Gr)ll Oider Persons Enabling Resource & Action **ANNUAL REPORT** 2s **YEAR END 30** : **[TH] SEPT 2024** - > =. _—e— - 25 Years of PUTTING PEOPLE FIRST —_--
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## **CONTENTS**
## **INTRODUCTION:**
Aims and Objectives
The Report – Organisational Manager, Lifelong President and Chair Person
## **CONTENTS:**
25 Years of Volunteering 25 Years of Awards The Impact of Volunteering 25 Years of Health & Wellbeing Activities
25 Years of Activities
25 Years of Putting People First
- 25 Years of Meeting The Needs Of Older People Who We Are What We Do
## **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, and the promotion of good health, the prevention of social isolation and the relief of poverty, sickness and distress arising therefrom.
## **Our Mission**
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**
## **FINANCE:**
Trustees Accounts Annual Report Charity, Bank, Trustee Details Independent Examiners Report Statement of Financial Activties Balance Sheet Accounting Policies
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 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:
- 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
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## **THE REPORT**
Vikki Martlow Organisational Manager
Ann Mardell Honorary Lifelong President
Vikki Martlow Organisational Manager reported: This year’s report has concentrated on celebrating 25 years of service in the Sefton area. 25 years of Volunteering, 25 years of Putting People First, 25 years of Health & Wellbeing Services, this has been a great success for Sefton OPERA. From our initial 6-month programme we have grown and changed over the years always to fit the needs of the older persons of Sefton. We are still delivering our first projects which are hand massage sessions in a few Bootle nursing homes but even they have grown, to a variety of activities and now working throughout Sefton, now also providing inhouse and community-based activities and social inclusion trips reducing loneliness and isolation of those still living at home become a prevention before the need for nursing homes. I feel our success has always been having a great variety of volunteers who have a sense of pride knowing they are working in their own area improving health & wellbeing of their less fortunate neighbours, also listening to our service users and providing activities they want and need which gives them a feeling of being part of the community improving community cohesion reducing loneliness and isolation. This year we were lucky enough to have a celebration for our volunteers past and present it was lovely to see some of the past volunteers again bringing them back together with the new volunteers swapping stories and having fun feeling like the extended family that volunteers have always said that Sefton OPERA has always been. Volunteers have always been the backbone of the organisation, and I thank each and every one of them for the contribution they have made in making Sefton OPERA the great success it has been for 25 years.
Ann Mardell reported: Its congratulation all around to Sefton O.P.E.R.A. as last year we were lucky to celebrate 25 years as a charity organisation. It was in 1999that I was given funding for a 6 months project. Fortunately, I was lucky to meet two experts in their field who helped me to develop our small project into an amazing organisation. Funding was then found for an administrator which was such a bonus as it was Vikki who came on aboard. Vikki has really worked hard and she eventually took over my job when I retired, that was 23 years ago. Sefton O.P.E.R.A. has developed far beyond expectations, it has been a front runner in bringing health and wellbeing to the over 50s in the Merseyside community, may it continue to do so in the future.
Cathy Crook reported: I was a spectator at a pamper session at one of the Sheltered Schemes in Southport recently. It truly was an eye opener the session delivered all it said it would: Calmness, peace and feeling involved. All the participants where delighted with the session all felt the benefit and where looking forward to the next visit. Staff and Opera volunteers made this feel good session just that. I cannot say how much I admire and respect the work carried out by Staff and Volunteers for keeping the Opera name to the forefront. They all do a great job. 2025 a landmark, 25 years serving the local community assisting the elderly and the vulnerable helping the lonely with group sessions, coach trips and the like.
Cathy Crook Chair Person
Let’s trust and hope OPERA is still around in 2050 to celebrate that landmark.
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## **25 YEARS OF VOLUNTEERING**
This year we have celebrated 25 years of volunteering, bringing together our current volunteers and some of our past volunteers who have moved on either to new employment or moving on for personal reasons but all of them being a vital member of the Sefton OPERA Team. Our volunteers have all made new friendships improved their own health & wellbeing and their social lives outside of Sefton OPERA. Many of our volunteers have been with us for over 10 years with 3 of the originals still volunteering with us today. The support they give us which has been invaluable to enable Sefton OPERA to keep providing the wide range of activities we provide. We believe that we retain our volunteers because they become part of the team, and extended family to each other by nurturing them we have built better stronger relationships and communities to be proud of, THEY ARE THE BACKBONE OF SEFTON OPERA. We started out with 2 volunteers and now have over 50 current volunteers, 400 volunteers over the past 25 years, some have moved on or moved away or unfortunately passed on but all have made a contribution to their own local community.
“Celebrating the work volunteers have done over the past 25 years providing programs that support people to live actively as engaged citizens improving health & wellbeing with voices that are heard, listened too and acted on to promote independence, good health and a culture of change in order to ensure older people are treated with dignity, respect and fairness, promoting wellbeing and active life-styles to reduce acute admission and prevent premature ageing and unnecessary admission to long term care (preventative rather than cure or treatment) better targeted early interventions that prevent or defer the need for more costly intensive support.” Extract from 20 year report
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## **25 YEARS OF AWARDS THE IMPACT OF VOLUNTEERING**
Sefton O.P.E.R.A has shown over the past 25 years that we have been in the forefront recognising the needs of the older persons and have extablished a very successful track record of acolades celebrating the fantastic work our volunteers and staff do for the local community.
## **25 YEARS OF AWARDS**
1. 1999 to Date Basic Massages & Reiki
2. 2001 Borough of Sefton Awards
3. 2001 Outstanding Dedication as a Volunteer in Sefton Bob Forster, Ann Mardell
4. 2002 Women of Achievement Joan Wooliscroft
5. 2002 Nationwide Volunteer Award Ada Slater
6. 2003 National Mentoring Ward for a Quality Assured Service
7. 2004 Merseyside Women Making a Difference Award Ann Mardell
8. 2005 National Mentoring & Befriending Award
9. 2006 Spirit Of Merseyside Lifetime Achievements Award Ann Mardell
10. 2006 Unsung Heroes Award Ada Slater
11. 2006 Special Award from the NHS for contribution to the local hospital trust Fazakerley
13. 2014 Queen Diamond Jubilee Volunteer Award Ada Slater 14. 2014 Unsung Hero Award Spirit Of Merseyside Bob Forster 15. 2015 TalkTalk Silver Surfer Digital Heroes Award Steve McGreal 16. 2015 Queen's Garden Party Buckingham Palace Ann Mardell 17. 2016 British National Citizenship Award Mike Bates 18. 2017 Citizens For Good Volunteering Award George Higgins 19. 2017 Armed Forces Award Bronze Covenant 20. 2017 Liverpool Older Peoples Award Sefton OPERA Outstanding Older Persons Initiative Award
21. 2017 Liverpool Older Peoples Award Bootle Belles Smile Award 22. 2018 Mentoring & Befreinding Approved Provider Award. 23. 2022 Citizens For Good Awards Volunteer of the Year Marie
Richardson
24. 2022 Citizens 4 Good Mike Smithson, Viv Johnson, Dennis Johnson 25. 2024 Sefton At Work Employer Award
12. 2010 Asdan
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## **25 YEARS OF HEALTH & WELLBEING ACTIVITIES**
25 years of providing health & wellbeing activities, improving both mental and physical health, reducing loneliness and isolation giving our older and most vulnerable people the opportunity and the skills to enable them to take ownership of their own health and wellbeing providing them a safe and secure environment to do so. Sefton OPERA have always been a preventative organisation rather than reactive, we believe by providing health and wellbeing activities at grassroots in local communities and providing people the skills and knowledge to enable them to help themselves, gives them a great chance of living a longer and a more proactive life. People are living longer this is now a known statistic but with people also having smaller families this is putting a strain on the already struggling system being an inverted triangle. This is why Sefton OPERA strive to not just provide activities but to provide the skills for people to improve their own health hence our mission statement since 1999 “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.” If we are living longer (and we know we are) and with the inevitable cutbacks in our health care systems we need to take proactive action sooner rather than later in our own health needs, this is why we need a wide range of activities to support the ever changing needs of our 50 year olds as well as our 80 and 90 year olds, both groups having different needs and wants.
Sefton O.P.E.R.A is more and more aware of the links between loneliness, isolation and poor health and longer recovery times from injury from slips trips and falls, high blood pressure, chronic illness, heart disease, cancer, diabetes, depression which is also linked to higher incidents of dementia with one study reporting a doubled risk of Alzheimer’s in lonely people compared with those who were not lonely, as a result of these health impacts lonely individuals tend to make more use of health and social care services and are more likely to have early admission to residential or nursing care (Combating Loneliness a Guide for Local Authorities). This is becoming a well-documented strain on the NHS & Health Service Providers, and why Sefton O.P.E.R.A are fighting so hard to keep their services running enabling people to help themselves to maintain and improve their own health. And we realise that early intervention is the key to the success of the long-term improvements of both physical and mental wellbeing, while ensuring good health and maintaining independence.
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## **25 YEARS OF ACTIVITIES**
Sefton O.P.E.R.A started with a 6 month programe providing basic hand massages to the older persons in a handfull of Bootle nursing homes in 1999. We still provide those same massage sessions but now on a weekly basis we provide a wide range of activities across Sefton from 4 Massage Sessions, 2 Chair Exercise Sessions, 2 entertainment sessions, Since then we have also added in our community drop in sessions 13 weekly sessions and 6 monthly sessions and 12 yearly social inclusion trips, days out or activities. Enabling those who were still living in their own homes can join in, attend groups, whilst making new friends, whilst getting involved in their own community, and improving their own health & wellbeing.
## **ACTIVITIES**
1. Pamper
2. Smoking Cessation Mentors
3. Tai Chi
4. Meditation
5. 50+ Learn Swimming x4
6. Entertainment and Sing a Long (Memory Lane Duo, Days Gone Bye, Remember When Band)
7. History Group
8. Skills Transfer Training the carers
9. Intergenerational Bridging the Gap Computers
10. Intergenerational pamper
11. Chair Exercises
12. Befriending Service
13. Family Tree
15. Floristry
16. Peer Health Mentors
17. Computers
18. Digital Cameras
19. Eating Well Mentors 20. Stress Busting 21. Falls Program 22. Youth Project (Asdan) 23. Youth Forum 24. Jamming Sessions 25. Drop in Pamper 26. Drop In Chair 27. Card Craft 28. Zumba 29. T-Dances Bootle Cricket, Guild Hall & Atkinson Centre
30. Bootle Belles
31. Social Inclusion Days Out
32. Open Doors One Stop
- Shop
33. Men Behaving Brilliantly
34. Walking Group
35. Institches
36. Never Too Late Women’s Healthy Living Group
37. Keep Warm Keep Well
38. Beat the January Blues
39. Winter Warm Packs
40. Beating Loneliness
- Together
41. Music Bill Thomas & Eddie Dunn
42. Covid Emergency Prescription Pickup & Essentials Deliveries
43. Covid Keeping Connected Calls
44. Covid Don’t Be Lonely Cards & Information Services
45. Covid Activity Packs Puzzles, Quizzes, Crafts.
46. WhatsApp Lockdown Support Groups
47. First Touch Computers Facetime/Zoom etc
48. Covid Outdoor Entertaining Sessions
49. Covid Outdoor Tai Chi & Chair Sessions
50. Sefton OPERETTES 51. History Walking Group 52. Warm Hubs
53. Warm Coat Scheme
14. Art, Craft
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## **25 YEARS OF PUTTING PEOPLE FIRST**
Sefton OPERA Older Persons Enabling Resource & Action was set up in 1999, after the review of the Government Green Paper “ Our Healthier Nation” in 1998 local authority, health promotions and other local agencies formed to provide health initiatives to evaluate the needs of older persons health and wellbeing and identify their needs to enable them to live a healthier life enabling them to continue to contribute to their local community
Starting with a 6-month project in Bootle evaluating the health needs of older people, the organisation began with the ideology that exercise, and wellbeing activities would encourage mental and physical healthier participants to contribute more in the local community. Giving them a sense of worth, as a valued part of the community get and stay healthier, thereafter having a less need or crutch on local NHS services.
Going directly to sheltered and nursing homes using health and wellbeing activities as a doorstop service for older persons who often feel neglected, afraid to go out helped with the first steps on their way to a healthier and a more productive ageing life, Sefton OPERA became their extended family and the important social connections with the outside world. Then by developing our inhouse and community-based health and wellbeing activities we encourage them and those still living at home to attend with the idea that earlier intervention would then decrease the need for them to rely on costly nursing and sheltered home systems.
“Sefton O.P.E.R.A went on to develop new pioneering initiatives and imaginative ways of responding to local needs, through policy and best practice using the National Service Framework for Older People (NSFOP) gaining a high profile and professional reputation in a relaxed voluntary organisation. As Sefton O.P.E.R.A was expanding and as always reforming its ethos aims and objectives to suit the ever-changing needs of the clientele. With our ageing community our services fit with the Government 5-year white paper “Our Health Our Care Our Say”.” Extract from our 20 year report
We are an ageing population with all the additional health factors since Covid, we need to encourage people to obtain healthier lifestyles to enable them to not be living in pain or suffering when they are older and vulnerable.
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## **25 YEARS OF MEETING THE NEEDS OF OLDER PEOPLE**
Sefton OPERA have been meeting the needs of the older persons of Sefton since 1999, we have always been a grass roots organisation working in our local community. Sefton has a very unique demographic taking 40 minutes to drive from one end to the other; by keeping volunteers working in their own local communities, we have been able to keep providing activities needed for their own local area. We have a vast demographic area with variant affluence all needing different health & wellbeing activities, by keeping volunteers working in their own areas keeps us up to date with the ever-changing needs of the area keeping us a grassroots community organisation. With these established links we have a vast array of knowledge and through evaluations and research and by having community lead activities ensures that activities we provide are what is needed in the local area rather than us supplying activities from the organisation down. This is why we have had over 50 activities since the start of the organisation changing and adapting to the needs of the local older vulnerable persons improving health & wellbeing, reducing loneliness and isolation, giving people the tools to help them improve their own physical and mental health.
The National Clinical Director for Older People and Person Centred Integrated Care discussed the crucial importance of the NHS RightCare Frailty Toolkit published in 2019: Following publication of the NHS Long Term Plan in January 2019, which announced a significant change of emphasis towards developing primary and community services focused on improving the care offer the NHS makes to older people in their homes and communities. In doing so targeting investment over the next five years specifically on three linked community delivered services all of which are designed to support older people as part of a national Ageing Well Programme. The clear intent is to provide services to people which meet their needs and which makes sense to them so that they get the care they need at the right time and in the right place. The offer comprises a proactive approach to supporting people living with frailty, enhancing health support, and providing urgent community care responses to both reduce the need for people to receive care in hospital and to support them to leave hospital earlier. And In 2019 Public Health England, said by **2022 there will be 700,000 fewer people aged 16 to 49, but 3.7 million more people aged 50 to State Pension age** , quoting “Being able to stay healthy in ” later life is a crucial issue for all of us . Sefton O.P.E.R.A’s ethos has been to improve care and support enabling older people to look after their own health for over 25 years, so once again we are ahead of the game. (This was taken from our 20 year report but is still very relevant today)
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WHO WE ARE WHAT WE DO
•Music & reminiscence
•RanEe ot therapie5-Hand - Back-
Foot- Netk aThl Reiki
•Hospital Team
•Community Pamper The H
•Quiues
•Tai Chi and Meditaion
•Chair based exeTCi5e
•Falls pfevention programrne
• Reading WOf*shop
• Small nw$ic w0$hOp
Sefton O.P.E.R.A
Health & Wellbeing
Service
•lnstidbes Eroup
•Men Behaving Brillant
•Digital photography
•C4)mputer skills M 2
•JamminE sessions
•Card Craft
•NeveY too late
•Walking Group
•History Photogr•phy Walks
•Warm Hub. Green Hub
•Ser¥lce user lorums & Consulta0
•Winter warni packs
•Keep warm keep well events
Care Home
Activities
In House
/Communlty
Activities
IAG
& Partnership5
. SPOC-SPAC -Heallh watth-
'" Heallh & social care.Dementia
AA-One Visbon-Brunswbck-Sefton
Veteians-&4MJSI Wellafe
Reform-Age ConceTn-Alzhewneis
Sefton CVS Sefton CCG
Information
Signposting
Consultatlon
Guest speakers
Sefton O.P.E.R.A
Putting People First
Since 1999
Volunteers
Be Wise &
Socialise
•Skill sharing
•lnductlon
. Training a range of therapies &
thair exercise
•Volunteer fofum$
•lntefgenerational programrnes
•Stress woierts
•Small day trips ie IITe statio
museum, art callery
• Ferry acr0$5 the mefsey
•Royal C¢xbrt
•Monthly Dances
•iarger trips 4aNludno.Dury
•Canal trip
•Beat January Be5
•BeatI loneline$$ Together
Our Team
40 Volunteers
8 Team leaders
- 6 Trustees
2 x full time
2x part time staff
