## PUTTING PEOPLE FIRST 1 ## **CONTENTS** **INTRODUCTION:** Aims and Objectives The Report – Organisational Manager, Lifelong President and Chairperson ## **CONTENTS:** Social Inclusion Inhouse Sessions Social Inclusion In The Community Social Inclusion Putting People First In Our Members Own Words. Sustainablity/Funding The Way forward Case Studdies ## **Aims and Objectives** **Sefton O.P.E.R.A aims to provide health and wellbeing activities to local older people across Sefton seeking to improve their quality of life, whilst helping to reduce the health inequalities for those most disadvantaged.** ## **Our Objective** To promote any charitable purposes for the benefit of older persons in the borough of Sefton and in particular the advancement of education, the promotion of good health, together with the prevention of social isolation and the relief of poverty, sickness and distress arising therefrom. ## **Our Mission** ## **FINANCE:** Trustees Accounts Annual Report Charity, Bank, Trustee Details Independent Examiners Report Statement of Financial Activties Balance Sheet Accounting Policies To enable older people to take power in relation to their own health, to maintain and improve the quality of their lives, recognising that they are an important resource to their peers and their community. ## **Our Vision** The organisation aims to be the focus for excellence and innovation in working with older and vulnerable people. ## **Our Social Value** Sefton O.P.E.R.A is committed to improving the lives of local people, by local people giving a dignified and respectful service to all. We are committed to building the skills and confidence of our local volunteers and to enable them to provide regular social interaction, intergeneration and physical activities. We will reduce social isolation, improve community cohesion and give Sefton’s older people choices in respect to how they can improve their own health and wellbeing. ## **Quality Assurance** Sefton O.P.E.R.A holds the following quality assurance framework: - Mentoring and Befriending Approved Standard Provider - ASDAN Accredited Training Provider - Vitalize Chair Exercise National Accreditation - Reiki & Seichem (RASA) and Tai Chi - Approved Work Placement provider for Hugh Baird College, Southport College, Sefton Business Partnership and Liverpool University 2 ## **THE REPORT** Vikki Martlow Organisational Manager Ann Mardell Honorary Lifelong President **Vikki Martlow Wrote:** In this year’s report we have provided a short breakdown of our inhouse and our community activities we provide throughout Sefton, to locals still living in their own homes. These activities were all developed from consultation with locals and members of the organisation and are aimed at reducing loneliness and isolation and improving people’s health and wellbeing, giving them a safe and secure place where they feel comfortable and confident to attend, also reducing the need for unnecessary Dr appointments. By providing a variety of activities’ giving individuals choices we are able to encourage older people to take responsibility for their own health and wellbeing, improving both physical and mental health problems. The majority of people who attend our sessions also join in with other activities, making new friends with likeminded people, who support each other building confidences and encouraging people to become valued members of their community again. Our strapline is “Putting People First” and that is what these Social Inclusion sessions do, both inhouse, and throughout the borough of Sefton. **Ann Mardell Wrote:** As we approach 2024 everyone is hoping for a brighter year, as the last few years have been really hard going for us all, but especially so for charity organisations! Sefton O.P.E.R.A. were fortunate and managed to come through. They continue to have a professional approach in the delivery of the ethos they promised to the community in 1999 when Sefton O.P.E.R.A. first began! In 2023 we managed to keep the over 50s active as promised in both mind and body across south Sefton. Working still in the nursing/residential homes, day centres, and in the community, making sure they deliver every activity to a high standard. As always, it’s because we have such reliable staff and trustee’s and amazing volunteers who give their all to make Sefton O.P.E.R.A. the professional organisation it has become. Cathy Crook Chairperson **Cathy Crook Wrote:** The staff and volunteers without a doubt have made Sefton OPERA what it is, a place to meet new people and make new friends. This has succeeded, older people have an importance and have a great deal to offer, and with Sefton OPERA they grow, in confidence, self-esteem, and make decisions that will improve their own lives and of those around them. Networking is the word I would describe for all those involved, whether by word of mouth or personal contact we can involve more people and improve their lives as well. To all the committee staff and members, I would like to say a big thank you for all the hard work that goes into making Sefton OPERA the success it is today keeping a professional outlook whilst still keeping the open-door family friendly atmosphere people can relate to. 3 ## **Social Inclusion Inhouse Sessions** **Reducing Loneliness and Improving Health & Wellbeing Sessions** Sefton OPERA provide a variety of Social Inclusion sessions aimed at reducing loneliness, isolation, and improving health and wellbeing encouraging older people to take responsibility for their own health and wellbeing with a knock-on effect of reducing unnecessary visits to both Doctors surgeries, walk in health clinics, and hospitals. Below is a breakdown of the different Social Inclusion sessions we run. All of the activities provide a safe and warm space for individuals to join in, make friends, have a cuppa and a chat, encouraging participation, reducing loneliness, and improving their skills. ## **IT, & Computer Sessions Monday 10.00-12.00 Tuesday 10.00-12.00** **or 1.00-3.00 (First Touch) and Wednesdays 1.00-3.30 Held** in St Matthews office we have recently updated the inhouse computers and internet to provide better services allowing everyone to be digitally included. - Computer drop-in sessions on Monday and Wednesday for those who have some knowledge of computers and who help each other with programs searching the web, booking holidays, organising hospital and Dr appointments, and using social media They have become a good support group for each other, many going on to buy their own tablets and smartphones. - First Touch IT Computers Tuesday 2 sessions these sessions are for people who have little or no computer or IT skills, with a more one to one approach help is given from switching Computer, laptop, pads, smartphones on, to using basic functions with the digital age we live in and technology needed for the smallest of activities now people are needing to learn new skills to be able to stay included in today’s community. With online forms and digital Dr & Hospital appointments becoming more prevalent, older people have been forced to join the digital age. **We have approx. 25 attendees to these sessions.** - Colin was informed about the sessions from other members he said “I didn’t know what a mobile phone was my children laughed when I first got one as I couldn’t use it. I don’t want to be an expert but I wanted to learn a bit more. Steve has been very patient slowly showing me more and more he even gave me a certificate to show them how much I was improving.” Since starting Colin has become a regular member and has also attended Tai Chi to improve his balance and breathing. **Tai Chi Tuesday 11.00-12.00** Based in St Matthews Community Hall, this session provides a safe place for people to come and join in with gentle exercises. Tai Chi is derived from intentionally slowing of martial arts moves, to practice self-defence and health & wellbeing methods. - Improving breathing and balance, although Tai Chi looks gentle, studies suggest it is as effective as conventional exercise for reducing body weight and visceral fat, improves heart health reducing blood pressure and other risk factors for heart disease, like blood sugar levels and cholesterol and has even been shown to boost your immune system* BBC* - It also improves metal health, leading to better brain function, Tai Chi has been found to improve brain function like memory and mental flexibility, cognitive function and cognitive flexibility. * BBC* **We have approx. 15 attendees to these session** - Audrey attends the group regularly and she was told about the sessions by another organisation as she wanted to improve her health. Audrey said “I had done Tai Chi before at the pain management sessions after surgery, but they only lasted a couple of months before I was discharged. These sessions have really helped with reducing pain and improving my balance and breathing its great exercise. The group are very friendly, and it relaxes me, Audrey added that she suffers from anxiety and Dennis and the group have really helped with that”. Audrey has also attended several of the Social Inclusion Trips 4 **Men Behaving Brilliantly Group Tuesday 1.00-3.00** Based in the office this is a group of likeminded men coming together to benefit each other, in a safe, warm and secure place to talk about men’s issues while having a cuppa and a chat and joining in with the activities. We provide a range of activities to meet the different needs of the groups from quizzes, darts, pool table, cards, and trips out on boat trips, coaches and museums. A men’s group run by men for men. - Benefits are improved mental health through their shared experience they support and encourage expansions in emotional and loneliness, reducing isolation and improving wellbeing. **We have approx 10 attendees to these sessions.