Disability Advice and Support Hillingdon (A company limited by guarantee) Annual Report Accounts 2024-2025 Registered Charity Number: 1093818 Company Registration Number: 04204456 Contents Page I: Legal & Administrative Information Page 2: Our Mission, Our Vision, Our Objective Page 3-16: Directors, Annual Report Page 17-18: Independent Examiners Report Page 19: Statement of Financial Activities Page 20: Balance Sheet Page 21: Directors Responsibilities Page 22 to 28: Notes to the Financial Statements Page 29: Partnerships Page 30: Funders Legal & Administrative Information Reglstered Charity Name: Registered Charity Number: Company Reglstration Number: Date of Incorporation: Start of Financial Year: End of Financial Year Disability Advice & Support Hillingdon 1093818 04204456 8th November 2010 1st April 2024 31st March 2025 Directors (as of 31st March 2025) Jonathan Say (Chair) Yvonne Witter (appointed 24/08/24) Angela Parkins Grace Adjekum lan Diamant Peter Shackleton Rajiv Cahannac Vanessa Bonner Company Secretary: Governing Document: Memorandum and articles incorporated 24/04/2001, as amended by special resolution registered at Companies House on 19/12/2011, as amended on 11/04/2022 Registered Office Address: Wood End Centre, Judge Heath Lone, Hayes, UB3 2PB Independent Examiner: Independent Examiners Ltd. The Grain Store Hills Barns, Appledram Lane South, Chichester, West Sussex P018 8NF Bankers: HSBC, 28 High Street, Uxbridge, UB8 IJN Page I Our Mission: DASH aims to promote independence and provide individuals with the skills to become more confident in everyday life. At the same time allowing them to be healthier in body and mind and appropriately informed so they can make the right choice to enable them to live their life to the f ull. Our Vision: DASH strives to empower, inspire and motivate disabled people of any age to reach their full potential every day and in every situation. Our Objectives: DASH believes in promoting and championing the Social Model of Disability. We believe that disability is caused by the way in which society is organised and run. Disability is not caused by a person's impairment, but by a lack of access to equipment, services, opportunities in employment and education and the provision of an appropriately designed environment. DISABILITY DOES NOT MEAN INABILITY Page REPORT OF THE DIRECTORS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 25 Structure, Governance & Management Nature of Governing Document: DASH is a registered charity (number 1093818) as of September 16th 2002 and is constituted under its Memorandum and Articles of Association. Recruitment and Appointment of Trustees: The management of the charity is the responsibility of the Trustees who are appointed under the terms of the Articles of Association. Organisational Structure: the charity is governed by its Trustees who take legal responsibility for the financial and statutory compliance of the Charity. New Trustees are appointed in accordance with Charity Commission guidelines. Related Party Relationships: The charity works closely with a number of voluntary sector organisations in the London Borough of Hillingdon, which enhances the ability of this charity to further its charitable objects. Risk Management: The Trustees have assessed the major risks to which the Charity is exposed, in particular those related to the operations and finances of the Charity, and are satisfied that systems and procedures are in place to mitlgate exposure to the major risks. Public Benefit: The Trustees confirm that they have complied with the requirements of section 17 of the Charities Act 2011 to have due regard to the public benefit guidance published by the Charity Commission for England and Vvales. Going Concern: After making appropriate enquiries, the Trustees have a reasonable expectation that the charity has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. For this reason they continue to adopt the going concern basis in preparing the f inancial statements. Page 3 REPORT OF THE DIRECTORS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 25 Chair's Statement Welcome to the 2024 -2025 annual report of Disability Advice and Support Hillingdon. We are a charity that provides advice, support and activities, to disabled people in Hillingdon enabling them to take control of their lives and become more independent, confident, and part of their communities. With careful financial management and the continued, and vital, support of our wonderful donors and funders we came into this year in a good financial position.we are completely dependent on funders and donors and , even in these difficult financial times , l am delighted that so many of you have helped us deliver our essential services to so many people. I send my heartfelt thanks for each and every contribution large and small. l am particularly gratef ul to the London Borough of Hillingdon, our main source of funding, and to the National Lottery Community Fund for their significant support. The demand for our services continues to