Company number 3341420
Charity number 1064848
Options for
Olife
OPTIONS FOR LIFE
(A Company limited by Guarantee)
Financial Statements
Year ended 31 March 2025

OPTIONS FOR LIFE
INDEX
Charity Information
Directors' and Trustees' Report
Report of the Auditors
Statement of Financial Activities
Balance Sheet
Cash Flow Statement
Notes to the Financial Statements
2
8
11
12
13
14

OPTIONS FOR LIFE
CHARITY INFORMATION
Directors
Alan Daffern - resigned 28/10/24
Harriet Moat - resigned 28/10/24
Rosina Singleton - resigned 27/4/25
Cesar Alvarez
Ariecho Gros - appointed 24/7/24
Anthony Downes - appointed 28/10/24
Matthew Small - appointed 28/10/24, resigned 29/4/25
Charity Number
1064848
Company Number
3341420
Charity correspondence address
Oak Green Lodge
Oak Green Way
Oldbury
West Midlands
B68 8LR
Auditors
Feltons
Chartered Accountants & Business Advisers
8 Sovereign Court
8 Graham Street
Birmingham
B1 3JR
Bankers
Lloyds Bank ple
125 High Street
Harborne
Birmingham
B17 9NP
Chief Executive Officer
Nicola Thomson

OPTIONS FOR LIFE
DIRECTORS' AND TRUSTEES' REPORT
The Directors present their report and financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2025.
Governing Document
The organisation is a charitable company limited by guarantee, incorporated on 27 March 1997 and registered as a
charity on 13 October 1997. The company was established under a Memorandum of Association which
established the objects and powers of the charitable company and is governed under its Articles of Association. In
the event of the company being wound up the members are required to contribute an amount not exceeding f1.
Directors and Trustees
The Board of Trustees is the governing body of the charity. The Board of Directors is the governing body of the
company. Selection of Trustees is by application to the Board of Trustees and is managed by the Chair and brought
to Board of Trustees Meetings for approval. Selection of Directors is by a vote of the trustees. The policy is to
recruit people to be Trustees with knowledge, skills and experience relevant to the aims and objectives of the
charity. Documents detailing the legal structure, organisation, finances and management of the company, whick
are regularly reviewed, are provided to all Board of Trustee members to facilitate effective governance of th
charity. In addition, they are provided with training support and practical experience of the day-to-day running of
he Board of Trustees meets on a regular basis to manage the affairs of the charity and formulate policy. Th
Chief Executive manages the day-to-day running of the charity assisted by full time and part time employees
No trustee receives any payment for carrying out their duties and none of the trustees have any beneficial interest
in the company.
The directors/ trustees who have served during all or part of 2024/25 are listed on page 1 and 6.
Risk Management
The Board of Trustees meet regularly to assess financial planning matters and review measures to control risk. A
comprehensive risk register is completed annually and reviewed at least quarterly during the year.
External risks, which primarily concern funding, are continually addressed by closely managing the quality and
cost effectiveness of all our contracts, identifying areas for new grant applications and ensuring adequate cash
reserves are constantly maintained.
An on-going review of key operational and financial processes and procedures combined to mitigate against any
potential internal control weaknesses.
Mission and Vision Statement
Our Mission is to provide high quality and coordinated services to all participants which is responsive, flexible and
sensitive to their changing needs, enabling them to play an active part in their local community.
Our Vision is to give people with Learning Disabilities and/or Autism choice and control over their lives.
Objectives of the Charity
Options for Life is committed to enhancing the independence of people with learning disabilities and/or autism by
providing person-centred, high-quality support that gives individuals real choice and control over their lives. Our
services are coordinated, flexible, and responsive to changing needs, with a strong focus on personalised goal-
setting through sessions such as aquafit, art, cooking, and football. We foster community engagement by building
meaningful partnerships with schools and colleges and by promoting inclusive activities that reflect and celebrate
cultural diversity. Continuous improvement is at the heart of our approach, with robust governance, quality
assurance, and risk management frameworks, ongoing staff training, internal audits, and a participant-led advisory
group driving our progress. We are also committed to sustainability and diversifying our income through digital
fundraising, social enterprise initiatives like a shop and internet café, and increased use of volunteers. Inclusion,
wellbeing, and innovation underpin everything we do, ensuring our support is not only effective but also enriching
and empowering.
2

OPTIONS FOR LIFE
DIRECTORS' AND TRUSTEES' REPORT
Review of Activities for 2024 - 2025
During the fiscal year 2024-2025, Options for Life maintained its unwavering commitment to delivering high-
quality, personalised support for adults with learning disabilities and/or autism. Operating from three dedicated
buildings across Sandwell, alongside a growing outreach provision, the charity has continued to adapt to changing
local authority commissioning models and participant needs with agility and care.
Our outreach model remains strong and well-established, reflecting the long-term impact of the strategic changes
we made in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Outreach now represents a significant portion of our overall
service offer, with community-based, strength-focused engagement at its heart.
We have sustained a stable and skilled workforce and continued to see interest in vacant roles, supported by our
strong values, supportive culture, and the meaningful nature of our work.
Our service delivery during the year included:
• Over 25,000 hours of service delivered within our Profound and Multiple Learning Disabilities (PMLD)
service
• More than 57,000 hours of outreach support
• Over 3,000 hours of building-based sessions
• 28 new referrals received, with 10 individuals currently on our waiting list
These figures demonstrate a continued rise in demand for our services, underscoring the trust placed in us by
individuals, families, and commissioning partners.
Achievements of the Year
The year 2024-2025 has been defined by innovation, inclusivity, and strategic development. Key highlights
include:
Strategic Planning
We completed the review of our three-year strategic plan and successfully transitioned to a*new two-year strategic
plan, recognising the need for adaptability amid a rapidly changing adult social care landscape. Our new plan is
focused on
five core goals: increasing independence, expanding flexible delivery, strengthening community
connections, maintaining high-quality provision and diversifying income sources.
Participant-Led Initiatives
We deepened our commitment to person-centred support by enhancing how we set and track individual goals
within sessions such as aquafit, art, cooking, and football. These structured goal-setting approaches ensure
activities are tailored to each participant's interests, abilities, and aspirations, promoting independence and
personal development.
Environmental Sustainability
In preparation for the upcoming 2025 waste legislation, we introduced new waste management procedures across
all sites to separate dry recyclables, food waste and residual waste. This move aligns with our broader commitment
to sustainability.
Inclusive Activities and Cultural Awareness
We increased the number of culturally inclusive activities offered, hosting and celebrating events such as Eid.
Pride Month, and the International Day of Pink, while continuing to deliver female-only aquafit sessions for our
Muslim participants. Our Healthy Minds sessions incorporated diverse wellness practices and new goal-setting
initiatives to promote wellbeing.
Community and Education Engagement
We strengthened community ties through collaboration with Q3 Academy, Meadows School and Westminster
School, enabling smoother transitions for young people with learning disabilities and autism and offering
intergenerational opportunities.
3

OPTIONS FOR LIFE
DIRECTORS' AND TRUSTEES' REPORT
Participant Advisory Group
We established a Participant Advisory Group, giving individuals we support a platform to influence decision-
making an every level. This initiative reflects our ongoing commitment to co-production and participant
Quality Assurance and Continuous Improvement
We enhanced our internal and external quality assurance frameworks, linking daily record-keeping to measurable
outcomes and enabling more robust reviews by social workers. We also developed new systems for distinguishing
between building-based and community-based support in line with local authority guidance.
Looking Ahead
As we close the year 2024-2025, we are proud of the progress made in strengthening our services, systems and
community engagement. Options for Life continues to be a place where people with learning disabilities and/or
autism are empowered to lead meaningful lives with choice and control.
We look forward to building on this year's momentum and further enhancing the impact we make through
collaboration, innovation, and a continued focus on personal outcomes
Public Benefit
inclusive ethos not only reflects our values but also fosters a diverse and vibrant community where varied
experiences, skills and perspectives are respected and shared.
Our central purpose is to support adults with learning disabilities and/or autism through personalised services that
promote independence, wellbeing and meaningful engagement in the community. The individuals we support often
face significant barriers in accessing healthcare, education and employment barriers that were amplified during the
COVID-19 pandemic and continue to affect outcomes today.
We work to address these inequalities by offering high-quality, consistent and tailored support that focuses on
building confidence, life skills and connections. As life expectancy increases for adults with learning disabilities
and/or autism, we recognise the growing need to adapt services to meet more complex health and care
requirements associated with ageing. Our flexible approach ensures that participants continue to receive the right
level of support at every stage of life.
Our impact extends beyond individuals to their families and support networks. By providing reliable, structured
care, we enable families to experience greater stability and relief from the demands of full-time caregiving. This
contributes positively to the wider community by reducing pressure on statutory services and strengthening family
In summary, the public benefit of Options for Life is far-reaching. We enrich lives by promoting health,
independence and inclusion for adults with learning disabilities and/or autism, while also supporting families and
enhancing community wellbeing. This commitment remains at the heart of everything we do.
Review of financial position
The income of the charity for 2024/25 was £2,205,191 (2023/24: £1,674,859) and expenditure was f2,007,63l
(2023/24: £1,724,331). This resulted in a net income surplus of £197,560 reducing to £189,715 if the restricted
funds surplus of f7,845 is excluded (2023/24 net deficit f49,472). The charity balance sheet reflects an increase in
funds due to the 2024/25 surplus.
The reason for the improvement in the charity finance position is due to the number of contracted sessions
increasing both for building based sessions and outreach activities. The number of participants and sessions
increased in 24/25 particularly at the Acorn Lodge Centre which provides services for adults with profound and
multiple learning disabilities (PMLD). Acorn Lodge received additional participants from the closure of a PLD
centre in a neighbouring borough in the summer of 2024.
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OPTIONS FOR LIFE
DIRECTORS' AND TRUSTEES' REPORT
The charity is not expecting a recurring large surplus for 2025/26. The biggest commissioner of participant
contracts for the charity is Sandwell Council and they have revised downwards the fee rates from 25/26. In
addition the charity will be financially hit with higher employer national insurance costs from April 2025 as well
as continuing general challenges from rising costs for utilities and services and a 6.7% rise in the statutory
minimum wage rates. However, the Board remains confident that the organisation will achieve at least a break-
even situation for 2025/26.
Reserves policy
It is the policy of the charity to establish designated reserve funds to manage any potential financial risks to the
viability of the organization. The level of reserves links to our financial assessment of risks that the organisation
faces over the medium term within a 5 year period.
The level of designated reserve had been extremely high in the years following the Covid-19 virus outbreak. This
created unprecedented financial uncertainty and the designated reserve rose as high as £705,000 at 31/3/23.
loss of contracts or detrimental reviews of fees as well as possible future minimum wage pressures. There is a
provision set aside for statutory redundancy costs of employees if ever the charity were to close. Taking account of
these factors the trustees have agreed to set aside f400,000 at 31/3/25 as the charity designated reserve. This is the
same level as previously set aside in our accounts at 31/3/24. It will mean that the charity will have free balances
available at April 2025 of approximately £600,000 to support new projects and initiatives if opportunities to grow
the business become available.
The Board trustees and Senior Leadership Team will continue to monitor closely our level of bank balances and
reserves and on-going risks and financial performance during 2025/26.
Future Developments
As Options for Life embarks on its 2025-2027 strategic cycle, we remain focused on delivering responsive, high-
quality services that empower people with learning disabilities and/or autism to live with greater independence,
choice and inclusion. This plan has been shaped through meaningful engagement with participants, families, staff,
and stakeholders and reflects the evolving needs of our community and the adult social care sector.
Strategic Priorities 2025-2027
1. Enhancing Participant Independence and Empowerment
We are committed to ensuring that all participants have the opportunity to shape their own lives, make informed
choices and feel confident in their abilities. Our approach centres on personalised support, skill-building and
inclusive community participation. We will further develop individualised support plans that promote autonomy
and self-determination, broaden access to training in essential life skills and strengthen links with community
partners to support meaningful integration. Regular feedback mechanisms and peer-led initiatives will also be
introduced to embed continuous improvement and mutual empowerment across our services.
2. Expanding Flexible and Personalised Services
We will continue to expand and adapt our service model to meet the diverse and changing needs of our
participants. This includes offering flexible combinations of building-based and community outreach services
tailored to individual goals. We will place greater emphasis on transitions, improving access to volunteering,
employment pathways and person-centred planning that reflects each individual's ambitions and support
3. Strengthening Community Connections and Inclusion
Our focus will be on building deeper, more inclusive relationships with local communities. Through collaboration
with schools, colleges, local businesses and faith and cultural organisations, we will create more opportunities for
our participants to contribute to and be included in community life. Our outreach programmes and inclusive events
will help reduce social isolation, promote diversity and enhance visibility for people with learning disabilities
and/or autism.
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OPTIONS FOR LIFE
DIRECTORS' AND TRUSTEES' REPORT
4. Driving Quality and Continuous Improvement
We are implementing a refreshed Governance, Risk and Quality Framework to ensure consistent, high-quality
service delivery. This will include regular internal audits, participant-led advisory groups, outcome-focused
reviews and benchmarking against external quality standards. Staff training and development will be a core
component of our continuous improvement approach, ensuring we remain adaptive, responsive and person-
5. Diversifying and Strengthening Income
We are actively pursuing new income streams to ensure long-term sustainability and growth. This includes
developing social enterprise initiatives such as a participant-led café or shop, launching digital fundraising
campaigns, and increasing engagement with corporate partners. Volunteers will be key in extending our capacity
and impact, and we will continue to explore opportunities to blend funding sources creatively and ethically.
6. Additional Operational Developments
Environmental Sustainability
In line with new legislation requiring workplaces to separate recyclables, food waste, and residual waste, we are
improving waste management systems across all sites and raising awareness about environmental responsibility
among participants and staff.
Digital Innovation
We are piloting digital tools that support communication, goal setting, and service planning. Technology will play
a greater role in promoting digital inclusion and improving internal systems, ensuring services remain efficient and
user-friendly.
Estate Improvements
Continued investment will be made in our properties to ensure safety, accessibility and suitability for a range of
needs. This includes updates to fire safety procedures, environmental design and maintenance across Acorn Lodge,
Oak Green Lodge and Ocker Hill.
Workforce Development
Through our People Plan, we are enhancing recruitment, induction, and retention processes. We are committed to
nurturing a skilled, motivated and values-driven workforce equipped to meet the challenges and opportunities of
modern social care.
Employees and Remuneration
The charity operates policies based on a range of issues including those to ensure that no discrimination is made
against any employee or participant based on their disabilities, age, gender or ethnicity.
The majority of staff for 2024/25 received a pay rise of 9.8% since their salary grades were linked to the National
Minimum Wage which rose by this percentage in April 2024. The remaining staff received a general pay award of
3%.
Directors / Trustees
The directors, who served during the period, are shown below and all are trustees.
Amrit Virk - Chair
Alan Daffern - resigned 28/10/24
Harriet Moat - resigned 28/10/24
Rosina Singleton - resigned 27/4/25
Cesar Alvarez
Ariecho Gros - appointed 24/7/24
Anthony Downes - appointed 28/10/24
Matthew Small - appointed 28/10/24, resigned 29/4/25
Indemnity provision for Directors
Indemnity insurance cover has been taken out for all Directors and Trustees for any potential claim risk to value of
£2 Million (2024 £2,000,000).
6

OPTIONS FOR LIFE
DIRECTORS' AND TRUSTEES' REPORT
Responsibilities of Directors / Trustees
The directors are responsible for preparing the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United
Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice.
UK company law requires the directors to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true
and fair view of the state of affairs of the company and of the surplus or deficit of the company for that period. In
preparing those financial statements, the directors are required to:
• select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;
> make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
>
state whether applicable UK accounting standards have been followed; and
>
prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the
company will continue in business.
The directors are responsible for maintaining proper accounting records which disclose with reasonable accuracy
at any time the financial position of the company and to enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply
with the Companies Act 2006. They are also responsible for the system of internal control, safeguarding the assets
of the company and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other
irregularities.
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out in note 1 of the
financial statements and comply with the charity's Memorandum and Articles of Association, applicable law and
the requirements of the Statement of Recommended Practice (FRS102), "Accounting and Reporting by Charities"
In accordance with company law, as the company directors, we certify that:
so far as we are aware, there is no relevant audit information of which the company's auditor is unaware:
and
as the directors of the company we have taken all the steps that we ought to have taken in order to make
ourselves aware of any relevant audit information and to establish that the charity's auditor is aware of that
information.
Auditor
Feltons took over from 2022/23 the responsibility for direct audit support and auditor of the company accounts.
Feltons were re-appointed by the Board in October 2024 to continue as auditors for 2024/25 and they operate in
accordance with the Companies Act 2006 section 487(2).
In preparing this report, the Directors have taken advantage of the small companies exemption provided by section
415A of the Companies Act 2006.
Approved by the Board on 27 October 2025 and signed on its behalf by
Amrit Virk
Chair of the Board of Trustees
those
Nicola Thomson
Chief Executive Officer
7

INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF
OPTIONS FOR LIFE
Opinion
We have audited the financial statements of Options For Life (the 'charitable company') for the year ended 31
March 2025 which comprise the Statement of Financial Activities, Balance Sheet, 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,
including Financial Reporting Standard 102 The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic
of Ireland (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).
In our opinion the financial statements:
• give a true and fair view of the state of the charitable company's affairs as at 31 March 2025, and of its
incoming resources and application of resources, including its income and expenditure, for the year then
• have been properly prepared in accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice;
and
• 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 Auditor's 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
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 other information comprises the information included in the Directors' and Trustees' Report, other than the
financial statements and our auditor's report thereon. The trustees are responsible for the other information. 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.
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 course of 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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INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF
OPTIONS FOR LIFE
Opinions on other matters prescribed by the Companies Act 2006
In our opinion, based on the work undertaken in the course of the audit:
• The informato prepare in the Dienters and Trances Rapor for the financial year for which the linancial
• the Directors' and Trustees' Report has been prepared in accordance with applicable legal requirements.
Matters on which we are required to report by exception
In the light of our 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 Directors' and Trustees' Report.
We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters in relation to which the Companies Act 2006
requires us to report to you if, in our opinion:
• adequate accounting records have not been kept; or returns adequate for our audit have not been received from
branches not visited by us; or
•
•
•
the financial statements are not in agreement with the accounting records and returns; or
certain disclosures of directors' remuneration specified by law are not made; or
we have not received all the information and explanations we require for our audit; or
the trustees were not entitled to prepare the financial statements in accordance with the small companies
regime and take advantage of the small companies exemptions in preparing the Directors and Trustees'
Report and from the requirement to prepare a strategic report.
Responsibilities of trustees
As explained more fully in the trustees' responsibilities statement set out on page 7 the trustees (who are also the
directors of the charitable company for the purposes of company law) are responsible for the preparation of
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.
Auditor's 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 an auditor's report 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.
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. The extent to which our procedures are capable of detecting irregularities, including fraud is detailed below:
• We reviewed the charitable company's control and risk management procedures and planned our work based on
our assessment of those controls and procedures;
override of controls for all material areas in the financial statements;
• We made enquiries of management and the charitable company's lawyers regarding any actual or potential
litigation and/or claims;
• Financial statements disclosures were reviewed and checked for compliance with applicable laws;
• Detailed testing was conducted on balances and transactions including unusual items and those of individual
significance to the financial statements;
Data analytics were used in order to identify unusual or significant trends;
• Communications with management and those charged with governance regarding relevant matters was undertaken
throughout the audit and on completion.
9

INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF
OPTIONS FOR LIFE
Auditor's responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements (continued)
Because of the inherent limitations of an audit, there is a risk that we will not detect all irregularities, including those
leading to a material misstatement in the financial statements or non-compliance with regulation. This risk increase
he more that compliance with a law or regulation is removed from the events and transactions reflected in th
financial statements, as we will be less likely to become aware of instances of non-compliance. The risk is also greater
regarding irregularities occurring due to fraud rather than error, as fraud involves intentional concealment, forgery,
collusion, omission or misrepresentation.
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/auditorsresponsibilites. This description forms part of our auditor's
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 auditor's 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.
Veltons
David W Farnsworth FCA (Senior Statutory Auditor)
For and on behalf of Feltons, Statutory Auditor
8 Sovereign Court
8 Graham Street
Birmingham B1 3JR
3/11/2025
10

OPTIONS FOR LIFE
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES (incorporating Income and Expenditure Account)
For the year ended 31 March 2025
Restricted
funds
Notes
Designated
Unrestricted
funds
funds
€
Total funds
2025
Total funds
2024
Income from:
Donations & legacies
Charitable activities
Other trading activities
Investments
Expenditure on:
Charitable activities
Net income / (expenditure)
Transfer between funds
Net movement in funds
Reconciliation of funds:
Total funds brought forward
Total funds carried forward
2
2
3,11
12
75,780
:
75,780
67,935
67,935
7,845
-
7,845
•
2,742
2,077,125
23,897
25,647
2,129,411
1,939,696
1,939,696
189,715
2,742
2,152,905
23,897
25,647
2,205,191
2,007,631
2,007,631
197,560
189,715
197,560
4,135
1,640,806
13,361
16,557
1,674,859
1,724,331
1,724,331
(49,472)
-
(49,472)
38,547
46,392
20000
157,800
201647 200,202
The notes on pages 14 to 24 form part of these financial statements.
There were no recognised gains or losses other than those in the Statement of Financial Activities.
All surpluses are a result of continuing activities as one-off activities are structured so as to produce no surplus or deficit.
11

OPTIONS FOR LIFE
BALANCE SHEET
As at 31 March 2025
Fixed assets
Tangible assets
Current assets
Debtors
Investments
Cash at bank and in hand
Liabilities
Creditors: Amounts falling due in
less than one year
Net current assets
Total assets
The Funds of the charity
Restricted funds
Unrestricted funds
Designated funds
Unrestricted funds
Notes
6
7
8
9
10
2025
1,147,729
242,036
528,000
350,199
1,120,235
(51,967)
Company No. 3341420
2024
€
140,560
255,900
496,228
892,688
(39,904)
€
1,165,653
11
12
1,068,268
2,215,997
46,392
400,000
1,769,605
2,215,997
852,784
2,018,437
38,547
400,000
1,579,890
2,018,437
These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the special provisions relating to companies subject to
the small companies regime within Part 15 of the Companies Act 2006.
Approved and authorised for issue by the Board on 27 October 2025
and signed on their behalf by:
Amrit Virk
Chair of the Board of Trustees.
Nicola Thomson
Chief Executive Officer.
The notes on pages 14 to 24 form part of these financial statements.
12

OPTIONS FOR LIFE
CASH FLOW STATEMENT
As at 31 March 2025
2025
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net cash used in operating activities
Cash flows from investing activities:
Dividends, interest and rent from investments
Proceeds from the sale of investments
Purchase of investments
Purchase of property, plant and equipment
Net cash provided by investing activities
Reconciliation of net cash flow to movement in funds
Change in cash and cash equivalents in the year
Cash and cash equivalents at 1 April
Cash and cash equivalents at 31 March
Reconciliation of next movement in funds to
net cash outflow from operating activities
Net movement in funds forthe year ended 31 March 2025
Adjustments for:
Depreciation
Dividends, interest and rent from investments
Decrease / (Increase) in debtors
Increase / (Decrease) in other creditors
Net cash used in operating activities
Analysis of cash and cash equivalents
Notice deposits (up to 3 months)
Cash in hand
Cash and cash equivalents
144,385
25,647
85,900
(358,000)
(43,961)
(290,414)
(146,029)
496,228
350,199
197,560
51,477
298,722
350,199
13
Company No. 3341420
2024
47,808
(19,305)
(123,646)
(75,838)
572,066
496,228
(49,472)
4,805
295,248
200,980
496,228

OPTIONS FOR LIFE
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
For the year ended 31 March 2025
1
Accounting policies
Basis of Accounting
piaz for Life in incorporated as a compary limited by guarantee, registered in England and Wales No.
The financial statements are prepared under the historical cost convention, in accordance with Accounting and
applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS102) and the Companies Act 2006.
Income
Expenditure
All expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis and is recognised where there is a legal or constructive
obligation to pay. Expenditure has been classified under headings that aggregate all costs related to that
category.
Charitable expenditure comprises those costs incurred by the charity in the delivery of its activities and includes
both the direct and support costs relating to these activities.
Support costs consist of central administration and property costs. These are disclosed in more detail in Note 4.
Governance
Governance costs of the charity include those costs associated with meeting the constitutional and statutory
requirements of the charity and include audit fees and costs linked to the strategic management of the charitable
company. Details on governance costs are shown in Note 4.
Fund Accounting
Unrestricted funds are available for use at the discretion of the trustees in the furtherance of the objectives of the
Charity unless the funds have been designated for other purposes.
Designated funds comprise unrestricted funds that have been set aside by the trustees for particular purposes or
to meet potential financial risks or pressures that the charity may face.
Restricted funds are subject to specific terms and conditions by donors as to how they may be used.
Grants and donations
Grants and donations are only included in the Statement of Financial Activities when the charity has
unconditional entitlement to the resources.
Donated services and facilities
These are only included in incoming resources (with an equivalent amount in resources expended) where the
benefit to the charity is reasonably quantifiable, measurable and material. The value placed on these resources
is the estimated value to the charity of the service or facility received.
Judgments in applying accounting policies and key sources of estimation uncertainty
The charity makes estimates and assumptions concerning the future. The resulting accounting estimates will, by
definition, seldom equal the related actual results. The trustees confirm there are no estimates and assumptions
that have a significant risk of causing a material adjustment to the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities
within the next financial year.
14

OPTIONS FOR LIFE
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
For the year ended 31 March 2025
1.
Accounting policies (continued)
Value Added Tax
VAT has been treated as irrecoverable by the Charity, due to the scale and type of activities being regarded as
exempt. To ensure the charity compiles with HMRC's regulatory requirements both the sources of income and
the aggregate amounts that could constitute vatable supplies, are frequently reviewed.
Tangible fixed assets and depreciation
Tangible fixed assets for use by the charity are stated at cost less depreciation. Since April 2019 individual items
costing less than €5,000 are written off in the Statement of the Financial Activities.
Depreciation is provided at rates calculated to write off the cost less estimated residual value, over thei
expected useful lives
Office equipment
- 25% on a straight line basis
Motor vehicles
- 25% on a straight line basis
Building - Leasehold
- 10% on a straight line basis
Building - Freehold
- 2% on a straight line basis
Freehold land is not depreciated
Pension costs
The charity fulfilled its legal obligation in adopting the Governments Workplace Pension Scheme Auto-
Enrolment in October 2014 integrating this with the defined contributions pension scheme that was already part
of the remuneration policy.
Those employees who have opted for the minimum contribution of 5% of
pensionable salary under auto-enrolment rules enjoy an employer's contribution of 4%, this increases to 5%
after 10 years service.
Employee Benefits
The cost of any unused holiday entitlement is recognised in the period in which the employee's services are
received.
Termination benefits are recognised immediately as an expense when the Charity has committed to terminate
the employment of an employee or to provide termination benefits.
Going concern
At the time of preparing the financial statements, the trustees have a reasonable expectation that the Charity has
adequate resources to continue its operational existence for the foreseeable future. There are no other material
uncertainties that may cast a significant doubt about the Charity's ability to continue as a going concern.
Therefore, the accounts have continued to be prepared on the going concern basis of accounting.
There will be continuing future challenges to be faced by the Charity. The Board are reviewing the strategic
direction of the Charity and the agreed business plan and model will look to deliver both continuing but new and
flexible ways of service delivery.
Liability recognition
Liabilities are recognised as soon as there is a legal or constructive obligation committing the charity to pay out
resources.
Operating leases
Rental costs under operating leases are charged to the income and expenditure account in equal annual
amounts over the period of the lease.
Cash and cash equivalents
Cash is represented by cash in hand and deposits with financial institutions repayable without penalty on
notice of not more than 24 hours. Cash equivalents are highly liquid investments that mature in no more
than three months from the date of acquisition and that are readily convertible to known amounts of cash
with insignificant risk of change in value.

OPTIONS FOR LIFE
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
For the year ended 31 March 2025
2 Income
Restricted income
Charitable activities
Sandwell Council
Roger and Douglas Turner Charitable Trust
Barclays Community Football Fund
Npower Business Solutions Foundation
Edward Cadbury Charitable Trust
Heart of England Community Foundation
The Saintbury Trust
Eveson Charitable Trust
Arnold Clark Community Fund
Finnis Scott Foundation
Boshier Hinton Foundation
Bruce Wake Trust
Solvay Community Prize
Owen Family Trust
David Solomans Trust
D'Oyley Carte Charitable Trust
Patrick Trust
SCVO
Creative Black Country
Pedmore Sporting Club
Geoff Hill Charitable Trust
Will Charitable Trust
Beatrice Laing Charitable Fund
Total restricted income from charitable activities
2025
15,727
3,000
1,000
7,538
3,000
31,515
5,000
7,500
500
1,000
-
75,780
Unrestricted income
Charitable activities
Adult social care - Sandwell MBC
Direct payments
NHS Black Country ICB
One to One Support - Sandwell MBC
Total unrestricted income from charitable activities
Total income from charitable activities
Other trading activities income
Activities and fund raising
Food and drink sales
Room hire charges
Sales on disposal of assets
1,594,544
301,747
171,408
9,426
2,077,125
2,152,905
3,153
14,044
5,560
1,140
23,897
16
2024
13,579
3,000
-
2,000
2,000
2,415
1,000
750
3,000
1,000
500
1,825
1,000
250
8,000
2,500
42,819
1,151,155
301,817
135,812
9,203
1,597,987
1,640,806
3,177
9,884
300
13,361

OPTIONS FOR LIFE
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
For the year ended 31 March 2025
3 Expenditure
Charitable Service Operational Costs
Direct staffing costs
Indirect staff related costs
Premises, repairs and running costs
Cleaning, personal protective equipment and waste disposal
Vehicle and transport costs
Activities and materials
IT and office costs
Depreciation costs
Total charitable operational costs
Management and Support Costs
Governance costs
Total charitable expenditure
17
2025
1,316,534
8,639
29,394
20,968
64,057
74,282
15,016
37,715
1,566,605
358,257
14,834
1,939,696
2024
1,076,768
17,203
30,554
17,767
56,345
66,442
13,101
36,017
1,314,197
367,268
16,161
1,697,626

OPTIONS FOR LIFE
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
For the year ended 31 March 2025
4
Expenditure - Charitable activities
Management support costs
Salaries
Staff recruitment, training, travel, other
Office costs
External professional support
Equipment depreciation
Vehicle costs
Premises related costs
Governance costs
Audit
Other insurance costs
Bank charges
Professional & consultancy fees
Trustee expenses and associated costs
2025
248,803
4,126
28,772
49,032
2,363
571
24,590
358,257
2025
9,180
1,726
1,400
1,002
1,526
14,834
18
2024
€
257,656
6,169
24,398
49,168
3,684
4,007
22,186
367,268
2024
6,660
3,367
1,894
2,598
1,642
16,161

OPTIONS FOR LIFE
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
For the year ended 31 March 2025
5
Staff costs
2025
2024
Wages & salaries
Social security costs
Pension costs
1,411,250
97,961
38,947
1,548,158
1,216,742
75,990
36,478
1,329,210
Number
Number
The average monthly number of staff employed by the charity
during the year was as follows:
Administrative
Project based
8
67
9
65
Employer benefits to Senior Management Team Members
uring the year to 31 March 2025 payments to key members of the management team in the form of sala
id pensions amounted to £155,742. This compares with £154,757 for the prior yea
There was one employee whose annual emoluments were in the band £60,000 to €70,000.
Termination Payments
In 2024/2025 there were no termination payments to former employees. There had also been no
termination payments in 2023/24.
Payments to Directors/Trustees
The trustees neither received nor waived any emoluments during the year (2024: Enil).
In 2024/25 there were total expenses re-imbursements of f346 to trustees. In 2023/24 there had been
payments of f589.
19

OPTIONS FOR LIFE
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
For the year ended 31 March 2025
6
Tangible fixed assets for use by the charity
Freehold
properties
Leasehold
Improvements
Office
equipment/
fixtures &
fittings
Cost
As at 1 April 2024
Additions
Disposals
As at 31 March 2025
Depreciation
As at 1 April 2024
Charge for the year
Disposals
As at 31 March 2025
Net Book Value
As at 31 March 2025
As at 31 March 2024
1,585,963
-
1.585963
468,779
27,521
496,300
1,089,663
1,117,184
34,172
(21,391)
12,781
16,040
15,434
(21,391)
10,083
2,698
18,132
Land at cost carried forward €210,000 is not depreciated (2024 - £210,000)
207,900
11,581
219187
187,843
9,559
197,402
22.072
20,057
20
Vehicles
33,199
32,380
(7,200)
58,379
22,919
9,371
(7,200)
25,090
33,289
10,280
Total
€
1,861,234
43,961
(28,591)
1,876,604
695,581
61,885
(28,591)
728,875
1,147,729
1,165,653

OPTIONS FOR LIFE
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
For the year ended 31 March 2025
7
Debtors
Trade debtors
Prepayments & sundry debtors
8
Investments
Market value brought forward
Additions to investments at cost
Disposals at carrying value
Market value as at 31 March
Comprised:
Investments at fair value comprised
Cash on deposit
Bank and cash
Bank accounts
Procurement cards and petty cash
10
Creditors: Amounts falling due in less than one year
Trade creditors
Accrued expenses
Tax and social security
Pensions
2025
201,976
40,060
242,036
2025
255,900
358,000
(85,900)
528,000
528,000
2025
344,577
5.622
350,199
2025
5,141
13,800
24,515
8,511
51,967
2024
f
117,966
22,594
140,560
2024
f
135,002
205,900
(85,002)
255,900
255,900
2024
491,984
4,244
496,228
-===
2024
3,615
12,995
17,500
5,794
39,904

OPTIONS FOR LIFE
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
For the year ended 31 March 2025
Restrictive Funds
External Grants
Solway Community Prize
Owen Family Trust
avid Solomans Tru
'Oyley Carte Charitable Tru
Boshier Hinton Foundation
Geoff Hill Charitable Trust
Sandwell Council
Will Charitable Trust
Beatrice Laing Trust
Clothworkers Foundation
Edward Gosling Foundation
Baily Thomas Charitable Fund
N-Power Foundation
Edward Cadbury Trust
Eveson Trust
Heart of England Foundation
Saintbury Trust
Barclays Community Fund
Arnold Clark Community Fund
Finnis Scott Foundation
Turner Trust Foundation
Total restricted funds
1 April 2024
2,000
2,241
1,000
750
3,000
1,000
2,000
250
5,592
6,722
2,292
2,611
1,922
7,167
Income
0
0
0
0
15,727
0
000
3,000
7,500
31,515
0
500
1,000
3,000
75,780
Expenditure
(2,000)
(2,241)
(1,000)
(750)
(3,000)
(1,000)
(2,000)
(250)
(20,317)
(6,722)
(2,292)
(2,611)
(1,922)
(7,167)
(2,504)
(3,000)
(208)
(6,565)
(1,042)
(1,000)
(100)
(244)
0
(67,935)
38,547
Further information on all funds held during 2024/25:
Bruce Wake Trust and
Geoff
To fund participant theatre trips, in particular for those
Hill Charitable Trust
requiring wheelchair access
Solvay
Community
Owen
Family
Trust,
Prize,
This is funding used together to install new play equipment
David
and renovation of the sensory garden at Acorn Lodg
Solomans Trust, D'Oyley Carte
Trust, Patrick Trust, Boshier
Hinton Foundation,
N-Power
Foundation, Edward Cadbury
Trust
Sandwell Council
Will Charitable Trust
Heart of England Foundation
Grants to fund art, yoga and other sessions to enhance mental
realth and well-being
Is pu to pase as anal musical euranspor pariesipans
Grant towards new electric car and charging point
Towards additional air conditioning units at Acorn Lodge
Arnold Clark Community Fund
To fund therapeutic art sessions at Acorn Lodg
o fund tools. clothing and seeds for a local allotment plo
Clothworkers Foundation
Edward Gosling Foundation
Baily Thomas Charitable Fund
odge - now depreciation cost
rior year wet room improvements at the Ashes centre - no
deir caisupoted living flat renovation at Ashes centre -
22
31 March 2025
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1,002
•oo
0
5,034
7,292
24,950
3,958
400
756
3,000
46,392

OPTIONS FOR LIFE
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
For the year ended 31 March 2025
12
12
13
Unrestricted funds
Unrestricted capital funds brought forward
Movement for the year
Transfer from Designated Funds
Unrestricted funds carried forward
Designated funds
Designated funds brought forward
Movement in the year
Total designated funds carried forward
Total unrestricted funds
Analysis of net assets between funds
2025
1,579,890
189,715
1,769,605
2025
400,000
400,000
2,169,605
2024
1,340,476
(65,586)
305,000
1,579,890
2024
705,000
(305,000)
400,000
1,979,890
Restricted
Unrestricted funds
Designated funds
Unrestricted funds
Tangible fixed
Other net assets/
assets
liabilities
€
€
1.147-729
1,147,729
46,392
400,000
621,876
1,068,268
Total
46,392
400,000
1,769,605
2,215,997
14
Commitments under operating leases
At 31 March 2025 the Company had commitments under non-cancellable leases in respect of minibus
vehicles and photocopiers:
Within one year
Within two to five years
2025
33,893
90,976
124,869
2024
7,319
6,675
13,994
23

OPTIONS FOR LIFE
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
For the year ended 31 March 2025
Related party transactions
16
18
Post balance sheet events
here are no other events that occurred after 31 March 2025 that are likely to significantly change what
resented in the financial statements or have an impact upon the status of the organisation as a going concen
Pension Commitments
The Charity operates a defined contribution scheme. The assets of the scheme are held separately from those of
the Charity in an independently administered fund. The pension cost represents contributions payable by the
Chaiy co the unions 0 8, 0 10 43,90 2024 36 47g 102321 March 2025 there were toial staff and
Statement of financial activities 2024
Notes
Restricted
funds
€
Designated
funds
Total funds
2024
Income from:
Donations & legacies
Charitable activities
Other trading activities
Investments
Expenditure on:
Charitable activities
Net (expenditure) / income
Transfer between funds
Net movement in funds
Reconciliation of funds:
Total funds brought forward
Total funds carried forward
2
2
3
11
42819
-
42819
26,705
16,114
-
16,114
22,433
38,547
:
(305,000)
(305,000)
Unrestricted
funds
f
4,135
1,597,987
13,361
16,557
1,632,040
1,697,626
(65,586)
305,000
239,414
4,135
1,640,806
13,361
16,557
1,674,859
1,724,331
(49,472)
-
(49,472)
705,000
400,000
1,340,476
1,579,890
2,067,909
2,018,437
24