Chair's Report

On behalf of Stirling Carers Centre, I am very pleased to present the Annual Report for 2021/22.

Last year Covid, and its consequences, both wellbeing and economic, were at the front of my mind when I wrote this report. This year the challenges are different, not least the many factors affecting the cost of living, however what has remained the same is the dedication and unfailing commitment of our staff and the pride that we have in them.

Over the course of the last year the staff have, once again, worked tirelessly bringing valuable services, advice, assistance, and companionship to the unpaid Carer community that it is our privilege to support. Yet again the most enormous thank you to all our staff and a continued pledge to support them as well as they are supporting unpaid Carers across Stirling and the region. I’d also like to thank all our statutory and independent funders; We cannot express our gratitude enough and could not deliver the degree and excellence of service for Carers that we wish to without your kind and gracious support.

Next year will be challenging for many.

I have complete conviction that the staff, volunteers, Carer representatives, partners, and Board members of the Centre will continue to provide, and strive to improve, all our services, in order to help alleviate those challenges.

Thank you once more, to all of them, and to you.

David Khan
Chair of the Board

2021-22 Overview

426

new Carers registered

107

Carers re-registered

1,311

Carers directly supported

£57,000

granted in short breaks grants

1,616

Adult, Young Adult & Young Carer short breaks attendances

411

Adult Carers Support Plans completed or reviewed

184

Young Carers Statements completed or reviewed

Key Developments

This year, the organisation has been focussed on relaunching face-to-face service delivery, rebuilding partnerships and raising awareness of our services in the wake of the pandemic.

Short Breaks

Over the past year we have been able to re-launch our in-person short breaks groups, as well as yoga and complementary therapy sessions, which feedback has shown Carers really value. We also added a book group, walking group and male Carers group to our regular programme.

Over £57,000 was also distributed by the Centre in micro-grants and holiday vouchers through Scottish Government funding. These allowed Carers to take a break in a way that fit their lifestyle.

Partnerships

Our links with Clackmannanshire & Stirling Health and Social Care Partnership, Stirling Council and NHS Forth Valley have all strengthened during this period, allowing us to deliver more staff training, and raise more awareness of our services.

We’ve also developed a network of businesses who offer discounted or free services – including donations of refreshments, yoga sessions and complementary therapies – to support Carer health and wellbeing.

Young Carers

Young Carers were particularly badly affected by the pandemic, with social isolation and the lack of regular breaks from caring leading to mental health issues for many. This year we have returned to in-person groups and were able to run residential trips again to give Young Carers an extended break.

The team has also been able to get back into schools for 1:1 support sessions, and have delivered Young Carer Aware training and presentations to over 140 education professionals.

Financial Report

RESERVES POLICY

For the year ended 31 March 2022, the Statement of Financial Activities shows an overall deficit of £66,200 (2021 – surplus £58,501).

Included in this deficit is an adjustment of £85,543 for income received in 2021/22 relating to 2022/23. Excluding the adjustment for deferred income the charity achieved a surplus for the year of £19,343.
The reserves policy adopted by the Board is based on the major risks facing the organisation. An estimate has been made of the policy monetary impact and risk weighting based on the likelihood of an unforeseen event occurring. This allows a monetary value to be assigned to the reserves required. The level of reserves is monitored by the Directors on a quarterly basis.
As at 31 March 2022 the total unrestricted reserves stood at £374,719 (2021- £372,936 restated) out of which £29,998 (2021 – £29,998) has been designated to be used in the coming year to cover the costs of the Carers Health Improvement Initiatives; this leaves free reserves of £344,721 (2021 – £332,938 restated). The Directors aim to maintain free reserves at a level of three to six months annual expenditure, which is considered sufficient to cover staff and operating costs on a short-term basis to allow for restructuring in the event of a significant decrease in funding. The level of free reserves at 31 March 2022 was within the Board of Director’s target.

Funders & Supporters

The substantial funding we receive from our statutory partners, Stirling Council and NHS Forth Valley, allows us to provide many of our core services to Unpaid Carers, and for this we are most fortunate. However, our additional services are funded by a range of trusts and individual donors, without whose support our service would be greatly restricted. We would like to extend our thanks for their on-going support.