OpenCharities

This text was generated using OCR and may contain errors. Check the original PDF to see the document submitted to the regulator.

2025-03-31-accounts

Mencap Liverpool

Charity No. 1004262

Company No. 02146838

Trustees' Report and Unaudited Accounts

31 March 2025

Mencap Liverpool Contents

Pages
Trustees' Annual Report 2 to 31
Independent Examiner's Report 32
Statement of Financial Activities 33
Balance Sheet 34
Notes to the Accounts 35

Page 1

Mencap Liverpool Trustees Annual Report

The trustees, who are also directors of the charity for the purposes of the Companies Act 2006, herein present their report with the unaudited financial statements of the charity 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 accounts and comply with the charity's governing document, the Charities Act 2011, 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 102 applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland.

REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS

Company No. 02146838

Charity No. 1004262

Registered Office

6-8 Mariners Road Crosby Liverpool L23 6SX

Directors and Trustees

The Directors of the charitable company are its Trustees for the purposes of charity law. The following Directors and Trustees served during the year:

M. Cabrera Urda P.D. Corfield

E.J. Greenhill S.C. Mahon C. McConnell M. Smith

A. Valvi

Accountants

Sefton Council for Voluntary Service Burlington House Crosby Road North Waterloo Liverpool L22 0LG

Page 2

Mencap Liverpool & Sefton Charity Number 1004262 Company Number 02146838

Trustees’ Report

2024/25

3

Introduction

This report covers an important year for Mencap Liverpool & Sefton. The transformation of our beloved Community Cottage has been phenomenal and everyone, including, staff, volunteers, trustees and our Funders have made a huge difference to the lives of our members, our beneficiaries.

This was achieved in the face of continuing difficult financial circumstances and the growing disparity in the support for the group of people we work with daily. We are a small team of members, trustees, staff, volunteers, and supporters who all work together to created spaces where everyone is valued.

This report provides an insight into all the great things we have achieved in the last 12 months, but it doesn’t shy away from the ongoing challenges and risks that we face.

Co-Chair’s Report

We are delighted to present the 2024/25 Annual Report and Accounts. We warmly thank our fellow trustees, our Secretary & Vice-Chair, Steve Mahon and our Treasurer Phil Corfield - both of whom have served on the Board for more than 10 years. Their steady leadership, advice and guidance have helped keep the charity safe, resilient and positive.

This report highlights what we have achieved for our members and how we have developed our community space, the Mencap Community Cottage. We have been extremely fortunate to receive financial support from several partners and foundations, enabling improvements to the Cottage and sustaining our day-to-day operations. Our thanks go to our sponsors, who are listed on page 8. We would like to make special mention of Eric Wright of West Lancs Golf Club who, during his tenure of Captain, raised nearly £14k towards making the Cottage accessible.

Our achievements are the result of a true team effort by staff, volunteers, trustees and most importantly our members. Our members are at the heart of everything we do and are the reason we strive to succeed. We look forward to building on this progress. This report summarises the progress made so far and sets out our ambitious plans for 2025/26.

Matt Smith & Nina Valvi Co-Chairs Mencap Liverpool & Sefton

What we achieved in 2024/25

Mencap Liverpool & Sefton addresses a pressing need among adults with mild to moderate learning disabilities. People with learning disabilities often face significant barriers that hinder their ability to lead fulfilling lives. They are more likely to experience social isolation, limited opportunities and inequality compared to the general population.

Three years ago, we identified five strategic goals to help change the lives of our members and to try and break down those barriers, and we have been working on the activities to help

4

us achieve these by 2026. We set out below each objective and how well we are progressing with each of them.

Our first Strategic Goal is for150 more local people with a learning disability experience a better quality of life. We measure this through the number of new referrals we receive, outcomes for our beneficiaries and the number of opportunities people have to thrive.

Throughout the year we welcome new members or returning members through the work of our Outreach Manager. The Outreach Manager engages with a wide range of organisations to make them aware of what we do and how we can help and support people. Over the last 12 months the Outreach Manager has engaged with more than 50 people who have either self-referred, referred by a family member or loved one, or via another organisation. Once we receive a referral there is an assessment of whether we can meet the needs of that individual or do our best to signpost them to another organisation more suited to their requirements.

During the year the Outreach Manager set up a Champions Group who work with her to promote the work of Mencap Liverpool & Sefton. They also help to identify some of the issues that are important to our members and ways that we can address those needs.

We have also extended our reach and in the last 12 months we have engaged with a group of people with learning disabilities in Southport. They were set up and run as a user-led group and are well established but needed some additional support around policies such as safeguarding and with the organisation of their finances. Stepping Stones wish to remain a separate and independent group but we welcome them to our activities and events and there is a growing friendship with them.

Over the last 12 months more people have attended sessions. We were able to achieve this because we had additional funding for a second member of the Progression Team. The number of sessions held increased from 260 to 431 and the average hours attendance at sessions increased from 75 to 95.

----- Start of picture text -----
91% of our
members said
things were
going well
----- End of picture text -----

Our Progression Co-ordinator organises the timetable of activities and works with the rest of the team to ensure the timetable incorporates other events and community opportunities we are building through our presence in the Mencap Community Cottage. Activities take place across Liverpool and Sefton and are always considered based around ease of travel on public transport and overall cost to ensure they are affordable. We operate Monday to Saturday and work around the timetable of events, many during the day but there are also evening clubs and sessions.

Many of the activities we undertake help to reduce social isolation and support the members to make friends. In addition, we

5

continue to run the Thursday night club which has been in operation for more than 60 years.

We recently asked members who attend Thursday Club what they think of it and for suggestions to make it even better. Everyone reported that they are happy with the times we hold the club, that the staff and volunteers are helpful and that they feel safe attending the sessions.

out or make plans for future activities. When we engage with new members then the Tuesday meet up is a great place for them to start to get to know people.

One way we collect information and measure benefits is through our quarterly/ 6 monthly reviews. Reviews help us to measure progress, provide a chance to receive feedback and keep on track for goals set for everyone. The reviews are filled out by members supported by a member of staff and

they’re not only useful for providing feedback and setting goals and are invaluable for measuring impact and displaying a member’s journey how far they have come.

----- Start of picture text -----
60% of members
reported that
they feel very
confident
----- End of picture text -----

There is also a Tuesday 'meet up' of members and where they can just hang

6

Our second Strategic Goal is to support 15 members to find paid employment or self- employment. We measure this through members undertaking both paid and voluntary roles or learning skills that can build confidence.

To support people to progress and potentially move into employment we seek to build confidence through regular activities. The events and activities are developed around three key aspects: physical health & wellbeing, life skills and reducing social isolation. Some activities cover all three aspects, whilst others may focus on one key aspect such a money management.

Our regular physical and wellbeing activities include Dancing, Tennis, Walking Group, Five-a-side football, Zumba, Yoga, visits to the stable and gardening club. Activities to improve life skills have included travel training, healthy eating, staying safe online and money management as well as opportunities to volunteer in our coffee shop. Whilst these are enjoyable and we make things fun there is a serious side and we are doing all we can to help our members keep healthy, learn skills to live independently and for those that can work or volunteer. Our key outcomes for members are:

travelling independently. Whilst we had a separate project focusing on this work, we continue to help members plan their journeys to sessions and how to cope with any barriers in travelling on public transport, rather than relying on taxis. Several of our sessions cover issues such as relationships, and practical skills such as cooking.

Reducing Social Isolation - this is one of the biggest benefits of our variety of sessions and activities. Participation in activities means members forge connections and friendships which go on beyond the boundaries of our work. It has also given members confidence to attend other activities and opportunities outside our organisation. This has included volunteering and paid work.

81% of members reported positively about their self-esteem

Improved physical health and mental

health wellbeing - The physical activities our members engage in is often the only physical activity they do. We have also embarked on a healthy eating programme, working with a diabetes nurse to create a cookbook of healthier recipes. We encourage members to understand the link between their eating habits and physical activity with positive health outcomes. We have also linked our physical activities with supporting our member's mental health and wellbeing.

Last year we reported a gap in supporting members into employment. A major gap in finding employment is a lack of confidence in using public transport. At the time we had been successful in a bid with Avanti West Coast to run a travel training programme in 2024/25. The

Life Skills - We use the sessions to help members develop life skills, in particular

7

project was designed to support our own members as well as advise Avanti West Coast and other travel companies on ways to support people with a learning disability or other communication needs. Through the bid we also secured funding for one of our members to act as an expert by experience during the life of the project. More details about this project can be found at Appendix 3.

We have been able to report in previous years that we had supported three members into employment and others training towards self-employment. In one case we have now helped one of those members to get a second job (2 part-time

jobs). We have continued to support members remain in employment as often there are issues in advocating for members with employers. We have also showcased an example of a sympathetic and supportive manager through a local community radio station show that we broadcast from once a week.

With help from a national lottery grant, we employ two people with lived experience to work for us. One has been working for the last 2 years as a cleaner and the second person provides admin and video support to projects.

We will shortly be employing around six members who are involved in the Oliver McGowan training.

8

Strategic Goal 3 is for the cottage to be a hub for the community, bringing people together and giving members a platform. We measure this through visitor numbers, % regular visitors, coffee shop sales and regular surveys.

In 2023/24 the Community Cottage has been turned into a vibrant centre for members and wider community alike. Our Centre Manager has been at the heart of this major change and instrumental in making the improvements.

Many of our activities are held away from our base, utilising specialist skills or equipment but we also run a programme of community events. This means that they are available both to our members and to the wider community. Our coffee shop has built up something of a following and many customers then become involved in attending events or classes held at the cottage. In the last 12 months this has included 'Colour and a Cuppa', Mindfulness sessions, Zumba and a range of work related to our upcycling project.

It has been our ambition to make the community cottage accessible to all and last year we said we had installed a new ramp to the side of the building, and the toilets were our next priority. At the time of the report, we were awaiting to hear about a significant grant that would allow this to become a reality. With the help of capital grants, we have just completed the installation of a new lift (making the first floor accessible to all) and installed a Changing Place and two other new toilets. (Please see page 8 for a list of everyone who helped make this possible).

In addition to the capital grants, we were also awarded an Energy Efficiency grant from the Government, and we were able to install solar panels, LED lighting, new radiators and new doors and windows throughout.

The number of visitors to the coffee shop has continued to increase despite the disruption the work on the site has had. Our average sale has continued to increase and in May 2025 the average sale was £5.83 up from £4.31 from the year before. Footfall has increased and in May the number of individual sales was 673.

We continue to have a thriving range of community activities, including Zumba, yoga and a parent/toddler group. We now have two Stay & Play groups and are considering a third on a Saturday afternoon. Our local Park Run takes over the coffee shop on a Saturday morning (and now a few of our members join in). We held a second exhibition for the local photography club to display their work around the cottage, and we received a donation for every print sold.

Our large rear garden and long front drive have continued to improve, and the gardening crew have been helping to keep it beautiful. Last year we participated in the RHS Northwest in Bloom competition in the ‘Its in Your Neighbourhood’ class and we were awarded a Level 4 ‘Thriving’ award. Members and volunteers were delighted to attend the award ceremony and presented with certificates.

We have recently had the judges out and we wait to hear whether we have improved on last year

9

locol me cap Live l & Sefton Shout out to our sponsors Improving Access for all at Mencap Cottage! Thank you to every donor and S￿)porter ! Coffee Liver RECF]VES Boosf N FUNDING TO IMPROVE AC￿S ! THE CLOTHWOIiKeA FOUNDATION We Ore delighted to As o locol chority onn(MJnce thot We￿ workiry with odults re(ei¥ed o¥er £114.th) who havo a learning in funding from o Ton9è disability Thjr focus is of generous trusts, independence, fotsndabons. indNiduo15. empowerment ond local businesses ond inclusion. notional or This incredib onisotions. #nprovements will help e suppLYi to ensure spoce is has enobled us to rrttike wdcomin9. inclusive vitol accessits'lity and octèssiblè for impiovements to our e¥eryone in community hub and community. coffee sw. SKILTO t. Thank You! We're so groteful to Glllons ol Cn)5by . Co op WutLwko. ￿rnes A new ramp has oiready èveryonè who hos M¢xPhie. Adom Trnync- Floof instolled. gMn9 helped us 9et this for! sb"t5 Lid. . HitckLk Writht or¥J Purtr improved acc￿ to our If I￿U,d like to support Eric Wrbjht .J(Kkie Roorw. Barry Hitchen community gordtn. the finol st(w of the FIDOriry ￿Ppty Centre. The Thin Blue Lr Work is ntr4V undefwoy projert, donotions ore to Install a lift to th first still very welcome and Group. David M Robinson. S)Lrth Sefton Ruttyy h¢)me io our will moke reol - Crosty Rrtory. & Mts T E &"ckn"ns nds. gtsmÈs room diffeience. on meeting roorn - as wÈll os o fully occéssiblè t￿let and sho¥M ro on the ground fli)or. W• olw Mint to t￿nkn •och and •¥•ry Indivkluol Ttho donat￿ to Wést Lan¢& JustGi¥ln9 PO9• Of tttt•nd•d th•li Gala fvndrnlser! Sean th• QR e4Mle to dorwt& Th￿* youl M•ncap Li¥eipool and Sefton, 6-8 Marlners Road, Crosby L23 6SX T•L 0151707 8582 E￿n￿L contartQm•ncapll¥•rpooLowuk R•iJst•r•d Chartty P40: 1004262 10

Our fourth Strategic Goal is our ambition to be financially sustainable. The income generated through cottage activities makes a positive financial contribution to this objective and we want to be not totally reliant on grants. We measure unrestricted funding through Coffee shop profit, Venue hire, events & activities income, fundraising and Placement, ER & Training income.

The Centre Manager and Coffee Shop Manager are both key in the work making the Community Cottage a success. A significant amount of their time is spent on developing and improving the cottage and to seek ways to become more financially stable.

to draw in more customers although this was hindered somewhat by the building work.

Now that the building is accessible up to the first floor there are further opportunities to let out the space.

The main ways we have done this so far is through the coffee shop & room hire, earned income through delivery of training and donations.

As described earlier we have seen improvement in coffee shop sales. Our Centre Manager continues to market the room hire and we have more groups who use the cottage in the evenings as well as occasional weekends. The Coffee Shop Manager has held a wide range of events

We also have an exciting project for 2025/26 in which we are looking to open our own charity shop. This will be on our own premises and in a purpose-built structure that will be situated at the rear of the property. Our Trustees have just given their backing to the project, and we hope to have it up and running in time to sell seasonal gifts and products for Christmas. As it will be on our own premises, we will not have the overheads of a traditional charity shop

11

We still generate income through a steady stream of donations, regular givers and bequests. We are occasionally blessed with a legacy, and we have had two in the past year for modest sums. We have also agreed to work with a specialist will and Trust writer who can support our members loved ones to leave their estate safely for their son or daughter.

Our members also generate income through Learning Disability awareness

training for Liverpool University and Easy Read online. This is set to continue, and we are expanding our training offer to include Oliver McGowan training. We are working with Royal Mencap Society to deliver this training on their behalf. Not only does this generate an income for us but also enables a small number of our members to become employed as experts by experience. We have 6 members who have undergone the training for this role.

Our fifth Strategic Goal is for us to have a healthy, resilient team, equipped to deliver our current and future goals. We measure this through MMV engagement, Staff feedback, good volunteer retention and engaged Trustees.

We have a small and dedicated team, committed to improving the lives of our members. Funding uncertainty brings stress to team members and there is also a key person dependency that can cause disruption if either the funding ceases or the staff member moves on.

As part of our National Lottery grant we receive a modest sum towards staff wellbeing. We are continuing to utilise the grant to support the staff, for the following initiatives:

We continue to ensure staff have the opportunity to discuss positive achievements, any issues and concerns and to ensure people are clear about role and objectives through 6-weekly one to one meetings. There is a weekly team meeting to share achievements, issues and concerns and plans for the week ahead.

12

Looking forward to 2026/26

We know there is still lots to do to in challenging inequality, to improve the physical and mental wellbeing of our members and to build new skills for the members we support. This is why we have reviewed our purpose, vision and mission. We also asked our members about the values that we should have in place. This work has led to new strategic objectives for us to work towards and complement the successes already achieved. The objectives also recognise that the next few years will continue to present financial challenges and the reality that we have a small staff team.

Why We Exist and Our Purpose

Positively changing lives of people with a learning disability across Liverpool & Sefton.

Have a positive impact on our local community, providing a warm space, a community hub and opportunities

This is why we exist, our purpose. This reminds us that everything we do comes back to this overall purpose.

Our Vision

A society where everyone has equal access to the same rights and opportunities, where people with learning disabilities can live a safe, healthy and happy life filled with purpose, achievement, opportunity and friendship.

Our Mission

Our Values

We have a set of values that ensure we undertake everything we do in a way that shows we care and what we do matters.

Our members told us that they liked and could relate to the values of the Royal Mencap Society and so we have adopted these for ourselves.

13

Our Focus

In summary we make a difference in the lives of people with a learning disability with measurable and tangible outcomes.

Our Refreshed Strategy and Our key objectives

These objectives should not change year on year but are the pillars under which we develop annual plans to meet these objectives and to continuously improve.

Specific Objectives for 2025/26.

Governance

Governance for our charity comes from our Board of Trustees. We have a schedule of Board meetings, and these are mix of informal and formal each quarter. The two informal Board meetings each quarter are an opportunity for the CEO to update on any pressing issues and provide some highlights. The formal meeting provides a mix of papers to enable

14

the Trustees to scrutinies the work of the charity including the financial situation (including reviewing the reserves policy and position, and key strategic risks.

Our Members Voice Group continue to meet monthly to provide feedback and generate ideas for the charity. Their Chair, Amanda, attends the formal Board meetings once a quarter.

Our volunteers go from strength to strength, and they cover our Thursday club, gardening project, walking group as well as work in the coffee shop. We also have a steady stream of volunteers who provide specialist help such as the coffee shop revamp, facilitate workshops or provide art ideas for colour and a cuppa. We have also developed relationships with several other organisations for their volunteer days, and this includes Taylor Wessing and DWP who have helped paint the cottage and maintain some of the garden furniture.

15

Appendix 1

Case Study

John is a member that has been attending Mencap sessions for a little over a year. John says that 'Before I started coming along to Mencap Liverpool and Sefton, I didn't have much of a routine, I sat at home a lot and didn't talk to many people. I mainly just watched TV. I had tried to go along to a few local services but nothing really seemed like a good fit.' John went on to say 'I often felt pushed to one side at school and not really given a chance to express myself or be listened to and felt like this was the case a lot of my adult life too.' When asked about his experience at Mencap - John said 'I came along to the 'Tuesday' Meet up session and felt so welcomed at Mencap by all the staff and members and volunteers who went out of their way to get to know me, made me feel accepted and welcome and I feel really seen and valued here. People here want to hear my point of view, and the opportunities I have had here brought more out of me than I knew I could ever do.' John has really thrived since joining Mencap and has been really engaged with a wide range of activities and campaigns. He attends Feeding Liverpool Cookery course, Community Gardening session, Easy Read, Outreach Champions and Travel Training and is currently looking into putting himself forward for a place in Mencap Members Voice, a steering group ran by the members, for the members. John has had many key achievements during his time at Mencap so far, his confidence has grown a lot, he has been instrumental in the I need Easy Read Launch Campaign by educating local banks on the importance of Easy Read and people's right to ask for it,( this has also led to him being more independent as he now takes care of the important letters he gets as they are in Easy Read format) he has been a brilliant advocate for Mencap, he has developed strong friendships with other members who attend Mencap and often socialises with them on evenings and weekends independently outside of Mencap sessions. He now has a better understanding of his health conditions and how to manage them. He also wants to use his knowledge to help others who may be feeling isolated like he did before joining Mencap Liverpool & Sefton. John is a fantastic example of how being in a supportive and accepting environment can really make a difference to help people thrive and the variation of opportunities through sessions, campaigns and volunteering etc enables people to discover interests, passions and talents they never knew they had and share their unique and valuable perspectives with the world.

.

16

Appendix 2

Heritage Project

Staff, volunteers, our beneficiaries, people from the local community, local artists and staff from the theatre company we collaborated with were all involved in exploring and documenting the History and Heritage of Mencap Cottage.

Our members were involved in the co-production of a play that explored and documented the history of Mencap Cottage in a creative, accessible and novel way. None of our members had been involved as researchers in this way before.

We measured participation and involvement through attendance at the research, script writing, prop making and drama workshops. We measured knowledge and skills gained via feedback forms that asked participants a variety of questions including whether they were new to heritage, if they had enjoyed the activity and what they had learned as a result.

Communicating our History and Heritage through the medium of a play removed barriers to participation that people with learning disabilities often face when it comes to accessing heritage. Partnership working and co-production led to knowledge gains by staff from both Mencap and ‘In Another Place’ on how best to adapt the script to meet the needs of the people involved in our project and find solutions to make everyone feel valued. This led to increased engagement and enthusiasm for the project on the part of both participants and facilitators.

We also sought to reduce economic barriers to participation in our project as all 34 research activities/workshops/exhibitions/performances were free of charge which maximised engagement.

We integrated feedback from our members into the display format of our permanent portable exhibition to ensure information was as accessible as we could make it - including photos, bullet points, the use of speech bubbles, contrasting colours, text emphasis and QR codes that linked to audio-visual resources. This portable resource enables our project to continue to have a legacy beyond its end date that can continue to be utilised by the people we have reached within our project to communicate their history and heritage.

The project developed 3 key ways to help people make sense of the History of Mencap Cottage via 1. a theatrical performance, 2. the creation of a portable exhibition and 3. a more detailed written booklet. All 3 provided clearer explanations to help people make sense of our heritage.

The project increased the historical knowledge of the theatre company we worked with as well as the knowledge of our staff team, our beneficiaries and the local community. We know this because people told us this but also because we created feedback questionnaires and flip charts for our sessions.

The theatrical performance provided a creative vehicle to communicate our history and heritage in an original, accessible and informative way. We obtained this information via a questionnaire we asked people to complete at the end of the performance. Everyone who attended told us that they had learned something new about Sefton Heritage in a fun, surprising and enjoyable way. We created a short programme to accompany the play which everyone who attended received a copy of so that this knowledge could continue to be shared.

The portable heritage banners were the result of distilling what we had learned about our heritage into different historical periods in a visually attractive way. Identifying our history and heritage in this way enables us to focus on different parts of our history dependent on the context of display: a library, a school, a museum, a historical society, an open day etc. This enables us to provide explanations of our history and heritage that cater to the needs or interests of the audience involved. We know that the banners identified and explained our heritage because people who attended the exhibitions at the

17

World Museum and Palm House told us they did. This was recorded via feedback forms and in discussions with attendees and workshop participants.

The booklet on the history of the cottage has only recently been published and not yet distributed. We will be asking for feedback on it via our social media channels. Towards the end of the book we have invited readers to contribute to our history by emailing us with their memories, stories and experiences at the cottage. So that we can continue to document our history.

Photographic Record of our Project

18

locol me cap Liverpool & Sefton I t4EM8ERSVOlCE 14encDpC¢ts•J• 19

Appendix 3

Travel Training Project

On the Right Track Travel Training Project went well, with various trips, (Including Chester and Manchester) information sessions, focus groups, meeting with key contacts and individual travel goals explored and achieved. One member who prior to the project would travel on familiar routes has recently extended his travelling with a recent solo trip to Manchester.

We have filmed short educational travel videos with inclusive filming company Viper Studios filming in various locations including Lime Street, Liverpool Central Library and Mencap Community Cottage, these videos are 7 short videos in total exploring and educating on travel themes that emerged from our surveys, focus groups and workshops such as:

Information, Safety & Security, Travel Goals, Journey Planning, Travel Worries etc

The project came to an end officially in April; however, we aim to be able to continue the legacy of the project by delivering training to both adults with learning disabilities to help them with the tools to travel independently and transport companies to raise awareness on what they can incorporate to make travel more inclusive. We aim to use the Easy Read resources we are creating and the short educational videos to aid the training.

20

locol me cap Onfv. ?1 Inclusive TrAv•l 21

locol me cap Live l & Sefton OUR ADVEPUURE SO FAIL AVAMTI 1ST COAST 22

Appendix 4

Other Activities and Initiatives

Radio Show – We are now a regular fixture on LCR 106.7FM, airing every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 10am. There is a bespoke jingle recorded by the Members, which plays throughout the day. We have seen a continued improvement in the delivery and members growing in confidence. The latest episode featured an hour-long history of the Mencap Cottage with interviews conducted by Sue.

For learning disability week, we took over the radio every day from 1-2 pm

Mental Health Support – This year our Outreach Manager fostered a relationship with First Person CIC to secure a 7-week course for members that will really help people with their mental health starting in March. Seven members attended and they are interested in further partnership working.

23

SWAGGA Audits – Our Outreach Manager has been working with SWAGGA and supporting one of our members in carrying out auditing GP surgeries and representing people with learning disabilities. This work is now complete, and he received a voucher for his work. Another member designed a logo and this has been adopted across the whole SWAGGA network.

Dance Sessions – Members took part in the annual dance showcase with students at Liverpool University again this year. The charity event ran over 2 nights and the members were brilliant. They even also raised over £750 for us.

24

Yes, We See You Equality & Diversity Project – Yes, We See You Equality & Diversity Project delivered by John Moores University in response to Do you see me? Campaign from Learning Disability Awareness Week 2024 by National Mencap. The aim of the project is to provide an opportunity for adults with Learning Disabilities to experience the ‘uni experience’, feel seen, heard and visible in their communities and for the university to be able to take feedback on how universities can be more inclusive through suggestions and reasonable adjustments made by our members with lived experience.

Over the last 6 months, Mencap members have had the opportunity to attend a series of mini modules and take on the university experience as part of a pilot research project carried out by Liverpool John Moores University. We recently had our celebration event. The modules consisted of:

Creative Writing module (5 sessions) Members co-wrote a shanty song, created their own superhero stories and grew their creativity and confidence. All members really enjoyed the process, and the sessions were designed in an inclusive way to ensure all members attending were able to have the space and resources to get creative. Many have said they would like to pursue more creative writing as a result of the course

Sports Module (1 full day session) Members were invited to use LJMU sports facilities and introduced to games such as Kin Ball, touch rugby and Lazer sports. All great games around teamwork, endurance and great all-round workout

Relationship Education (2 full day sessions) Relationship worries, questions, confusion and boundaries often come up as issues for members so having this 2 day course was helpful to enable members to navigate and explore relationships while learning all about boundaries and what makes a healthy relationship. Subjects such as boundaries, green flags and red flags, consent, perfect partner, abuse, coercion etc were covered during this course in an interactive, inclusive way that members really engaged with. The feedback from this course was very positive as everyone found it helpful and we feel it would benefit many members going forward to be able to maintain boundaries, spot signs of abuse and navigate what makes a healthy relationship

Media Literacy (4 sessions) This course provided the opportunity for members to have uni lectures, learn about media, fake news and how to spot it and create their very own fake news newspaper – Liver Lies with articles, horoscopes, adverts and more.

Museum of Liverpool - As part of Learning Disability Awareness Week, Easy Read Experts decided we wanted to host an event to celebrate achievements, trailblazers and challenge stigma that people with Learning Disabilities still face while looking at ways people can get involved to help take steps to break down barriers and make the world a more inclusive place i.e. reasonable adjustments such as Easy Read etc

We managed to secure a space at Museum of Liverpool on Tuesday 17[th] June 1-4pm (drop in): The aim of this event is to raise awareness, showcase what members have done and are capable of and get our name out there in Liverpool hopefully leading to more donations, fundraising, connections and visibility in the community.

25

This year’s theme was, 'Do you see me? I’m here too', to explore and challenge societal views and barriers that come with having a learning disability, celebrate achievements, milestones and trailblazers, and recognise the individual, not the label.

Through interactive activities, information sharing, campaigns and achievements this event showcased and celebrated people with learning disabilities and offered an insight into the history and hopes for the future.

The event was co-delivered and co-designed with people with learning disabilities and was aimed at all ages, families or local employers.

Liverpool Diabetes Partnership – We are still collaborating with Liverpool Diabetes Partnership to produce a Mencap Cottage Cookbook. Our Coffee Shop Manager has taken the lead for the project and will prepare the cookbook.

26

Merseyside Recycling & Waste Authority – This was another successful project this year. As part of the work we held two interactive Clothes Upcycling workshop in February to enable us to meet Textile Targets. The picture below shows one of the textile upcycling workshop with Buy by Bethan as part of the Project.

One of the workshops was held on a Saturday and many members of the community attended.

27

Feeding Liverpool - Feeding Liverpool provided us with a grant of £6,600 towards supporting members who lived in Liverpool. We held weekly workshops with nine members regularly attending. They all enjoyed learning new recipes and gaining more confidence within cooking healthy meals for themselves and family and shopping on their own.

28

Appendix 5

Improvements to the Cottage

Our new look cottage with a new front door and lift.

29

locol me cap L.'prToil & Scfton 30

Mencap Liverpool Trustees Annual Report

statements comply with the Companies Act 2006. The Trustees are also responsible for safeguarding the

The above report has been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to companies subject to the small companies regime as set out in Part 15 of the Companies Act 2006 and in accordance with the Charities SORP (FRS 102).

Signed on behalf of the board

C. McConnell Trustee 06 February 2026

Page 31

Mencap Liverpool Independent Examiners Report

Independent Examiner's Report to the trustees of Mencap Liverpool

I report to the charity trustees on my examination of the financial statements of Mencap Liverpool for the year ended 31 March 2025 which comprise the Statement of Financial Activities, the Summary Income and Expenditure Account, the Balance Sheet and the related notes.

Responsibilities and basis of report

As the trustees of the charity (and also its directors for the purposes of company law) you are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 ('the 2006 Act.

Having satisfied myself that the financial statements of the charity are not required to be audited under Part 16 of the 2006 Act and are eligible for independent examination, I report in respect of my examination of your charity's financial statements as carried out under section 145 of the Charities Act 2011 ('the 2011 Act'). In carrying out my examination I have followed the Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act.

Independent examiner's statement

As the charity's gross income exceeded £250,000 your examiner must be a member of a body listed in section 145 of the 2011 Act. I confirm that I am qualified to undertake the examination because I am a member of Chartered Accountant.

I have completed my examination. I can confirm that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that:

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.

Ian Wright Chartered Accountant Sefton Council for Voluntary Service Burlington House Crosby Road North Waterloo Liverpool L22 0LG 06 February 2026

Page 32

Mencap Liverpool Statement of Financial Activities

for the year ended 31 March 2025

Notes
Income and endowments
from:
Charitable activities
4
Other trading activities
5
Investments
6
Total
Expenditure on:
Charitable activities
7
Total
Net gains on investments
Net income/(expenditure)
8
Transfers between funds
Net income/(expenditure)
before other gains/(losses)
Other gains and losses
Net movement in funds
Reconciliation of funds:
Total funds brought forward
Total funds carried forward		 Unrestricted
funds
2025
£
5,165
75,347
1,649		 Restricted
funds
2025
£
372,472
-
-		 Total funds
2025
£
377,637
75,347
1,649		 Total funds
2024
£
139,940
53,402
3,644
82,161
41,313		 372,472
256,989		 454,633
298,302		 196,986
237,908
41,313
-		 256,989
-		 298,302
-		 237,908
3,281
40,848
-		 115,483
-		 156,331
-		 (37,641)
-
40,848 115,483 156,331 (37,641)
40,848
344,017		 115,483
5,046		 156,331
349,063		 (37,641)
386,704
384,865 120,529 505,394 349,063

Page 33

Mencap Liverpool Balance Sheet at 31 March 2025

Company No.
02146838
Notes
2025
£
Fixed assets
Tangible assets
10
329,660
Investments
11
37,565
367,225
Current assets
Debtors
12
11,461
Cash at bank and in hand
168,013
179,474
Creditors:Amount falling due within one year
13
(36,847)
Net current assets
142,627
Total assets less current liabilities
509,852
Creditors:Amounts falling due after more than one year
14
(4,458)
Net assets excluding pension asset or liability
505,394
Total net assets
505,394
The funds of the charity
Restricted funds
15
Restricted income funds
120,529
120,529
Unrestricted funds
15
General funds
19,349
Designated funds
365,516
384,865
Total funds
505,394		 2024
£
243,429
35,751
279,180
3,490
120,982
124,472
(40,945)
83,527
362,707
(13,644)
349,063
349,063
5,046
5,046
68,353
275,664
344,017
349,063

These accounts have been prepared in accordance with the special provisions of Part 15 of the Companies Act 2006 relating to small companies.

For the year ended 31 March 2025 the company was entitled to exemption under section 477 of the Companies Act 2006 relating to small companies.

The members have not required the company to obtain an audit in accordance with section 476 of the Companies Act 2006.

The directors acknowledge their responsibilities for complying with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 with respect to accounting records and the preparation of accounts.

Approved by the board on 06 February 2026

And signed on its behalf by:

pfut,� P.D. Corfield Trustee

06 February 2026

Page 34

Mencap Liverpool Notes to the Accounts

for the year ended 31 March 2025

Basis of preparation

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" ("FRS 102") 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)" (effective 1 January 2019). The charity meets the definition of a public benefit entity under FRS 102. Assets and liabilities are initially recognised at historical cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant accounting policy note. The functional currency used is the £ Sterling.

Assets and liabilities are initially recognized at historical cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant accounting policy note.

The functional currency used is the £ Sterling.

Preparation of the accounts on a going concern basis

At the time of approving the accounts, the trustees' have a reasonable expectation that the Charity has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the forseeable future. As such these accounts have been prepared under the going concern basis.

Change in basis of accounting or to previous accounts

There has been no change to the accounting policies (valuation rules and method of accounting) since last year and no changes have been made to accounts for previous years.

Fund accounting

Unrestricted funds These are available for use at the discretion of the trustees in furtherance of the general objects of the charity. Designated funds These are unrestricted funds earmarked by the trustees for particular purposes. Revaluation funds These are unrestricted funds which include a revaluation reserve representing the restatement of investment assets at their market values. Restricted funds These are available for use subject to restrictions imposed by the donor or through terms of an appeal.

Page 35

Mencap Liverpool Notes to the Accounts

Income

Expenditure

Taxation

The charity is exempt from corporation tax on its charitable activities.

Page 36

Mencap Liverpool Notes to the Accounts

Tangible fixed assets and depreciation

Depreciation is provided at the following annual rates in order to write off each asset over its estimated useful life:

Freehold property 2% Straight line on buildings Equipment 20% Reducing balance Fixtures and fittings 33% Straight line

Trade and other debtors

Trade and other debtors are recognised at the settlement amount due after any trade discount offered. Prepayments are valued at the amount prepaid net of any trade discounts due.

Cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents comprise cash at bank and on hand, demand deposits with banks and other short-term highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less and bank overdrafts. In the statement of financial position, bank overdrafts are shown within borrowings or current liabilities. In the Statement of Cash Flows, cash and cash equivalents are shown net of bank overdrafts that are repayable on demand and form an integral part of the company's cash management.

Trade and other creditors

Short term creditors are measured at the transaction price. Other creditors and provisions are recognised where the charity has a present obligation resulting from a past event that will probably result in the transfer of funds to a third party and the amount due to settle the obligation can be measured or estimated reliably. Creditors and provisions are normally recognised at their settlement amount after allowing for any trade discounts due.

Pension costs

The charity operates a defined contribution plan for its employees. A defined contribution plan is a pension plan under which the company pays fixed contributions into a separate entity. Once the contributions have been paid the company has no further payments obligations. The contributions are recognised as expenses when they fall due. Amounts not paid are shown in accruals in the balance sheet. The assets of the plan are held separately from the company in independently administered funds.

2 Company status

The company is a private company limited by guarantee and consequently does not have share capital.

Page 37

Mencap Liverpool

Notes to the Accounts

3
Statement of Financial Activities - prior year
Income and endowments from:
Charitable activities
Other trading activities
Investments
Total
Expenditure on:
Charitable activities
Total
Net gains on investments
Net income
Net income before other
gains/(losses)
Other gains and losses:
Net movement in funds
Reconciliation of funds:
Total funds brought forward
Total funds carried forward
4
Income from charitable activities
Projects
Sales within charitable
activities
5
Income from other trading activities
Fundraising		 Unrestricted
£
3,351
1,814
5,165		 Unrestricted
funds
2024
£
6,045
53,402
3,644
63,091
87,511
87,511
3,281
(21,139)
(21,139)
(21,139)
365,156
344,017
Restricted
£
372,472
-
372,472
Unrestricted
£
75,347
75,347		 Restricted
funds
2024
£
133,895
-
-
133,895
150,397
150,397
-
(16,502)
(16,502)
(16,502)
21,548
5,046
Total
2025
£
375,823
1,814
377,637
Total
2025
£
75,347
75,347		 Total funds
2024
£
139,940
53,402
3,644
196,986
237,908
237,908
3,281
(37,641)
(37,641)
(37,641)
386,704
349,063
Total
2024
£
133,895
6,045
139,940
Total
2024
£
53,402
53,402

Page 38

Mencap Liverpool Notes to the Accounts

6 Income from investments

Income from listed
investments
Interest receivable
7
Expenditure on charitable activities
Expenditure on charitable
activities
Projects
Admin costs
Bank loan and overdraft
interest payable
Employee costs
Amortisation, depreciation,
impairment, profit/loss on
disposal of fixed assets
Support costs
Premises
Administration
8
Net income/(expenditure) before transfers
This is stated after charging:
Depreciation of owned fixed assets		 Unrestricted
£
6,468
919
4,563
2,560
4,795
22,008
41,313		 Unrestricted
£
-
1,649
1,649
Restricted
£
42,316
-
214,673
-
-
-
256,989
2025
£
2,560		 Total
2025
£
-
1,649
1,649
Total
2025
£
48,784
919
219,236
2,560
4,795
22,008
298,302		 Total
2024
£
1,010
2,634
3,644
Total
2024
£
52,396
-
160,957
1,977
12,387
10,191
237,908
2024
£
1,977

Page 39

Mencap Liverpool Notes to the Accounts

9 Staff costs
2025 2024
Salaries and wages 203,780 151,312
Social security costs 11,916 6,786
Pension costs 3,540 2,859
219,236 160,957
No employee received emoluments in excess of £60,000.
The average monthly number of full time equivalent employees during the year was as follows:
2025 2024
Number Number
Charitable activities 7 7
Raising funds 1 1
8 8
10 Tangible fixed assets
Land and
buildings		 Equipment Fixtures and
fittings		 Total
£ £ £ £
Cost or revaluation
At 1 April 2024 250,000 550 40,166 290,716
Additions 88,791 - - 88,791
At 31 March 2025 338,791 550 40,166 379,507
Depreciation and
impairment
At 1 April 2024 9,000 406 37,881 47,287
Depreciation charge for the 1,840 29 691 2,560
year
At 31 March 2025 10,840 435 38,572 49,847
Net book values
At 31 March 2025 327,951 115 1,594 329,660
At 31 March 2024 241,000 144 2,285 243,429
11 Investments
Other
investments
- Listed Total
£ £
Cost or revaluation
At 1 April 2024 35,751 35,751
Revaluation 1,814 1,814
At 31 March 2025 37,565 37,565
Net book values
At 31 March 2025 37,565 37,565
At 31 March 2024 35,751 35,751

Page 40

Mencap Liverpool Notes to the Accounts

12 Debtors

12 Debtors
Trade debtors
Prepayments and accrued income
13 Creditors:
amounts falling due within one year
Bank loans and overdrafts
Other creditors
Accruals
14 Creditors:
amounts falling due after more than one year
Bank loans and overdrafts		 2025
£
9,650
1,811
11,461
2025
£
9,631
27,216
-
36,847
2025
£
4,458
4,458		 2024
£
1,327
2,163
3,490
2024
£
9,631
30,104
1,210
40,945
2024
£
13,644
13,644

Page 41

Mencap Liverpool Notes to the Accounts

15 Movement in funds

15 Movement in funds
At 1 April
2024
-
20
-
-
-
-
-
-
614
-
4,412
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
5,046
68,353		 Incoming
resources
(including
other
gains/losses)
£
63,500
68,449
49,155
19,558
20,000
6,500
38,409
1,000
-
12,000
-
5,000
1,563
1,400
10,731
2,870
1,182
3,000
1,713
10,000
4,803
9,958
1,000
7,348
25,000
8,333
372,472
82,161		 Resources
expended
£		 Gross
transfers
£
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
(89,852)		 At 31
March
2025
£
7,583
1,131
10,980
-
6,585
-
38,069
750
-
11,587
4,412
5,000
1,563
1,400
10,731
579
-
-
-
10,000
-
-
-
-
8,430
1,729
Restricted funds:
Restricted income funds:
H Henry Smith
NLCF Reaching Communities
Avanti West Coast
Baily Thomas
National Lottery Awards for
All
Feeding Liverpool - Citizens
Advice
Energy grant
SJP Charitable Foundation
RMS Fun D
Community Transition Fund
The Dowager Countess
Eleanor Peel Trust
Screwfix
Skelton Bounty
South Sefton Rotary Club
West Lancs Golf Club
Liverpool CVS Community
Impact Fund
Liverpool CVS Couch to 5k
UK Shared Prosperity Fund
Community Resilience Fund
Liverpool Diabetes
Partnership
Merseyside Waste Recycling
Authority Veolia
National Lottery Heritage
Fund
Royal Mencap
Burbo Bank
Garfield Weston
John Moores Foundation
Total
Unrestricted funds:
General funds
(55,917)
(67,338)
(38,175)
(19,558)
(13,415)
(6,500)
(340)
(250)
(614)
(413)
-
-
-
-
-
(2,291)
(1,182)
(3,000)
(1,713)
-
(4,803)
(9,958)
(1,000)
(7,348)
(16,570)
(6,604)
(256,989)
(41,313)
120,529
19,349

Page 42

Mencap Liverpool Notes to the Accounts

ncap Liverpool
es to the Accounts
Designated funds:
Investment Fund
Fixed Asset Fund
Total
Total funds		 34,664
241,000
275,664
349,063		 -
-
-
454,633		 -
-
-
(298,302)		 2,901
86,951
89,852
-		 37,565
327,951
365,516
505,394

Purposes and restrictions in relation to the funds:

Restricted funds:
H Henry Smith Outreach Manager, Progression Co-ordinator and Centre Manager
NLCF Reaching Communities CEO and Centre Manager and running costs of cottage
Avanti West Coast Travel Training
Baily Thomas Running costs of cottage
National Lottery Awards for Volunteering and Project Co-ordinator
All
Feeding Liverpool - Citizens Project to learn how to cook with our Liverpool members
Advice
Energy grant Energy improvement works to building
SJP Charitable Foundation Building
RMS Fun D Members' Activity Programme
Community Transition Fund Building
The Dowager Countess Capital improvement of the coffee shop facilities
Eleanor Peel Trust
Screwfix Building
Skelton Bounty Building
South Sefton Rotary Club Building
West Lancs Golf Club Building
Liverpool CVS Community Activity Co-ordinator for Thursday Club activities
Impact Fund
Liverpool CVS Couch to 5k Fitness project for members
UK Shared Prosperity Fund LD training for staff and volunteers
Community Resilience Fund Walking group project
Liverpool Diabetes Diabetes Cookbook
Partnership
Merseyside Waste Recycling
Authority Veolia Recycling project
National Lottery Heritage
Fund Heritage project of Mencap and cottage
Royal Mencap Running costs
Burbo Bank Running costs of cottage
Garfield Weston Outreach Manager and Progression Co-ordinator, and running costs
John Moores Foundation Running costs

Designated funds: Investment Fund Value of investments

Page 44

Mencap Liverpool Notes to the Accounts

Fixed Asset Fund Net Book Value of Fixed Assets

16 Analysis of net assets between funds

Fixed assets
Investments
Net current assets
Creditors due in more than one year and
provisions
17 Reconciliation of net cash / (net debt)
Cash and cash equivalents
Bank loans
Net cash / (net debt)		 Unrestricted
funds
£
329,660
37,565
22,098
(4,458)
384,865
At 1 April
2024
£		 Restricted
funds
£
-
-
120,529
-
120,529
Cash flows
£		 Total
£
329,660
37,565
142,627
(4,458)
505,394
At 31
March
2025
£
120,982 47,031 168,013
120,982
(23,275)
(23,275)
97,707		 47,031
9,186
9,186
56,217		 168,013
(14,089)
(14,089)
153,924

FRS 102 requires and entity to report changes in net debt in the accounting period. Mencap Liverpool has a positive net cash position

18 Commitments

Pension commitments

Pension commitments
The pension cost charge to the company
amounted to:
19 Related party disclosures
Controlling party		 2025
£
3,540		 2024
£
2,859

The company is limited by guarantee and has no share capital; thus no single party controls the company.

Page 44