HARTLEPOOL SPECIAL NEEDS SUPPORT GROUP
STATEMENT OF ACCOUNTS
31 DECEMBER 2023
Registered Charity Number.. 1031151

HARTLEPOOL SPECIAL NEEDS SUPPORT GROUP
STATEMENT OF THE TRUSTEES, RESPONSIBILITIES
The Trustees afe responsible for prepwin9 Ihe Tru8tee$' Report and the accounts in aecordance wlth
applicable law and regulations.
The Trusts68 ar8 responsible for keeping accounting re¢ord$ that dis¢lose vAlh reasonable aoGufacy at any
time the financial posltion of Ihe Charty aftd enable them to ensuT8 that the accounts comply with the
Charitles Act 2011, the ¢harty (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 and provisions of Ihe trust deed.
They are also responsible for safegu¥rding Ihe assets of Ihe Charity and.. hence for laklng ￿aSOnable steps
for Ihe prevention and detecuon of fraud and other irregulariiies.
Signed on behalfof the Trustees on .
Mr$ J Shepherd- Chairperson
Mrs K Taylor- Treasurer
k I CL4Lo_

Trustees
Annual Report 2023
HARTLEPOOL SPECIAL NEEDS
r￿PrOt[ gty
ruprotr(kn9 loe411a￿/1er rLiW Iqlq

Trustees Re
From 1st January to 31st December 2023
ort 2023
Structure Of The Organisation
Hartlepool Special Needs Support Group is a Voluntary Organisation and consists of:.
Trustees
Jayne Shepherd
Julie Carter
Karen Taylor
Marlene Barnard
Ami Carroll
Jamie Allison
Shaun Mccabe I:
Chair
Secretary
Treasurer
Re-Elected February 2021-2024
Stepped down May 2023
Elected February 2021-2024
Elected February
2021-2024
Elected February
2021-2024
Co-opted November 2021-2024
Co-opted May 2023
Secretary
Recruitment of Trustees
Members can nominate trustees or themselves for positions, also trustees can appoint
co-opted trustee5.
Met a total of 9 times
The Trustees meet monthly to monitor, set targets and discuss a range of issues relating
to the efficient running of the group, including operational and financial reports from the
Manager to whom the Trustees have delegated the day to day running of the Group.
Additional or informal meetings are also held as required. Full members meeting are held
at least three times a year.
Staff and Volunteers
Pat Allison
Julie Carter
Michelle Hall
Bank of Staff 22
Volunteers 15
Manager
Assistant Manager
Administration
Support & Care
Various Roles
Beneficiaries
97 Children and Young Adults who have a disability plus their Parent's, carers
and siblings.
7 Affiliated Families
Address
Chartered Accountants
Resource Centre Waltons Business Advisors Ltd
109 Park Road
Maritime House
Hartlepool
Harbour Walk,
TS26 9HR
The Marina
Hartlepool, TS24 OUX
Bankers
Virgin Money
118 York Road
Hartlepool
TS26 9BT
Barclays Bank
148 Park Road
Hartlepool
TS26 9BT
HSNSG Trustees Annual R¢port 2023

Chairs Report 2023
In 2023, Hartlepool Special Needs Support Group has been able to once again successfully
provide a wide range of opportunities for its members. We now have a thriving Baby and
Toddler Group on Tuesday mornings and regular parent/carer gatherings, we hope to
introduce some new sessions and invite speakers to share information relevant to our
families into the Resource Centre.
Pat, Michelle and our newly appointed Assistant manager Julie continue to successfully
run the office, enabling the smooth running of the group. The dedication of all staff and
volunteers, as always, is very much appreciated. Hopefully we will be Seeing some
Positive changes being made to the centre in the coming year.
Here's to a productive and rewarding 2024 for all involved at Hartlepool Special Needs
Support Group.
Jayne Shepherd-chair of Trustees
This Annual Report is circulated to all supporters, further copies are available from the
Resource Centre.
HSNSG Triisiees Annual Report 2023

History
Hartlepool Special Needs Support Group was established in 1989, a voluntary organisation formed
under a constitution adopted July 1990 and amended November 1993, November 1999, June 2003,
January 2005 and May 2023 Registered Charity No. 1031151
We have been providing this service for thirty three years and have a proven track record of
managing large sums of money effectively. In 1999, we started operating from our own premises.
Over the years, we have become recognised as a specialist provider of services in our field. It is very
apparent that our young people have an enhanced quality of life, are growing in confidence and are
gaining the firm foundations and experiences upon which they can build in order to enjoy future
opportunities.
Aims and Objectives
The Charity shall senie families, children and young people in the Borough of Hartlepool and those
attending schools in this Borough (herein called "the Area"). From birth onwards, (herein referred to as
young people). Such young people who enrol as children may remain as member5 after the age of 18, if
deemed mutually appropriate by all parties.
To relieve the needs and advance the education of children and young people with various profound
physical or learning disabilitie5 Wlth varying complex need5, including life limiting conditions, and to
support their families and carers. An essential part of our service is to raise public awareness and change
preconceptions about disability by encouraging inclusive activitie5 through taking part in activities set in
the public domain.
The Manager and her team work hard to achieve the Group's
objectives by carrying out the following:
Develop the group, encourage participation, recruit, train and support
Volunteers and staff.
Design appropriate programmes of activities both at centre and outreach and look for new
opportunities
Support the children and young adults under their care
Provide support and information to parent5
Develop links with other agencies
Maintain link5 Wlth existing funding sources and research potential funders
Ensure the smooth running of the resource centre
Contingency Policv
The Trustee5 agreed to continue this policy of keeping a contingency fund equal to six months running
costs of the Charity. This policy is reviewed and monitored regularly.
Risk Management
The trustees have put systems in place to mitigate any major risks which affect the Charity.
Public Beneflt
The CharityTrustees consider they have complied with their duty in section 4 of the Charities Act 2006 to
have due regard to public benefit guidance published by the Commission.
HSNSG Trustees Anniial Report 2023

Resource Centre and out in the wider community:"
Throughout 2023 services have resumes with number of attendees
increasing.
Carer Support and Information sessions for parents and carers
Children's Fun Club
Babiesnoddlers/Parent & Carer Group
Friends Fun Club
Get-Together Club
Youth Club
Drama Club "Constellation"
Multi-sensory Sessions
Parent/Carers Social Events
Film Nights
Themed Social Sessions
Use of centre for private use
Training and awareness sessions
Fundraising events (see Donations fundraising)
Our Resource Centre
HSNSG Trustees Annual Report 2023

Children's Fun Club
The club is held every Monday evening during term-time with a busy schedule of
activities enjoyed by children aged 3-12 years. Activities include arts, crafts,
multisensory sessions, energetic and table top games. The children always enjoy
participating in the extra fun session with lunch and treats held throughout the year
during school/college holidays. All were excited for the Christmas party with a visit
from Santa and a gift.
Baby/Toddler/Parent Club
Held on Tuesday mornings 10 am to 12 pm
with regular attendance. The babies and
toddlers enjoy accessing the multi-sensory
room and play area and continue to have a
great rapport with our work placement
who supports the sessions. This gives
parents, grandparents and carers an
opportunity to meet in a relaxed
environment with time for refreshments.
Multi-sensory Room
The multi-sensory room continues to be well used,
with bookings from members, non-members and
individuals.

Get-Together Club
This club is held every Wednesday during term time for over 18's, who enjoy
completing various tasks including delivering messages, general office duties and
preparing gifts for other regular clubs. The members help to organise and deliver
various fundraising events including fayres, raffles etc, and always look forward to
welcoming all visitors serving them delicious refreshments. Treats of pizza and
cakes are enjoyed to all.
Youth Club
The club is held every Wednesday evening during term-time. The club is aimed for
ages 12 years plus, or when agreed it is appropriate for the needs of a young
person. The young people are always delighted to meet up and sociali5e with their
friends, and enjoy an exciting, busy programme of activities including bingo, cold
cookery and crafts etc with treats and prizes. The introduction of running a tuck
shop is a big favourite. The year fi.nished with a party and visit from Santa.
Friends Fun Club
Friends Fun Club meet on Tuesdays 5.30 pm 7.30 pm for children aged 3 13
years. The Children are a lively group who enjoy singing on the microphone, dancing,
performing and there is always time for some fun and games. The Stars are always
enthusiastic in rehearsals for forthcoming performances in front of their family and
friends. The year ended with a festive performance for their families, a Christmas
party and a visit from Sants with personalised gifts.
HSNSG Trustees Annual Rcport 2023

