The trustees present their annual report and financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2025.
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 Articles of Association, the Companies Act 2006 and "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) (effective 1 January 2019)".
The principle objectives of the charity are to propagate the Christian gospel and the provision of professional counselling and wellbeing services. These objectives are achieved through the organisation of outreach events and through the publishing, production and dissemination of biblical literature and broadcast material as well as professional counselling sessions, workshops and social support programmes.
The Trustees have taken cognisance of the Charity Commission for Northern Ireland's guidance on public benefit as defined in the Charities Act (Northern Ireland) 2008.
The public benefit requirements are met through the advancement of religion by advancing the Christian Gospel message locally and worldwide by the publication, production and dissemination of biblical literature and broadcast material. The direct benefits which flow from the proclamation of the Christian gospel message of God's love and grace is to bring hope and salvation to the readers, listeners and viewers. These benefits are demonstrated through feedback and testimonies from service users and regular assessment of the materials, publication and broadcasts being provided.
The public benefit requirements are also met through:
1. The provision of counselling services to facilitate emotional healing. Users of the counselling service are offered a safe, confidential space to express their feelings without fear of judgment. We work together to help service users process emotions, and when appropriate, explore practical ways to manage challenging situations and reframe unhelpful thought patterns. This can have a significant impact on the mental health of attendees.
2. Wellbeing Workshops and carer support. Our workshops and carer support programmes provide strategies and resources to assist teachers, carers and family members of those who need additional support. These can improve mental health and reduce instances of anxiety, stress and burn-out.
3. Wellbeing and social support programmes. Users of our wellbeing and social support programme benefit from group support which reduces a sense of isolation as well as strategies and resources to reduce anxiety and improve the quality of day to day life.
4. Provision of community facilities to provide a safe space for people from all walks of life and experiences to grow and develop in personal awareness and wellbeing strategies. The community facilities provide a safe place for all service users.
The charity's beneficiaries are the general public. We do not believe there are any harms flowing from the purposes.
During the year the charity continued to produce broadcast material and started to provide professional counselling services and wellbeing support programmes.
The charity's financial results are set out in detail on pages 5 to 18. The income of the charity is mainly from gifts and donations, and during the year it relied on existing reserves to further its charitable objectives. The results for the year show net expenditure of £108,788 (2024 - £91,119). The charity has no restricted funds.
At 31 March 2025, the total funds of the charity amounted to £1,280,226 (2024 - £1,389,014), which entirely represents unrestricted funds.
The trustees consider that the charity should maintain free reserves at a level which is sufficient to cover overheads and administrative costs for a period of at least twelve months. At 31 March 2025 the charity had free reserves of £6,363 (2024 - £100,708). The charity's overheads and financial commitments are relatively low and the level of free reserves currently held is appropriate for the charity's circumstances. The trustees will continue to monitor this position going forward and, as described in note 1.2, the financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis.
Plans for future periods
Post year end the charity was renamed as The Cove Counselling and Wellbeing Limited. While historical broadcast programmes are still available on YouTube, the main focus of the charity has moved to professional counselling and wellbeing programmes.
The charity was established under a Memorandum of Association which established the objects and powers of the company and is governed under its Articles of Association. The Cove Counselling and Wellbeing Limited is a charitable company limited by guarantee and does not have a share capital. The charity is managed on a day-to-day basis by Mrs Karen Stewart, trustee. The Board of Trustees is responsible for recruiting and appointing new trustees. New trustees are briefed on their responsibilities when appointed and all necessary training is provided. The trustees have assessed the major risks to which the charity is exposed and have established systems and procedures to manage those risks accordingly.
The trustees, who are also the directors for the purpose of company law, and who served during the year and up to the date of signature of the financial statements were:
In preparing this report, the directors have taken advantage of the small companies exemptions provided by section 415A of the Companies Act 2006.
Charity Registration Number: NIC103291
Company Registration Number: NI031262
I report on the financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31 March 2025, which are set out on pages 5 to 18.
Having satisfied myself that the charity is not subject to audit under company law, and is eligible for independent examination, it is my responsibility to:
examine the accounts under section 65 of the Charities Act (Northern Ireland) 2008;
follow the procedures laid down in the general Directions given by the Charity Commission for Northern Ireland under section 65(9)(b) of the Charities Act (Northern Ireland) 2008; and
state whether particular matters have come to my attention.
I have examined your charity accounts as required under section 65 of the Charities Act and my examination was carried out in accordance with the general Directions given by the Charity Commission for Northern Ireland under section 65(9)(b) of the Charities Act.
