS HEART Self-help was at the heart of how the Centre was founded: a group of people with MS had the vision and drive to raise money for an oxygen chamber where they could access this therapy to help improve their symptoms. This principle of self-management forms a key part of how we support our members. We want to truly embed this ethos into the holistic journey that our member5 take. We will build on our existing outcome measures so we can fully report the positive impact we have on people affected by MS and how we are meeting our mi55ion. CREATE A TEAM CULTURE WHICH ENGENDERS COMMITMENT AND WHERE OUR PEOPLE ARE VALUED We aim to create a supportive workplace culture where both our staff and volunteers feel engaged and valued by all theircolleagues and our members. We will initiate a wellbeing programme, reénergise our appraisal system for employees and support our people through the challenges that lie ahead to foster a happy, efficient and committed team. Achievements and Performance Emergen(y Appeal The closing of the Centre and cancellation of our Ilve fundraising events and activities hit us hard, and the future looked uncertain as we were unable to bring in the funds required from our usual progiamme. Reacting to the sudden halt of funds, we set up an emergency appeal and shared this with all of our sUPPOrters, members, volunteers and staff. We're delighted thi5 raised over £34kwhich helped carry the charitythrough the initial phase of uncertainty.Thank you to everyone who donated tothe emergency appeal-this support means we are here today, supporting our members. 35th Anniversary The Centre celebrated its 35th birthday in 2020, and we ran ourfirst-evervirtual fundraising event- Challenge 35. Members, stsff, volunteers and supporters alike took on a challenge involving the number 35. and we saw sponsored running, waI￿ng, playing tennis, baking. jewellery making, abstaining and crocheting in aid ofthe Centre raising over £16k We may not have celebrated this momentous occasion in the way we planned but thls year has highlighted how lucky we are to have such a wonderful network of people in our comrnunity wi11Sng to get Involved and help us. Our supporters found so many different and inventive ways to raise moneyfor u5 and we are really grateful to each one of them for their efforts. Thankyou! New Services Thanks to the passion and ingenuity of the team at the Centre, our support of people with MS ha5 expanded into new directions as a result of the pandemic. The new services include a'Buddy scheme, for 35 of our members and 4 of their carers. In addition tothis scherne, we kept in touch with 121 members with our'centre support,. Due to difficultles wlth transport or because they were no longer able to transfer in and out of a car, some of our members were unable to reach us for much-needed phy5iOtherapy when we started to offer face-to-face appointments again. Therefore, we started our 'Outreach service, to help members rnost in need and travelled to their homes to treat them. io ## **Achievements and Performance 2020** ## **Counselling** We were delighted when we welcomed a new counsellor to the team in May. With a good understanding of MS and the challenges it presents our members, she has been able to help and support 18 people navigate their way through these very difficult times. ## **Physiotherapy and Exercise Therapy** No. of members accessing each service Physio and exercise therapy are key to maintaining, and in some cases improving, the physical health of people with MS. Physio appointments moved to video calls where possible, or by phone. From August, we resumed face-to-face appointments for those members who required hands-on intervention by our highly skilled and experienced team. **----- Start of picture text -----**
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We also ran a number of physio classes for members to help specific symptoms such as core stability and balance. Our generic group exercise therapy classes have been immensely popular with 146 members benefiting from them. For a number of weeks in early autumn, some were held at the Centre but a majority of classes have been run via Zoom, with up to 27 participants. Classes are held for all abilities over the course of a week. ## **Oxygen Therapy** We reopened our chambers in September to members with strict COVID-19 protocols in place. Eighty-five of our members have accessed oxygen over the course of the year who primarily report benefits in their energy levels and bladder symptoms. We are only able to operate this service thanks to a dedicated team of trained volunteers. ## **Juliet's Story** **I have been having weekly core strength exercises on Zoom with one of the physiotherapists. To make sure I got the most out** - **of my class, I received an exercise 'kit bag' for me to use** **at home. Doing the classes has meant that I have maintained my core stability as much as possible during lockdown. It was remarkable how quickly the Centre got organised and started to offer as much as they could remotely. It has been such a difficult time and they really helped. ,,** 11 Achievements and Performance 2020 Online Services and Resources Undoubtedly one of our biggest achlevements of 2020 is the speed at which we moved many of our services online.This included our popular FAC￿5 fatigue management programme. Delivering itthis way enabled us to double the numberof courses we would usually run. We have also delivered our weight management programme online. We have bullt up excellent resources on ourYouTube channel including videos on dietfor the immune system, skin care, hand strength and exercise classes. Occupational Therapy Ourvitsl OTsUPPOrt has also continued throughoutthe pandemlc with vldeo appointments for one to one and a range of online resources. The'tips for staying sane during isolation, were very popular along with suggestionsfor getting a good night's sleep. Our'Enrich programme, for members with complex need5 continued with activity packs belng posted for families to enjoy with their loved ones. Therapeutic leisure Grnups Our Centre is usually a lively social hub with a cafe in our atrium and a number of regular therapeutic leisure groups. We set up three very successful Facebook groups where our close community can keep in touch. There are 135 members in our Members Group and 123 of these are active which meansthey comment and reactto our posts, as well as create their own posts. The Social and Exercise Group has 117 members, 110 are active and many staff members also interact with this group. It Is the first year that staff have really got involved wlth soclal medla. 5harlng strategies for maintaining wellbeing and showing support to each other has been hugely valuable in connerting the Centre's community. We have also been holding Zoom activities, keeping in touch this way has helped keep our comrnunitythriving throughout the pandemic. Our most popular activity was a sunflower growing competition wlth many staff and members involved and posting photos of their prize specimens. Some of our members were not ableto access any online servtces or activities-a COVID grant helped us provlde tablets for those members that were keen to do so. For 25 other members, wlth the help of one of ourteam of brilliant volunteers, we have been sending them'activity packs, of crosswords, quizzes, other puzzle5 and recipes. Our Angell Art Group ha5 a150 kept in touch with their own Facebook group. There are 57 members, 48 of which are actlve members Posting pictures of their work, challenges and idea5.Two dedicated volunteers provide regular project suggestions and demonstrations on Facebook "One of the great thing5 about the Centre, especially during lockdown, has been the sense of community. Personally, I have found the Members Facebook page helpful and informative., Patricia Income Generation The fundraising landscape changed rapidly in 2020 with the pandemic having a significant impact on some fundraising streams. The charlty's planned fundraislng Income usually Includes a programme of live events whlch had to be cancelled from the middle of March onwards. Sales from the cafe, greetings cards and other Items at the Centrewere also wiped out. Sponsorshlp, applicationsto grant-making trusts, corporate fundraising, individual and community donations thankfully contlnued throughouttheyear. AIS of the Centre's fundralslng activities are in line with the Code of Fundraising Practice set by the Fundraising Regulator, of which the Centre is a member. Income 2020 2,0% 1 O.OX Trusts and foundations 3.116 Corporate. other doThation5 and legacie5 Donations from meTh￿r$ 43% Major donors Capltal 8rant5 Furlough gTrnt t Sales ahiiol Commission1￿ Groups Glft aid othor fUndraI￿n￿ and ColkC￿Or Income from Oakwood Wellb*in¥ Umlted MeM￿r$hiP subscriptions ' Interest incorne Major Donors We are indebted to our major donors, whose philanthropy Is critical to the charity. We are truly thankful fortheir time, effort and generosity which enables us to support people to overcome some of the day-to-day challenges that MS presents. 13 Income Generation Trusts This year we were fortunate to receive a revenue income of £270,108 from 26 grant-makers. In a yearwhen other forms of fundraising were badly hit bythe pandemic, we are so grateful that this tremendous response enabled us to continue supporting vulnerable people with MS and theirfamilies through the crisis. The National Lottery Communlty Fund supported us not only with the £1 00,000 grant already pledged for our physlotherapy service in 2020 but also with a further £50.000 awarded this yearfrom theircoronavirus Community Support Fund, distributed on behalf of the Government. Our exercise therapy programme wa5 supported by previously-pledged funding from H52's Communityand Environment Fund and a new grant from the GarField Weston Foundation. Some of theTrusts and Foundations that support us regularly made additional giftsthis year to meet the costs of delivering seniices remotely or of buying PPE and making our Centre COVID-safe. Others helped us by d&restrlcting their gifts, making them earlier than pledged, or relaxing reportlng requirements.we would particularly like tothankthe Vale of Aylesbury Housing TrustThriving Community Fund in this regard. We also need to say a huge'thank you, to the Band Trust, whose incredible addltlonal £100,000 grant enabled us to delivertwo major capital projects that were vital for our charity but would not have happened without this gift; the major refurbishment of our hydrotherapy pool and the upgrade of our ageing IT system. This included the replacement of old Pcs with laptops that have helped our staff work remotelywhere lockdown rules have required home working. lI￿lI 14 Income Generation Corporate We have been humbled by the support and generosityfrom all our corporate partners thisyearwho continued to help us through a really challenging and difficult time for local businesses and would like to thank each and every one of them. Our corporate partners have supported us in many ways including being a Corporate Friend and making a monthly donation. choosing us as their charity of the year. making one-off donations or sponsoring our Popup Art Weekend or corporate events. We were also awarded funding to create a brand-new online fundraising platform which enabled us to run Challenge 35. Thanks also to all our corporates who tookon a personal challenge on behalf of their businessto raise funds for us. We ended the year wlth our first-ever virtual network event which was a real success. We will no doubt be runnlng more vlrtual networklng events in 2021 but we hope to welcome our business partners backfor face-to-face events when possible. Community As expetted, the Community fundraising programme looked very different in 2020. We were fortunate to run three events before lockdown started, Including ourflagship Pop-up Art Weekend. This event is only possible thanks to the wonderful committee of volunteers and we were able to make the Centre safe enough to hold this eventjust before the national lockdown started in March. A huge number of people tookon personal challenges for usthroughout the year. running, three sponsored head shaves and Patrick (pictured on the front cover) completed his #Walk4onehour challenge in September, raising over £6,0001 Thanks go to all the individuals, clubs and societies that have 5UPPOrted us this year by making donations, holding (safe) events, or encouraging othersto get involved in fundraising for us. Lockdown proved a challenge, as a very sociable person not being able to go out was a nightmare. I never imagined that I would be asking for help with my mental health but rtunately, the Centre's counsellor helped me workthrough my feellngs. I'm not ashamed to mit I struggled. All these services were provided remotely but achieved the same amazing esults had I been receivin them face-to-face. I cannot romote the Centre enou h., Julie 15 Income Generation Personal Donations We've been very fortunate to receive donations from individuals throughout this turbulent year, whether that's a one-off donation or a regular gift. These donations have ensured we made itto our 35th birthday and beyond. They have also kept our seNices running and allowed us to better plan the future. Member Donations All our services are offered free of charge to our members, however, many choose to donate both time and money when they are able-for this, we are trulythankful. We're especially grateful to our members who have continued donating, even when our services are so different at the moment. Social Media as Fundraising Channel A sum of £4,694 was raised through Facebook and Instagram In 2020- an Increase of £868 on 2019. Most donations were through blnhdayfundraisers that our members set up. Oakwood Wellbeing Limited Oakwood Wellbeing Limited (OWLI, a Wholly￿wned subsidiary of the Chilterns MS Centre, wa5 set up in 2016 to generate income for the Centre from its main resources: the premises, specialist equipment and staff. The role of OWL is to maximise income potential by using these resources outside of the Centre's busiest hours. It operates on a commercial basis and all profits are gifted free of tax to the Centre. Unfortunately, it was also hit by the coronavirus pandemic and thi5 year it ha5 generated a contribution of £1 0,009 for the charity, compared with £51,999 for 2019. "We ove to support the Chilterns MS Centre, so it can help and support people in the local area, and this is driven by our historic and current links with employees and the charity." ate Gubbins, GE Healthcare 'A great virtual corporate networking evening with a thought provoking talk and well facilitated. I enjoyed the break out room discussions." Jonathan Lane, Haines Watts 16 Administrative Details Company Details Registered Company Number 02294557 (England and Wale51 Registered Charity Number 800853 ftegistered Offits and Principal Addre55 Chilterns MS Centre Oakwood Close Wendover. Ayle5bury Buckinghamshire HP22 5LX Web.. vdww.ch11ternsm5￿ntre.0rg Telephone: 01296 696133 Trustees Tony Wlnterbottom BA Ichalrl (Reslgned 5th July 20201 Catherine Golds Diplwm PgD tvice-chairl {Appointed Chair 5th July 20201 LizTubb LLB (Hons) (Appointed vic￿haIr 5th July 20201 John Bedford Robert Carter BA Hons (Co-opted 26th February 2020 & Elected 5th July 2020) Alison Heywood DBO Darayus Motivala BSclHon51 (Re-dected 5th July 20201 Henry Snow (Co-opted 30th May 2019 & Elected 5th July 20201 Justin Stephenson {C￿pted 19th September 2019 & Elected 5th July 20201 Simon Turner IR&etected 5th July 20201 Company Secretary LizTubb LLB (Hons) barrister-at-law Chlef Operatlng Officer Andy Graham (Appointed 1st January 20201 Leadership Team Faye Chappell- Head of Cllnlcal and Support Service5 IRe5igned 31 July 20201 Amy Smissen- Head of Integrated Cllnlcal Serylces (Appointed 7 July 2020) Sharon Cooper - Interim Head of Fundraising July to December 2020 Elleen Inman- Flnance Manager Gemma Hlll- Communications Manager Terry Baldwin- Facilities Manager It was a very big thing to take on board that I needed a wheelchair but following the fatigue course I now see it like wearing my glasses. If I wish to be able to see where I'm going, I need to put on my glasses. If I wish to be able to compete in a swimming race and move away quickly at the end of it then I need to Use a wheelchair." Amanda 17 Administrative Details (Continued) Audltors Halnes Watts Statutory AuditQT Milton House Gatehouse Rd, Gatehouse Industrial Area, Aylesbury HP19 8EA Telephone Number5 01296 696133 (Reception) 01296 823040 (Fundraising & Communication5 team) 01296 823047 (Finance office) Website ww.chilternsmscentre.org Email lnfo@chilternsmscentre.org Bankers National Westminster Bank PIC 22 Market Square Aylesbury Bucks HP20 IPR Social Media Facebook.. Twrtter. Linkedin: I￿tagram. www.facebook.com/ChilternsMSCentre @Chilternsms Chllterns MS Centie chilternsmscentre Uoyds Bank PIC 79 High Street Chesham Buckingham5hire HP5 1 DE Patron5 Trlshna Bharadla The Earl of Buckinghamshire Lord Carlile of Berriew QC Professor Gavin Giovannoni MBBCh PhD FCP FRCP FRCPath David Lldlngton J P G Naylor Esq Derek KTownsend DL Santander Ist Floor Operations Block Brldle Road Bootle Merseyside L30 4GB ' The'staying sane during self-isolation, tips by Amy were brilliant and really helped in those first difficult weeks of lockdown, It was lovely to see a friendly face on the screen!" Kate 18 STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT Governing Document Chilterns MS Centre Ltd Is registered with the Charity Commission for England and Wales; It was incorporated as a company limited by guarantee on 9th September 1988. The charity was governed by its Memorandum and Articles of Association as adopted on 22nd December 2004 until the Annual General Meeting on 21stJune 2016 when new Articles of Association were approved and adopted by the members. They were further amended at the Annual General Meeting held on 26th July 2018. Organisational Structure The Board of Trustee5 is responsibleforthe overall management and governance of the charity and meets on a monthly ba515. The Board sets the strategic direction and policy for the charity, agrees on an annual budget and monitors performance against it. The day-tc day management is delegated to its Chief Operating Officer, Andy Graham who wa5 appointed on Istjanuary 2020.The COO was supported bythe Head of Clinical & Support Services, Faye Chappell who resigned on 1st August.The Centrewould like to thank herfor the tremendous work she undertook whilst at the Centre. The Leadershlp Team ILT) now 5UPPOrtthe COO comprising Amy Smissen, Head of Integrated Clinical Services; Elleen Inman, Finance Manager; Gemma Hill, Communications Manager and Terry Baldwin, Facilities Manager. Sharon Cooper was the interim Head of Fundraising from July-December. Governance The COO and the Chair ofTrustees meet on a weekly basis. For governance purpo*s, and in order to maintain gocKI lines of communication, the LT provldes a monthly written report to theTrustee5 Including any resolution5 required bythe Board. This provides a coordinated approach to the running and development of the charity. Risk management, Health and Safety and complaints feature on the governance groups, agendas, and feedback from the various sub-committees form part of the agenda for trustee meetings. All of the Trustees workon one or more of the charitys governance sub