REGISTERED COMPANY NUMBER: 03175969 (England and Wales) REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER: 1054535
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES AND
AUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
FOR
LD:NORTHEAST
Read, Milburn & Co Chartered Accountants and Statutory Auditors 71 Howard Street North Shields Tyne and Wear NE30 1AF
LD:NORTHEAST
CONTENTS OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
| Page | |
|---|---|
| Report of the Trustees | 1 to 9 |
| Report of the Independent Auditors | 10 to 12 |
| Statement of Financial Activities | 13 |
| Balance Sheet | 14 |
| Cash Flow Statement | 15 |
| Notes to the Financial Statements | 16 to 28 |
LD:NORTHEAST
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
The trustees who are also directors of the charity for the purposes of the Companies Act 2006, present their report with the financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31 March 2024. The trustees have adopted the provisions of 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).
OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES
Our Vision
That people with learning disabilities have the same rights, opportunities, and quality of life as the rest of the population.
Our Mission
To believe in every person we support, encouraging people to have fun, spend time with friends and to feelgood.
The charity's objectives are:
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The relief of people with learning disabilities or other complex needs arising from disability, illness, disease, or ageing, but not exclusively by providing an advocacy service.
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To alleviate the conditions of life among people who are caring or have cared for people with learning disabilities at home, and who are in necessitous circumstances.
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To advance public education concerning learning disabilities and related issues and about caring amongst carers and the public.
Public Benefit
A learning disability can affect anyone. LD:NorthEast previously began life in 1983 as a mutual support network for families that had a member who had a learning disability. After 10 years as a support network, it was realised that the skills and the expertise were there to be able to do more practical work to alleviate the disadvantages people who have a learning disability suffer. So, in 1993, and in every year since, LDF as it was previously and LD:NorthEast as it is now has been providing wellbeing support as well as championing the cause of the learning disability community. In every project or activity we run, being user-led is at the forefront, ensuring we take an approach that does not assume what a person wants or needs but which seeks to provide an individual, personalised support at all times. We are committed to working in partnership with Local Authorities, NHS Trusts, partners in the community and voluntary sector and any others who support our client group. LD:NorthEast works with partners within the context of health and social care within the remit of our aims and objectives.
ACHIEVEMENT AND PERFORMANCE
LD:NorthEast is a local charity supporting and engaging with people who have lived experience of learning disabilities, difficulties and autism. We work across North Tyneside and offer support from birth through to older life. We are proud to be a whole life disability charity across the local area.
Our work is all about bringing people together. We believe that everyone deserves to have fun, spend time with friends and feel good about themselves and our mission is to support people to do just that, from birth right through to older life. Our vision is to achieve equality and social inclusion so people can live their life their way.
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LD:NORTHEAST
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
ACHIEVEMENT AND PERFORMANCE - continued
FUN We know the effects of loneliness and exclusion and how this can lead to low mood and dips in motivation. We organise a wide range of activities and events which are all about having a good time.
FRIENDS We help people to develop and maintain friendships, and re-connect with people they have lost touch with over the years, through organising social events and activities to bring people together.
FEEL-GOOD We know that often people with learning disabilities would like better health and lead a healthier lifestyle but for many this can be difficult. A simple GP appointment can be cause for anxiety. Often people do not understand the information given and they experience barriers to good health care because of this. We support people to attend appointments, better understand their health needs and deliver an extensive range of interactive workshops on a mix of health-related topics to support people to improve their health.
LD:NorthEast reach over 600 people from birth to later years who have a learning disability in any 12 month period within North Tyneside.
What we do:
Community Outreach Service
Our Community Outreach Service supports people who have a learning disability to live life to the full. We offer an alternative to the more traditional building-based day services as we know this doesn't work for everyone. Our support helps people to keep healthy and active, feel included in the community, develop living skills and spend time with friends. In the year 2023/2024 we have delivered on average 143 1:1 sessions a week.
Our daytime groups are about supporting people to keep healthy and active. They are perfect for anyone who loves being outdoors and enjoys more of an active lifestyle and are available 7 days a week. Our evening groups are based around social activities; supporting people to spend time with their friends and feel included in their local communities. In this reporting period we have delivered 14 evening groups a month. Our daily cooking groups help people to improve their cooking skills and develop their understanding of how to maintain a balanced diet.
Additionally, we organise tailor-made, personalised breaks that offer fantastic value and quality. They range from busy action-packed activity holidays, 'home from home' breaks, trips to shows and attractions, city breaks, pamper weekends and much more. We have provided a break or respite in this reporting period to 62 people. We also organise a day or theatre trip at least every month, which has proved to be very popular
BBC Children in Need Early Years Project
We have been supporting children and families across North Tyneside since 2012. We support children to learn and develop through play and provide opportunities to bring families together.
We have reached 205 families across this 3-year project which is in its final year, providing regular home visits, supporting families with medical appointments and offering advice and signposting. We run 5 sessions a week delivering inclusive play activities. Our groups and activities are designed for children from birth to 5 years who have a learning disability, communication difficulties, complex health needs or life limited conditions. Our Children in Need Project ends June 2024, we have exceeded the outcomes over the past 3 years and have reached 205 children.
