HARTLEPOOL SPECIAL NEEDS SUPPORT GROUP
STATEMENT OF ACCOUNTS
31 DECEMBER 2024
Registered Charity Number: 1031151

HARTLEPOOL SPECIAL NEEDS SUPPORT GROUP
STATEMENT OF THE TRUSTEES, RESPONSIBILITIES
The Trustees are responsible for preparing the Trustees. Report and the accounts in accordance with
applicable law and regulations.
The Trustees are responsible for keeping accounting records that disclose with reasonable accuracy at any
time the financial posltion of the Charity and enable them to ensure that the accounts comply with the
Charities Act 2011. the charity (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 and provisions of the trust deed.
They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the Charity and., hence for taking reasonable steps
for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.
Signed on behalf of the Trustees on
ffty/
Mrs J Shepherd- Chairperson
Mrs K Taylor- Treasurer

HARTLEPOOL SPECIAL NEEDS SUPPORT GROUP
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES
I report on the accounts of the Hartlepool Special Needs Support GroLÈP for the year ended 31 December
2024, which are set out on pages 3 to 4.
This report is made solely to the Charity's Trustees, as a body, in accordance with section 145 of the
Charities Act 2011 and regulations made under section 154 of that Act. My work has been undertaken so
that I might state 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 permitted by law, I do not accept or assume
responsibility to anyone other than the Charity and the Charity's Trustees as a body, for my work or for this
report.
Responslbilities and basis of report
As the Charity Trustees you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the
requirements of the Charities Act 2011 {"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 under
section 145(5)(b) of the Act.
Independent examinerfs statement
I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attention on
connection with the examination giving cause to believe that in any material respect..
accounting records were not kept in respect of the Hartlepool Special Needs Support Group as
required by section 130 of the Act
or
2. the accounts do not accord with those records.
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 accounts to be
reached.
Heather O'Driscoll FCA
Waltons Business Advisers Limited
Charter
d Accountants

Trustees
Annual Report 2024
HARTLEPOOL SPECIAL NEEDS
rMprotfLu9 localla￿11.4r ruAce Iqlq

Trustees Re
ort 2024
From 1st January to 31st December 2024
Structure Of The Organisation
Hartlepool Special Needs Support Group is a Voluntary Organisation and consists of:_
Trustees
Jayne Shepherd
Karen Taylor
Marlene Barnard
Ami Carroll
Jamie Allison
Shaun Mccabe
Chair
Treasurer
Re-Elected February
Elected February
Elected February
Elected February
Co-opted November
Elected February
2021-2027
2024-2027
2024-2027
2024-2027
2024-2027
2024-2027
Secretary
Recruitment of Trustees
Members can nominate trustees or themselves for positions, also trustees can appoint
co-opted trustees.
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 Role5
Beneficiaries
98 Children and Young Adults who have a disability plus their Parent's, carers
and siblings.
10 Affiliated Families
Address
Chartered Accountants
Resource Centre Waltons Business Advisers 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 98T
HSNSG Truslees Annual Report 2024

Chairs Report 2024
In 2024, Hartlepool Special Needs Support Group continued to provide a wide range of
opportunities for all members.
We are now running a wider range of activities than ever before. This includes a monthly
Meet and Mingle session for two different age groups and the introduction of a new club
held Friday nights three times a month.
Pat has worked closely with Julie over the last year, sharing all of her managerial
knowledge and insights, in readiness for her retirement at the end of the year. On behalf
of everyone involved in Hartlepool Special Needs Support Group I would like to thank Pat
for all of her hard work and dedication in making the group what it is today, an essential
part of the Special Needs community.
The commitment and enthusiasm of all staff and volunteers has been invaluable, as usual,
and is very much appreciated.
We had a busy year with lots of renovations and the resource centres makeover is now
complete and has already started to have a positive impact on all of the group sessions.
Everyone agrees it's looking great.
I, for one, can't wait to see all the exciting opportunities and possibilities 2025 has to offer
our members!
Jayne Shepherd-chair of Trustees
This Annual Report is circulated to all supporters, further copies are available from the
Resource Centre.
HSNSG Trustees Annual Report 2024