Constellation
Constellation sessions are held on Thursdays 6 pm to 8 pm for a group of young
people aged 13+ who enjoy performing. Stars work hard during the sessions to
practice their individual and group parts in preparation for their annual show in a
live theatre. Visits to theatre performances by other local groups were made this helps
collate ideas for future shows. Along with Friends Fun Club they showcased their
talents in a successful production of "Royalty The Princes and Princess, of Disnel,
to a full audience. The year was finished with family entertainment evening
followed by a Party with treats and a visit from Santa.
Parent/Carer Sessions
The regular coffee-mornings held at the
base give parent/carers the opportunity
to meet up with a coffee and chat with
friends, sharing any relevant information.
A delicious afternoon tea treat was served
and well attended, with time to relax all
thoroughly enjoyed.
Hydro-Therapy Sessions
We initially introduced various sessions for different age ranges in February. The
baby/toddler session proved extremely popular held early evening Thursdays, this
session continues and we have since started an extra evening on Wednesdays. This
is a fun and relaxing activity, with parents enjoying the water as much as the
children.
Adapted Caravan Short Break
Some of our families were given the opportunity to enjoy a short break in Reighton
Sands staying in an adapted caravan, the site had a programme of activities on offer
to book and enjoy. All attended reported the full family had benefitted from the
break away and had a lovely time exploring the site, the adapted caravan was easily
accessible, comfortable, attractive and met individuals needs.
HSNSG Trustces Anniial Report 2023

Summer Scheme 2023
Due to our normal venue undergoing alterations we looked into alternative 5Ultable locations.
After a number of enquiries and visits to various venues, Stranton Primary School were very
helpful and suited our requirements. It was another great success enabling all children and young
adults to participate and enjoy the full programme of activities on offer. Including in-house and
external entertainers, i.e. Bubbleman, Circurama, Fae Parries, Farm Bus, Hartlepotz, Pets4People,
Sparkling Treasures and Steve's Animal Ark. The added bonus of an on-site soft play area and
bouncy castle was one of the highlights of the day for many. The specialized bikes hired were well
used and popular, as were the visits from the fire engine and ice-cream van. All trips to the off-
site hydro-therapy pool were enjoyed by all who attended. It was a lovely to see so manv
members who have attended previous summer schemes and a delight to welcome a number of
new families to our services.
Quotes from parents/carers:
This is Theo's first year at Summer Scheme and he will definitely be returning. He has enjoyed
every minute and we feel he as been supported really well. can't fault any of the staff and I have
felt at ease leaving him.
l am so pleased to have found this Group, Guy would love to attend next year and even some
clubs as he gets older. Staff could not be better, everyone is so friendly and understanding. I felt
my child was in safe hands and well cared for.
Evan and Leo enjoyed the Summer Scheme and will definitely be back next year. Thank you to
everyone who made it possible.
All the staff have done an amazing job as always, Jessica enjoyed the different activities and fun
things on offer. We can't thank all staff enough for their support this summer.
Children and young adults:
Using our widget symbol individuals completed forms. All identified "happy face5" and the variety
of activitie5 on offer were thoroughly enjoyed.
Quotes from Staff and Volunteers:
I have really enjoyed my time working during the summer scheme, I felt the activities were
tailored to each individual ensuring everyone could be involved. I would love the opportunity to
continue working with the children and young adults.
I have enjoyed my time working at the summer scheme, it has helped me to develop new skills
and appreciate other5.
I have enjoyed working again during this years summer scheme, and activities were really good
and engaging for all. All members of staff were helpful and easy to talk to for advice, I hope to
continue working with Hartlepool Special needs Support Group.
HSNSG Trustees Annlial Report 2023

HSNSG TTUStees Annual Report 2023

The Groups programme of activities out in the community.
The following activities were enjoyed during the year by all who attended:_
No. of Visits
Attendees
• Annual Social Event-volunteers
+ Jump 360 Trampoline Park
120
• Larry's Lanes, Seaton Carew
174
• Cinema Visit and Pizza Hut
140
• Social Afternoons
• Around the World in 80 Days, Darlington Hippodrome
23
• Dinoworld, Darlington Hippodrome
37
Rapunzel, Darlington Hippodrome
32
• Adventure Valley, Durham
49
• Cirque the Greatest Show, Darlington Hippodrome
41
• Golden Pirates, Billingham Forum
32
• Peter Pan, Hartlepool Town Hall
58
• Christmas Party, Catholic Club
84
• Snow White Panto, Darlington Hippodrome
74
HSNSG Trustees Annual Report 2023

Information Sharing
We continue to work closely with the voluntary and statutory sector within our
base and visiting events out in the community.
Work Placements
A number of young adults continue to attend carrying out various tasks
including general office duties, checking and purchase of supplies,
Preparing and setting-up other clubs, contributing to the running of the
Charity whilst enabling them to build on their own skills and confidence.
Training
Course
Basic First Aid
Attendees
l Tutors and Manager
13 Support staff and volunteers
In-House Training
Positive Behaviour &
Disability Awareness
l Tutor and Manager
13 Support staff and Volunteers
Summer Scheme Introduction
Manager & Admin
29 Support Staff and Volunteers
HSNSG Trusiees Annual Report 2023

Volunteers
We started 2023 rewarding our committed team of volunteers with a social
evening, it was well attended and thoroughly enjoyed by all.
We rely heavily on our dedicated team of volunteers to assist with
the provision of our services, supporting children and young
adults members enabling them to partlcipate and enjoy regular
activities held at the resource centre or out in the community.
Also providing help numerous ways behind the scenes contributing
to the success ofthe Group. The Summer Scheme attracted some
new students to the team offering their time during their.:
Summer Break and continue to be involved.
We are very proud of them all, we much appreciate the time and
effort they give to the Group, well done.
Thank You
HSNSG TNstees Annual Report 2023

Grants, Trusts and Businesses
We would like to acknowledge and thank the following for financial assistance:_
Hartlepool Families First Extended Activities and Play Schemes
Happy Days
The Teesside Charity
Tesco Community Grant
Members Personal Donations and Fundraising Events
Donations
Pauline Hunter Christmas cakes made & decorated
Greg Foster, Alfie Smalles and Sam Robson families
Adapted Caravan Short Breaks via The Teesside Charity
Use of Centre and Equipment
Hunter, Ellis Families, Roseanne Waites & Friends of Bluebell Meadow via Emrria Allison.
Sensory Room Bookings
Events
Café & Tuck Shop
Spring and Christmas Fayres with Raffles
Easter Treats and Mince Pie afternoon
Production and sale of Constellation and Friends DVD
Through the efforts from members, friends, families and supporters who have donated or
participated in fundraising events we raised a grand total of £13,032.
Many hours of voluntary work were contributed by our Members and Supporters, it is
impossible to place a value on the time given, but without it, much of the work
undertaken could not be achieved. We very much appreciate all the donations and
assistance from our Members, Friends & Supporters, not forgetting all the prizes.
HSNSG Triistees Annual RepoN 2023

Core Fundraising Group:
This is a small group of volunteers with their key aims to organise events and
come up with ideas to increase funds and also general awareness of
Hartlepool Special Needs Support Group.
Events held in 2023 were:
Race Night
Great North Run
Christmas Jumper Day
We continue to receive great support from the local community and raised an
amazing £6626.50 in the year.
A huge 'Yhank you" to all involved with the events.
HSNSG Trusiees Ar5nual Report 2023

FINANCIAL REVIEW- Accounts for the year end 31 December 2023
Full Accounts 2023 are available at the Resource Centre
INCOME
EXPENDITURE
BALANCE
£166,631
£141.656
£202,100
Finally - A message from your Manager, Pat Allison:_
l am delighted to report 2023 has been an extremely busy year lots of exciting activities
and activities within the resource centre and out in the wider community. It has been
wonderful to see the group back to participating and enjoying a jam packed programme at
our regular clubs and out of school social activities and trips.
It has been lovely to welcome new families and to see the number of members accessing
our regular clubs and social opportunities increase. All our clubs provide a wide-range of
activities all catered for the specific age-range and needs. I would like to take this
opportunity to say l am super proud of our dedicated teams of support staff and
volunteers who due to their commitment have allowed the Group to continue delivering
services successfully throughout the year.
Sadly we lost a special friend Ryan, who was a valued member of our Drama Club
"Constellation" and participated in some social events building up a close network of
friends, we will miss him dearly and he will always have a special place in our hearts.
I would like to say a big thank you to Michelle for her continued support and efficiency in
keeping the office and our systems running smoothly. Her relationships with the families
has grown and developed getting to know them personally. In May this year Julie was a
welcome addition to our team and has settled in well, getting to know families and all our
staff. Also thank you to Abbie-Leigh for continuing her work placement with lots of
enthusiasm.
My appreciation must go to our wonderful team of staff, trustees and volunteers who have
continued to show they commitment and dedication to the group. Throughout the year
they help steer and ensure the smooth running of the group contributing to its success.
As always l am overwhelmed with the support and generous donations from families,
these are always appreciated and helps the group raise much needed funds. I would also
like to thank all our children and young adults, parents and carers for their support.
Well done everyone I look forward to another year.
HSNSG Trustees Annual Report 2023