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## **FINANCE Objectives and Activities FINANCE Structure Governance &** Sefton O.P.E.R.A. Trustees Annual Report **Management** The objects of the charity are 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, the Sefton O.P.E.R.A. prevention of social isolation and the relief of poverty, sickness and distress arising therefrom. Trustees Annual Report nierencing erentsane et an oer peop inneey‘chdor eaoota to Sefton O.P.E.R.A. is a company limited by guarantee governed by its Memorandum and Articles of have choices in relation to their own health. Our outstanding contribution to social welfare and using grass Association dated 14th September 1999, It is registered with the Charity siilleeale Anyone over the age roots to formulate their objectives within the community. of 18 can become a member of the Company and there are currently 6 members (6 in 2022), each of whom LSS Rae agrees to contribute £10 in the event of the charity winding up. Last As set out in the Articles of Association, the trustees are elected by members of the charitable company year we concentrated our AGM Report on the volunteers and their achievement, this year we have attending the Annual General Meeting. The longest serving one third of trustees retires each year and is concentrated our report on our members, the older and vulnerable people who attend our activities, by able to offer themselves for re-election. providing grass roots activities in their own local areas encourages them to become regular members. The board of trustees administers the charity Regular attendance to the Health & Wellbaing sessions that Sefton OPERA provide improving both physical , and mental health reducing loneliness and isolation and the additional knock-on effects that this has on None of our trustees receive remuneration or other benefit from their work with the charity.. Any their health, and by providing a safe and secure place to meet likeminded people supporting each other, connection between a trustee or senior manager of the charity and any client or supplier is disclosed to the and by giving them the skills needed to improve their own health and wellbeing, gives them a purpose and full board of trustees in the same way as any other contractual relationship with a related party. In the a feeling of being part of their own community again. current year no such related party transactions were reported. Studles show regular attendance to social inclusion activities can Improve loneliness, anxiety , depression, The Trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records that disclose with reasonable accuracy stress, dementia, and boost mental wellbeing reduce negative feelings and dejection, and regular at any time the financial position of the charity and to enable them to ensure that the financial statements attendance to gentle physical activities can improve breathing, balance, reduce falls, Increase blood flow, comply with the Companies Act 2006, The Trustees are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the lubricate joins, strengthen muscles, reducing arthritis pain and swelling, reduce blood pressure and charity and hence taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other cholesterol, Which reduces illnesses such as stroke, heart disease, type 2 diabetes and improves quality of life lowering the risk of dementia. This all has the knock on effect of reducing unnecessary Drs and hospital ehacs appointments in a time when the NHS is already struggling to keep up with the needs of their patients. The above report has been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to companies subject to FINANCIAL REVIEW the small companies regime as set out in Part 15 of the Companies Act 2006 and in accordance with the The charity was in a satisfactory financial position at 30 September 2024. The operational surplus on the Charities SORP (FRS 102). < general fund during the year[total] was[ funds] £9,179[of][ £101,486] (2023: surplus of[ of][ which][ £5,834] £5,863).[ was][held][in][restricted] .[funds][which][is] Signed on behalf of the board r4 As[at][ 30][ September][ 2024] Cun therefore not available for the general purposes of the charitable company. Designated funds representing V. Martlow K. Dixon the net book value of fixed assets were £452. The Company Secretary Trustee trustees have considered the need to maintain an appropriate level of reserves for the charity. 29 May 2025 29 May 2025 Consideration has been given to the nature of income and expenditure streams, the need to match income with fixed commitments and the nature of reserves. The trustees have concluded that the following — reserves should be maintained. The trustees wish to have 6 months of total expenditure, based on the last 3 years, in reserve to cover the cost of staff salaries should restricted funding be unexpectedly withdrawn. The average annual expenditure over the last 3 years (2022-2024 inclusive) is £143,528 . This equates to a reserve level of £71,764. As at 30 September 2024 the level of reserves held by Sefton O.P.E.R.A. was £95,200, being unrestricted funds less the value of our fixed assets. Current reserves represent 132% of the reserves required to be held by the trustees. STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT 11
## **FINANCE Trustees Responsibilities FINANCE Independent Examiners** Sefton O.P.E.R.A. Trustees Annual Report **Report**
12
## **FINANCE Statement of Financial Activities**
## **FINANCE Balance Sheet**
13
## **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 2024 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 2024.
The full annual accounts and Trustees report of the charity were approved by the Trustees and signed on their behalf on 29[th] May 2025. They will be submitted to the Charity Commission and Companies House by 30[th] June 2025.
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 Chair Person
29[th] May 2025
## **Sefton O.P.E.R.A would like to thank the following funders:**
Awards For All Big Lottery Burbo Bank Charles Brotheren Heritage Lottery Masonic PH Holt Sefton Council UK SPF Sefton CVS Living Well Sefton, Warm Space, Winter Support, Workplace Wellbeing
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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: 3841119 Charity Registration No: 1086437
15
Sefton O.P.E.R.A.
Charlty No. 1086437
Company No. 03841119
Trustee5' Report and Unaudlted Accounts
30 September 2024
Sefton O.P.E.R.A.
Contents
Pages
2to4
Trustees, Annu31 Report
Independent Examiner's Report
Statement of Flnandal Actlvltles
8alance Sheet
Notes to the Accounts
8t0 16
Page I
Sefton O.P,E.R.A.
Trustees Annual Report
The trustee5, who are also directors of the charlty for the purposes of the Companles Act 2C(16. hereln
present thelr report wlth the unaudited financial statements of the charltyfor the year ended 30
September 2024.
The financlal ststements have been prepared in accordance wlth the accounting pollcles set out In Note I
to the accounts and comply with the charitvs govemlng documenL the Charltles Act 2011, the
Companies Act 2(Ki6 and Ac¢ountlnB and Reportlng by Charities: Ststement of Recommended Practl
applicable to charltle5 preparlng their accounts In accordance wlth the Flnancial RepoTtlng Standard 102
applicable in the UK and Republlc of Ireknd.
REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS
Company 140, 03841119
Charity No. 1086437
Registered Office
St Matthews Communlty 200
410 Stsnley Road
Bootle
L20 SAE
Dlreclors and Truste•$
The Directors of the charltable company are its Trustees for the purpose5 of charity law.
following Directors and Trustees served durtng the year:
MJ. Bates
E.C. Crook
K. Dlxon
R.J. Forster
M. RSd)ardson
S. Shrimpton
Company Se¢retsry
V. Martlow
A¢countants
Sefton Councll for Voluntsry Servl
Burllngton HDuse
Crosby Road North
Waterloo
Lwerpool
L22 OLG
OBJECTIVES AND AcmiiTIES
Pa8e 2
Sefton O.P.E.R.A.
Trustees Annual Report
The objects of the charity are to promote any charltable purposes for Ihe benefit of older persons In the
borough of Sefton and In particularthe advancement of Èducation, the promotion Df good health, the
prevention of social isolation and the relief of povertyi sickness and dlstress arlslng therefrom.
Sefton O.P.E.R.A. is a voluntary organlsation working with older people in the communlty, many
experiencing dementla and Alzheimers, often experiencing isolation. Our aim is to enable older people to
have choices in relation to theSr own health. Our outstandlng contribution to soclal welfare and uslng grass
roots to formulate thelr objectives within the cornmunity.
AcHvEMENTs AND PERFORMANCE
Last year we concentrated our AGM Report on the volunteers and thelr achievement. thls year we have
concentrated our report on our members. the older and vulnerable people who attend our actlvltles. by
provldlnE Brass roots attivities In thelr own local area5 encourages them to become regular members.
ReEular attendance to the Health & Wellbeing sesslons that Sefton OPERA provide Improving both phy51cal
and mental health reducing lonellness and Isolation and the additlonal knock-on effects that this has on
thelr health, and by providing a safe and Secure place to meet likeminded people $upportin8 eath other,
and by givlng them the skllls needed to Improve thelr own health and wellbeln& glves them a purpose and
a feelln8 of belng part of their own communlty a8aln.
Studles show regular attendance to soclal Inclusion a¢tfvltles can Improve lonellness, anxlety, depresslon,
Stress, dementia, and boost mental wellbeln8 reduce ne8atlve feellngs and dejection, and regular
attendan to gentle physlcal actlvltles can Improve breathln& balance, reduce falls Increase blood flow,
lubrltate Joins, stren8then muscles, reducin8 arthrltls paln and >wellln& reduce blood pressure and
thole5terol. Which reduces illnesses such as stroke. heart dlsease, type 2 diabetes and Improves qualliy of
life lowerlng the rlsk of dementia. Thls all has the knock on effect of reduclng unnecessary Drs and hospltsl
appointments In a t5me when the NHS Is already strug8lln8 to keep up wlth the needs of thelr patients.
FINANCIAL REVIEW
The charV was In a satisfactory financial posttion at 30 September 2024. The operatlonal surplus on the
general fund during the year was £9,179 (2023: surplus of £5,863).
As at 30 Septemlxr 2024 total fund5 of £101.486 of which £5,834 was held in restricted fund5 which is
therefore not available for the genernl purposes of the charitable company. t)eslgnated funds representlng
the net book value of fixed assets were £452.
The trustees have considered the need to maintsin an appropriate level of reser¥es for the charity.
Consideration ha5 been given to the nature of Intome and expendlture streams, the need to match income
with flxed commitments and the nature of reserves. The trustee5 have concluded that the following
reserves should be malntalned.
The tNstees wish to have 6 months of total expenditure, based on the last 3 years. In reserve to covgr the
cost of staff salarfes should restricted funding be unexpectedly withdrawn. The avera8e annual expenditure
over the last 3 yeaTS {2022-2024 Inclusive) Is £143528 . Thls equate5 to a reserve level of £71.764. As at 30
September 2024 the level of reserves held by Sefton O.P,E.R.A. was £95,2(Ki, belng unrestrkted funds less
the value of our fixed assets. Current reserves represent 132% of the reserves requlred to be held by the
trustees.
STRucfuRE. GI)VERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT
Page 3
SEfton O.P.E.R.A.
T¥ustees Annual Report
Sefton O,P.E R.A, is a company limited by guarantee governed by its Memor2ndum and Articles of
Associatlon dated 14th September 1999. It is reglstered wlth the Charity Commission. Anyone over the a8e
of 18 can become a member of the Company and there are currently 6 member$16 in 20221, each of whom
agrees to contrlbute £10 in the event of the charity winding up.
As set out in the Articles of Assoclatlon, the trustees are elected by members of the charltable company
attending the Annual General Meetlng. The lon£est serving one third of trustees retires each year and is
able to offer themselves for re-electfon.
The board of trustee5 admlnlsters the Charity.
None of our trustees recelve remuneratlon or other benefft from thelr work wlth the tharity. Any
connectlon between a trustee or senlor manager of the charlty and any tllent or suppller Is dksclosed to the
full board of trustees in the same way as a)y other contractual relatlonthip wlth a related party. In the
current year no such related party trahsartlons were reported.
The Trustees are re4)onsible for keepln8 proper accounting records that disclose wlth reasonable accuracy
at any tlme the flnandal posIon of the charlty and to enable them to ensure that the flnandal statements
comptywlth the Companles Act 2006. The Trustees are a150 responslble for safeguardlng the assets of the
charfty and hence taklng reasonable steps for the preventlon and detectlon of fraud and other
IrreEularltles.
The above report has been prepared in accordance with the provtslons applicable to cornpanles subject to
the small companles regime as set out in Part 15 of the Companies Act 2tK16 and in ac¢ordante with the
Charities SORP (FRS 102).
Slgned on behalf of the board
V. Martlow
Company Secretary
29 May 2025
K. Dlxon
Trustee
29 May 2025
Page 4
Sefton O.P.E.RA.
Independent Examiners Report
Independent Examiner's Report to the trustees of Sefton O.P.E.R.A.
I report to the charitytrustees on my eramination of the financlal statements of Sefton O,P.E.R.A. for the
year ended 30 Septembe¥ 2024 whlch comprise the Statement of Financial Activities, the Summary Income
and Expenditure Account, the Balance Sheet and the related notes.
Responslbllltles and basls of repwt
As the tru5tee5 of the charity (and a150 its directors for the purposes of company law) you are responsible for
the preparatlon of the financlal statements in accordance with the requirements of the Companles Art 2006
('the 21M)6 Act.
Having sati5fFed myself that the financial statements of the charity are not requtred to be audlted under Part
16 of the 2006 Act and are eligible for independent examination. I report In respect of my examinatknn of
your tharity's flnancial statements a5 carried out under section 145 of the Charlttes Act 2011 ('the 2011 A).
In carrylng out my examlnatlon I have followed the Dlrectlons glven by the (harlty Commlsslon under section
145(5)(bl of the 2011 ACL
Independent ex4mlnerf$ ststsment
I have completed my examlnatjon. I can conftrm that no materlal matters have come to my attentlon In
connection with the examination giiryng me cause to belleve that:
ac¢ountlng records were not kept in accordance wffith sectlon 386 of the 2ThJ6 Act . or
the finandal ststements th) not accord with those records; or
the financlal statements do not comply wlth the accounting requlrements under sectlon 396 of the 2006
Act other than any requirement that the financlal ststements glve a 'true and fair, vlew whlch Is not a
matter considered as part of an independent examlnation. or
the flnanclal statements have not been wepared In accordance with the Charltles SORP {FRS 102}.
I have no concerns and have come across no other matters In connectlon wlth the examlnatlon to whlch
attention should be drawn in this report In orderto enable a proper understandlng of the flnanclal
sLitements to be reached.
lan Wright
Chartered Accountant
Sefton Counal for Voluntary SeNice
BurlSn8ton House
Crosby Road North
Waterloo
Uverpool
L22 OLG
29 May 2025
Page 5
Sefton O.P.E.R.A.
Statement of Flnanclal Actiwties
for the year ended 30 September 2024
Unrestrfcted
fuhd5
2024
Restrlcted
funds Total funds Total fvnds
2024
2024
2023
Notes
Income and erKlowments
Donations and legacles
Investments
36,571
71.239
107,810
22
148,521
20
Total
36,593
71239
107,832
148,541
Expqndlture on:
Charltable actlvltles
27,529
110,064
137,593
143,647
143,647
Total
27,529
110,064
137,593
Net Eains on Investments
Net (expendlture)Ilncome
Transfers between funds
9,064
(38,825)
(29,761
4,894
Net (expendlturellln¢ome
before other 8ain51(losses)
138,8251
129,761)
4,894
Other galns and105ges
Net movement In funds
(38,825)
{29,7611
4,894
Reconclllatlon of funds:
Total funds brought forward
86,588
44,659
131,247
126,353
Total funds orrkd forward
95,652
5,834
101,1186
131,247
Pase 6
Sefton O,P,E.R.A.
Balance Sheet
at 30 September 2024
Comp4ny No. 03841119
Notes
2024
2023
Flxed assets
Tangible assets
452
452
567
567
Current assets
Debtors
Cash at bank and In hand
io
1,935
99,399
101,334
(300)
101,034
101,486
924
130.794
131,718
(L0381
130,680
131,247
131,247
Credltors: Amount falling due wlthin one year
Net current assets
li
Total assets less current Ilabllltles
Net aet$ exdudlng penslon asset or Ilablllty
Total net assets
101.486
101.486
131.247
The I)d$ ofthè charfty
Restrl¢ted funds
Restrlcted Income funds
12
5,834
44,659
44,659
Unrestrlcted funds
General funds
Designated funds
12
95,200
452
86,021
567
95,652
86,588
Reserves
12
Total funds
101,486
131,247
These accounts have been prepared In accordance with the special provisions of Part 15 of the Companie5
Act 2006 relatln8 to small companies.
For the year ended 30 September 2024 the Gompany was entitled to exemption under sectlon 477 of the
Companies Act 2CQ6 relatlng to 5rnall companies.
The members have not required the company to obtaln an audit in accordance with section 476 of the
Companles Act 2rx)6.
The dlrectors acknowledge their responsibllltles for complylng wlth the requlrements of the Companies Act
26 with respect to accountinE records and the Preparation of accounts.
Approved by the bo&d on 29 May 2025
And $18ned on Its behalf by:
Dlxon
Trustee
29 May 2025
Page 7
Sefton O.P.E.R.A.
Notes to the Accounts
lor the year ended 30 September 2024
l Accountlng polielts
Basls of preparatlon
The flnancial Statements have been prepared in accordance with the charity's govÈrning document, the
Companles Act 2006, FRS 102 "The Flnan¢lal Reportin8 Standard applicable in the UK and Republit of
Ireland" ("FRS 102 1 and the Charitles SORP "Accountlng and Reporting by Charltle5: Statement of
Recommended Practitt applicable to charities Preparing their accounts in accordance with the Flnanclal
Reportlng Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) leffertlve l January 2019).
The charity mÈets the definitlon of a public benefit entity under FR5 102. Assets and Ilabilities are initially
cognised at historical cost or transaction value unless otherwlse stated in the relevant accounting
policy note. The funrtlonal currency used Is the £ Sterling.
Assets and liablllties are initlally recognlzed at historlcal cost or transactlon value unless otherwlse stated
in the relevant accountlng pollcy note.
The functional currency used Is the E 5terllng.
Preparatlon of the accounts on a golng concern basls
At the tlme of approvlng the accounts, the trustees, have a reasonable expectation that the Charlty has
dequate resources to contlnue tn operational existence for the forseeable future. As such these
accounts have been prepared under the golng concern basis.
Change In basls of a¢¢ountlng or to prevknus accounts
There has been no change to the accounting pollcles (valuation rules and method of accounting) since
last year and no changes have been made to accounts for prevlous years.
Fund accounting
Unrestricted funds
These are avallable for USÈ at the dlscretlon of the trustee5 in furtherance of the
general objects of the charlty.
These are unrestricted funds earmarked by the trustees for partlcular purpose&
These are unrestricted funds which include a revaluatlon reserve representlng the
restatement of Investment assets at thelr market values.
These are avallable for use subject to restrlctlons imposed by the donor or through
terms of an appeal.
Deslgnated funds
Revaluation funds
Restricted funds
Pa8e 8
Sefton O,P.E,R,A.
Notes to the Accounts
Income
Recognltion of
income
Income Is included In the Statement of Flnanclal Actlvities ISOFAI when the charity
becomes entitled to, and virtually certaln to recelve, the income and the amount of
the income can be measured wlth sufficient reliablllty.
Income wlth related Where income has related expendlture the income and related expendlture Is
expenditure
reported gross In the SOF
Donatlons and
legacles
Voluntary Income recetved by way of grants, donations and 8lfts Is Included In the
the SOFA when retrivable and onlywhen the Charlty h85 uncondltlonal
entltlement to the income.
Tax reclalms on
Income from tax reclalms is Included In the SOFA at the same time as the
donations and glfts giftldonatlon to whlch It relates.
Donated 5ervlces
These are only Included In Income {wlth an equlvalent amount In expenditurel
and fac111e$
where the benefft to the Charlty Is reasonably quantEfiable, measurable and
materlal.
Volunteer help
The value of any volunteer help received Is not Induded In the attounts.
Investment Income Thls Is Included in the accounts when recelvable.
Gains/llosses) on
Thls Includes any galn or loss resultlnE from revaluing Investments to market value
revaluatlon of fixed at the end of the year.
assets
Gakns/llosses) on
Investment assets
Thi5 includes anygain or loss on the sale of investments,
Expendlture
Recognltlon of
expendlture
Expendlturels recognlsed on an accruals basls. Expendlture Includes any VAT which
cannot be fully recovered, and Is reported as part of the expendlture to whlch It
relates.
Expenditure on
These cornprlse the costs assoclated wAth attracting voluntary Income, fundralslng
ralslng funds
trading costs and investment mana8ement costs.
Expenditure on
These comprlse the cost5 incurred by the Charity in the dellvery of Its actlvltles and
charitable activltle5 5ervl¢es In the furtherance of its objects, Includlng the making of grants and
governance costs.
All grant expenditure is accounted for on an actual pald basls plus an accrual for
grants that have been approved by the trustees at the end of the year but not yet
pald,
These Include those costs assoclated wlth meetln8 the constltutlonal and statutory
requlrements of the Charlty, Indudln8 any audiwindependent examlnation fees,
costs linked to the strateglc management of the Charlty, together wlth a share of
other administration costs.
Other expendlture These are support costs not allocated to a partlcular actlvlty.
Grants payable
Governance costs
Trade and other debtors
Trade and other debtors are recognlsed at the settlement amount due after any trade dlscount offered.
Prepaymenls are valued at the amount prepald net of any trade dlscounts due.
Page 9
Sefton O.P.E.KA.
Note5 to the Accounts
Cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents comprise cash at bank and on hand, demand deposits wlth banks and other
short-term hlghly Ilquld Investments with original maturltles of three months or less and bank overdrafts.
In the statement of financial position, bank overdrafts are shown wlthln borrowings or current Ilabilities.
In the Statcmcnt of Cash Flow5, cash and cash equivalents are shown net of bank overdrafts that are
repayable on demand and form an Integral part of the company's cash management.
Trade and other credltors
Short term creditors are measured at the tran5actlon prlce. Other creditors and provlslons arè recognlsed
where the charlty has a present obligation resulting from a past event that wlll probably result In the
transfer of funds to a thlrd party and the amount due to settle the obllgatlon can be measured or
estimated reliably. Creditors and provtslons are nomially recognlsed at tholr settlement amount after
allowlngfor any trade dlscounts due.
Penslon Costs
The tharlty operates a defined contrlbutlon plan for Its employees. A deflned contribution plan Is
pension plan under whlch the company pays fixed contributlons Into a separate entity. 0e the
contributlons have been paid the company ha5 no further payments obligations. The contributions are
recognlsed as expenses when they fall due. Amounts not pald are shown In accruals in the balance 5heeL
The assets of the plan are held separately from the company in independently administered fund5.
2 Company status
The company Is a Prate company limlted by guarantee and consequently does not have shore capltal.
Page 10
Sefton O.P.E.R.A,
Notes to the Account5
3 Statement of Financlal Actlvlties - prior year
Unrestrlcted
lund5
2023
Restrlcted
funds Total funds
2023
2023
Incorne and endowments from..
Donatlons and le8acles
Investments
19,283
20
129,238
148,521
20
Total
19,303
129,238
148,541
Expendlture on:
Charitable actlvitles
13A40
13,440
130,207
143,647
143.647
Total
130,207
N•t incoma
5,863
1969)
4,894
Net Income before other
galns1(los$e5)
Other 8alns and losses:
Net movement In funds
s63
(9691
4,894
5,863
{969
Reconeillation of funds:
Total funds brought forward
Total funds ¢arried f(vward
80,725
45,628
126,353
86,588
44,659
131,247
4 Income from donallons and legaci
Unrestrlcted
Restrlctsd
Totsl
Total
2(Y23
Donatlons
19,753
16,818
36,571
19,753
88,057
107,810
19.308
129,213
148,521
Grants
71,239
71,239
S Income from investments
Unrestricted
Total
Total
2023
2024
Interest Recelv4ble
22
22
20
22
22
20
Page 11
Sefton O.P,E.R.A,
Notes to the Accounts
6 Expenditure on charltable actlvities
Unrestricted
Restricted
Total
Total
2024
2023
Expendlture on chorltable
activities
The benefit of older persons
in Sefton
19,335
101,378
120,713
125,646
Admln costs
Premlses costs
Amortisation, depreciation,
impairment• profivloss on
disp05al of fixed a55ets
General administrative costs
909
6,076
6,98S
115
115
144
5,570
2.610
8,180
9.733
1,SCKJ
Legal and professional costs
27,529
110,064
137,593
143,647
7 Net (expendlture)Ilncome before Iransfers
20Z4
2023
This is stated after charging:
Depreclation of owned flxed assets
8 Staff ¢osts
115
144
2024
87,696
8,223
5,066
100,985
2023
84,149
5,192
5,049
94.390
Salaries and wages
Sodal securlty costs
Pension costs
No employee received emoluments in excess of £60,000.
9 Tanglble fiKed assets
Cost or revaluatlon
At l October 2023
At 30 September 2024
Depreciatlon and
Impairment
At l October 2023
Depreclation charge forthe
year
At 30 September 2024
Net l)ook values
16,233
16,233
9.311
9.311
25,544
25,544
15,696
9,281
24,977
107
115
15,803
9,289
25,092
At 30 September 2024
At 30September 2023
430
537
22
452
30
567
Pa8e 12
Sefton O.P.E.R.A.
Notes to the Accounts
10 Debtors
2024
2023
Trade debtor5
Prepayments and accrued income
1,935
342
582
924
1,935
11 Credltoys:
amounts fallln8 due wlthln one year
2024
2023
Other credltor5
Accruals
738
300
1,038
31
Page 13
Selton O.P.E.R.A.
Notes to the Accounts
12 Movement In funds
Incomlng
resources
Ilncludlng
At l October
other
2023 gainsllosses)
Resources
expended
At30
September
2024
Grws
transfers
Restrlcted fund$:
Restricted Income funds:
Sefton MBC
The Blg Lotterv
Green
Albert Hunt
Burbo Bank
Neighbourly Fund
PHHolt
Onward Group
Charfes Brotherton
Awards For All
HerSta8e Lottery
Sefton CVS Warm Coat
Sefton CVS Warn) Spaces
Sefton C¥lS Welcome Spa¢es
Selton CVS Wlnter Support
UK Shared Prosperlty Fund
John Mt>ores Foundation
Masonic
Llvin8 Well Sefton
Scds Workplace Wellbeing
8,343
11,212
1,542
21.113
I972
(29.456)
(31.0841
11,5421
13,000)
(696)
{1.271)
(S.0>
{3,087)
(225)
{9.550}
3.0
3.272
2,576
1,271
5,000
3,087
225
9,$50
1,41X)
1,4(Kl
466
2,789
1,250
{466}
(4,429}
{1,250)
{4,2761
(2,6101
(3,6841
(5.0001
12,100)
11,338)
2,000
4,276
2,868
1,240
3,684
1,498
5.000
2,100
1,338
Total
44,659
7L239
1110,064)
5,834
Unrestrlcted funds:
General funds
86,021
36.593
{27,529}
95.200
Deslgnated funds:
Fixed Asset Fund
567
li)
(115)
452
Total
567
452
T¢)tal funds
131.247
107,832
(137,593)
101,486
Purposes and restrlctlons kn relatlon to the funds:
Restrirted funds:
Sefton MBC
The 8ig Lottery
Green
Albert Hunt
Salarles
Salarles, runnlng costs, projects, actfvltles and volunteers, expenses
Runnln8 costs
Running costs
Page 14
Sefton O.P.E.R.A.