My examination included a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also included consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts, and seeking explanations from you as charity trustees concerning any such matters.
My role is to state whether any material matters have come to my attention giving me cause to believe:
accounting records were not kept in respect of the charity as required by section 386 of the Companies Act 2006.
the financial statements do not accord with those records; or
the financial statements do not comply with the accounting requirements of section 396 of the Companies Act 2006 other than any requirement that the financial statements give a true and fair 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 Practice for accounting and reporting by charities applicable to charities preparing their financial statements in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102).
Independent examiner's statement
I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the financial statements to be reached.
The statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year. All income and expenditure derive from continuing activities.
The Cove Counselling and Wellbeing Limited (Formerly Christian Communications Network (Europe) Limited) is a private company limited by guarantee incorporated in Northern Ireland. The registered office is Alfred House, 19 Alfred Street, Belfast, BT2 8EQ.
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the charity's Articles of Association, the Companies Act 2006 and "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) (effective 1 January 2019)". The charity is a Public Benefit Entity as defined by FRS 102.
The charity has taken advantage of the provisions in the SORP for charities applying FRS 102 Update Bulletin 1 not to prepare a Statement of Cash Flows.
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 £.
The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention, modified to include investment properties and certain financial instruments at fair value. The principal accounting policies adopted are set out below.
These financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis notwithstanding the fact that the charity had a low level of free reserves at the balance sheet date. The charity has no significant financial liabilities or commitments. Accordingly, having taken all factors into account, the directors consider it appropriate that the financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2025 be prepared on a going concern basis.
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.
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.
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 allocated on the portion of the asset's use.
Governance costs are those incurred in connection with administration of the company and compliance with constitutional and statutory requirements.
Costs of generating funds are costs incurred in attracting voluntary income, and those incurred in trading activities that raise funds.
Charitable activities and Governance costs are costs incurred on the charity's educational operations, including support costs and costs relating to the governance of the charity apportioned to charitable activities.
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:
Investment property, which is property held to earn rentals and/or for capital appreciation, is initially recognised at cost, which includes the purchase cost and any directly attributable expenditure. Subsequently it is measured at fair value at the reporting end date. The surplus or deficit on revaluation is recognised in profit or loss.
Fixed asset investments are initially measured at transaction price excluding transaction costs, and are subsequently measured at fair value at each reporting date. Changes in fair value are recognised in net income/(expenditure) for the year. Transaction costs are expensed as incurred.
A subsidiary is an entity controlled by the charity. Control is the power to govern the financial and operating policies of the entity so as to obtain benefits from its 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).
Stocks are stated at the lower of cost and estimated selling price less costs to complete and sell. Cost comprises direct materials and, where applicable, direct labour costs and those overheads that have been incurred in bringing the stocks to their present location and condition. Items held for distribution at no or nominal consideration are measured the lower of replacement cost and cost.
Net realisable value is the estimated selling price less all estimated costs of completion and costs to be incurred in marketing, selling and distribution.
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.
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 annual depreciation charge on fixed assets depends primarily on the estimated lives of each type of asset and estimates of residual values. The directors regularly review these asset lives and change them as necessary to reflect current thinking on remaining lives in light of prospective economic utilisation and physical condition of the assets concerned. Changes in asset lives can have a significant impact on depreciation charges for the period. Details of the useful lives is included in the accounting policies above.
The trustee made key assumptions in the determination of the fair value of an investment property in respect of the state of the property market in the location where the property is situated and in respect of the range of reasonable fair value estimates of the asset.
Short term debtors are measured at transaction price, less any impairment. Impairment of such debtors involves some estimation uncertainty.
The average monthly number employees during the year was:
No employee received remuneration amounting to more than £60,000 in either year.
The key management personnel of the charity are considered to be the trustees. No remuneration was paid to key management personnel in the current or prior year.
Loss on disposal of investments
The charity is exempt from income tax and capital gains tax to the extent that its income and gains are applied for charitable purposes. No tax charge has arisen in the year.
The 2025 valuations were made by the trustees, on an open market value for existing use basis.
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.
At 31 March 2025 Willowbrook Private Healthcare Limited, a subsidiary company, owed the charity £536,523 (2024 - £536,523) in relation to monies advanced in prior years. This charity has made a provision of £536,523 (2024 - £536,523) against this balance.
During the year, the charity received a donation of £15,000 from North West Care and Support Limited, a company that is owned and controlled by a trustee. At the year end £8,000 was owed to North West Care and Support Limited. No interest is charged on this balance.
Details of the charity's subsidiaries at 31 March 2025 are as follows: