**ANNUAL REPORT YEAR END 30[TH] SEPT 2025** PUTTING PEOPLE FIRST Since 1999 1 ## **CONTENTS** ## **INTRODUCTION:** Aims and Objectives The Report – Organisational Manager, Lifelong President and Chair Person ## **CONTENTS:** Our Work Inhouse In The Community Care Sector & Extra Social Inclusion Other Organisations Weekly & Monthly Program ## **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** The organisation aims to be the focus for excellence and innovation in working with older and vulnerable people. ## **FINANCE:** Trustees Accounts Annual Report Charity, Bank, Trustee Details Independent Examiners Report Statement of Financial Activties Balance Sheet Accounting Policies Sefton OPERA 1[st] Floor Office St Matthews Church 410 Stanley Road Bootle L20 5AE 0151 330 0479 07452 867 648 admin@seftonopera.org.uk www.seftonopera.org.uk ## **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 2 ## **THE REPORT** Vikki Martlow Organisational Manager Vikki Martlow reported: This year’s report has concentrated on the wide variety of activities Sefton OPERA provide in our community as a grassroots organisation working borough wide Since 1999 Sefton OPERA (Older Persons Enabling Resource and Action) provides Health & Wellbeing activities improving mental & physical health reducing loneliness and isolation to aprox. 17,000 attendees yearly supported by 40 dedicated volunteers . Highlighting the vital service Sefton OPERA plays in our community we are the only organisation offering weekly services across Sefton to: - 12 = INHOUSE activities and drop-in sessions reducing loneliness and isolation improving health issues. - 12 = IN THE COMMUNITY bringing doorstep activities enabling older people to improve their own mental and physical health breaking down barriers preventing them attending sessions - 7 = IN THE CARE SECTOR providing bespoke packages, bringing the outside world in for those less able bodied already with additional care needs. Ann Mardell Honorary Lifelong President Ann Mardell reported: The last few years have been rather hard going for most charitable organisations. Fortunately, Sefton OPERA has continued to maintain a very good standard throughout. The staff, committee and volunteers have worked tirelessly to keep the over-50s in the community active, as promised, supporting both mental and physical wellbeing across Sefton. We have continued our work in nursing and residential homes, day centres, and community centres, ensuring that every activity is delivered with a professional attitude. Although we work on a limited budget, we always strive to maintain a high standard in everything we do. Thank you to the staff, committee and volunteers for your dedication throughout the year. Cathy Crook Chair Person Cathy Crook reported: 2025 was a landmark for all at Sefton OPERA, 2026 will prove as rememberable as last year. Staff have worked hard to keep all the events going as promised with less funding, volunteers have also contributed by having a good attitude and with a can do keep it going. My admiration for staff and volunteers has never wavered you are and have always been the backbone of Sefton OPERA I admire you all. Lets look forward to this year and be able to reach out to more isolated and lonely people to make a difference in their lives improving their social life if we can. 3 ## **PUTTING PEOPLE FIRST** ## **OUR WORK** We treat every individual with dignity, respect, and fairness, delivering targeted early interventions to improve mental and physical health, reduce loneliness and isolation. We take an asset-based approach which means we start by listening to our members, create feedback and evaluations sessions where they tell us the issues they have, and we explore together ways to alleviate their problems. We have an extensive programme of activity which we run on a weekly and monthly basis, we are the only charity voluntary organisation working throughout Sefton providing vital activities to older vulnerable persons INHOUSE, IN THE COMMUNITY AND IN THE CARE SECTOR. ## **THE NEED FOR OUR SERVICES** We recognise that the need for our services is ever increasing. We have found ourselves in a perfect storm where services are closing, need is increasing due to the cost-of-living crisis, pension taxation and heating benefit cuts and our organisation has been challenged to find funding due to the repositioning of key trusts and foundations. We cover Southport which has an increasing older population (38.2% the national average is 18%), and we are heartbroken by the profound effects of the recent tragedies in that community. This and the subsequent evolving problems around racial tension, has left our older people frightened to go out, confused and very withdrawn. We are aware that if our organisation ceased to exist there would be no one to fit the gap and these older people would become isolated and alone. Our stats show Sefton is among the top 10% most deprived areas in the UK and faces serious challenges due to its rapidly ageing population. Ongoing economic crises are pushing older people into tough financial decisions: This means many older people are forced to choose between heating or eating and often cannot afford to engage in activities that support their physical and mental wellbeing. Many local services have already closed or scaled back, and those older vulnerable people affected often suffer in silence—too proud to ask for help, they simply go without. Sefton already has a higher-than-average number of residents over 65, with 49% living with three or more long-term chronic health conditions (Health Foundation). This means that as an organisation we are supporting more vulnerable and older people understanding the challenges facing our aging communities and the support we can give is vital. At the same time, people are living longer—but increasingly alone. The number of older adults living alone has risen significantly in the past 10 years and is predicted to reach 65% of over-65s living alone by 2030 (Oxford Brookes University). We find this a heart-breaking situation particularly around Christmas when many services shut down but we stay open offering fun activities and hot meals. We understand how depressing and lonely this time of year is for older people and what they need. We believe our warm/but practical approach to these situations makes a real difference, something as simple as sitting down and having a chat. We offer a warm, safe, and welcoming environment right on the doorstep. We see that our role is to help older people reconnect with their communities, make new friends and maintain a sense of dignity, purpose, and self-worth. Our work helps delay the need for costly long-term care by keeping people physically active, mentally stimulated, and socially connected. 4 ## **INHOUSE** Sefton OPERA is proudly a user-led organisation, run by and for local older people making up our Trustees, Staff, and Volunteers as well as our beneficiaries. All sharing a deep connection to the Sefton area—either living, working, or having retired here. Bringing a wide range of skills, knowledge and experience both locally and professionally on the needs and wants of our ageing population. Working together to meet the challenges older people face now and in the future. Currently providing 12 weekly INHOUSE activities with approximately 250 weekly attendees from Computers, Tai Chi, Men’s & Women’s sessions, Chair Exercises, digital inclusion, Institches, craft, coffee & chat sessions, and warm hubs. Reducing loneliness and isolation improving mental & physical health. ## **OUTCOMES** Older people have told us that coming to our activities has been a real lifeline, has helped them cope through difficult transitions like loss of a loved one, ill health, family moving away or just getting use to retirement. This has never been more prominent than now where keeping in touch with others has become a lifeline to some who don’t have a family or other network around them to provide support - Older and vulnerable people are supported and have a greater capacity to access relevant activities to help reduce social isolation - Older and vulnerable people maintain a better physical and mental health through attending activities and services - Older and vulnerable people feel safer and more able to maintain good mental health through being connected in the groups - Older people and vulnerable people have a greater ability to access the right services at one point of call - Older and vulnerable people are more able to take control of their own services and play active roles in future activity development - Older and vulnerable people feel more empowered through their ability to help each other through mutual support in the groups Institches Knit & Natter Group Tai Chi Gentle Breathing & Balance Art & Craft Card Group All our groups improve mental & physical health problems reducing loneliness & isolation for our members. 5 ## **IN THE COMMUNITY** Working in highly deprived neighbourhoods dealing with implications of the ever-increasing austerity, pension taxation, rising heating costs & allowance cuts and rising cost of living, has amplified issues particularly for those most vulnerable and social excluded, living alone without family support or supportive neighbourhoods unable to ask for help, this is when Sefton OPERA are needed most. We’re facing increasing demand, areas we work in have a higher than national average of older people, many struggle having multiple and complex health needs from COPD, heart, asthma or dementia issues, (it is well known mental health deteriorates with lack of social contact, anxiety, depression) By providing activities that address these health inequalities shaped by and designed by local older persons with similar lived experiences and needs, we ensure that activities are participants lead rather than organisationally projected. Continually monitoring and evaluating sessions ensuring ongoing relevance and need. Currently providing doorstep community services - Weekly Pamper Sessions improving physical health and wellbeing - 2 Weekly Walking Sessions one short history walking and talking session for those less able and one longer faster wellbeing walk - 2 Weekly Swimming Sessions both learners and improver sessions one North and one South Sefton - 2 Monthly Beating Loneliness Together Sessions reducing loneliness and isolation one North and one South Sefton - 1 Monthly Drop in Pamper Session alleviating aches and pains improving physical health Southport - 2 Monthly Dance Sessions improving social connections making new friends One North and One South Sefton - 2 Monthly Chair Exercises Sessions improving physical wellbeing for those less able bodied in Maghull and Litherland Monthly Dance reducing social isolation Walking group improving pysical and mental health problems Chair Exercise Improving Health Issues 6 ## **CARE HOME** **CARE SECTOR NURSING & SUPPORTED LIVING:** Providing 7 weekly activities to aprox 96 attendees going to different establishments weekly tailored projects supporting their needs increasing opportunities to socialise, access healthy activities and most importantly have fun. Activities provided are client led but include Music & Sing-a-long, Chair Exercises, Tai Chi, Complimentary Therapies, Craft, Reading, Quiz, sessions. Bringing the outside in. ## **EXTRAS** Care Sector Pamper Sessions **Intergeneration** – Working across Sefton with established connections with schools, youth, and older persons groups. Training students providing a variety of activities from massage, talking history, shared experiences, words of Wisdom (what you would tell your 16-year-old self), IT technology exchange. Breaking down barriers between the ages with cross generational conversations creating mutual respect **Key Events** – our 2 KEEP WARM KEEP WELL EVENTS bringing together older persons and other organisations, health & benefits advisors as a one stop shop for older persons issues (one North One South Sefton) each with approx. 100 older persons and 18 different local statutory and non-statutory organisations, providing information and signposting vital information together in one event for the benefit of older people. Helping older people with issues outside of their control re pensions & benefits advisors, cost of living and heating advisors, as well as digital inclusion. **Additionally –** Providing 300 Emergency Winter Warm pack for those housebound or less active our Winter Warm Packs with food, information, blankets, etc enabling those most vulnerable to falls to stay in during the worst of our clement weather. Activity Packs with puzzles, knitting, colouring, quizzes, crosswords etc. to keep them busy reduce boredom and loneliness Keep Warm Keep Well Event Winter Warm Emergency Food & Activity Packs Intergenerational Project with Hugh Baird 7 ## **SOCIAL INCLUSION** **SOCIAL INCLUSION SESSIONS** Providing a variety of monthly activities enabling those living on their own to join in with their own community, enjoy social interactions with their peers, and make new friends. With aprox. 1142 attendees including trips to Llandudno, Bury Market, canal cruises, museum, theatre trips, afternoon teas, as well as a number of dances, meals and charity nights. Beat The January Blues Meal & Entertainment Coach Trips Afternoon Tea & Entertainment Theatre Trips ## **OTHER ORGANISAIONS** **Health and Wellbeing sessions** – We are a leading provider for health & wellbeing services for other organisations, providing activities at their groups, or events including Cancer, Diabetes, Macmillan, mental health, Alzheimer’s, macular organisations and Deaf Society, Southport and Ormskirk Hospitals, We have over 25 years of experience of working in the voluntary community sector and have strong established links and networks across Sefton **Placements** – we have local students provide work experience for doctors, trainee nurses, and people with special educational needs, supporting and training the next generation. **HEALTH & WELLBEING EVENTS** Providing a variety of activity sessions across the brough in 3 local hospitals, Macmillan, Cancer, Diabetes, Mental Health, Alzheimer’s, Macular, Healthwatch and the Carers Centre to 583 attendees. Community Events Hospital Wellbeing Days Student Placment 8 ## **SERVING THE MOST VULNERABLE** ## **Strong Partnerships & Strategic Influence** We believe with over 25 years of established networks, partnerships, and community links, enables us to deliver a wide range of health and wellbeing activities improving physical and mental health while reducing loneliness and isolation. We maintain close working relationships with Local authorities, Integrated Care Systems (ICS) (formerly CCGs), NHS services, including Cancer, Diabetes, Macmillan, Mental Health, Alzheimer’s, and Macular support teams, Healthwatch, The Deaf Society, Carers’ organisations, and groups focused on dementia, depression, anxiety, and gender-specific issues. Together, we co-create engaging, inclusive, and enjoyable activities for both our members and those of our partner organisations. Our extensive knowledge and experience also position us as a key voice on several strategic boards and feeding back to forums acting as ambassadors and advocates for older persons issues including: Healthwatch Sefton, Older Persons Forum, Integrated Care Teams (ICT), Local government advisory groups. Through these platforms, we ensure that older people’s voices are heard, their needs represented, offering real insight into the challenges faced by those often unheard in society and their experiences help shape policy and service provision across the borough. ## **A Truly Inclusive Organisation** Sefton OPERA is a fully inclusive organisation, with a clear Equal Opportunities Policy. We do not tolerate discrimination of any kind—regardless of age, race, disability, gender, sexuality, religion, or cultural background. Many of our staff, volunteers, and trustees live with disabilities themselves, including physical, sensory (deaf/blind), and neurodivergent conditions. We feel this provides our organisation with a rich diversity of lived experiences, perspectives, and skills, helping us to deliver more empathetic and relevant services. ## **Serving the Most Vulnerable** From participant evaluations, we know that a high proportion of our members identify as disabled, many living with multiple long-term conditions. Providing bespoke packages enables people with visual impairments to participate (Macular Society), members of the Deaf Society, Carers, people affected by cancer (Macmillan), Alzheimer’s and dementia patients. In addition, many face: - Severe financial hardship due to benefit cutbacks, increased living costs, and energy bills - Social isolation and daily challenges associated with high deprivation in the Sefton area - We actively respond to these challenges through our services and support. ## **Championing Social Justice and Representation** Sefton OPERA believes in social action and active citizenship as key drivers for community resilience and positive change. We follow the guiding principle **“Nothing About Us Without Us.”** This means: - Ensuring members are consulted and have real input into decisions that affect their lives - Challenging discrimination and injustice at both community and policy levels - Empowering people to be part of the solution to the issues they face 9 ## **WEEKLY & MONTHLY SOCIAL INCLUSION ACTIVITIES** 10 ## **FINANCE Objectives and Activities** ## **FINANCE Structure Governance & Management** 11 ## **FINANCE Trustees Responsibilities** ## **FINANCE Independent Examiners 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 2025 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 2025. The full annual accounts and Trustees report of the charity were approved by the Trustees and signed on their behalf on 20[th] March 2026. They will be submitted to the Charity Commission and Companies House by 1[st] June 2026. 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 20[th] March 2026 ## **Sefton O.P.E.R.A would like to thank the following funders:** Albert Hunt Burbo Bank Eleanor Rathbone Elizabeth Rathbone Hemby Trust Heritage Lottery Sefton Council The Duchy of Lancaster The Linacre 500 UK SPF Sefton CVS Warm Coat, Warm Space, Community resilience 14 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.seftonopera.org.uk Company Registration No: 03841119 Charity Registration No: 1086437 15 Sefton O.P.E.R,A. Charity No. 1086437 Company No. 03841119 Trustee5' Report and Unaudlted Account5 30 September 2025 Sèfton O.P.E.R.A. Contents Pages 2to4 Trustees, Annual Report Independent Examiner's Report Statement of Finaricial Activities B31ance Sheet Notes to the Account5 8t016 Page I Sefton O.P.E.R.A. Trustees Annual Report The trustees, who are 3150 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 2025. The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the accounting pulicies set out in Note I to the accounts and comply with the charity'5 governing document, the Charities Act 2011, the Companies Act 2006 and AcioLinting and Reporting by Charities.. Staiement of Recomfflended Practice applicable to charitles preparin8 their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard 102 applicable in the UK and Republic ol Ireland. REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS Company No. 03841119 Charity No. 1086437 ReK15tered OffSce St Matthews Community 200 410 Stanley Road Bootle L20 SAE Dlrectois and Trustees The Directors ol the charitablo company are its Trustees lor the purposes of charity law. The following Director5 dnd TIu5tee5 served during the yedr.. M.1. Bates E.C. Crook K. Dixon (Resigned 21 October 20251 R.1. Forster M. Richardson P. Whitp Company Secretary V. Martlow Accountants Sefton Council for Voluntary Service Burlington House Crosby Road North Waterloo Liverpool L22 OLG OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES Page 2 Sefton O.P.E.R.A. Trustèe5 Annual Report The objects of the tharity are to promote any charitable purpo%e5 for the benefit ol older persons in the borough of Selton ènd iii particular the advancement of education, the promotion of good health, the prevention of Social isolation and the relief ol poverty, sickness and distres5 arising therefrom. Sefton O.P.E.R.A. 15 a voluntary organisation working with older people in the commuriity, manv experiencing dementia and Alzheiiners, often experiencing isolation. OUF aitn is to enable older people to have choices in relation to their own health. Our outstanding contribution to social welfare and using grass roots to formulate their objectives within the community. ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE Last year we concentrated our AGM Report on the volunteers and their achievefflent, this year we have concentrated our report on our members, the older and vulnerable people who attend our activities, bv providing grass roots activities in their own local area5 encourage5 them to become regular members. Regular attendance to the Health & Wellbein8 se55ion5 that Selton OPERA provide improving both physical and mental health reducing loneliness and isolation and the ddditional knock-on eflectS that this has on their health, and by providing a safe and securc place to meet likeminded people supporting each other, and by giving them tho ski115 needed to improve their own hLialth and wellbL'ing. 8ive5 thcm a purpose and a feeling of bein8 part of their own community again. Studies show regular attendance to social inclusion activities can improve loneliness, anxiety depression, stre55, dementia, and boost mental wellbeing reduce negative foelin8s and dejection, and regular attendance to gentle pl)¥sical activities can improve breathing, balance, reduce falls, increase blood flow, lubricate joins, strengthen muscle5, reducing arthritis pain and 5wellin8, reduce blood pressure and cholesterol. Which reduces illnesses such as stroke, heart disease, type 2 diabetes dnd improves quality of life lowering the risk of dementia. Thi5 all ha5 the knock on effect ol reducing unnecessary Dr5 and h05Pital appointment5 in a time when the NHS is already strLJgglin£ to keep up with iho nood5 01 their patients. FINANCIAL REVIEW Th￿ cl)arily Wds in a Sdtislaciory findncial pu51tioii at 30 September 2025. The operational deficit on the general fund diiring the year was £52,33012024'. surplus of £9,179), A5 at 30 September 2025 total funds of £48,140 01 which £4,818 was held in restricted fund5 which Is therefore not available for ihe general purposes ol the charitable company. Designated funds representing the net book value ol fixed assets were £361. The trustees have considered the need to maintain an appropriate level ol reserves lor the charity. Consideration ha5 boon £ivon to the nature of income and expenditure streams, the need to match income with fixed commitments and the nature of reserves. The trusteè5 have tontludèd that the following reseFve5 should be maintained. The trustees w15h to have 6 months ol total expenditure, based on the last 3 year5, in reserve to cover the cost of staff salaries should restricted funding be unexpectedly withdrawn. The average 3nnu31 expenditure over the last 3 years12023-2025 inclusivel 15 £137,646 . This equates to a reserve level of £68,823. A5 at 30 September 2025 the level of reserves held by Selton O.P.E'.R.A. was £42,961, being unrestricted funds le55 the value ol our fixed asset5. Current reserves represent 62% of the reserves required to be held by the trLJ5tee5. STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT Page 3 Sefton O.P.E.R.A. Trustees Annual Report Sefton O.P.E.R.A. is a company limited by guarantee governed by its Memorandum and Articles of Association dated 14th September 1999. It is registered with the Charity Commission. Anyone over the age 0118 can become a member of the Company and there are currently 6 member516 in 20221. each ol whom agrees to contribute £10 in the event of the charity winding up. As set out in the Articles ol Association, the trustees are Èlected by members ol the charitable company attending the Annual General Meeting. The longost serving one third of trusiees retire5 each yeBf and 15 able to offer themselves for re-election. Thè board of trustees administers thè charitv. None of our trustee5 receive remuneration or other benefit from their work with the charity. Anv connection between a trustee or Senior manager ol the charity and any client or supplier is di5c105ed to the full board ol trustees in the same way as any other contractual relationship with a related party. In the curfent year no such related party transactions were reported. The Trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records that disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financi31 position of the charity and to enable thern to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Companie5 Act 2006, The Trustees are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charity and hence takin£ reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities. The above report h35 been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to companies subject to the small companies regime as sei out in Part 15 of the Companies Act 2006 and in accordance with the Charities SORP IFRS 1021. Signed on behalf of the board V. Martlow Company Secretary 20 March 2026 E.C. Crook Tru51ee 20 March 2026 Page 4 Sefton O.P.E.R.A. Independent Examiners Report Independent Examiner's Report to the trustee5 of Sefton O.P.E.R.A. I report to the charity trustees on my eKamination of the financi315tatement5 01 Sefton O.P.E.R.A. lor the vear ended 30 September 2025 which cornprise the Statement ol Financial Activitie5. the Summary Income and Expenditure Account, the Balance Sheet and the related notes. ResponsSbilliie5 and basis of report A5 the trustees ol the charity land also its directors for the purp05e5 of company lawl you are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements In accordance with the requirements ol the Companies Act 2006 I'the 2006 Act. Having 5atlsfied myself that the financial Statements of the charity are noi required to be audited under Part 16 01 the 2006 Ait and are eligible lor independeni examination, I report in respect of my examination of vour charity's financial siatement5 35 carried out ur)der section 145 of the Charitie5 Act 20111'the 2011 Act'l. In carryin£ out my examination I have followed the Diroctions Biven by the Charity Commission under section 14515llbl of the 2011 Act. Independent examSner's statement I have completed my examination. I can confirm that no material matters have come to attention In connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that.. aCCOLJnlin8 records were not kept in accordance with Section 386 of the 2006 Act,. or tlie financial 5tatement5 do not accord with those records,. or the financial statements do not comply with the actounting requirements under section 396 of the 2006 Act other than any rL'quirement that the financial statement5 give a 'true and lair, viow which is not a matter considered as part ol an independent examination., or the financial statemen15 have not been prepared in accordance with the Charities SORP IFRS 1021. I have no concerns and have come acr055 no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report In order to enable a proper understanding ol the financial statement5 to be reached. lan Wright Chartered Accountant Selton Council lor Voluntary Service Burlington House Cr05by Road North Waterloo Liverpool L22 OLG 20 March 2026 Page 5 Sefton O.P.E.R.A. Statement of Financial Attivities for the year ended 30 Septembef 2025 Unrestricteil Restricted funds Total funds Total funds funds 2025 2025 2025 2024 Notes Income and endowment5 from.. Donaticn5 and legacies Investments 23,418 54,932 78,350 107,810 22 Total 23,421 54.932 78.353 107.832 Expenditure on.. 75,751 55,948 131,699 137,593 Total 75,751 55,948 131,699 137,593 Net g,Eiins on investments Net expenditure 152.3301 11,0161 153,3461 129.7611 Triinslors boiween funds Net expenditure before othei galnsll1055esl 152,3301 11,0161 153,3461 129,7611 other gains and losses Net movement in funds 152,3301 11,0161 153,3461 129,7611 Reconclliation of fund5'. Total lund5 bruught lurwdrd 95,652 5,834 101,486 131,247 Total funds cairled forward 43,322 4,818 48,140 101,486 Page 6 Sefton O.P.E.R.A. Balance Sheet at 30 September 2025 Company No. 03841119 Note5 2025 2024 Flxed assets Tangible assets 361 452 361 4S2 Current assets Debtors io 975 1,935 99,399 101.334 13001 101,034 Cash ai bank and in hand 47,974 Creditors: Amount falling due within one year Net current assets li 11,1701 47,779 Total a55ets less current liabillties 48,140 101,486 Net a55et5 excluding pension asset or liablllty Total net assets 48,140 101,486 48,140 101,486 The fund5 of the charlty Restricted funds 12 Restricted income funds 4,818 4,818 5,834 Unrestricted funds (ieiieral luiids 12 42,961 361 95,200 452 De518natod funds 43,322 95,652 Reserves 12 Total funds 48,140 101,486 These Hccounts have been prepared in accordance with the special provi5ion5 of Part 15 01 the Companies Act 2006 relating to small companie5. For the year ended 30 September 2025 the company wa5 entitled to exemption under section 477 01 the Companies Act 2006 relating to Sfnall companies, The member5 have not required ihe company to obtain an audit in accordance with section 476 01 the Compdnies Act 2006. The director5 acknowledge their responsibilitles for complying with the requirements ol the Companie5 Act 2006 with respect to accounting record5 and the preparation of accounts. Approved by the board on 20 March 2026 And signed on it5 behalf by.. E.C. Crook Trustee 20 March 2026 Page 7 5efton O.P.E.R.A. Notes to the Accounts for the yeai ended 30 September 202S l Accounting policies Basis of preparation The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the charity'5 governing document, the Companies Act 2006, FRS 102 'The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland I'FRS 102,1 and the Charities SORP 'AccountinE dnd Reporiing by Charitie5.' Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing thoir accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Slanddrd applic¢tble in the UK and Republic ol Ireland IFRS 1021" leflective 113nuary 20191. The charity meets the definition of a public benefit entity under FRS ID2, Assets and liabilities are initiallv recognised at historical cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant accounting pulicy note. The functional currency used is the £ Sterling. Assets and liabilitie5 are initially recogniied at historical cost or tran5HCtion value unless otherwise stated in the relevant aCCOLJnting policy note. The functional currency used is the £ Sterlin8, Preparation of the accounls on a going concern basls At the lime of approvin8 the accounts, the trustees, have a reasonable expectation that the Charity has adequ3te resources to continue in operational existence lor the forseeable future. As such these accounts have been prepared under the goin8 cuncern ba515. Changè In basis of accountin8 or to prevlou5 accounts There h85 been iio clianKe to the accounting policies IvalLJation rules and method ol accountingl since last ypar and no changes have been made io accounts lor previous years, Fund actounting These are available lor use at the discretion of the trustees in furtherance of the general objÈcts of th& charity. These are unrestricted lund5 earmarked by the tru5tee5 for particular purposes. These are unrestricted funds which include a revaluation reserve representing the restatement ol investment a55et5 at iheir markel valLJes. These are available lor u5@ 5ubjeit to restrictions imposed by the donor or through terms of an appe31, Designaled ILJnds Revaluation funds Restricted funds Page 8 Sefton O.P.E.R.A. Notes to the Accounts Income Recognition of income Income is included in the Statement of Financial Aclivities ISOFAI when the charity becomes entitled to, and virtually certain to receive, the income and the amount of the income can be measured with sufficient reliabilitv. Income with related Where income has related expenditure the income and related expenditure is expenditure reported gr055 in the SOFA. Donations and legacies Voluntary income received by way ol grant5, donations and gifts is included in the the SOFA when recelvable and only wheri the Charity has unconditional entitlement to the income. Tax reclaims on Income from tax reclaims iq Included in the SOFA at the 53me time as the donations and Eifts giftldon3tion to which it relates. Donated service5 These are only included in income (with an equivalent amount in expenditurel where the beneflt to the Charity 15 reasonably quantifiable, measurable and material. Volunteer help The value of any volunteer help received is not included in the accounts. Investment Income This 15 included in the accounts when receivable. Gains/llossesl on Thi5 includes any gain or loss resulting from revaluing investments lo market valuo revaluation ol fixed at the end ol the year. assets Gains11105se51 on investment 355ets Thi5 include5 any 8ain or loss on the sale of investments. Expendltuie Expenditure is recogni5ed on an accrLJals basis. Expenditure includes any VAT which cannot be lully recovered, and is reported as part of the expenditure to which it relates. Expenditure on These comprise the cosL5 associdted with attracling voluntary income, fundraising r3isin£ lund5 trading Costs and investment management costs. Expenditure on These comprise the costs incurred by the Charity in the delivery of it5 activitie5 and charitable activities services in thE furtherance of it5 object5, including the makin8 of grants and governance costs. All grant cxpenditure 15 accounted for on an actual paid basis plus an accrual lor grants that have been approved by the trustee5 at the end of the year but not yet paid, These include those costs associated with meeting the constitutional and statLJtorv requirements ol the Charity, including any auditlindcpendent examination fce5, costs linked to the strategic management ol the Charity, together with a share of other administration costs. These are support costs not allocated to a particular activity. expenditure Grants payable Governance c05t5 Other expenditure Taxation The charitv 15 exompt from corporation tax on it5 charitable activities. Trade and other debtors Trade ènd other debtors are recognised at the settlement amount duo after any trado discount olf@red. Prepayments are valued at the amoijnt prepaid net of any trade discount5 due. Page 9 Sefton O.P.E.R.A. Notes to the Accounts Cash and cash equivalents Cash and cash equivalent5 comprise cash at bank and on hand. demand deposits with banks and other short-term highly liquid investments with original maturities of three month5 or le55 and bank overdrafts. In the Statement of financial position, bank overdrafts are shown within borrowings or current liabilities. In the Statement of Cash Flows, cash and cash equivalents are shown net ol bank overdrafts that are repayable on demand and form an integr31 part of tho company's cash management. Trade and other creditors Short term creditors are med5ured at the transaction price. Other creditors and provisions are recognised where the charity has a present obligation resulting from a past event that will probably result in the transfer of funds to a third party and the amount duf. to settle the obligation can be measured or estimated reliably, Creditors and provisions are normally recognised at their settlement amount after allowing for any trade discounts due. Penslon t05ts The charity operates a dplined contribution pl3n lor its employee5. A defined contribution plan 15 a pension plan under wl)ich the company pays fixed contributi0115 into a separate entity. Qnce the contributions have been paid the compaiiy has no further payments obligations. The contributions are recogni5ed a5 expenses when they fall due. Amount5 not paid are shown in accrua15 in the balance sheet. The assets of the plan are held separately from the company in independently administered funds. 2 Company status The company is a private company limited by guarantee and consequently does not have share capital. Page 10 Sefton O.P.E.R.A. Note5 to the Accounts 3 Statement of Financial Activities- prior year Unrestricted fund5 Restricted fund5 Total funds 2024 2024 2024 Income and endowments from.. Donations and legacies Investments 36,571 22 71.239 107,810 22 Total 36,593 71,239 107,832 Expenditure on.. Charitable activitie5 27.529 110,064 137,593 Total 27,529 110,064 137,593 Net Income 9,064 138,825) 129,7611 Net income before othèr gainslllossesl Other galns and losses.. 9,064 138,8251 129,7611 Net movement In lunds 9,064 138,8251 129,7611 Reconciliatlon of fund5: Total funds brought forward Total funds carrled forward 86,588 44,659 131.247 95.652 5,834 101.486 4 Income from donatlons and le83cles Unrestricted Restricted Total Total 2025 2024 DonatlQnS 20.303 3.115 23.418 20,303 58.047 78.3SO 19,753 88,057 107,810 Grant5 54.932 54.932 S Income from Inve5tment5 Unrestrlcted Total Total 2025 2024 Interest Receivable 22 22 Page 11 Sefton O.P.E.R.A. Notes to the Accounts 6 Expenditure on charitable activities VnrestrittÈd Restricted Total Total 2025 2024 Expenditure on ch