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 four 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.
Alms and Objectives
The Charity shall serve 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 members 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 disabilities with varying complex needs, 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 activities through taking part in activities set in
the public domain.
The Manager and her team work hard to achieve the GrOu￿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 parents
Develop links with other agencies
Maintain links with existing funding sources and research potential funders
Ensure the smooth running of the resource centre
Contingency Policy
The Trustees 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.
Publlc Benefit
The Charity Trustees 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 Tw5tees Annual Report 2024

Resource Centre and out in the wider community:"
Throughout 2024 services has seen an increase of attendees.
Children's Fun Club
Babiesnoddlers/Parent & Carer Group
Friends Fun Club
Get-Together Club
Youth Club
Drama Club'constellation"
Friday Night Club
Meet & Mingle Sessions
Multi-sensory Sessions
Parent/Ca rers 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 2024

Children's Fun Club
The club is held every Monday
evening during term-time. The children
are a very lively group and love to move
from one activity to another, enjoying
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 babies and
toddlers enjoy accessing the multi-sensory
room, play area with a range of toys to keep
them busy 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, all enjoying the relaxing
environment.
HSNSG Trustee5 Annual Report 2024

Get-Together Club
This club is held every Wednesday during
term time for over 18's, who enjoy com-
pleting various tasks including delivering mes- ai*.#12)¥¥:-
sages, general office duties and preparing
gifts for other regular clubs, also enjoying the
sensory room for chill-out time. The mem-
bers help to organise and deliver various
fundraising events including fayres, raffles etc
and look forward to our parent/carer events
welcoming them to the centre.
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 young persons
particular needs. They are always excited
to catch up with their friends and enjoy an
exciting, busy programme of activities
including bingo, cold cookery and crafts
etc with treats and prizes and a visit to
Tuck shop. Finishing of the year 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 and performing
with time for some fun and games. The Stars are always enthusiastic in rehearsals and
thrive when showcasing their 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
Santa with personalised gifts.
HSNSG TFuslees Annual Report 2024

Constellation
Constellation sessions are held on Thursdays 6.00 pm to 8.00 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 to
help collate ideas for future shows. The Group put on a very successful show along
with Friends Fun Club and showcased their talents with "We are all Stars" to a full
audience. The year was finished with family entertainment evening followed by a
Party with treats and a visit from Santa.
Friday Night Club
The club is held Friday nights 5.30 pm to 7.30
pm. The new group was introduced to move on
members from Children's Fun Club when
necessary. They engage in similar activities as
previous and have all settled in well.
Meet and Mingle
The sessions are held on 1st and 3rd Saturday of
the month for up to 15 years and 16 years +.
These sessions are enjoyed by the children/
young people and their parent/carers and offers
all a chance to socialise in a safe environment.
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.
Easter and mince-pie afternoons with treats served were well attended, with time
to relax all thoroughly enjoyed.
HSNSG Trustees Annual Report 2024

Summer Scheme 2024
Following last years success it was decided to hold the scheme at Stranton Primary School once
again. Delivering another fun-filled, action packed three weeks enabling all children and young
adults to participate and enjoy the varied programme of activities on offer, including in-house and
external entertainers, i.e. Bubbleman, Circurama, Hartlepotz, Animals About Town, Pets4People,
Sparkling Treasures & Steve's Animal Ark. The on-site soft play area and bouncy castle was
enjoyed by many. The specialized bikes hired were well used and popular, as was the vislt from
the ice-cream van. All sessions to the off-site hydro-therapy pool were enjoyed by all who
attended. It was lovely to see so many 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 the first year Seb has attended the scheme and it has been an amazing experience for him.
He enjoyed all the activities he took part in. Every pick up time he came out so happy and full of
smiles, the staff were helpful and informed us of his day. He will definitely be attending next year
and will continue Children's Fun Club.
The scheme allowed Halen to have some independence from his parents in a safe environment to
explore his own feelings and boundaries.
Ryan was so excited each morning and had lots of fun, he enjoyed every activity and come home
with lots of different things he had made. The staff were all lovely and very approachable, they do
an amazing job!
We feel very confident leaving the boys in your care, they had so much joy and pleasure from
attending the summer scheme. Staff were brilliant and they loved all the activities on offer,
Thank you all for the help you have given the Bentham boys.
The scheme is much needed as there is nothing else for our children and young adults in the
community. They have so many opportunities they otherwise would not have.
Children and young adults:
Using our widget symbol individuals completed forms. All identified'happy faces" and the variety
of activities on offer were thoroughly enjoyed including sand play, sensory sessions, pottery, silent
disco and Bingo.
Quotes from Staff and Volunteers:
The programme of activities were fun and engaging. It was clear all the children and young adults
enjoyed themselves.
This has been my third year, and have enjoyed each year. The children and young adults always
have so much fun and make lovely memories, it is so rewarding to be part of this team.
The scheme is planned really well with all staff working really hard,
HSNSG Trustees Annual Report 2024

HSNSG Trustees Annual Report 20.4

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
13
• Annual Social Event Volunteers
• Jump 360 Trampoline Park
98
• Larry's Lanes, Seaton Carew
139
• Cinema Visit and Pizza Hut
63
• Social Afternoons
142
• Humpty Dumpty, Billingham Forum
42
• Aladdin, Hartlepool Town Hall
51
Christmas Party, Catholic Club
88
Sleeping Beauty Panto, Darlington Hippodrome
56
HSNSG Trustees Annual Report 2024

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 Tutor, Manager and Assistant Manager
13 Support staff and volunteers
Emergency First Aid @ work/
Appointed person
l Tutor, Manager and Assistant Manager
12 Support staff and volunteers
In-House Training
Positive Behaviour &
Disability Awareness
l Tutor and Manager
12 Support staff and Volunteers
Summer Scheme Introduction
Manager & Assistant Manager
29 Support Staff and Volunteers
HSNSG Trustees Annual Report 2024

Volunteers
We started 2024 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 participate 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 of the 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 Trustees Annual Report 2024

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
Venator Materials
Quorum Development Ltd
Members Personal Donations and Fundraising Events
Donations
Pauline Hunter-christmas cakes made & decorated
Isaac Boubda & Ethan Turnbull Families
Adapted Caravan Short Breaks via The Teesside Charity
Use of Centre and Equipment
Hunter, Ellis and Phillips Families.
Sensory Room Bookings
Events
Café & Tuck Shop
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
£12.169.
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 Trustees Annual Report 2024

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 2024 were:
Band Night
Great North Run
Christmas Jumper Day
We continue to receive great support from the local community and raised an
amazing £4.244 in the year.
A huge 'Yhank you" to all involved with the events.
HSNSG Trustee5 Annual Report 2024

FINANCIAL REVIEW - Accounts for the year end 31 December 2024
Full Accounts 2024 are available at the Resource Centre
INCOME
EXPENDITURE
BALANCE
£159,096
£147,490
£175,242
A message from Julie Assistant Manager:_ I was pleased to start my new position in May 2023.
I have enjoyed working in the office alongside Pat, Michelle and Abbie, learning my new role.
It has been lovely being involved and getting to know the children, young adults and their
families, as well as other staff members and volunteers. l am look forward to what 2025 brings.
FINALLY- A MESSAGE FROM YOUR MANAGER, PAT ALLISON:.
l am delighted to report 2024 has been an extremely busy year lots of exciting activities and
events within the resource centre and out in the wider community. 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.
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. Julie continues to expand on her knowledge of
running the Groups services for the many families we support and has development good
relations with members, families and staff. Also thank you to Abbie-Leigh and Andrew for
continuing their work placement with lots of enthusiasm. My appreciation must go to our won-
derful 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.
A big achievement during 2024 has been the modernising of the centre with renovations making
it not only welcoming and attractive, easier to access and maintain.
The retirement event arranged for myself was bitter-sweet, it was lovey to see so many past and
present families attending. It has been an honour and a pleasure to be have been on this journey,
with support from my family, a great team of staff, volunteer5 and trustees who have enabled all
members to experience and participate in many varied social opportunities. Hartlepool Special
Needs Support Group will always be a part of who l am and close to my heart.
Pat Alliwi
HSNSG TnEStees Annual R¢port 2024