** - Fred attends the group on a regular basis since losing his wife, it has become a lifeline being able to meet up each week joining in with the activities and has since joined in with a variety of the other activities walk, tai chi, computers, Trips. Fred said “The groups have become a real support I can’t go on the walks anymore due to health issues but love coming to the other sessions when I can. **Institches Group & Arts and Craft Sessions Wednesday and Thursday 10.30-12.00** these sessions are a great get together for members they reduce loneliness and isolation help with mental health issues, the groups have different projects to do keeping them busy i.e. knitting poppies, blankets, twiddle muffs, and cards and gift boxes all while having a cuppa and a chat in a safe warm and secure environment. - Crafting can alleviate the symptoms of anxiety, depression, loneliness and even dementia. It boosts mental wellbeing, combats stress, helps reduce negative feelings and dejection, while offering social support and positive relationships. - There are also links between crafting, and the improvement of cognitive skills of stroke and dementia patients. **We have approx 22 attendees to these sessions.** - Barb joined the knitting and craft group after being told by a friend she wasn’t doing anything spending her time walking around shops for something to do, she was starting to feel really lonely. Barb said “ I love the groups I enjoy coming along it gives me something to look forward to each week, sometimes I don’t even do anything but love coming for a catchup with the group, I have made so many friends since joining, and now go on all the trips, have weekends, away and have also had a couple of holidays with the girls, it has made such a difference to my life.” **Its Never Too Late to Feel Great Wednesday 1.00-3.30** this session is our Ladies group providing a weekly weigh-in, and a chair exercise session, and finishing with a cuppa and a chat, The group provides a safe place for members to meet, make friends, and support each other making healthier decisions. Physical Exercise is as important to older people as it is to the younger population. It’s vital to maintain a certain level of fitness as you progress in age. However, as you get older, you may not move a lot without putting strain on your body. Chair exercises come in handy when you have limited mobility or find it hard to maintain balance. - When you do chair exercises regularly, you reduce the risk of falls. The movements increase blood flow and keep your joints active and lubricated. They also strengthen your muscles. Improve your posture improving glutes and core for spine support, strengthens shoulders improves muscles, Lubricates the knee joints reducing arthritis pain swelling and stiffness, and increases your upper body strength and flexibility. - Regular chair exercises lower risk of some health conditions like stroke, heart disease, hypertension, and type 2 diabetes, better bone health, Improved quality of life, Lower risk of dementia and reduced risk of loneliness isolation and depression. **We have approx 20 attendees to this session.** 5 ## **Social Inclusion Community Based Sessions** **Pamper Massage Session Monday 10.00-11.30** Held at the Linacre Hub we have a number of complimentary therapies provided by0 our volunteer therapists from: - Basic Hand Massage, reducing inflammation, arthritis and joint pain, improving circulation and lowering blood pressure. - Basic Back Massage reducing aches and pains reducing inflammation helping reduce muscle pain. But Massage therapy offers many other benefits, such as lowering blood pressure, better circulation, and helping with sleep especially when done on a regular basis. - Basic Reiki is a Japanese form of energy healing, a type of complementary medicine, Reiki practitioners use palm healing techniques improving balances in the body, encouraging emotional and physical healing. These sessions provide not just the physical health benefits from the actual massages but also a safe place for participants to meet & socialize with our members, make friends have a cuppa and chat enjoying the ambience of the session. **We have approx. 10 attendees to this session.** - Joy came to the groups through victim support after she had an attempted bag snatch her confidence was down and she was frightened, Joy said “When I came to the group i was very nervous the first time but they made me feel very welcome, the massages made me feel very relaxed I also went to the Beating Loneliness group, all the groups make you feel like you are amongst friends, I really like it, I have even joined other groups since helping out where and wherever I can. ## **50+ Swimming Group Wednesday 9.00-10.00 and Thursday** **10.00-11.00** In Bootle Leisure Centre and Splashworld Southport. These are 50+ learn to swim and improving your stroke sessions. All abilities coming together to improve their skills and join in making friends reduces loneliness, and isolation, giving individuals a safe secure place to attend. - Improves your general health, provides great exercise with little or no pressure on your joints, helps with losing weight and improves breathing and lung capacity. It increases fitness and muscle mass and improves individuals’ mobility issues. - Swimming also improves your mental health, reduces stress and has been known to help with sleeping difficulties, by helping you to drift off easier. **We have approx 28 attendees at these sessions.