rise. The number of people to whom we have given advice and practical assistance this year has reached new levels as has the number of people using our activities centre, 'The Hub, in Uxbridge town centre. With the generous financial assistance of Mondelez International we have been able to add an art therapy room to the facilities there. You can read more about our impact and outcomes further on in this report. Despite the considerable challenges faced during the year, you will see in this report that we have continued to make progress against our strategic priorities and principles. to deliver much needed, high quality, frontline support to the people who need it. would like to thank our CEO and all our hard working staff for their passion and skill in taking the charity's work forward. I would also like to thank all our volunteers who give their time so freely to provide essential support. And, of course the Board of Trustees for their contribution and dedication over the last year. Jonathan Say Page 4 REPORT OF THE DIRECTORS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 25 Services: Advice & Information, including Equalities Act related issues Howwe help: Advice & information over the phone, via email or face-to-face appointments Circulation of newsletter to 875 subscribers Signposting to appropriate serrfices Outcomes: Greater knowledge & understanding to be able to make informed choices Increased independence to access services in the community SUPPORT GuiboNCE Page 5 REPORT OF THE DIRECTORS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 25 Services: Support to claim disability-related benefits Howwe help: We are able to support clients all the way through the claims process, up to challenging decisions at the First Tier Tribunal Outcomes: Increased financial gains of £1,643,290 for disabled people, in Hillingdon, in the last year Improved knowledge & understanding Increased life choices 91 % of cases overturned in clients favour at First Tier Tribunal Page 6 REPORT OF THE DIRECTORS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 25 Services: Help4Hillingdon Howwe help: Maximise income and reduce debt for users who may not have access to traditional advice provisions. DASH'S service delivery of this project continues in 6 special schools in Hillingdon, 2 foodbanks in the North of the borough. Page 7 REPORT OF THE DIRECTORS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 25 Services: The Hub Howwe help: At the DASH Hub we offer a wide range of sporting and recreational activities for people with a disability. These include: bingo, boxing, arts & crafts etc. We provide a safe and fun environment to socialise and make new friends while engaging and learning new skills. We have recently added dance therapy, a sensory room, walking group and a reading corner. We work with individuals to ensure they get the most out of our sessions and reach their individual goals and feel part of a welcoming community. We also regularly evaluate the effectiveness of programs and services through committee meetings and surveys, implementing changes to improve outcomes for participants. Outcomes: Increased knowledge and understanding Improved physical health Increased confidence & independence Increased physical and mental wellbeing Increased social connections Independent living in the community Feeling included and supported by social network Service users- 428 Sessions attended - 11,256 Contact hours- 33,768 Page 8 REPORT OF THE DIRECTORS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 25 Services: Transitions Project Howwe help: DASH offers support for people with a disability aged between16 and 25 years, includin9: I:1 advice & support sessions with the young person and their family (includes benefit form support and form filling). Explaining the Personal Independence Plan (PIP) and Universal Credit {UC) forms in a way a person with a learning disability or mental illness would understand. Attending medical assessments or Tribunals with young disabled people regarding PIP and UC, as well as supporting an individual when appealing decisions before, prior and post appeal. Outreach work to organisations within the borough to enable them to signpost disabled young people to DASH and vice versa. This allows us to signpost individuals to services they need, that we do not provide. Outcomes: Improved Financial Stability Improved mental health and decreased anxiety Increased confidence and empowerment Increased independence Improved signposting and ref errals Project ended September 2024 Page REPORT OF THE DIRECTORS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 25 Services: Neuro Wellbeing Support Service Howwe help: Supporting patients at Hillingdon Hospital's Alderbourne and Daniels Rehabilitation Wards to improve their transition from ward to home. This reduces their need for re-admissions & improves their quality of care. The team consists of a Wellbeing Support Officer and an Information, Advice & Benefits Worker (IABW), both DASH employees. Welcome to Hill¥igdon Hospjtal Page 10 REPORT OF THE DIRECTORS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 25 Services: Business Development & Fundraising How we help: Bring together & facilitate a network of Disabled Person's Organisations in Hillingdon to share information, resources & foster partnership bids for funding, as well as increase the unrestricted funds available to our or9anisation. The organisations involved are DASH, Hillingdon Mind, Middlesex Association for the Blind, Hillingdon Stroke Group, Centre for ADHD & Autism Support, People Connex, Hillingdon Brain Injury and Tumour Group, & Joy Wellbeing Centre. Outcomes: Formation of the Hillingdon Disability Network Monthly meetings of the Network to catch up More sustainable funding for the organisations involved Sharing of information and resources Page11 REPORT OF THE DIRECTORS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 25 Services: Volunteering How we help: Members of the public getting involved in a wide range of activities, helping at our activities hub and working within our main office. Outcomes: Brunel Charity of the Year 2024 4 new local business attended sessions for corporate volunteering Fortnightly visits from a therapy dog. tec 24 new volunteers 45 local events attended Page12 REPORT OF THE DIRECTORS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 25 Achievement & Performance 80.6°A of clients felt their knowledge & understanding of their rights and entitlement to disability-related benef its increased because of the support provided by DASH. Increased financial gains for disabled people in Hillingdon in the last year 86.1 % of clients reported that their financial situation improved as a result of our support. 92.7°A of clients found our services easy to use 94.4°/o of clients reporte that they felt the person supporting them listened and understood their issues. Page 13 REPORT OF THE DIRECTORS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 25 Thank you for all the help yo gave me with my PIP form. You truly went above and beyond and your kindnessi patience and willingness to go out of your way to support me meant more than words can express. You showed continuous kindness which lifted a burden . Your expertisei guidance and patience gave me the strength to keep going. li "We wanted to Thank you for all your help during the PIP process and all the future support you have left open to us." 'What felt like a daunting an overwhelming task became more manageable because of your help. Otherwise with my health conditions I would not of done it. Page 14 REPORT OF THE DIRECTORS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 25 Policy on Reserves It is the policy of the charity to maintain unrestricted funds, which are free reserves of the charity to cover: meet financial commitrnents when they arise administration and support costs for the charity - sufficient promotion of its objects The trustees consider that it is appropriate that free reserves that are undesignated should be sufficient to cover 3 months administration and support costs. The reserves policy is kept under periodic review and reserves levels will be adjusted as perceptions of risk and other factors change. Statement of Trustees, Responsibilities The Charities Act and the Companies Act require the Board of Trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charity as at the end of the financial year and of the surplus or deficit of the charity. In preparing the financial statements the Board is required to.. select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently; make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent; prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the charity will continue in business and. state whether applicable accounting standards and statements of recommended practice have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements. The Trustees are also responsible for maintaining adequate accounting records which disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity and which are sufficient to show and explain the charity's transactions and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006 and comply with regulations made under the Charities Act. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charity and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities. Page15 REPORT OF THE DIRECTORS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 25 The Trustees are also responsible for the contents of the trustees, report, and the responsibility of the independent examiner in relation to the trustees, report is limited to examining the report and ensuring that on the face of the report, there are no inconsistencies with the figures disclosed in the financial statements. These accounts have been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to companies subject to the small companies regime. l approve the attached statement of financial activities and balance sheet for the year ended 31st March 2025 and confirm that I have made available all information necessary for its preparation. Approved by the Directors on the: i(0112120 26 Signed on their behalf by Director: Printed Name: Page16 Independent Examiners Report Report to the Trustees of Disability Advice & Support Hillingdon on the accounts for the year ended 31st March 2025 set out on pages 19 to 28. Respective responsibilities of trustees and examiner: The Charity's trustees (who are also the directors of the company for the purposes of company law) are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 ('the 2006 Act,). Having satisfied myself that the accounts of Disability Advice & Support Hillingdon are not required to be audited under Part 16 of the 2006 Act and are eligible for independent examination, I report in respect of my examination of your charity's accounts as carried out under section 145 of the Charities Act 2011 ('the 2011 Act,). In carrying out my examination I have followed the Directions given by the Charity Commission under section145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act. Independent examiner's statement: Since Disability Advice & Support Hillingdon gross income exceeded £250,000 your examiner must be a member of a body listed in section 145 of the 2011 Act. I confirm that l am qualified to undertake the examination because l am a fellow member of the Association of Charity Independent Examiners, which is one of the listed bodies. I have completed my examination. I confirm that no matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe: accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 386 of the Companies Act 2006; or the accounts do not accord with such records; or the accounts do not comply with relevant accounting requirements under section 396 of the Companies Act 2006 other than any requirement that the accounts give a 'true and fair, view which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination; or the accounts have not been prepared in accordance with the methods and principles of the Statement of Recommended Practice for accounting and reporting by charities. Page 17 I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached Signed: Date: Kim Gomes The Grain Store Hills Barns, Appledram Lane South, Chichester, West Sussex PO18 8NF Page 18 DISABILITY ADVICE AND SUPPORT HILLINGDON (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 25 (Incorporating Income and Expenditure Account) Unrestricted Restricted funds funds Total Total 31-Mar-25 31-Mar-24 INCOMING RESOURCES Incoming Resources from Generated Fund8 Donations & Legacies Investments Income Charitable Activities Other Income Notes 12,187 4,156 289,021 81,228 12,187 4,156 401,305 81,228 11,545 5,005 389,960 59,387 3b 112,284 3d TOTAL INCOMING RESOURCES 386,592 112,284 498,876 445,897 RESOURCES EXPENDED Costs of Generating Funds Charitable Activities TOTAL RESOURCES EXPENDED 309174 309,174 141,883 141883 451057 423 422 423 422 NET INCOMING/ (OUTGOING) RESOURCES Transfers Between Funds Total Funds Brought Forward 77,418 29,599 47,819 22,474 16,165 138,819 16,165 47,427 186,247 163,772 TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD 200,072 33,993 234,066 186,247 Movements on all reserves and all recognised gains and losses are shown above. All of the organisation's operations are classed as continuing. The notes on pages 22 to 28 form part of these f inancial statements. Page 19 DISABILITY ADVICE AND SUPPORT HILLINGDON (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) BALANCE SHEET: AS AT 31ST MARCH 2025 Registration Number 04204456 Unrestricted Restricted funds funds Total Total 31-Mar-25 31-Mar-24 Note Fixed A889ts Tangible Assets Total Fixed Tangible A88ets Current Assets Debtors & Prepayments Cash at bank and in hand Total Current Assets 62,869 165,180 228 049 62,869 199,173 262 042 47,985 222,169 33,993 Creditors: Amounts falling due in one year NET CURRENT ASSETS 27,977 27,977 85,908 200,072 33,993 234,065 186,246 Long Term Liabilities NET ASSETS 200,072 33,993 186,247 Funds of the Charity General Funds Restricted Funds 200,072 200,072 33,994 158,819 47,427 33,993 Total Funds 200,072 33.993 234,066 186,247 Page 20 Director's Responsibilities: For the financial year ending 31 March 25 the charity was entitled to exemption from audit under section 477 of the Companies Act 2006 relating to small companies. Directors, responsibilities: The members have not required the charity to obtain an audit of its accounts for the year in question in accordance with section 476; and The directors acknowledge their responsibilities for complying Wlth the requirements of the Act with respect to accounting records and the preparation of accounts. These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the special provisions relating to companies subject to the small companies regime within Part15 of the Companies Act 2006. The financial statements on pages 19 to 28 were approved by the trustees, and authorised for issue and signed on their behalf by: Approved by the Directors on the: 16 /12 /25 Signed on their behalf by Director: Printed Name: