The trustees are pleased to present their report together with the financial statements of the organisation for the year ended 31 March 2025 which have been prepared to meet and fulfil the requirements of the Companies Act.
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out in note 1 to the financial statements and comply with the charity's governing document, the Companies Act 2006, FRS 102 "The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland" and the Charities SORP "Accounting and Reporting by Charities: 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)".
Base 25 was founded in 1998, originally a predominantly young person-centred charity, that provides services, programmes and projects aimed at improving the lives of young people and their families. The charity has grown in both scope and size over the years our move to Temple Street in 2021 reflecting the increased scope and demand for our services.
We seek to work with young people up to the age of 25 and their families in a “holistic” way, meaning that we work with the whole person and do not treat people as a series of issues or problems. A key theme that runs through our work is confidence building; enabling young people and families to gain self-esteem.
We aim to empower young people and families by responding directly to their needs, giving them the skills to identify pathways for making positive changes in their lives and giving them the tools to do it. Offering bespoke and reactive services that respond to the changing needs of our clients. Rather than feeling threatened by change, we embrace it as a fundamental part of our work with young people and families.
As a charity and a non-statutory organisation, we are well placed to be responsive and innovative, and we have received many accolades for our work. Examples of innovations that have been developed directly from our work with young people and families include our work with young people who have additional needs, our work with those suffering through exposure to domestic violence, and our work with young people and families around harmful sexual behaviours.
We have a key role in training and developing work with volunteers and with students on placement as well as training other professionals who work with young people and families. In the same way that our work with our clients aims to be innovative and responsive, our work with partner organisations such as local secondary schools is needs-led, and programmes are developed over a period of time leading us to be, in many cases, trusted co-partners and collaborators rather than simply preferred suppliers.
Our experience and breadth of knowledge gained over many years have led us to be a key stakeholder in developing city-wide strategy in relation to services for young people and families. We regularly participate in forums to share best practices and formulate city-wide and sub-regional strategies.
Base 25 runs a range of specialised programmes both in its venue in the centre of Wolverhampton as well as in the venues of partner organisations. These range from individual one-to-one services such as counselling based on referral of the needs of individuals; to small group work and theme-based peer education programmes, to larger scale educational programmes for young people and families, as well as training programmes for fellow professionals working with young people and families.
Due to the innovative nature of our work, which has given us a reputation for working in a groundbreaking way around themes that many other organisations find difficult. Such themes include relationships, depression, bullying, family upheaval, grief, domestic violence, gender and sexual orientation and harmful sexual behaviours as well as social issues such as gun and knife crime.
Programmes are developed in response to the needs of young people and families, tested out, evaluated and constantly reviewed in order that we can best meet their changing needs.
The trustees have had due regard to guidance issued by the Charity Commission on public benefit in deciding what activities our organisation should undertake.
Services
Mi Choice
During 2019–20 the local authority Wolverhampton CCG and Head Start jointly tendered to commission a new Emotional Health and Wellbeing Service for young people and families aged 3 to 25. Across Wolverhampton, Base 25 have been successful in securing this contract, which has a total value over the period of the contract of just short of £1,000,000. Since having to adapt during COVID, several changes had to be made to the service which have now become part of our core offer, including green space appointments, virtual appointments and telephone support. But throughout COVID and beyond, we have maintained and increased our contact with young people and their families. Furthermore, through additional funding from Wolverhampton CCG (now The Black Country ICB), we have been able to invest in the Lamplight system, which has been successfully implemented and used to collect and monitor data which will be utilised across all aspects of Base 25 delivery.
The additional funding enabled a number of pilots to be undertaken which has enabled us to expand our delivery profile; this pilot included:
• A weekly club that young people are invited to attend when we receive their referral. This can be both an entry and an exit route to the service delivering sessions focused on the main presenting issues we see come through at the time and more generalised wellbeing work drawing on the Five Ways to Wellbeing. Potential to do a mirror club with the parents/carers whilst their child is attending their club to provide an opportunity for the parents to participate in the process and have some peer support.
• Group work – Interventions delivered in a group setting with topics determined by presenting needs from referrals received.
• Blended programmes of work – a combining of group work and 121 sessions.
• Parent-led CBT – This is a brief psychological intervention in which parents and carers are supported in applying cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) principles in their child’s day-to-day life, which can lead to good outcomes for child anxiety in ages 6–12. This is achieved through 2 or 3 face-to-face appointments, which are followed up with review phone calls, with the final call focused on planning for maintaining their progress.
• Small parent and child groups for five and six-year-olds – When we have a number of children aged 5 & 6 presenting with anxiety, we will seek to bring them together in small groups with their parents to do low-level anxiety work that is activity-based and playful in nature.
RHSB
Our Reducing Harmful Sexualised Behaviour programme has continued to develop. Building a reputation for itself both locally and regionally with referral rates increasing month on month.
Behavioural Management
The behavioural management service continues to grow. As in previous years this growth is predominantly through spot purchase arrangements but the service is working in conjunction with our Mi choice service and the number of referrals coming through the single point of access that are more appropriate for behavioural management than the Mi choice service continues to grow. There is a clear need to expand this service and one potential emerging area for growth would be around positive role models for young male clients. The service coordinator is currently exploring options to further incorporate positive role models into the delivery of the project.
Empower & Safe
Both Safe (Safe is focused on young people affected by domestic violence) and Empower (Empower has a focus on young people affected by any form of exploitation) are now managed by the same coordinator and moving forward we are set to amalgamate these two services. This is an evidenced-based decision, we are now in a position where we can analyse our data and it is now clear that the young people in both service areas share the same risk factors. It is interesting that both services have been running for approximately 10 years and the gender balance continues to level out across both services which is a stark difference to when both services started with Empower being 100% female referrals and Safe being 100% male. The new team members are now on a 60/40 split respectively but we would imagine this will level out to be 50/50 within the next 12 to 24 months.
Café and Charity Shop
Go to shop and the café are beginning to income generate and it is hoped by March 26 both operations will be at the very least cost neutral. Beyond financial value the cafe and charity shop both are proving invaluable in terms of engagement with the wider community partner organisations and developing volunteering opportunities. It is hoped that by mid 2025, with the use of volunteers, we will be able to open both the cafe and the charity shop to match service delivery times, which will go towards financial stability for both initiatives and further community and partnership engagement.
The description under the headings "Achievements and performance" and "Financial review" meet the company law requirements for the trustees to present a strategic report.
In times of imposed austerity combined with decreasing resources and mounting insecurities across the sectors funding opportunities the organisation currently finds itself in a position of having a deficit in its unrestricted funds to the value of £69,678. The trustees understand funds are to be replenished to previous years levels to ensure the organisations policy of unrestricted funds which have not been designated for a specific use should be maintained at a level equivalent to between three and six months expenditure. This will be rectified as legacy contracts cease and new contracts are taken on board which will include funding towards our increased cost basis since moving premises in 2022.
It is the policy of the organisation that unrestricted funds which have not been designated for a specific use should be maintained at a level equivalent to between three and six month’s expenditure. The trustees consider that reserves at this level will ensure that, in the event of a significant drop in funding, they will be able to continue the organisation’s current activities while consideration is given to ways in which additional funds may be raised. This level of reserves has been maintained throughout the year.
Currently our principal funders are Henry Smith Trust, Wolverhampton NHS trust, Black country ICB, National Lottery, and Children in Need.
Having deliberated over the opportunities available the trustees have decided to invest the reserves in a bank deposit account.
The trustees have assessed the major risks to which the organisation is exposed, and are satisfied that systems are in place to mitigate exposure to the major risks.
It is the policy of the charity that unrestricted funds which have not been designated for a specific use should be maintained at a level equivalent to between three and six month’s expenditure. The trustees consider that reserves at this level will ensure that, in the event of a significant drop in funding, they will be able to continue the charity’s current activities while consideration is given to ways in which additional funds may be raised. This level of reserves has been maintained throughout the year.
Moving forward
Our aims over the next year are to refresh our strategic vision, understanding what the aim of the possible is and where the organisation is headed. We would like to foster a more inclusive staff involvement and ownership in our approach to strategic planning. We always strive to evolve and improve the quality of our services, and the administrative and managerial functions that support this delivery. With a group of new trustees joining us during 2022–23, the board continues to develop to further grow Base 25. We are also committed to promoting our services and Base 25 as a partner of choice, by investing in our communications and marketing strategy and resources.
Future risk
Ambiguity around ICB funding envelope and priorities
Local Authority spending review
Staff Retention
Staff Training
Logistic factors hindering growth (ie. resources, delivery space)
Post reporting date events
None.
Future aspirations
Improve the building aesthetically and environmentally, and reduce carbon footprint
Secure and maintain government contracts
Identify and secure multiple funding streams for the Mi choice service beyond March 26
Identify and promote internal revenue streams including training, room rental and bespoke services
Improve communication to the wider staff team
Develop the community Open Access spaces
Increase volunteering opportunities
The organisation is a charitable company limited by guarantee and registered as a charity in 1998. The company was established under a Memorandum of Association, which established the objectives and power of the charitable company and is governed under its Articles of Association. In the event of the company being wound up members are required to contribute an amount not exceeding £1.
The trustees who served during the year and up to the date of signature of the financial statements were:
L Beeson
T Codner
K Evans
K Kanda
R Stokes
A Jarvis (Resigned 19 December 2024)
C Jones
S Linden
B Hanna (Resigned 1 October 2025)
J Francis (Appointed 1 April 2024)
The directors of the company are also the charities trustees for the purpose of charity law and under the company’s articles are known as members. Under the requirements of the Memorandum and Articles of Association the members of the management committee are elected to serve for a period of two years after which they must be re-elected at the next annual general meeting.
Base 25 has a management committee who are scheduled to meet on a quarterly basis and are responsible for the strategic direction & policies of the organisation. The trustees come from a variety of professional backgrounds relevant to the work of the organisation.
The management and responsibility of operational delivery of service provision is delegated to the Head of Service counselling coordinator, volunteer coordinator, development coordinator and Empower coordinator.
The Head of Service is responsible for ensuring the organisation delivers the services specified and that key performance indicators are achieved.
The counselling coordinator, volunteer coordinator, development coordinator and Empower coordinator are responsible for the day to day operational management of the organisation’s delivery, staff supervision and the professional development of staff and services.
All trustees are acquainted with the operational delivery of the organisation and are encouraged to spend time observing project delivery. An induction pack has been created which all current trustees have, and any new members of the management committee will receive. In addition, trustees have full access to the financial statements. In March 2023, the board undertook their first Board Development day, facilitated by an external business coach.
In so far as it is complementary to the organisation's objectives we are guided by both local and national policy, and relevant codes of practice. The organisation is represented at key local strategic committees, to identify emerging issues and opportunities.
In accordance with the company's articles, a resolution proposing that Xeinadin Audit Limited be reappointed as auditor of the company will be put at a General Meeting.
The trustees' report was approved by the Board of Trustees and was signed on it's behalf by:
The trustees, who are also the directors of Base 25 for the purpose of company law, are responsible for preparing the Trustees' Report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).
Company law requires the trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charity and of the incoming resources and application of resources, including the income and expenditure, of the charitable company for that year.
In preparing these financial statements, the trustees are required to:
- select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;
- observe the methods and principles in the Charities SORP;
- make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
- state whether applicable UK Accounting Standards have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements; and
- prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the charity will continue in operation.
The trustees are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charity and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.
Opinion
We have audited the financial statements of Base 25 (the ‘charity’) for the year ended 31 March 2025 which comprise the statement of financial activities, the balance sheet, the statement of cash flows and notes to the financial statements, including significant accounting policies. The financial reporting framework that has been applied in their preparation is applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards, including Financial Reporting Standard 102 The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).
In our opinion, the financial statements:
Basis for opinion
We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK) (ISAs (UK)) and applicable law. Our responsibilities under those standards are further described in the Auditor's responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements section of our report. We are independent of the charity in accordance with the ethical requirements that are relevant to our audit of the financial statements in the UK, including the FRC’s Ethical Standard, and we have fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with these requirements. We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion.
In auditing the financial statements, we have concluded that the trustees' use of the going concern basis of accounting in the preparation of the financial statements is appropriate.
Based on the work we have performed, we have not identified any material uncertainties relating to events or conditions that, individually or collectively, may cast significant doubt on the charity’s ability to continue as a going concern for a period of at least twelve months from when the financial statements are authorised for issue.
Our responsibilities and the responsibilities of the trustees with respect to going concern are described in the relevant sections of this report.
Other information
The other information comprises the information included in the annual report other than the financial statements and our auditor's report thereon. The trustees are responsible for the other information contained within the annual report. Our opinion on the financial statements does not cover the other information and we do not express any form of assurance conclusion thereon. Our responsibility is to read the other information and, in doing so, consider whether the other information is materially inconsistent with the financial statements or our knowledge obtained in the course of the audit, or otherwise appears to be materially misstated. If we identify such material inconsistencies or apparent material misstatements, we are required to determine whether this gives rise to a material misstatement in the financial statements themselves. If, based on the work we have performed, we conclude that there is a material misstatement of this other information, we are required to report that fact.
We have nothing to report in this regard.
We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters in relation to which the Companies Act 2006 requires us to report to you if, in our opinion:
the information given in the financial statements is inconsistent in any material respect with the trustees' report; or
sufficient accounting records have not been kept; or
the financial statements are not in agreement with the accounting records; or
we have not received all the information and explanations we require for our audit.
As explained more fully in the statement of trustees' responsibilities, the trustees, who are also the directors of the charity for the purpose of company law, are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements and for being satisfied that they give a true and fair view, and for such internal control as the trustees determine is necessary to enable the preparation of financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error. In preparing the financial statements, the trustees are responsible for assessing the charity’s ability to continue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going concern and using the going concern basis of accounting unless the trustees either intend to liquidate the charitable company or to cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so.
We have been appointed as auditor under section 144 of the Charities Act 2011 and report in accordance with the Act and relevant regulations made or having effect thereunder.
Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements as a whole are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an auditor's report that includes our opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance but is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with ISAs (UK) will always detect a material misstatement when it exists. Misstatements can arise from fraud or error and are considered material if, individually or in the aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to influence the economic decisions of users taken on the basis of these financial statements.
The extent to which our procedures are capable of detecting irregularities, including fraud, is detailed below.
We obtained an understanding of the legal and regulatory frameworks that are applicable to the charitable company;
We enquired of management, whether they were aware of any instances of non-compliance with laws and regulations or whether they had any knowledge of actual, suspected or alleged fraud;
We assessed the susceptibility of the entity's financial statements to material misstatement, including how fraud might occur;
We tested journal entries or evidence of any that were unusual or unexpected;
We evaluated the assumptions and judgements used by management within significant accounting estimates and assessing if these indicated evidence of management bias;
We tested significant transactions, in particular the evaluation of the business rationale for any which appears unusual or outside the charitable company's normal course of business.
Use of our report
This report is made solely to the charity’s trustees, as a body, in accordance with Part 4 of the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008. Our audit work has been undertaken so that we might state to the charity’s trustees those matters we are required to state to them in an auditor’s report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the charity and the charity’s trustees as a body, for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed.
Xeinadin Audit Limited is eligible for appointment as auditor of the charity by virtue of its eligibility for appointment as auditor of a company under section 1212 of the Companies Act 2006.
The statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year. All income and expenditure derive from continuing activities.
Base 25 is a private company limited by guarantee incorporated in England and Wales. The registered office is 29-31 Temple Street, Wolverhampton, WV2 4AN.
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the charity's governing document, the Companies Act 2006, FRS 102 "The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland" and the Charities SORP "Accounting and Reporting by Charities: 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)". The charity is a Public Benefit Entity as defined by FRS 102.
The financial statements are prepared in sterling, which is the functional currency of the charity. Monetary amounts in these financial statements are rounded to the nearest £.
At the time of approving the financial statements, the trustees have a reasonable expectation that the charity has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. Thus the trustees continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting in preparing the financial statements.
Unrestricted funds are available for use at the discretion of the trustees in furtherance of their charitable objectives.
Restricted funds are subject to specific conditions by donors or grantors as to how they may be used. The purposes and uses of the restricted funds are set out in the notes to the financial statements.
Cash donations are recognised on receipt. Other donations are recognised once the charity has been notified of the donation, unless performance conditions require deferral of the amount. Income tax recoverable in relation to donations received under Gift Aid or deeds of covenant is recognised at the time of the donation.
Grants, where entitlement is not conditional on the delivery of a specific performance by the charity, are recognised when the charity becomes unconditionally entitled to the grant.
Income from training and counselling services is recognised when services are provided.
Expenditure is recognised once there is a legal or constructive obligation to transfer economic benefit to a third party, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefits will be required in settlement, and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably.
Expenditure is classified by activity. The costs of each activity are made up of the total of direct costs and shared costs, including support costs involved in undertaking each activity. Direct costs attributable to a single activity are allocated directly to that activity. Shared costs which contribute to more than one activity and support costs which are not attributable to a single activity are apportioned between those activities on a basis consistent with the use of resources. Central staff costs are allocated on the basis of time spent, and depreciation charges are allocated on the portion of the asset’s use.
All expenditure is inclusive of irrecoverable VAT.
Tangible fixed assets are initially measured at cost and subsequently measured at cost or valuation, net of depreciation and any impairment losses.
Depreciation is recognised so as to write off the cost or valuation of assets less their residual values over their useful lives on the following bases:
The gain or loss arising on the disposal of an asset is determined as the difference between the sale proceeds and the carrying value of the asset, and is recognised in the statement of financial activities.
At each reporting end date, the charity reviews the carrying amounts of its tangible assets to determine whether there is any indication that those assets have suffered an impairment loss. If any such indication exists, the recoverable amount of the asset is estimated in order to determine the extent of the impairment loss (if any).
Cash and cash equivalents include cash in hand, deposits held at call with banks, other short-term liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less, and bank overdrafts. Bank overdrafts are shown within borrowings in current liabilities.
The charity has elected to apply the provisions of Section 11 ‘Basic Financial Instruments’ and Section 12 ‘Other Financial Instruments Issues’ of FRS 102 to all of its financial instruments.
Financial instruments are recognised in the charity's balance sheet when the charity becomes party to the contractual provisions of the instrument.
Financial assets and liabilities are offset, with the net amounts presented in the financial statements, when there is a legally enforceable right to set off the recognised amounts and there is an intention to settle on a net basis or to realise the asset and settle the liability simultaneously.
Basic financial assets, which include debtors and cash and bank balances, are initially measured at transaction price including transaction costs and are subsequently carried at amortised cost using the effective interest method unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where the transaction is measured at the present value of the future receipts discounted at a market rate of interest. Financial assets classified as receivable within one year are not amortised.
Basic financial liabilities, including creditors and bank loans are initially recognised at transaction price unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where the debt instrument is measured at the present value of the future payments discounted at a market rate of interest. Financial liabilities classified as payable within one year are not amortised.
Debt instruments are subsequently carried at amortised cost, using the effective interest rate method.
Trade creditors are obligations to pay for goods or services that have been acquired in the ordinary course of operations from suppliers. Amounts payable are classified as current liabilities if payment is due within one year or less. If not, they are presented as non-current liabilities. Trade creditors are recognised initially at transaction price and subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method.
Financial liabilities are derecognised when the charity’s contractual obligations expire or are discharged or cancelled.
The cost of any unused holiday entitlement is recognised in the period in which the employee’s services are received.
Termination benefits are recognised immediately as an expense when the charity is demonstrably committed to terminate the employment of an employee or to provide termination benefits.
Payments to defined contribution retirement benefit schemes are charged as an expense as they fall due.
Taxation
The charity is exempt from corporation tax on its charitable activities.
In the application of the charity’s accounting policies, the trustees are required to make judgements, estimates and assumptions about the carrying amount of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. The estimates and associated assumptions are based on historical experience and other factors that are considered to be relevant. Actual results may differ from these estimates.
The estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognised in the period in which the estimate is revised where the revision affects only that period, or in the period of the revision and future periods where the revision affects both current and future periods.
The charity recognises that income, in particular grant income, donated to the charity can relate to extended periods of time that fall in more than one financial year. The process of determining which accounting period the income relates to is deemed a key estimate.
No trustees received expenses from the charity during the year (2024 - one trustee totalling £6,824).
One of the trustees, Mr A Jarvis, received remuneration during the year totalling £43,803 (2024 - £54,064) for his full time role as Head of Service. Mr A Jarvis resigned as a trustee on 19 December 2024, the disclosed remuneration is up to December 2024. No other trustees received remuneration during the year (2024 - none).
The average monthly number of employees during the year was:
The charity is exempt from taxation on its activities because all its income is applied for charitable purposes.
Income is deferred only in the following scenarios:
The donor specifies that the grant or donation must only be used in future accounting periods.
The donor has imposed conditions which must be met before the charity has unconditional entitlement.
Deferred income is included in the financial statements as follows:
The charity operates a defined contribution pension scheme for all qualifying employees. The assets of the scheme are held separately from those of the charity in an independently administered fund.
The restricted funds of the charity comprise the unexpended balances of donations and grants held on trust subject to specific conditions by donors as to how they may be used.
Note that for the comparative period, a prior year adjustment has been implemented as historically many funds have been recognised as restricted, which were in fact unrestricted. On top of this, many of the funds recognised within restricted are historic and the activity to which they relate concluded. Transfers have been applied in order to correct the previous years closing position between unrestricted and restricted funds.
Purposes of restricted funds
Outreach Counselling
A fund to enable support to be given to young people with emotional problems.
Children in Need/Empower
This service delivers support on all aspects of exploitation experienced by young people.
SAFE
This is a project for young people aged between 11 and 16 who are perpetrators of domestic violence and works on a one to one and group work basis.
St Peters and St Edmunds
Base 25 deliver a satellite service within the context of the school providing youth work counselling support for students through 1 to 1 and group work interventions. Drop in times are also available for students to help and support on an informal basis.
CCG Outreach
Improve lives for over 18’s with mild to moderate mental health needs, by providing an integrated, person centred, proactive and responsive therapeutic service.
W Mids Police Commissioner
The aim is to reduce the risk of exposure to gang/youth violence through the use of positive activities to improve self-esteem and raise aspirations.
Sanctuary Cafe
Operates as a drop-in service which provides a safe place to turn to for support for people and their carers who are experiencing a mental health crisis or emotional distress out of hours. NHS staff, local authority and voluntary sector partners work together on site to provide mental health crisis support, with the aim of helping people avoid the need for emergency NHS care. The Café is staffed by experienced and trained mental health workers, social workers plus peer support from people with lived experience of mental health issues.
Emotional & Wellbeing
Our counsellors use a range of approaches as part of their structured counselling sessions with children and young people. With the option of counselling on a face-to-face basis, via a digital platform or in open green spaces, our counsellors provide the safe and confidential space for individuals to talk and explore difficulties that they may be having.
LAMPLIGHT
Funding to implement a database to allow Base 25 to record data to support service users.
Big Lottery (Safe and Sound)
This is a project for young people aged between 11 and 16 who are perpetrators of domestic violence and works on a one to one and group work basis.
Community Matters (National Grid)
This was for warm space funding that contributed to our heating running costs.
Rental Deposit
Donation to assist Base 25 to move to larger premises.
Natured Based Sessions
This is now part of a pilot scheme that is no longer running for outdoor activities.
Community matters
Community matters was funded by the National Grid focus of this project wish wish to reduce the potential negative impact of fuel poverty on individuals and families mental and emotional health to enable this staff were trained in energy efficiency the project was delivered in conjunction with our Open Access services was supported so beneficiaries by trained emotional health and well-being workers who focused on energy efficiency I'm providing I warm safe space for vulnerable individuals this programme has now come to an end with all funding being allocated and spent in line with the service specification.
Turn around
Funded by Staffordshire County Council, Base 25 delivers an intensive targeted programme within the context of the ‘Intervention Plan’ through a co-designed programme by the young person and a Base 25 mentor. This may involve activities relating to self-esteem, self-confidence, understanding feelings, emotions and associated behaviours, along with support to develop positive coping strategies to address areas/issues such as low-level self-harm, anxiety, poor emotional resilience, bereavement, family breakdown, impact of parent/carers' mental health or drug/alcohol misuse.
Initially, the turnaround project was a one-year pilot programme; however, based on its success, this programme is now funded as a rolling programme offering bespoke support to young people identified by Staffordshire youth justice service as being at risk. Future funding will be based on individual intervention packages, rather than a preplanned service.
Wellbeing hub
Funded by the Department of Health and Social Care, The Base 25 Wellbeing Hub offers a welcoming space for young people to seek advice and guidance on wellbeing, provides emotional support and promotes resilience in a supportive community environment. Structured group work sessions also take place where young people can learn new skills, boost their confidence, and connect with like-minded peers.
The service is on track to exceed its target by March 31, 2026. Communication from the central government regarding future funding has been confusing and sporadic. Based on the latest communication, we are working on the premise that the funding for this programme will cease on March 31st 2026.
The unrestricted funds of the charity comprise the unexpended balances of donations and grants which are not subject to specific conditions by donors and grantors as to how they may be used. These include designated funds which have been set aside out of unrestricted funds by the trustees for specific purposes.
The charity, operates a defined contribution pension scheme. The assets of the scheme are held separately from those of the company in an independently administered fund. The pension cost charge of £36,776 (2024 - £37,246) represents contributions payable by the company to the fund. There were outstanding contributions at the end of the financial year amounting to £Nil (2024 - £Nil).
At the reporting end date the charity had outstanding commitments for future minimum lease payments under non-cancellable operating leases, which fall due as follows:
Mrs K A Evans, a member of the management committee of Base 25, is employed by Digital services of the Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust. The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust provided funding to Base 25 of £Nil (2024 - £33,342).
Ms J A Francis, a member of the management committee of Base 25, is a local councillor within the City of Wolverhampton Council and also Chair of the Children and Young People's Scrutiny Panel. Wolverhampton City Council had provided funding to Base 25 of £514,404. A balance of £35,841 is due from the Council to Base 25 at the year end.
The charity had no material debt during the year.