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LD:NORTHEAST
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
ACHIEVEMENT AND PERFORMANCE - continued
BBC Children in Need Siblings Project
Our #MeTime Siblings Project offers activities and support designed for children who have a sibling with complex physical, communication, medical needs or learning disabilities. We provide trips and activities during school holidays where children can focus on having fun with friends away from the daily challenges they may face. We have supported 28 children who have attended 13 activities / trips in this reporting year. Two Siblings on this project have progressed to becoming Peer Mentors and now volunteer on the project.
We provide a wide range of activities on a regular basis and our sessions are a great opportunity for the young people to have some fun. We have seen a great improvement in confidence across this year.
Healthy Connections Project
Sport and physical activity are a great way of bringing people together. Our Healthy Connections project is designed for people to build social connections and confidence through a regular programme of sports activities, and to support and manage their own health by overcoming barriers people with a learning disability often face. We offer a full range of activities to anyone 17 years and older, and we work with external organisations across North Tyneside to put together our weekly programme. This includes working with Active North Tyneside, Newcastle Eagles, QFit GYM, Newcastle United Foundation and Wallsend Boys Club. During 2023 - 2024 we have had 138 attendances a week on our project, accessing: Multi sports, Archery, Boxercise, Fitness Fun, Walking group, Football, Basketball.
Kellett Project
Our Kellett Project has been successful for a further 2-year funding until November 2025 developing a programme of therapeutic activities, digital inclusion workshops and developing a user participation mentoring project for people 50 years plus. We have received funding from Sunderland counselling service to extend this to participants 18 years plus, this has been really successful, and we have had 105 attendances taking part over the 2-year project. We deliver a weekly programme of activities; crafts for wellbeing, digital inclusion workshops, creative minds, friendship and wellbeing sessions, men's gardening and ladies' knit and natter.
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LD:NORTHEAST
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
ACHIEVEMENT AND PERFORMANCE - continued
Health and Wellbeing Project
Our Health and Wellbeing Project is funded by North Tyneside ICB and provides support with the aim of driving health inequalities and improving overall health outcomes for people living in North Tyneside who have a learning disability.
We deliver appropriate and meaningful educational workshops; to raise awareness of health conditions and support and promote self-management. The workshops enable people to gain a better understanding of their health and to better identify signs and symptoms of concern. Early detection and prevention are key to help minimise and detect health conditions, and to prevent conditions becoming more serious, or in some instances life threatening. Our workshops range from cancer awareness, bowel screening, oral hygiene, and mental wellbeing.
Throughout 2023-24 we have delivered 16 one off workshops throughout this year, including woman's health, men's health, Oral Care, Know Your Guts and various health related workshops.
We deliver a Type 2 Diabetes Education Programme which is accredited by Empower-Spirit Clinical. The programme takes place over 7 weeks to help improve people's understanding of how to manage their diabetes. All information is provided in Easy Read and an easy read handbook is supplied to accompany the programme. Throughout this year we have delivered 50 sessions.
Our Healthy Eating and Cooking Course is a 6-week programme delivered at LD:NorthEast. Through these workshops we encourage change by raising awareness of unhealthy food groups, good food groups and how to maintain a healthy diet. This course has been extremely beneficial as a follow up option for those who have attended our Type 2 diabetes programme. 45 sessions have been delivered throughout this past year with 156 attendances.
We have delivered a weekly programme of various therapeutic activities to support people who suffer from poor mental wellbeing and social isolation. By attending activities, people gain confidence, learn new skills, and in turn make new friends. This helps to reduce social isolation, and in turn improves people's mental wellbeing. We have had 1,097 attendances during this year.
Primary Care Support Project
Our PCN team are funded through the Primary Care Networks in the North West of North Tyneside and North Shields. We work with GP surgeries and health professionals to identify patients who would benefit from additional support to manage their own health. In the 2023/24 period the PCN team in the North West of North Tyneside have made 3,128 contacts with patients and in North Shields 2,125 contacts. This has included support across both areas with annual health checks, easy read information, diabetes reviews, breast screening, cervical screening, COVID booster vaccinations, bowel screening, GP appointments, referrals to social work and signposting to our Health and Wellbeing coach that works across both areas.
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LD:NORTHEAST
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
ACHIEVEMENT AND PERFORMANCE - continued
Hate Crime
Between May 2023 and April 2024, we delivered a total of 12 workshops about Hate Crime with funding from The Squires Foundation. In both National Learning Disability week and National Safety week we delivered a series of workshops including hate and mate crime, keeping safe online and online scams. We also invited external visitors to work collaboratively with us, including Northumbria Police and Nexus. We delivered workshops about being safe in the community and on public transport, including how to report hate crimes. We also delivered some creative workshops around Hate Crime and produced Easy Read Hate Crime information cards. 14 of LD:NorthEast managers completed Hate Crime Champions Training delivered by Northumbria Police.
Engagement Work / Participation Group
During 2023-2024, our engagement work has expanded even more from the previous year. Our participation group Northern Voices have been involved with North Tyneside Council in the "Ambition for Wallsend" project around the redevelopment of the Wallsend area. We have also been consulting with Transport North East about the funding they have received to improve public transport around the area. With the funding from National Lottery Awards for All we were able expand our volunteers by 20% from the last year taking the number up to 37, this breaks down as 93 Hours per week across 10 different activities. This funding has allowed us to continue supporting people with a learning disability or autism into meaningful volunteer roles. During the winter period we were able to continue our now expanded 'Warm Hub' across three afternoons per week, during which 42 people were able to socialise in a warm setting with a hot drink and soup. With this funding we were able to get skilled professionals in to deliver craft workshops which gave people an opportunity they might not have been given. We also attended events to get LD:NorthEast's name out there these have included volunteer recruitment days, engagement events, easter, summer and Christmas fayres across the local area.
FINANCIAL REVIEW
Principal Funding Sources Thank-you
We are very grateful to all of our supporters, and the trustees would like to take the opportunity to thank all of the organisations, trusts & foundations and individuals who have supported the work of LD:NorthEast financially. NHS North East & North Cumbria ICB, North West Primary Care Network, North Shields Primary Care Network, Children in Need, North Tyneside VODA, Community Foundation, Garfield Weston, Awards for All, Julia and Hans Rausing Trust, Sunderland Counselling, Catherine Cookson Charitable Trust, North of Tyne Combined Authority.
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LD:NORTHEAST
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
FINANCIAL REVIEW - continued
Reserves policy
Total reserves at 31 March 2024 amounted to £291,233 (£276,991 in 2022/23) of which £55,483 (£61,989 in 2022/23) was subject to restriction, £1,530 (£1,530 in 2022/23) was designated and a further £9,074 (£11,954 in 2022/23) was represented by illiquid assets; the free reserves of the charity amounted to £225,146 (£201,518 in 2022/23). The Reserves policy currently approved by the trustees is to try to ensure that staff can continue working and that service users continue to be supported as long as possible. More specifically, reasons why the charity hold reserves include funding working capital; to meet any unexpected expenditure; to fund shortfalls in income and any possible curtailment of services.
Consequently, after assessing the areas of risk, the trustees are able to justify holding reserves at a minimum of around £200k. However, an effective reserves policy is one that is constantly under review having regard to the changing financial, regulatory and competitive environment in which the charity is placed, and a reassessment of the reserves policy is carried out on an annual basis.
Transactions and financial position
Incoming resources in the year were £1,345,693 (£1,246,063 in 2022/23). Of this £185,794 (£194,051 in 2022/23) related to project restricted activities.
The financial statements show a surplus of £14,242 (deficit of £9,571 in 2022/23). This comprises a deficit of £6,506 (surplus of £16,028 in 2022/23) in restricted funds and a surplus of £20,748 (deficit of £25,779 in 2022/23) in unrestricted funds.
FUTURE PLANS
2023-2024 has been another successful year for LD:NorthEast. We continue to ensure the people we support and provide activities for are at the centre of the organisation and this will continue into 2024-25.
Ensuring the personalised approach and quality of our Outreach Support and Respite/Short Breaks service is essential for 24-25 and relies on having a committed and dedicated staff team, and LD:NorthEast plans on continuing to be an attractive employer in the adult social care sector.
A main focus for the coming year will be to source new funding for our much needed Early Years Children's Service to enable 0-5 year olds with a learning disability to benefit from the play and sensory sessions that we have successfully delivered for over 12 years.
Continued funding also needs to be secured for our adults Healthy Connections sport projects and to expand this to sport activities for 16-25 year olds with a learning disability.
It is planned to continue to obtain funding for our Kellett project which provides therapeutic activities for older people with a learning disability/autism. This project has successfully delivered impactful learning and leisure opportunities since 2022.
Long term funding is becoming increasingly challenging to identify, therefore a focus will be on securing funding for projects and activities for longer than just 12 months at a time. This will enable valuable projects to be delivered and to give essential job security to staff.
As always, further small grant applications for other specific activities are also planned.
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LD:NORTHEAST
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT
Governing Document
LD:NorthEast is a registered charity and constituted as a company limited by guarantee. The company was incorporated on 21 March 1996, with registration number 3175969. It has been registered as a charity since 12 April 1996, with registration number 1054535.
Appointment and Training of New Trustees
The appointment of new trustees is carried out at each AGM according to the provisions for appointment within the Memorandum and Articles of Association. The charity seeks to recruit its trustees from people who have a learning disability, who are carers / family members of people we support, who have an interest in our work, who are from organisations we work with or who are local residents. Trustees have access to an improved and thorough induction and on-going training opportunities which cover roles & responsibilities, policies & procedures (such as code of conduct, confidentiality, conflict of interest, equality & diversity, etc.), history of the charity, list of committees and strategic & business planning activities.
Organisational Structure
The charity is organised so that the trustees meet regularly to manage its affairs. There are 3 staff who manage the day-to-day administration of the charity. In addition, up to 9 staff are employed on specific projects and up to 40 outreach staff are employed on a contract / sessional basis. The charity also relies on volunteers to support our various project activities. We have up to 30 volunteers, many of whom have a learning disability.
Staff
Chief Executive: Finance & Resources Manager: Projects Manager: Development Manager: Outreach Service Manager: Community Outreach Leads: Client / Contract Lead: Short Break Team Lead: Staff Team Lead: Group / Healthy Connections Lead:
Jacqui Thompson Lisa Donnalley Julie Redpath Danielle Falcus Lindsey Harle-Litster
Sharon May Amanda Nelson Holly Grieves Lennon Chirnside
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LD:NORTHEAST
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS
Registered Charity Name LD:NorthEast
Contact Details for Enquiries: 0191 2622261 info@ldne.org.uk www.ldne.org.uk
Charity Registration Number: 1054535
Company Registration Number: 03175969
Registered Office:
205 Park Road, Wallsend, Tyne & Wear, NE28 7NL
Current Trustees: Brenda Boyd (Chair) Jeff Dinning (Treasurer) Janine Finnie Emma Wemyss Jocelyn Mearns (appointed 22 September 2023) William Paton (appointed 22 September 2023) Christina Richardson (appointed 22 September 2023)
Retiring Trustees:
Cheryl Gavin (retired 22 September 2023)
Auditors:
Read, Milburn & Co., 71 Howard Street, North Shields, Tyne & Wear, NE30 1AF
Bankers:
Unity Trust Bank PLC, 4 Brindley Place, Birmingham, B1 2JB
Solicitors:
Mincoffs, 5-6 Osbourne Terrace, Jesmond, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE2 1SQ
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LD:NORTHEAST
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
STATEMENT OF TRUSTEES' RESPONSIBILITIES
The trustees (who are also the directors of LD:NorthEast for the purposes of company law) are responsible for preparing the Report of the Trustees and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).
Company law requires the trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charitable company and of the incoming resources and application of resources, including the income and expenditure, of the charitable company for that period. In preparing those financial statements, the trustees are required to
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select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;
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observe the methods and principles in the Charity SORP;
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make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
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prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the charitable company will continue in business.
The trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records which disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charitable company and to enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charitable company and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.
In so far as the trustees are aware:
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there is no relevant audit information of which the charitable company's auditors are unaware; and
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the trustees have taken all steps that they ought to have taken to make themselves aware of any relevant audit information and to establish that the auditors are aware of that information.
AUDITORS
In accordance with section 485 of the Companies Act 2006, a resolution for the re-appointment of Read, Milburn & Co. as auditors of the charity is to be proposed at the forthcoming Annual General Meeting.
This report has been prepared in accordance with the special provisions of Part 15 of the Companies Act 2006 relating to small companies.
Approved by order of the board of trustees on 22 November 2024 and signed on its behalf by:
B Boyd - Trustee
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REPORT OF THE INDEPENDENT AUDITORS TO THE MEMBERS OF LD:NORTHEAST
Opinion
We have audited the financial statements of LD:NorthEast (the 'charitable company') for the year ended 31 March 2024 which comprise the Statement of Financial Activities, the Balance Sheet, the Cash Flow Statement and notes to the financial statements, including a summary of significant accounting policies. The financial reporting framework that has been applied in their preparation is applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).
In our opinion the financial statements:
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give a true and fair view of the state of the charitable company's affairs as at 31 March 2024 and of its incoming resources and application of resources, including its income and expenditure, for the year then ended;
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have been properly prepared in accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice; and
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have been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006.
Basis for opinion
We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK) (ISAs (UK)) and applicable law. Our responsibilities under those standards are further described in the Auditors' responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements section of our report. We are independent of the charitable company in accordance with the ethical requirements that are relevant to our audit of the financial statements in the UK, including the FRC's Ethical Standard, and we have fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with these requirements. We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion.
Conclusions relating to going concern
In auditing the financial statements, we have concluded that the trustees' use of the going concern basis of accounting in the preparation of the financial statements is appropriate.
Based on the work we have performed, we have not identified any material uncertainties relating to events or conditions that, individually or collectively, may cast significant doubt on the charitable company's ability to continue as a going concern for a period of at least twelve months from when the financial statements are authorised for issue.
Our responsibilities and the responsibilities of the trustees with respect to going concern are described in the relevant sections of this report.
Other information
The trustees are responsible for the other information. The other information comprises the information included in the Annual Report, other than the financial statements and our Report of the Independent Auditors thereon.
Our opinion on the financial statements does not cover the other information and, except to the extent otherwise explicitly stated in our report, we do not express any form of assurance conclusion thereon.
In connection with our audit of the financial statements, our responsibility is to read the other information and, in doing so, consider whether the other information is materially inconsistent with the financial statements or our knowledge obtained in the audit or otherwise appears to be materially misstated. If we identify such material inconsistencies or apparent material misstatements, we are required to determine whether this gives rise to a material misstatement in the financial statements themselves. If, based on the work we have performed, we conclude that there is a material misstatement of this other information, we are required to report that fact. We have nothing to report in this regard.
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REPORT OF THE INDEPENDENT AUDITORS TO THE MEMBERS OF LD:NORTHEAST
Opinions on other matters prescribed by the Companies Act 2006
In our opinion, based on the work undertaken in the course of the audit:
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the information given in the Report of the Trustees for the financial year for which the financial statements are prepared is consistent with the financial statements; and
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the Report of the Trustees has been prepared in accordance with applicable legal requirements.
Matters on which we are required to report by exception
In the light of the knowledge and understanding of the charitable company and its environment obtained in the course of the audit, we have not identified material misstatements in the Report of the Trustees.
We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters where the Companies Act 2006 requires us to report to you if, in our opinion:
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adequate accounting records have not been kept or returns adequate for our audit have not been received from branches not visited by us; or
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the financial statements are not in agreement with the accounting records and returns; or
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certain disclosures of trustees' remuneration specified by law are not made; or
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we have not received all the information and explanations we require for our audit; or
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the trustees were not entitled to take advantage of the small companies exemption from the requirement to prepare a Strategic Report or in preparing the Report of the Trustees.
Responsibilities of trustees
As explained more fully in the Statement of Trustees' Responsibilities, the trustees (who are also the directors of the charitable company for the purposes of company law) are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements and for being satisfied that they give a true and fair view, and for such internal control as the trustees determine is necessary to enable the preparation of financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.
In preparing the financial statements, the trustees are responsible for assessing the charitable company's ability to continue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going concern and using the going concern basis of accounting unless the trustees either intend to liquidate the charitable company or to cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so.
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REPORT OF THE INDEPENDENT AUDITORS TO THE MEMBERS OF LD:NORTHEAST
Our responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements
Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements as a whole are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue a Report of the Independent Auditors that includes our opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance, but is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with ISAs (UK) will always detect a material misstatement when it exists. Misstatements can arise from fraud or error and are considered material if, individually or in the aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to influence the economic decisions of users taken on the basis of these financial statements.
The extent to which our procedures are capable of detecting irregularities, including fraud is detailed below:
Irregularities, including fraud, are instances of non compliance with laws and regulations. We design procedures in line with our responsibilities, outlined above, to detect material misstatements in respect of irregularities, including fraud. In this regard, our procedures include the following:
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enquiry of management around actual and potential litigation and claims;
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reviewing minutes of meetings of those charged with governance;
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reviewing financial statement disclosures and testing to supporting documentation to assess compliance with applicable laws and regulations;
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auditing the risk of management override of controls, including through testing journal entries and other adjustments for appropriateness, and evaluating the business rationale of significant transactions outside the normal course of business;
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challenging assumptions and judgements made by management in their significant accounting estimates.
Because of the field in which the charity operates, we have identified the following areas as those most likely to have a material impact on the financial statements: Health and Safety; Employment Law; and compliance with the Companies and Charities Acts.
A further description of our responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements is located on the Financial Reporting Council's website at www.frc.org.uk/auditorsresponsibilities. This description forms part of our Report of the Independent Auditors.
Use of our report
This report is made solely to the charitable company's members, as a body, in accordance with Chapter 3 of Part 16 of the Companies Act 2006. Our audit work has been undertaken so that we might state to the charitable company's members those matters we are required to state to them in an auditors' report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the charitable company and the charitable company's members as a body, for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed.
Kyssoc_
Nicholas J Liley (Senior Statutory Auditor) for and on behalf of Read, Milburn & Co Chartered Accountants and Statutory Auditors 71 Howard Street North Shields Tyne and Wear NE30 1AF
3 December 2024
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LD:NORTHEAST
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES (INCORPORATING AN INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
| Notes INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM Donations and legacies 2 Charitable activities 5 Grant funded activities Income generating activities Other trading activities 3 Investment income 4 Total EXPENDITURE ON Raising funds 6 Charitable activities 7 Grant funded activities Income generating activities Total NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE) RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS Total funds brought forward TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD |
Unrestricted funds £ 11,689 187,372 832,731 106,467 7,678 1,145,937 6,443 48,535 1,070,211 1,125,189 20,748 215,002 235,750 |
Restricted funds £ - 199,756 - - - 199,756 - 206,262 - 206,262 (6,506) 61,989 55,483 |
2024 Total funds £ 11,689 387,128 832,731 106,467 7,678 1,345,693 6,443 254,797 1,070,211 1,331,451 14,242 276,991 291,233 |
2023 Total funds £ 7,335 394,255 744,130 99,198 1,145 1,246,063 3,005 353,117 899,692 1,255,814 (9,751) 286,742 276,991 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
CONTINUING OPERATIONS
All income and expenditure has arisen from continuing activities.
The notes form part of these financial statements
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LD:NORTHEAST
BALANCE SHEET 31 MARCH 2024
| 2024 | 2023 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Notes | £ | £ | |
| FIXED ASSETS | |||
| Tangible assets | 14 | 26,642 | 35,375 |
| CURRENT ASSETS | |||
| Debtors | 15 | 30,225 | 33,666 |
| Cash at bank and in hand | 406,509 | 368,052 | |
| 436,734 | 401,718 | ||
| CREDITORS | |||
| Amounts falling due within one year | 16 | (172,143) | (160,102) |
| NET CURRENT ASSETS | 264,591 | 241,616 | |
| TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT | |||
| LIABILITIES | 291,233 | 276,991 | |
| NET ASSETS | 291,233 | 276,991 | |
| FUNDS | 19 | ||
| Unrestricted funds | 235,750 | 215,002 | |
| Restricted funds | 55,483 | 61,989 | |
| TOTAL FUNDS | 291,233 | 276,991 |
These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to charitable companies subject to the small companies regime.
The financial statements were approved by the Board of Trustees and authorised for issue on 22 November 2024 and were signed on its behalf by:
B Boyd - Trustee
foe
J Dinning - Trustee
The notes form part of these financial statements
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LD:NORTHEAST
CASH FLOW STATEMENT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
| Notes Cash flows from operating activities Cash generated from operations 21 Net cash provided by operating activities Cash flows from investing activities Interest received Net cash provided by investing activities Change in cash and cash equivalents in the reporting period Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the reporting period Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the reporting period |
2024 £ 30,779 30,779 7,678 7,678 38,457 368,052 406,509 |
2023 £ 33,576 33,576 1,145 1,145 34,721 333,331 368,052 |
|---|---|---|
The notes form part of these financial statements
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LD:NORTHEAST
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Basis of preparing the financial statements
The financial statements of the charitable company, which is a public benefit entity under FRS 102, have been prepared in accordance with the Charities SORP (FRS 102) '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)', Financial Reporting Standard 102 'The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland' and the Companies Act 2006. The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention.
The presentation currency of the financial statements is the Pound Sterling (£).
Going Concern
At the date of approval of these financial statements, the trustees have a reasonable expectation that the charity has adequate resources to continue for the foreseeable future and as such the financial statements are prepared on the going concern basis.
Income
All income is recognised in the Statement of Financial Activities once the charity has entitlement to the funds, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount can be measured reliably.
Expenditure
Liabilities are recognised as expenditure as soon as there is a legal or constructive obligation committing the charity to that expenditure, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefits will be required in settlement and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably. Expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis and has been classified under headings that aggregate all cost related to the category. Where costs cannot be directly attributed to particular headings they have been allocated to activities on a basis consistent with the use of resources.
Tangible fixed assets
Depreciation is provided at the following annual rates in order to write off each asset over its estimated useful life.
| Improvements to property | - in accordance with the property |
|---|---|
| Fixtures and fittings | - 20% on cost |
Debtors and prepayments
Trade and other debtors are recognised at the settlement amount 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 on hand, call deposits and other short-term highly liquid investments that are readily convertible to a known amount of cash and are subject to an insignificant risk of change in value.
Creditors and provisions
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 a their settlement amount after allowing for any trade discounts due.
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NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES - continued
Tangible fixed assets
Financial instruments
All financial assets and financial liabilities of the charity qualify as basic financial instruments. Basic financial instruments are initially recognised at transaction value and subsequently measured at their settlement value.
Taxation
The charity is exempt from corporation tax on its charitable activities.
Fund accounting
Unrestricted funds can be used in accordance with the charitable objectives at the discretion of the trustees.
Restricted funds can only be used for particular restricted purposes within the objects of the charity. Restrictions arise when specified by the donor or when funds are raised for particular restricted purposes.
Further explanation of the nature and purpose of each fund is included in the notes to the financial statements.
Pension costs and other post-retirement benefits
The charitable company operates a defined contribution pension scheme. Contributions payable to the charitable company's pension scheme are charged to the Statement of Financial Activities in the period to which they relate.
2. DONATIONS AND LEGACIES
| Donations 3. OTHER TRADING ACTIVITIES Activities Fundraising |
|
|---|---|
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NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
| 4. INVESTMENT INCOME Bank interest 5. INCOME FROM CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES Grant funded activities £ Personalised support - Grants 387,128 387,128 Grants received, included in the above, are as follows: NHS North Tyneside Children in Need Garfield Weston Foundation Awards for All Healthy Tomorrows Community Foundation North Tyneside Council NHS Charities Together Active North Tyneside Kellett Fund Hadrian Trust VODA Durham University Healthwatch North Tyneside Inclusion North Venator Fund Ward Hadaway Co-Op Foundation Karbon Homes Swarland Avenue Surgery Warburtons Julia and Hans Rausing Trust Spacehive Sunderland Counselling Catherine Cookson Newcastle Eagles |
Income generating activities £ 832,731 - 832,731 |
2024 £ 7,678 2024 Total activities £ 832,731 387,128 1,219,859 2024 £ 83,722 41,458 40,000 19,982 107,061 9,321 14,507 - - 24,795 600 3,000 - - - - - - 600 - - 12,000 13,985 9,962 4,000 2,135 387,128 |
2023 £ 1,145 2023 Total activities £ 744,130 394,255 1,138,385 2023 £ 82,242 39,322 40,000 9,998 102,101 14,658 13,550 30,126 477 15,400 2,000 32,300 1,500 2,440 800 250 1,200 2,191 300 3,000 400 - - - - - 394,255 |
|---|---|---|---|
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NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
6. RAISING FUNDS
| Raising donations and legacies Fundraising costs 7. CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES COSTS Grant funded activities Income generating activities 8. DIRECT COSTS OF CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES Staff costs Staff training Recruitment expenses Staff travel Volunteers expenses Activities expenses Subscriptions and publications 9. SUPPORT COSTS Grant funded activities Income generating activities |
Direct Costs (see note 8) £ 243,973 799,183 1,043,156 Management £ 10,824 267,278 278,102 |
2024 £ 6,443 Support costs (see note 9) £ 10,824 271,028 281,852 2024 £ 920,760 1,338 1,313 7,977 244 111,281 243 1,043,156 Governance costs £ - 3,750 3,750 |
2023 £ 3,005 Totals £ 254,797 1,070,211 1,325,008 2023 £ 911,098 6,866 1,484 8,950 91 97,466 233 1,026,188 Totals £ 10,824 271,028 281,852 |
|---|---|---|---|
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NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
9. SUPPORT COSTS - continued
Support costs, included in the above, are as follows:
| Wages Social security Pensions Rent and rates Insurance Light heat and water Telephone and computer costs Postage stationery and adverts Repairs and maintenance Equipment and maintenance Bank charges Garden maintenance Cleaning Professional fees Depreciation of fixed assets Auditors' remuneration |
Grant funded activities £ - - - - - - 4,971 - - - - - - - 5,853 - 10,824 |
Income generating activities £ 170,821 16,963 4,125 3,125 8,331 9,340 24,172 4,186 3,874 3,433 1,944 750 7,397 5,937 2,880 3,750 271,028 |
2024 Total activities £ 170,821 16,963 4,125 3,125 8,331 9,340 29,143 4,186 3,874 3,433 1,944 750 7,397 5,937 8,733 3,750 281,852 |
2023 Total activities £ 127,147 11,619 2,726 3,125 6,410 7,636 21,899 6,085 9,804 3,429 1,773 203 6,362 5,950 8,733 3,720 226,621 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
10. NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE)
Net income/(expenditure) is stated after charging/(crediting):
| Auditors' remuneration Depreciation - owned assets Payments under operating leases |
2024 £ 3,750 8,733 15,312 |
2023 £ 3,720 8,733 12,347 |
|---|---|---|
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NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
11. TRUSTEES' REMUNERATION AND BENEFITS
There were no trustees' remuneration or other benefits for the year ended 31 March 2024 nor for the year ended 31 March 2023.
Trustees' expenses
There were no trustees' expenses paid for the year ended 31 March 2024 nor for the year ended 31 March 2023.
12. STAFF COSTS
| STAFF COSTS | ||
|---|---|---|
| Wages and salaries Social security costs Other pension costs |
2024 £ 1,022,858 69,639 20,172 1,112,669 |
2023 £ 966,755 67,451 18,384 |
| 1,052,590 |
The charity's key management personnel comprise the Trustees the Chief Executive Officer and the Operations Manager. The total employee benefits of the key management personnel including employers national insurance were £56,204 (2023 - £53,832).
The average monthly number of employees during the year was as follows:
| Senior management team Other staff |
2024 2 56 58 |
2023 2 50 52 |
|---|---|---|
No employees received emoluments in excess of £60,000.
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NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
| 13. COMPARATIVES FOR THE STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES Unrestricted Restricted funds funds £ £ INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM Donations and legacies 7,335 - Charitable activities Grant funded activities 203,224 191,031 Income generating activities 744,130 - Other trading activities 96,178 3,020 Investment income 1,145 - Total 1,052,012 194,051 EXPENDITURE ON Raising funds 3,005 - Charitable activities Grant funded activities 173,278 179,839 Income generating activities 899,692 - Total 1,075,975 179,839 NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE) (23,963) 14,212 Transfers between funds (1,816) 1,816 Net movement in funds (25,779) 16,028 RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS Total funds brought forward 240,781 45,961 TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD 215,002 61,989 |
Total funds £ 7,335 394,255 744,130 99,198 1,145 1,246,063 3,005 353,117 899,692 1,255,814 (9,751) - (9,751) 286,742 276,991 |
|---|---|
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NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
| 14. TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS Improvements to property £ COST At 1 April 2023 and 31 March 2024 174,653 DEPRECIATION At 1 April 2023 139,278 Charge for year 8,733 At 31 March 2024 148,011 NET BOOK VALUE At 31 March 2024 26,642 At 31 March 2023 35,375 15. DEBTORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR Trade debtors Prepayments and accrued income 16. CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR Trade creditors Other creditors Accrued expenses Deferred income Deferred income at 1 April 2023 Released to incoming resources Amount deferred in year Deferred income at 31 March 2024 |
|
|---|---|
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NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
17. LEASING AGREEMENTS
Minimum lease payments under non-cancellable operating leases fall due as follows:
| Within one year Between one and five years |
2024 £ 13,333 29,684 43,017 |
2023 £ 10,722 2,396 |
|---|---|---|
| 13,118 |
18. ANALYSIS OF NET ASSETS BETWEEN FUNDS
| Unrestricted funds £ Fixed assets 9,074 Current assets 378,291 Current liabilities (151,615) 235,750 |
Restricted funds £ 17,568 58,443 (20,528) 55,483 |
2024 Total funds £ 26,642 436,734 (172,143) 291,233 |
2023 Total funds £ 35,375 401,718 (160,102) 276,991 |
|---|---|---|---|
19. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS
| Unrestricted funds General fund Designated - Building Repairs Restricted funds Capital Fund Children in Need-Early Years A J Fund Children in Need - 'Siblings' Project Primary Care Support Sport England Kellett Fund - Therapeutic Activities TOTAL FUNDS |
At 1/4/23 £ 213,472 1,530 215,002 23,421 4,270 5,861 8,292 - 10,968 9,177 61,989 276,991 |
Net movement in funds £ 20,748 - 20,748 (5,853) (149) (460) (482) 60 (3,222) 3,600 (6,506) 14,242 |
At 31/3/24 £ 234,220 1,530 235,750 17,568 4,121 5,401 7,810 60 7,746 12,777 55,483 291,233 |
|---|---|---|---|
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NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
19. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS - continued
Net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows:
| Unrestricted funds General fund Restricted funds Capital Fund Children in Need-Early Years A J Fund Children in Need - 'Siblings' Project Primary Care Support Sport England Kellett Fund - Therapeutic Activities Other restricted funds TOTAL FUNDS |
Incoming resources £ 1,145,937 - 31,458 - 10,000 107,061 12,480 24,795 13,962 199,756 1,345,693 |
Resources expended £ (1,125,189) (5,853) (31,607) (460) (10,482) (107,001) (15,702) (21,195) (13,962) (206,262) (1,331,451) |
Movement in funds £ 20,748 (5,853) (149) (460) (482) 60 (3,222) 3,600 - (6,506) 14,242 |
|---|---|---|---|
Comparatives for movement in funds
| Unrestricted funds General fund Designated - Building Repairs Designated - Tomorrows Fundraising Restricted funds Capital Fund Children in Need-Early Years A J Fund Children in Need - 'Siblings' Project Primary Care Support Sport England Kellett Fund - Therapeutic Activities TOTAL FUNDS |
At 1/4/22 £ 231,271 1,530 7,980 240,781 29,274 4,844 3,302 7,334 1,207 - - 45,961 286,742 |
Net movement in funds £ (15,983) - (7,980) (23,963) (5,853) (574) 2,559 958 (3,023) 10,968 9,177 14,212 (9,751) |
Transfers between funds £ (1,816) - - (1,816) - - - - 1,816 - - 1,816 - |
At 31/3/23 £ 213,472 1,530 - 215,002 23,421 4,270 5,861 8,292 - 10,968 9,177 61,989 276,991 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
19. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS - continued
Comparative net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows:
| Unrestricted funds General fund Designated - Tomorrows Fundraising Restricted funds Capital Fund Children in Need-Early Years A J Fund Children in Need - 'Siblings' Project Primary Care Support Sport England Kellett Fund - Therapeutic Activities TOTAL FUNDS |
Incoming resources £ 1,050,676 1,336 1,052,012 - 29,322 3,020 10,000 102,101 27,550 22,058 194,051 1,246,063 |
Resources expended £ (1,066,659) (9,316) (1,075,975) (5,853) (29,896) (461) (9,042) (105,124) (16,582) (12,881) (179,839) (1,255,814) |
Movement in funds £ (15,983) (7,980) (23,963) (5,853) (574) 2,559 958 (3,023) 10,968 9,177 14,212 (9,751) |
|---|---|---|---|
Capital Fund
The capital fund represents the grants received to renovate the charity's current premises and is being amortised in line with the property improvements depreciation.
A J Fund
This fund was originally from donations and a £3,000 legacy from Jean Henderson, current funding is derived from external fundraising.
Children in Need
Children in Need are funding the Early Years project which provides play activities and support to disabled children and their families, and a 3 year 'Siblings' project to support brothers and sisters of children with learning disabilities to allow them to take part in some fun activities.
Primary Care Support
Working with GP surgeries to identify patients who would benefit from some additional support to manage their health and wellbeing, particularly people who are anxious or have concerns about attending health related appointments.
Sport England
Funded by Rise North East as part of their Tackling Inequalities programme and North Tyneside Council; delivery of activities within Sport England's Covid-19 response.
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NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
19. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS - continued
Kellett Project
Funding from the Kellett Fund, Community Foundation and the Hadrian Trust for the delivery of a programme of therapeutic activities, digital inclusion workshops and a user participation mentoring project.
20. RELATED PARTY DISCLOSURES
There were no related party transactions for the year ended 31 March 2024.
21. RECONCILIATION OF NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE) TO NET CASH FLOW FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES
| Net income/(expenditure) for the reporting period (as per the Statement of Financial Activities) Adjustments for: Depreciation charges Interest received Decrease in debtors Increase in creditors Net cash provided by operations |
2024 £ 14,242 8,733 (7,678) 3,441 12,041 30,779 |
2023 £ (9,751) 8,733 (1,145) 10,458 25,281 33,576 |
|---|---|---|
22. ANALYSIS OF CHANGES IN NET FUNDS
| At 1/4/23 | Cash flow | At 31/3/24 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| £ | £ | £ | |
| Net cash | |||
| Cash at bank and in hand | 368,052 | 38,457 | 406,509 |
| 368,052 | 38,457 | 406,509 | |
| Total | 368,052 | 38,457 | 406,509 |
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NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
23. LEGAL STATUS
LD:North East is a company limited by guarantee, registered in England and Wales and has no share capital. The company's registered number and registered office address can be found within Reference and Administrative Details.
The liability of each member is limited to £1, being the amount that each member undertakes to contribute to the assets of the Charity in the event of its being wound up while a member or within one year after ceasing to be a member, for -
-
(a) payment of the Charity's debts and liabilities contracted before the member ceased to be a member,
-
(b) payment of the costs charges and expenses of winding up, and
-
(c) adjustment of the rights of the contibutories among themselves.
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