Hartlepool Special
Needs Support Group
109 Park Road
Hartlepool TS26 9HR
HSNSG
Contact:_ Julie Carter- Manager
Tel: (01429) 863766
Office e-mail: info@hsnsg.org.uk
Website: www.hsnsg.org.uk
Facebook.. www.facebook.com/hsnsghartlepool
Panto-Darlington Hippodrome
ruprotfy /oc4llqfvlier r(iu Iqlq

Receipts and payments accounts
CC16a
For the year from
Section A Receipts and payments
Unrestricted
funds
to the nearè$t
Restricted
funds
Endowment
funds
Total funds
Last perlod
to the nearest £
to the nearest£
to tha n8ar•st £
to the nearest£
A1 Receipts
TFU5t g18nts and donations
Members contributs'ons
Members fundraising
Interest
Direct payments
22,975
22,975
20.771
16,403
5,680
93,267
27.245
19,983
19.669
S.$37
94.197
20.771
16.403
5,680
93,267
Sub total (Gross income for
AR)
136,121
22,975
159.096
166.631
A2 Asset and Investment sales,
(see table).
Sub total
136.121
22.975
159,096
166.631
A3 Payments
Salaries
Professional fees
Outin
s & Activities
Tran5POrt
Expenses
Expense5- Trustees
Prornotion
Toy5
Printing Postage & Stat
Premises & Room HiTe
Telephone
Insurance
Sundry Expenses
Fund Raising
Gomputer ¢osts
102.488
1.822
3,072
1.275
1.330
3,240
105,72B
1.822
20,312
1,275
1,330
92,656
1,562
27.503
3.770
1.541
17.240
34
228
2.286
6,945
778
3,266
138
360
589
185
1.736
7.215
915
3.19Y
185
2,816
8.630
915
3.197
1.080
1.415
833
447
833
447
Sub total
124.515
22.975
147.490
141.656
A4 Asset and investment
urchases,
see table)
Fixed asset additions
38,464
38,464
38.464
38,464.00
1.960
1,960
Sub total
Total payments
162.979
22.975
185,954
143.616
Net of r8ceipts/(payments)
A5 Transfers between funds
A6 Cash funds last year end
Cash funds this year end
26,858
26,858
23.015
202,100
175.242
202.100
175,242
179.085
202,100
CCXX R1 aecoun15 ISSI
1410312025

Section B Statement of assets and liabilities at the end of the period
UnreslTiCtgd
Restricted
funds
funds
to n¢ar¢$t £
to neargst £
Endowment
funds
lo nwest£
Categories
DeÉaliS
B1 Cash funds
ank balances
175.183
Cash balancas
59
Total cash funds
175,241
. 8¢eoiiiiisll
Unrestricted
lunds
to n¢are$t£
Restricted
fvnds
Endowment
funds
Details
Tr8d8 debtors
to nearest £
to near•st £
B2 Other monetary assets
3,582
Fund to whirh
asset belon
Restricted
Details
Fixed assets
Cost loptionall
Currentvalu•
tional
47.S99
B4 Assets retalned for the
charitys own use
Unreslricled
50,086
Fund to whl¢h
Ilablllt rèlates
Unrestri¢led
ount due
onal
Ylhon du*
onal
Details
PAYE liabiltty
B5 Liabilities
Trade creditgrs
Unrestri¢ted
Signed by ¢ne Or two trustee3 on
behalf of all the trustees
Signature
Prfnt Namè
Date of
roval
R J Shepherd
K T8yIoT
CCXX F12 accounts ISS)
2810212025