Hartlepool Special
Needs Support Group
109 Park Road
Hartlepool TS26 9HR
HSNSG
Contact:_ Pat Allison
Manager
Tel: (01429) 863766
Office e-mail; info@hsnsg.org.uk
Website: www.hsnsg.org.uk
Facebook: www.facebook.com/hsnsghartlepool
Christmas Party, Catholic Club

HARTLEPOOL SPECIAL NEEDS SUPPORT GROUP
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES
I report on the accounts of the Hartlepool Special Needs Support Group for the year ended 31 De¢ember
2023, which are set out on pages 3 to 4.
Thls rep¢)rt 1$ made solely lo the Charity's Trustees, as a body, in accordance wlh section 145 of the
Charities Act 2011 and fegulalions made under section 154 of that Act. My work has been undertaken so
that I might slate to the Charity's Trustees those matters l am required to state to them in an independent
examiner's report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permttted by law. I do not accept or assume
responsibility lo anyone other than the Charity and the Charity's Tnjstees as a body. for my work or for this
report.
Responsibilities and basi8 of report
As the Charity Trustees you afe responsible for the preparation of the accounts in acGordan¢e wlh the
requirements of the Charitie8 Act 2011 I"The Act")
I report in respect of my examination of the accounts carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in
carrying out my examination I have followed all applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission undeT
section 145(51(b) of the Act.
Independent examinevs statement
I have completed my examination. l ¢onfirm that no material matters have come to my attention on
connection with the examination giving cause lo believe that in any material respect-
accounting records were not kept in respect of the Hartlepool Special Needs Support Group as
required by section 730 of the Act
or
2. the accounts do not accord with those records.
I have no concems and have come across no other matters in eDnnection wrth the examination lo which
attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper unlerstanding of the accounts to be
reached.
Heather O'Driscoll FCA
Waltons Business Advlsers LiTnitèd
Chartered Accountants
28 February 2024

Receipts and payments accounts
CC16a
For the year
from
To
Section A Receipts and payments
Unrestricted
funds
Restricted
fund$
Endowment
fund$
Total funds
Last period
tothe n¢ar¢$¢
to th& n¢ar•$t£
to tho neare5t£
to th¢ n¢•r•st£
to th8 n8arost£
A1 Recei
Trust gtstils and donations
MÈmbers contribulKJns
Members fundra4sing
Inleresl
lect payments
ts
27.245
27.245
19.983
19.669
5.537
197
41,872
20,790
19,652
19.983
19.669
5.537
94.q97
91,541
Sub total (Gross income for
AR)
139,3B6
27,245
168,631
174603
A2 Asset and investment sales.
(see table).
Sub total
139,386
27,245
166.631
174,603
A3Pa
ments
SaLqFies
Professional fees
Outin
s & A￿V￿e5
Transport
Expenses
Expenses- Tru5t8es
Prornotion
Toys
PDnting Poslage & Slat
Prerni5es & Room Hirtr
Te￿Phone
Insurance
Sundry Expenses
Fund Raising
Compuler costs
89,416
1,562
6,743
J,77
1.541
3.240
92.656
1,662
27.S03
3.770
1.541
91.464
2.852
25.434
2.082
1.280
20,760
34
228
1.206
4.780
778
3.286
138
360
589
228
2.286
6.945
778
3.266
138
360
589
242
2.851
7,7B6
975
2,690
970
2,565
340
1.080
2.165
Sub total
114411
27,245
141.666
141.727
A4 Asset and investment
purchases. {see table)
Flxed assot additions
1.960
1,980
1,960
1.960.00
504
604
Sub total
Total payments
116,371
27,245
143.616
142,231
Net of receipts/(payments)
AS Transfers between funds
A6 Cash funds la$t year end
Cash funds this year end
23,015
23,015
32.372
179,085
202.100
179,085
202.100
146.713
179,085
CCXX R1 accounts ISSI
2810212024

Section B Statement of assets and liabilities at the end of the period
Unrestrlcted
RoStrlct¥d
funds
funds
Efidowment
funds
tr•n•rni£
81 Cash funds
Pank balances
201.P91
Cosh bgLgnces
rolal cash funds
202,100
WvJp&JiAaf.4¥
Fun£llowhtGh
*•tb•k)n
Re*rthd
B4 Assets fetained tor the
¢harlty's own use
49,$80
Unrnstrfaed
13,SSS
Fund itsth*l¢b
Wh•fi
BS Llabilities
PAYElatsity
Swjned by one or ls%** 1rUst￿ on
behalf of au th2 Inistees
Date of
roval
Signature
Print Name
J Shepherd
KTaykn
CCXX R2 a¢counts ISSI
15102r2024