Notes to the Accounts
Burbo Bank
Runnln8 Costs
NeiEhbE)urly Fund
Running costs
PHHolt
Running cost5
Onward Group
Running costs
Charles Brotherton
Running costs
Awards For All
Running costs
Heritage Lottery
Running costs
Sefton CV5 Warm Coat
Warm Coat project
Sefton CVS Warm Spaces
Warm Spaces pro]ert
Sefton CVS Welcome Space$ Welcome Spaces project
Sefton OIS Wlnter Support Wlnter Support project
UK Shared Prosperlty Fund Infomiatlon Techno108V
John Moores Foundation
Salarles
Mèsonlc
Salaries
Living Well Sefton
Runnlng costs
SCVS Workplace Wellbelng Workplace Wellbeln8 project
Designated funds:
Flxed Asset Fund
Replacement of fixed assets
13 Analy515 of net assets between funds
Unrestrlcted
funds
Total
Flxed assets
Net current assets
452
101,034
101,486
452
101.034
101,486
14 Reconclllatlon of net cash / (net debt)
At30
September
2024
At l October
Cash fl¢)ws
Cash and cash equlvalents
130.794
130,794
(31,395)
(31,395)
99.399
99,399
Net cash / (net debt)
130.794
(31,3951
99,399
FRS 102 requlres and entlty to report chan8es In net debt in the accountlng perlod. Sefton O,P.E.RA does
not carry any debt or other borrowlngs and has a posltlve net cash posltlon
15 Commlbnent5
Penslon commltments
2024
2023
The penslon c05t charge to the cornpanv
amounted to:
5,066
5,049
Page 15
Sefton O.P.E.R.A.
Notes to the Accounts
16 Related party disc105ures
Controlling pt7rty
The company is limited by guarantee and has no share capital; thus no slngle party controls the company.
Pa8e 16
Sefton O.P.E.R.A.
Charlty No. 1086437
Company No. 03841119
Trustee5' Report and Unaudlted Accounts
30 September 2024
Sefton O.P.E.R.A.
Contents
Pages
2to4
Trustees, Annu31 Report
Independent Examiner's Report
Statement of Flnandal Actlvltles
8alance Sheet
Notes to the Accounts
8t0 16
Page I
Sefton O.P,E.R.A.
Trustees Annual Report
The trustee5, who are also directors of the charlty for the purposes of the Companles Act 2C(16. hereln
present thelr report wlth the unaudited financial statements of the charltyfor the year ended 30
September 2024.
The financlal ststements have been prepared in accordance wlth the accounting pollcles set out In Note I
to the accounts and comply with the charitvs govemlng documenL the Charltles Act 2011, the
Companies Act 2(Ki6 and Ac¢ountlnB and Reportlng by Charities: Ststement of Recommended Practl
applicable to charltle5 preparlng their accounts In accordance wlth the Flnancial RepoTtlng Standard 102
applicable in the UK and Republlc of Ireknd.
REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS
Company 140, 03841119
Charity No. 1086437
Registered Office
St Matthews Communlty 200
410 Stsnley Road
Bootle
L20 SAE
Dlreclors and Truste•$
The Directors of the charltable company are its Trustees for the purpose5 of charity law.
following Directors and Trustees served durtng the year:
MJ. Bates
E.C. Crook
K. Dlxon
R.J. Forster
M. RSd)ardson
S. Shrimpton
Company Se¢retsry
V. Martlow
A¢countants
Sefton Councll for Voluntsry Servl
Burllngton HDuse
Crosby Road North
Waterloo
Lwerpool
L22 OLG
OBJECTIVES AND AcmiiTIES
Pa8e 2
Sefton O.P.E.R.A.
Trustees Annual Report
The objects of the charity are to promote any charltable purposes for Ihe benefit of older persons In the
borough of Sefton and In particularthe advancement of Èducation, the promotion Df good health, the
prevention of social isolation and the relief of povertyi sickness and dlstress arlslng therefrom.
Sefton O.P.E.R.A. is a voluntary organlsation working with older people in the communlty, many
experiencing dementla and Alzheimers, often experiencing isolation. Our aim is to enable older people to
have choices in relation to theSr own health. Our outstandlng contribution to soclal welfare and uslng grass
roots to formulate thelr objectives within the cornmunity.
AcHvEMENTs AND PERFORMANCE
Last year we concentrated our AGM Report on the volunteers and thelr achievement. thls year we have
concentrated our report on our members. the older and vulnerable people who attend our actlvltles. by
provldlnE Brass roots attivities In thelr own local area5 encourages them to become regular members.
ReEular attendance to the Health & Wellbeing sesslons that Sefton OPERA provide Improving both phy51cal
and mental health reducing lonellness and Isolation and the additlonal knock-on effects that this has on
thelr health, and by providing a safe and Secure place to meet likeminded people $upportin8 eath other,
and by givlng them the skllls needed to Improve thelr own health and wellbeln& glves them a purpose and
a feelln8 of belng part of their own communlty a8aln.
Studles show regular attendance to soclal Inclusion a¢tfvltles can Improve lonellness, anxlety, depresslon,
Stress, dementia, and boost mental wellbeln8 reduce ne8atlve feellngs and dejection, and regular
attendan to gentle physlcal actlvltles can Improve breathln& balance, reduce falls Increase blood flow,
lubrltate Joins, stren8then muscles, reducin8 arthrltls paln and >wellln& reduce blood pressure and
thole5terol. Which reduces illnesses such as stroke. heart dlsease, type 2 diabetes and Improves qualliy of
life lowerlng the rlsk of dementia. Thls all has the knock on effect of reduclng unnecessary Drs and hospltsl
appointments In a t5me when the NHS Is already strug8lln8 to keep up wlth the needs of thelr patients.
FINANCIAL REVIEW
The charV was In a satisfactory financial posttion at 30 September 2024. The operatlonal surplus on the
general fund during the year was £9,179 (2023: surplus of £5,863).
As at 30 Septemlxr 2024 total fund5 of £101.486 of which £5,834 was held in restricted fund5 which is
therefore not available for the genernl purposes of the charitable company. t)eslgnated funds representlng
the net book value of fixed assets were £452.
The trustees have considered the need to maintsin an appropriate level of reser¥es for the charity.
Consideration ha5 been given to the nature of Intome and expendlture streams, the need to match income
with flxed commitments and the nature of reserves. The trustee5 have concluded that the following
reserves should be malntalned.
The tNstees wish to have 6 months of total expenditure, based on the last 3 years. In reserve to covgr the
cost of staff salarfes should restricted funding be unexpectedly withdrawn. The avera8e annual expenditure
over the last 3 yeaTS {2022-2024 Inclusive) Is £143528 . Thls equate5 to a reserve level of £71.764. As at 30
September 2024 the level of reserves held by Sefton O.P,E.R.A. was £95,2(Ki, belng unrestrkted funds less
the value of our fixed assets. Current reserves represent 132% of the reserves requlred to be held by the
trustees.
STRucfuRE. GI)VERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT
Page 3
SEfton O.P.E.R.A.
T¥ustees Annual Report
Sefton O,P.E R.A, is a company limited by guarantee governed by its Memor2ndum and Articles of
Associatlon dated 14th September 1999. It is reglstered wlth the Charity Commission. Anyone over the a8e
of 18 can become a member of the Company and there are currently 6 member$16 in 20221, each of whom
agrees to contrlbute £10 in the event of the charity winding up.
As set out in the Articles of Assoclatlon, the trustees are elected by members of the charltable company
attending the Annual General Meetlng. The lon£est serving one third of trustees retires each year and is
able to offer themselves for re-electfon.
The board of trustee5 admlnlsters the Charity.
None of our trustees recelve remuneratlon or other benefft from thelr work wlth the tharity. Any
connectlon between a trustee or senlor manager of the charlty and any tllent or suppller Is dksclosed to the
full board of trustees in the same way as a)y other contractual relatlonthip wlth a related party. In the
current year no such related party trahsartlons were reported.
The Trustees are re4)onsible for keepln8 proper accounting records that disclose wlth reasonable accuracy
at any tlme the flnandal posIon of the charlty and to enable them to ensure that the flnandal statements
comptywlth the Companles Act 2006. The Trustees are a150 responslble for safeguardlng the assets of the
charfty and hence taklng reasonable steps for the preventlon and detectlon of fraud and other
IrreEularltles.
The above report has been prepared in accordance with the provtslons applicable to cornpanles subject to
the small companles regime as set out in Part 15 of the Companies Act 2tK16 and in ac¢ordante with the
Charities SORP (FRS 102).
Slgned on behalf of the board
V. Martlow
Company Secretary
29 May 2025
K. Dlxon
Trustee
29 May 2025
Page 4
Sefton O.P.E.RA.
Independent Examiners Report
Independent Examiner's Report to the trustees of Sefton O.P.E.R.A.
I report to the charitytrustees on my eramination of the financlal statements of Sefton O,P.E.R.A. for the
year ended 30 Septembe¥ 2024 whlch comprise the Statement of Financial Activities, the Summary Income
and Expenditure Account, the Balance Sheet and the related notes.
Responslbllltles and basls of repwt
As the tru5tee5 of the charity (and a150 its directors for the purposes of company law) you are responsible for
the preparatlon of the financlal statements in accordance with the requirements of the Companles Art 2006
('the 21M)6 Act.
Having sati5fFed myself that the financial statements of the charity are not requtred to be audlted under Part
16 of the 2006 Act and are eligible for independent examination. I report In respect of my examinatknn of
your tharity's flnancial statements a5 carried out under section 145 of the Charlttes Act 2011 ('the 2011 A).
In carrylng out my examlnatlon I have followed the Dlrectlons glven by the (harlty Commlsslon under section
145(5)(bl of the 2011 ACL
Independent ex4mlnerf$ ststsment
I have completed my examlnatjon. I can conftrm that no materlal matters have come to my attentlon In
connection with the examination giiryng me cause to belleve that:
ac¢ountlng records were not kept in accordance wffith sectlon 386 of the 2ThJ6 Act . or
the finandal ststements th) not accord with those records; or
the financlal statements do not comply wlth the accounting requlrements under sectlon 396 of the 2006
Act other than any requirement that the financlal ststements glve a 'true and fair, vlew whlch Is not a
matter considered as part of an independent examlnation. or
the flnanclal statements have not been wepared In accordance with the Charltles SORP {FRS 102}.
I have no concerns and have come across no other matters In connectlon wlth the examlnatlon to whlch
attention should be drawn in this report In orderto enable a proper understandlng of the flnanclal
sLitements to be reached.
lan Wright
Chartered Accountant
Sefton Counal for Voluntary SeNice
BurlSn8ton House
Crosby Road North
Waterloo
Uverpool
L22 OLG
29 May 2025
Page 5
Sefton O.P.E.R.A.
Statement of Flnanclal Actiwties
for the year ended 30 September 2024
Unrestrfcted
fuhd5
2024
Restrlcted
funds Total funds Total fvnds
2024
2024
2023
Notes
Income and erKlowments
Donations and legacles
Investments
36,571
71.239
107,810
22
148,521
20
Total
36,593
71239
107,832
148,541
Expqndlture on:
Charltable actlvltles
27,529
110,064
137,593
143,647
143,647
Total
27,529
110,064
137,593
Net Eains on Investments
Net (expendlture)Ilncome
Transfers between funds
9,064
(38,825)
(29,761
4,894
Net (expendlturellln¢ome
before other 8ain51(losses)
138,8251
129,761)
4,894
Other galns and105ges
Net movement In funds
(38,825)
{29,7611
4,894
Reconclllatlon of funds:
Total funds brought forward
86,588
44,659
131,247
126,353
Total funds orrkd forward
95,652
5,834
101,1186
131,247
Pase 6
Sefton O,P,E.R.A.
Balance Sheet
at 30 September 2024
Comp4ny No. 03841119
Notes
2024
2023
Flxed assets
Tangible assets
452
452
567
567
Current assets
Debtors
Cash at bank and In hand
io
1,935
99,399
101,334
(300)
101,034
101,486
924
130.794
131,718
(L0381
130,680
131,247
131,247
Credltors: Amount falling due wlthin one year
Net current assets
li
Total assets less current Ilabllltles
Net aet$ exdudlng penslon asset or Ilablllty
Total net assets
101.486
101.486
131.247
The I)d$ ofthè charfty
Restrl¢ted funds
Restrlcted Income funds
12
5,834
44,659
44,659
Unrestrlcted funds
General funds
Designated funds
12
95,200
452
86,021
567
95,652
86,588
Reserves
12
Total funds
101,486
131,247
These accounts have been prepared In accordance with the special provisions of Part 15 of the Companie5
Act 2006 relatln8 to small companies.
For the year ended 30 September 2024 the Gompany was entitled to exemption under sectlon 477 of the
Companies Act 2CQ6 relatlng to 5rnall companies.
The members have not required the company to obtaln an audit in accordance with section 476 of the
Companles Act 2rx)6.
The dlrectors acknowledge their responsibllltles for complylng wlth the requlrements of the Companies Act
26 with respect to accountinE records and the Preparation of accounts.
Approved by the bo&d on 29 May 2025
And $18ned on Its behalf by:
Dlxon
Trustee
29 May 2025
Page 7
Sefton O.P.E.R.A.
Notes to the Accounts
lor the year ended 30 September 2024
l Accountlng polielts
Basls of preparatlon
The flnancial Statements have been prepared in accordance with the charity's govÈrning document, the
Companles Act 2006, FRS 102 "The Flnan¢lal Reportin8 Standard applicable in the UK and Republit of
Ireland" ("FRS 102 1 and the Charitles SORP "Accountlng and Reporting by Charltle5: Statement of
Recommended Practitt applicable to charities Preparing their accounts in accordance with the Flnanclal
Reportlng Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) leffertlve l January 2019).
The charity mÈets the definitlon of a public benefit entity under FR5 102. Assets and Ilabilities are initially
cognised at historical cost or transaction value unless otherwlse stated in the relevant accounting
policy note. The funrtlonal currency used Is the £ Sterling.
Assets and liablllties are initlally recognlzed at historlcal cost or transactlon value unless otherwlse stated
in the relevant accountlng pollcy note.
The functional currency used Is the E 5terllng.
Preparatlon of the accounts on a golng concern basls
At the tlme of approvlng the accounts, the trustees, have a reasonable expectation that the Charlty has
dequate resources to contlnue tn operational existence for the forseeable future. As such these
accounts have been prepared under the golng concern basis.
Change In basls of a¢¢ountlng or to prevknus accounts
There has been no change to the accounting pollcles (valuation rules and method of accounting) since
last year and no changes have been made to accounts for prevlous years.
Fund accounting
Unrestricted funds
These are avallable for USÈ at the dlscretlon of the trustee5 in furtherance of the
general objects of the charlty.
These are unrestricted funds earmarked by the trustees for partlcular purpose&
These are unrestricted funds which include a revaluatlon reserve representlng the
restatement of Investment assets at thelr market values.
These are avallable for use subject to restrlctlons imposed by the donor or through
terms of an appeal.
Deslgnated funds
Revaluation funds
Restricted funds
Pa8e 8
Sefton O,P.E,R,A.
Notes to the Accounts
Income
Recognltion of
income
Income Is included In the Statement of Flnanclal Actlvities ISOFAI when the charity
becomes entitled to, and virtually certaln to recelve, the income and the amount of
the income can be measured wlth sufficient reliablllty.
Income wlth related Where income has related expendlture the income and related expendlture Is
expenditure
reported gross In the SOF
Donatlons and
legacles
Voluntary Income recetved by way of grants, donations and 8lfts Is Included In the
the SOFA when retrivable and onlywhen the Charlty h85 uncondltlonal
entltlement to the income.
Tax reclalms on
Income from tax reclalms is Included In the SOFA at the same time as the
donations and glfts giftldonatlon to whlch It relates.
Donated 5ervlces
These are only Included In Income {wlth an equlvalent amount In expenditurel
and fac111e$
where the benefft to the Charlty Is reasonably quantEfiable, measurable and
materlal.
Volunteer help
The value of any volunteer help received Is not Induded In the attounts.
Investment Income Thls Is Included in the accounts when recelvable.
Gains/llosses) on
Thls Includes any galn or loss resultlnE from revaluing Investments to market value
revaluatlon of fixed at the end of the year.
assets
Gakns/llosses) on
Investment assets
Thi5 includes anygain or loss on the sale of investments,
Expendlture
Recognltlon of
expendlture
Expendlturels recognlsed on an accruals basls. Expendlture Includes any VAT which
cannot be fully recovered, and Is reported as part of the expendlture to whlch It
relates.
Expenditure on
These cornprlse the costs assoclated wAth attracting voluntary Income, fundralslng
ralslng funds
trading costs and investment mana8ement costs.
Expenditure on
These comprlse the cost5 incurred by the Charity in the dellvery of Its actlvltles and
charitable activltle5 5ervl¢es In the furtherance of its objects, Includlng the making of grants and
governance costs.
All grant expenditure is accounted for on an actual pald basls plus an accrual for
grants that have been approved by the trustees at the end of the year but not yet
pald,
These Include those costs assoclated wlth meetln8 the constltutlonal and statutory
requlrements of the Charlty, Indudln8 any audiwindependent examlnation fees,
costs linked to the strateglc management of the Charlty, together wlth a share of
other administration costs.
Other expendlture These are support costs not allocated to a partlcular actlvlty.
Grants payable
Governance costs
Trade and other debtors
Trade and other debtors are recognlsed at the settlement amount due after any trade dlscount offered.
Prepaymenls are valued at the amount prepald net of any trade dlscounts due.
Page 9
Sefton O.P.E.KA.
Note5 to the Accounts
Cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents comprise cash at bank and on hand, demand deposits wlth banks and other
short-term hlghly Ilquld Investments with original maturltles of three months or less and bank overdrafts.
In the statement of financial position, bank overdrafts are shown wlthln borrowings or current Ilabilities.
In the Statcmcnt of Cash Flow5, cash and cash equivalents are shown net of bank overdrafts that are
repayable on demand and form an Integral part of the company's cash management.
Trade and other credltors
Short term creditors are measured at the tran5actlon prlce. Other creditors and provlslons arè recognlsed
where the charlty has a present obligation resulting from a past event that wlll probably result In the
transfer of funds to a thlrd party and the amount due to settle the obllgatlon can be measured or
estimated reliably. Creditors and provtslons are nomially recognlsed at tholr settlement amount after
allowlngfor any trade dlscounts due.
Penslon Costs
The tharlty operates a defined contrlbutlon plan for Its employees. A deflned contribution plan Is
pension plan under whlch the company pays fixed contributlons Into a separate entity. 0e the
contributlons have been paid the company ha5 no further payments obligations. The contributions are
recognlsed as expenses when they fall due. Amounts not pald are shown In accruals in the balance 5heeL
The assets of the plan are held separately from the company in independently administered fund5.
2 Company status
The company Is a Prate company limlted by guarantee and consequently does not have shore capltal.
Page 10
Sefton O.P.E.R.A,
Notes to the Account5
3 Statement of Financlal Actlvlties - prior year
Unrestrlcted
lund5
2023
Restrlcted
funds Total funds
2023
2023
Incorne and endowments from..
Donatlons and le8acles
Investments
19,283
20
129,238
148,521
20
Total
19,303
129,238
148,541
Expendlture on:
Charitable actlvitles
13A40
13,440
130,207
143,647
143.647
Total
130,207
N•t incoma
5,863
1969)
4,894
Net Income before other
galns1(los$e5)
Other 8alns and losses:
Net movement In funds
s63
(9691
4,894
5,863
{969
Reconeillation of funds:
Total funds brought forward
Total funds ¢arried f(vward
80,725
45,628
126,353
86,588
44,659
131,247
4 Income from donallons and legaci
Unrestrlcted
Restrlctsd
Totsl
Total
2(Y23
Donatlons
19,753
16,818
36,571
19,753
88,057
107,810
19.308
129,213
148,521
Grants
71,239
71,239
S Income from investments
Unrestricted
Total
Total
2023
2024
Interest Recelv4ble
22
22
20
22
22
20
Page 11
Sefton O.P,E.R.A,
Notes to the Accounts
6 Expenditure on charltable actlvities
Unrestricted
Restricted
Total
Total
2024
2023
Expendlture on chorltable
activities
The benefit of older persons
in Sefton
19,335
101,378
120,713
125,646
Admln costs
Premlses costs
Amortisation, depreciation,
impairment• profivloss on
disp05al of fixed a55ets
General administrative costs
909
6,076
6,98S
115
115
144
5,570
2.610
8,180
9.733
1,SCKJ
Legal and professional costs
27,529
110,064
137,593
143,647
7 Net (expendlture)Ilncome before Iransfers
20Z4
2023
This is stated after charging:
Depreclation of owned flxed assets
8 Staff ¢osts
115
144
2024
87,696
8,223
5,066
100,985
2023
84,149
5,192
5,049
94.390
Salaries and wages
Sodal securlty costs
Pension costs
No employee received emoluments in excess of £60,000.
9 Tanglble fiKed assets
Cost or revaluatlon
At l October 2023
At 30 September 2024
Depreciatlon and
Impairment
At l October 2023
Depreclation charge forthe
year
At 30 September 2024
Net l)ook values
16,233
16,233
9.311
9.311
25,544
25,544
15,696
9,281
24,977
107
115
15,803
9,289
25,092
At 30 September 2024
At 30September 2023
430
537
22
452
30
567
Pa8e 12
Sefton O.P.E.R.A.
Notes to the Accounts
10 Debtors
2024
2023
Trade debtor5
Prepayments and accrued income
1,935
342
582
924
1,935
11 Credltoys:
amounts fallln8 due wlthln one year
2024
2023
Other credltor5
Accruals
738
300
1,038
31
Page 13
Selton O.P.E.R.A.
Notes to the Accounts
12 Movement In funds
Incomlng
resources
Ilncludlng
At l October
other
2023 gainsllosses)
Resources
expended
At30
September
2024
Grws
transfers
Restrlcted fund$:
Restricted Income funds:
Sefton MBC
The Blg Lotterv
Green
Albert Hunt
Burbo Bank
Neighbourly Fund
PHHolt
Onward Group
Charfes Brotherton
Awards For All
HerSta8e Lottery
Sefton CVS Warm Coat
Sefton CVS Warn) Spaces
Sefton C¥lS Welcome Spa¢es
Selton CVS Wlnter Support
UK Shared Prosperlty Fund
John Mt>ores Foundation
Masonic
Llvin8 Well Sefton
Scds Workplace Wellbeing
8,343
11,212
1,542
21.113
I972
(29.456)
(31.0841
11,5421
13,000)
(696)
{1.271)
(S.0>
{3,087)
(225)
{9.550}
3.0
3.272
2,576
1,271
5,000
3,087
225
9,$50
1,41X)
1,4(Kl
466
2,789
1,250
{466}
(4,429}
{1,250)
{4,2761
(2,6101
(3,6841
(5.0001
12,100)
11,338)
2,000
4,276
2,868
1,240
3,684
1,498
5.000
2,100
1,338
Total
44,659
7L239
1110,064)
5,834
Unrestrlcted funds:
General funds
86,021
36.593
{27,529}
95.200
Deslgnated funds:
Fixed Asset Fund
567
li)
(115)
452
Total
567
452
T¢)tal funds
131.247
107,832
(137,593)
101,486
Purposes and restrlctlons kn relatlon to the funds:
Restrirted funds:
Sefton MBC
The 8ig Lottery
Green
Albert Hunt
Salarles
Salarles, runnlng costs, projects, actfvltles and volunteers, expenses
Runnln8 costs
Running costs
Page 14
Sefton O.P.E.R.A.
Notes to the Accounts
Burbo Bank
Runnln8 Costs
NeiEhbE)urly Fund
Running costs
PHHolt
Running cost5
Onward Group
Running costs
Charles Brotherton
Running costs
Awards For All
Running costs
Heritage Lottery
Running costs
Sefton CV5 Warm Coat
Warm Coat project
Sefton CVS Warm Spaces
Warm Spaces pro]ert
Sefton CVS Welcome Space$ Welcome Spaces project
Sefton OIS Wlnter Support Wlnter Support project
UK Shared Prosperlty Fund Infomiatlon Techno108V
John Moores Foundation
Salarles
Mèsonlc
Salaries
Living Well Sefton
Runnlng costs
SCVS Workplace Wellbelng Workplace Wellbeln8 project
Designated funds:
Flxed Asset Fund
Replacement of fixed assets
13 Analy515 of net assets between funds
Unrestrlcted
funds
Total
Flxed assets
Net current assets
452
101,034
101,486
452
101.034
101,486
14 Reconclllatlon of net cash / (net debt)
At30
September
2024
At l October
Cash fl¢)ws
Cash and cash equlvalents
130.794
130,794
(31,395)
(31,395)
99.399
99,399
Net cash / (net debt)
130.794
(31,3951
99,399
FRS 102 requlres and entlty to report chan8es In net debt in the accountlng perlod. Sefton O,P.E.RA does
not carry any debt or other borrowlngs and has a posltlve net cash posltlon
15 Commlbnent5
Penslon commltments
2024
2023
The penslon c05t charge to the cornpanv
amounted to:
5,066
5,049
Page 15
Sefton O.P.E.R.A.
Notes to the Accounts
16 Related party disc105ures
Controlling pt7rty
The company is limited by guarantee and has no share capital; thus no slngle party controls the company.
Pa8e 16