** - Monica started swimming sessions when she was 70, she wanted to learn to swim and get more confident in the water. Monica had never learnt to swim as a child as most people do, and this had knocked down her confidence. Monica said” it’s been great joining the group I never wanted to be professional, but wanted more confidence, they were great with me and told me about other activities they do i have since attended the chair exercises, knitting, craft, dances, and trips. I’ve done so much since joining going on weekends away and caravan holidays with the girls. I have made so many new friends who have really supported me since I lost my husband, and have met old friends from school, it has been fantastic. - **Coffee & Chat Warm Hub sessions** These sessions are new, due to both energy, and cost of living crises giving people who are struggling somewhere warm, safe and friendly to meet have a cuppa and a biscuit and a chat, as a charity we recognise that we wouldn’t be where we are if not for the people who attend our sessions. This year we have needed to introduce these sessions to help out the local community who are struggling but also so that attendees could voice their concerns and ideas for the future, they tell us how the groups are growing and ideas on new activities or bringing in guest speakers. As a charity we can honestly say we are a people’s charity run by local people for local people. **We have approx. 28 attendees at these sessions.** 6 **Beating Loneliness Together Groups 1[st] Wednesday at Waterloo Community Centre & 1[st] Thursday at Quaker Rooms Southport.** Both sessions are monthly groups providing a variety of different activities each month aimed at those who feel lonely and isolated but unable to join in with regular weekly groups. The sessions provide a haven for our members to join in, feeling safe and secure in their surroundings. - Symptoms of loneliness can influence how we think, feel and act. It will feel different to everyone, but chronic loneliness and isolation can seriously affect someone’s health and wellbeing. Often, for people experiencing loneliness, socialising can be difficult. - Loneliness might make you feel, less confident, disconnected from others, tired, isolated and alone, trapped, less focused or lacking purpose, frustrated, and in the most extreme cases, loneliness can cause thoughts of suicide and self-harm. **We have approx. 32 attendees to these sessions.** - Dorothy has been attending the Beating Loneliness Together Group in Waterloo since it started, she found as she was getting older and frailer, she was becoming more and more isolated especially when her eyesight started to fail. Dorothy said “I love coming to the sessions we have different activities each time so, it keeps it interesting, with help I can join in with most things and I love having a cuppa and a chat with the group, sometimes it’s the only day out I have that week, so it’s very important to me. I also like going on the day trips, Llandudno is my favorite. **Walking Group Friday 10.30-12.00** a 60-to-90-minute health walk with all abilities of walking providing different walks each week mostly in Sefton and with some additional days out in good weather providing a safe and secure walking session for our members, all sessions end with a cuppa and chat and something to eat at the end. This is a great social group with the added benefits of getting fitter and healthier along the way. Walking is known to improve health in many ways, including improvements in blood pressure, resting heart rate, total cholesterol, body weight, body fat, physical functioning, and risk of depression. Walking has many mental and physical health benefits. It can also help you feel part of your community and reduce loneliness and isolation. - Health benefits of walking can improve energy, reduce stress, reduce your blood pressure, manage your weight, improve sleep. Walking can also improve your mood and reduce your risk of depression. - Like other forms of moderate activity walking can also reduce the risk of chronic illnesses including heart disease, strokes, asthma, type 2 diabetes, obesity and some types of cancer. - For older people, walking more often is great for increasing general mobility and muscle strength in the lower body. This can reduce the risk of falls and can also help maintain wellbeing and independence in people especially those with long term conditions. **We have approx 18 attendees to these session.** - John was one of the original walking group and became the man to ask about places to go and walks to go on, he continued on the walks but after Covid found it hard to continue due to ill health. John said, “I’ve made some great friends over the years it’s a great social event as well as a workout session, it kept me going and kept me mobile but unfortunately, I can no longer go on the walks since Covid, but, continue with the dance sessions and have also joined in the Tai chi, & pamper, sessions there all friendly groups”. 7 **Social Inclusion Putting People First Monthly Dances 2[nd] Monday at Bootle Cricket Club and 3[rd] Monday at The Atkinson Centre Southport 1.30-4.00pm** A great social occasion with 2 different entertainers on each month. We provide monthly dances at both ends of the borough to enable those who are still able to get out and about to come along and have a dance and enjoy the entertainment. Bar open also tea coffee available. Whether you’re 80 years young, or 8 years old, engaging in physical activities that involve dance changes you. From better physical and mental health to a boost in emotional and social wellbeing, and moods, moving your body to the sound of music can transform your life. - Dance is exercise, so the physical benefits or dancing will be similar to that of other cardio activities. It improves cardiovascular health, the heart-pumping health benefits of dance are right in line with the Department of Health and Human Services. It improves balance and strength, its gentle on your body so are appropriate for people with limited mobility or chronic health issues. Boosts cognitive performance research shows how dancing can maintain and even boost your ability to think as you age the areas of the brain that control memory and skills, such as planning and organising, improve with exercise like dance. - Dance is inclusive, one of the greatest things about dance is that anyone can participate. If you’re able to move, even if it’s only your upper body, you can dance. It is a social activity being around other people while dancing is good for your social and emotional health. Boosts your mood by reducing stress, decreasing the symptoms of anxiety and depression, and boosting your self-esteem. - Josie has been coming to the dances for many years, she used to be the first on the dance floor, but her health has dwindled, and she can only get up once or twice in the sessions now. Josie said “As I have gotten older, I don’t like going out at night I get scared, so I missed going out and having a dance. These sessions are really good, we have a wonderful time with lovely people, and they do so much, even as I have become less able, they have helped me signposting to different organisations to help with my mobility. I look forward to coming to the dances its my night out but in the day, I have a cuppa and a chat with friends I’ve made, we really enjoy it, and the singers are great. **We have approx. 110 attendees to these sessions.** **Coach Trips & Days Out** these are part of our social inclusion projects by providing a monthly activity trip or day out enables those who are on their own to still enjoy trips. People on their own find it hard to attend days out and social trips as they find a lot are catered to couples or groups, which makes it challenging for individuals to join in, especially if they are on their own since losing a partner. Our sessions are aimed at those on their own, giving them confidence to join in and enjoy a daytrip with other likeminded people. On the trips they make friends, find out about our other activities and are able to join in, which reduces loneliness and isolation and the knock-on effects including anxiety and depression. - Social connectedness is crucial to physical and mental health. A 2010 review of 148 studies found that people who felt less socially connected had more risk of early death than those who smoked, drank or were obese. Therapeutic programs that focus on building social connectedness are effective in treating depression, anxiety and schizophrenia. **We have approx. 110 attendees to these sessions per month.** - Kath came to the group 6 years ago after being on a private coach trip she said “the loneliness of doing the tip on your own takes all the fun out of it, going on Sefton OPERA trips with people in the same position improves your social skills, communication, mind, memory, and reduces loneliness. Since coming to S/O I have regained my social life, made friends, attended other sessions, and gone on social outings outside of S/O **.** 8 ## **IN OUR MEMBERS OWN WORDS** We listened to our member and here’s what they had to say. The group is my salvation after my husband’s accident I needed something for me, due to carers coming in it felt like a home invasion. Now I have a great circle of friends who support each other, have fun & go on tips and days out and holidays I was told by a friend because my confidence was down, I was scared walking in first time. I joined the craft group and had a great time with lovely people who put me at ease. Ive done chair exercises, knitting and trips since, and had weekends away with the group, They have given me a reason to get out of bed again. I heard on the radio about the sessions my kids thought it was funny I could do quizzes but couldn’t use a computer, clouds aren’t they in the sky? I tried years ago but it was too structured these 1-to-1 sessions are great learn what you want then move on. Ive learnt so much. Thank you all. I couldn’t knit when I joined the group so wanted to learn it is a great place to meet and talk about your problems in confidence. we have a laugh and support each other I also joined chair exercises and craft. It gives you something to look forward too. I asked at the library for activities as I was lonely since my husband died, I went to the dance met some lovely people had a great time joined in with craft sessions I couldn’t cope without the group they are my support. My daughter encouraged me to come to the craft group after losing my husband, I had to be coaxed into it at first, but I made friends & now I really enjoy the group & now help others apart from shopping its my 1 day out. Its been so long since I started I love the groups I get so much from them I attend the pamper, Dance , Trips I come for the social interaction, it makes me feel valued, people go to so much trouble to help you when needed, I tell everyone about the sessions I saw an advert in the paper asking for volunteers I had already learned some therapies and wanted to practice my Reiki. I already had medical background providing CPR training to Drs etc, and this was a great way of giving back to the community. I really enjoy the sessions like providing healing and making people feel better. You get out more than you put in. The group came into a care home I was visiting I was told about the organisation I wanted to join as there is nothing where I live. I came as a volunteer therapist, quickly moved to team leader, but I have learnt so much along the way with all the training provided chair exercise, dance group, even done a fashion show it was great, I have made so many friends gone on holiday, trips, loads. It has given me a lot of confidence I wouldn’t have done half of it if it wasn’t for Sefton OPERA I was told about the sessions from a social prescriber I had been feeling very lonely and depressed I was nervous but them made me feel very welcome and at ease, I felt feeling very relaxed I’m glad to come back each week. 9 ## **SUSTAINABILITY & FUNDING** Funding and sustainability are probably the most important aspects for the continuation of the organisation, with ever changing funding and the sector struggling to keep up with demand for services, change is inevitable. With the country coming out of three major phases first Brexit, then Covid, now the food and energy crisis the impacts on individual, and charities has been enormous, we are getting stretched to the limits with additional people needing more and more support and help, and trying to make every penny stretch to ensure everyone is helped, thankfully we have weathered the storm. We have researched for new funding streams and adapted where needed for the continuation of the organisation. Sefton OPERA will be having its 25[th] anniversary next year and we look forward to being able to celebrate in the knowledge that due to listening to funders, members, staff and community we have found our way forward for the sustainability of the organisation. ## **THE WAY FORWARD** The way forward is as it has always been to listen, to learn, and to adapt. This has been our ethos from the beginning, listening to what our members want rather than telling them what activities we are providing. Listening to the funders with their ever-changing remit changing to fit the needs of our ever-changing environment and the needs of the charities, communities and members they support. Learning what is most needed and changing to those needs and never standing stagnant is the way forward. Adapting to our ever-changing circumstances in the best needs for the members, community, and the sustainability of Sefton OPERA. 10 FINANCE Objectives and Activities Sefton O.P.E.R.A. Trustees Artnual Report OBJECTIVES AND AcfiviTIES The object5 of the charity are to promote any charitable purpose5 for the benefit of older person5 in the borough of Sefton and in particular the advancement of education, the promotion of good health, the prevention of social isolation and the relief of poverty, sickness and distress arising therÈfrom. Sefton Q.P.l.R.A. is a voluntary organisation working with older people in the comrnunity, many eKperiencing dementia 2nd A17hè.Impr%. oftpn p.xp>rip.nting isolation. Our aim 1% to e.n3ble olde.r people to have choice5 in relation to their own h&alth. Our outstandinB contribution io social welfare and using erass root5 to formulate their objectives Within the community. ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE Last year we concentr3ted our AGM Report on the volunteers and their achievement, this year we have concentrated Dur report on our mÈmbers, thp. tslder and vulnerable people whrt 3ttÈnd Our 3CtivitiÈs, by providing grass roots activities in their own local ar&2s encourages them to become regular members. Regular attondance to the Health & W?Ilbe.ing ¢?%%ions that 5o.fton OPERA provide improving both physical and mental health reducing loneliness and isolation and the additional knock-on effects that this has on their health, and by providing 3 53fe and secure place to meet likerninded people sUPPOrting each other, and by giving thÈm the skills needed to improve their own health and wellbeirjg, gives them a purpose and a feeling of being part of their own community again. Studies show regular atL&ndance to SOCldl inilu5iuri dctivities impro)ve luneliriess, anxiÈty, depression, 5tre55, dementia, and boost mental wellbeing reduce negative feelings and dejection, and regular attendance to gentle physical activitie5 can improve breathing, balance, reduce f3lls, incre35e blood flow. lubricate joins, strenEthen mus¢les, redu¢ing arthritis pain and swelling, reduce blood pressure 3nd cholesterol. Which reduce5 illnesses such as stroke, heart di5e35e, type 2 diabetes and improves qU31ity of life lowering the risk of dementia. Thi5 all ha5 the knock on effect of ieducin8 unnecessary Drs and hospital appointments in 3 time when the NHS is already struggling to keop up with the needs of thoir pationts. FINANCIAL REVIEW Th@ ch3rity was in 3 satisfactory financial po51tiDn at 30 September 2023. The operational S￿rpluS on the general furid during the year w35 £5,86312022.' surplu5 of £14,712). As at 3D September 2023 total funds of £131,247 of which was held in restricted funds which is thoroforo not available for the general purposes of the charitable company. Designated funds representing the net book value ol fixed dssets were £567. li ## **FINANCE Structure Governance & Management** 12 FINANCE Trustees Responsibilities SÈfton O.P.E.RA Trustees Annual Report The irustees. who a￿ also direeiors of the thèrity for the wrpose5 of the Companies Acl 2C(16. herein present their repm with the unaudited financial statements of the charity forthe year ended 30 September 2023. The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the accounttng polictes set out in Note I to the accounts and cornplywith the charity's goveming document. the Charities Act 2011, the Companie5 Art 2(￿ and Accountln8 and REPtsrting by Chartrlie5.' Staternent of RecDrnrnended Prartice applicable to charities preparing thetr accounts in accordance with the Finantial Reporting Standard 102 applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland. REFERENCEAND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS Cornwy No. 03841119 Charity No. 1086437 Refttstered Office St Mattews Commvnity 21K) 4105tanley Road Bootle L20 SAE DirertW5 and Tru5tee5 The Dirertors of the charitable 0)Mpanya￿ its Trustees lor the purposes ol charity law. The followiThg Directors and Trustees served during the year= MJ. Bates E.C. Crook K. Dixorb R.J. Forster M. Richardson S. Shrimpton CoTwny 5ttretsry V. Martlow A¢¢oyfitsnts Sefton Council for Voluntsry SeNce 8urlin6ton House Crosby Road North Waterloo Liverpool L22 OLG 13 FINANCE Independent Examiners Report Sefton O.P.E.R.A. Independent Examiner5 Report It)dependent Examlner's Report to the tfU5tee5 of 5eftofi O.P.E.R.A. I report to the charity trustees on my ex8min3tion of Ihe financial staterDEllt5 ol Sefton O.P.E.R.A. for the year ended 30 September 2023 which comprise the Statement of Financial ActivitiÈs, the Summary Income and EKpenditurÈ Attount, the Balance Sheet and the related notes. Responsibllltles and basis of rÈport A5 the trustee5 of the ch8rity13nd also its directors for the purposÈs of company lawl you are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 21K)6 I'the 2006 Art. Having satisfied myself that the finant121 statÈments of the Charity are not required to be audited under Part 16 of the 2006 Act and are eligible for independent examination, I report In respect of my examlnatlon of your charity'5 financial statement5 as carried out under section 145 of the Charities Att 20111.the 2011 Act'l. In carrying out my eKarnination I have followed the Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 14515llbl of the 2DII Art. Independent exaMFne￿S statement I have cornpleted ffly examination. I can confirm that no material matters have come to my attention in Connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that.. accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 386 of the 2006 A¢t', or the financial statement5 do not accord with those records,. or the financial 5tatement5 do not comply with the 3CCOUDtin8 requirernents under section 396 of the 2006 Art other than 4ny requirernent that the financial statement5 give a 'true and fair, view which is not matter considered as part of an independent examination. or the fin)nrial statement5 have not been prepared in accordance with the Charities SORP IFRS 1021. I have no concerns 2nd have come Ècross no other rnatters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the finèn¢i31 5tatement5 to be reached. Ian Wright FCA Community Accountant Sefton Council lor Voluntary Service Burllngton House Crosby Road North Waterloo Liverpool L22 OLG 19 April 2024 14 FINANCE Statement of Financial Activities 5eftt)n O.P.E.R. Statement of Financial Artivitie5 forthe year ended 30 September 2023 Unreslrlrted funds 2023 Restricted funds Total fvnd5 Total funds 2023 2023 2022 Notos Income and endtswment5 from.. Donations and legacies 19,283 129,238 148,521 161,382 168 Investments 20 20 18 Total 19,303 129,238 148.541 161,568 Expenditure on.. Charitable activities 13,440 130,207 143,647 149,344 Total 13,440 130,207 143,647 149,344 Net gains tsn InvÈstments Net income 5,863 19691 4.894 12,224 Transfers between funds Net income before other gainslllossesl 5.863 19691 4,894 12,224 Other 8alns and10ssos Net movement in funds 5,863 19691 4,894 12,224 Reconclllatlon of funds: rotal funds brought forward 80,725 45,628 126,353 114,129 Total funds carried fotward 86.S88 44,659 131,247 126,353 15 FINANCE Balance Sheet Sefton O.P.E.R.A. BalaThce Sheet al 30 Sepiember 2023 Company No. 03841119 Notes 2023 2022 Fixed assets Tangible assets io 567 711 567 711 Curreni assets Debtor5 Cash at bank and in hand li 924 1,736 124,206 125,942 13001 125,642 130,794 131,718 11,0381 130,680 Creditors.. Amount falling due within one year Net current a55et5 12 Total assets less current liabilltles 131.247 126,353 Net assets ex¢luding pension asset or liability 131,247 126,353 Total Thet assets 131.247 126,353 The funds ol the charitv Restrirted fvnds Restritted Sncome fijnds 13 44,659 44,659 45,628 45,628 Unrestricted funds General fund5 Designated funds 13 86,021 567 80,014 711 86,588 80.725 Reserves 13 Total fvnds 131,247 126,353 These accounts have been prepared in accordance with the special provisions of Part IS of the Companies Act 2006 rel3ting to 5tnall compari For the year ended 30 September 2023 the company was entitled to exÈmption under section 477 of the Companies Act 21X)6 relating to small companies. The Mernbe15 have not required the company to obtain an audit in accordance with sertion 476 of the Companies Act 2(K)6. The directors acknowledge their responsibilities for complying with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 with respert to accounting records and the preparation of account5. Approved by the board on 19 April 2024 And signed on its behalf bv= K. Dlxon Trustee 19 April 2024 16 ## **FINANCE Accounting Policies** These summarized accounts are an extract from the statutory annual report and accounts of Sefton O.P.E.R.A (Older Persons Enabling Resource & Action) for the financial year ended 30[th] September 2022 and which have been Independently Examined by Sefton CVS (Council for Voluntary Services) Community Accountants. The examiners have confirmed to the trustees that these summarized accounts are consistent with the full annual accounts of the charity for the year ended 30[th] September 2023. The full annual accounts and Trustees report of the charity were approved by the Trustees and signed on their behalf on 19[th] April 2024. They will be submitted to the Charity Commission and Companies House by 31[st] May 2024. Copies of the charity’s full annual accounts and the independent examiners report on those accounts and the Trustees report may be obtained from Sefton O.P.E.R.A St Matthews Church, 410 Stanley Road, Bootle, L20 5AE. Signed on behalf of the Trustees. Cathy Crook Chairperson 19[th] April 2024 ## **Sefton O.P.E.R.A would like to thank the following funders:** **Awards For All Energy Redress John Moores Leathersellers Masonic Onward Group Sefton Council Sefton CVS Winter Access, Sefton CVS Warm Coats, Warm Space Sefton CVS Kings Coronation The National Lottery UK Shared Prosperity Fund Asda & Tesco Local Stores** 17 St Matthews Church 410 Stanley Road Bootle, L20 5AE Main Telephone: 0151 330 0479 Mobile: 07452 867 648 Email: admin@seftonopera.org.uk - Website: www.sefton opera.org.uk Company Registration No: 03841119 Charity Registration No: 1086437 @SeftonOPERA Sefton OPERA Older Persons Group 18 Sefton O.P.E.R.A. Charlty No. 1086437 Company No. 03841119 Trustee5' Report and Unaudlted Acc?unts 30 September 2023 Sefton O.P.E.R.A. Contents Pagès 2to4 Trustees, Annual Report Independent Examiner's Report Statement of Flnancial Activities Summary Income and Expenditure Account Balance Sheet Notes to the Accounts 9t017 Page I Sefton O.P.E.R.A. Trustees Annual Repoyt The trustees, who are also directors of the charity for the purposes of the Companies Act 2006, herein present their report with the unaudited financial statements of the charity for the year ended 30 September 2023. The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out in Note I to the accounts and comply with the charitv's governing document, the Charitles Act 2011, the Companles Art 2006 and Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing thelr accounts in accordance wlth the Flnancial Reporting 5tand3rd 102 applicablè in the UK and Republic of Ireland. REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS Company No. 03841119 CharSty No. 1086437 Reglstered Office St Mattews Community 200 410 Stanley Road Bootle L20 SAE Dlte