SIGHTLINE VISION ORTH WEST LIMITED CHARITY NUMBER 04020457 ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024 Michael J. Sullivan FINANCIAL ACCOUNTANTS 24 KJNGSWA Y WEST, PENWOR THAM, PRESTOJV. LANCS. PRI OJA
SIGHTLINE VISION NORTH WEST LIMITED CHARITY NUMBER 04620457 TRUSTEES, ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024 Objeetlves Sightline's obj¢ctiv¢ Is to provide a premier lelephone befriending service for visually impaired pcoplc which is completely free, totally secure and absolutely confidential. The service is offered across England and Wales. Thc scrvice is still unique within the North West of England and only a handful of organisations providc anything similar within the rest of the UK. As a result. Sightline has forged partnerships with the likcs of RNIB, Guide Dogs. Age UK, Eye Clinic Liaison Officers and many other organisations supporting blind and partially sight¢d people. For anyone living with a visual impairment, Sightline's telephone based befiiending service is designed to reduce loneliness and isolation. increas¢ overall w¢llb¢ing and help visually impaired people back into employment, training or volunteering. Our service is staff¢d by a team of dedicated, friendly, trained volunteers most of whom have close experience of sight loss, which leads lo a high level of understanding, empathy and support between Service Users and Volunteers. Consequently, many of our Service Users and Volunteers are benefitting from the positive impact a t¢l¢phone befriending relationship can offer, which can be seen in the Sightline Stories on our website. Activities and Perforniance In setting our objectives and planning our activities the trustees have considered the Charity Commission's guidance on public benefits. Sighiline recognises and adheres to a strict policy of confidentiality within our work, r¢spcct for each other and for those who contact us, together with our networking partners which wc see as paramount to our success. Indeed, it is Sightline's Innovative approach to partnership workings that has continued to drive a rapid rise in the number of visually impaired people accessing the t¢1h0n¢ befriending s¢rvicc which was only launched in 2018. The popujarity of Sightline's telephone befriending service shows no SI of slowing down with a new record of new referrals in 2024 at 203 (2023 - 157) from various sources including national and local sight loss charities, local authorities, and h¢althcare professionals. During 2024 Sightline had an average of 155 matches per month (2023 - 10 l ), which highlights the continued amazing Progress Sightline has made during this financial y¢ar. Over a nine-month period Sightline undertakes the completion of three wellbeing and confidence s¢or¢ charts for all new Service Users which is showing an 810/0 increase in our Service Users wellbeing, confidence and general mental health. During a financial year Sightline also completes
twelve detailed feedback sessions with both Service Users and Volunteers. These feedback sessions are used to write the Sightline Stori¢s which can be read on our website and social media channels. Sightline has increased its networking opportunities through a variety of media (e.g., website, social media, newsletters, and pe¢r support groups). Sightline staff ar¢ now attending many evenls and exhibitions, and these networking activities have enabled Sightline to continue to raise its profilc and the awareness of the telephone befriending service, hence the record levels of on-going demand from visually impaircd people. Our Volunteers Th¢ delivery of our befriending service is reliant on our amazing team of volunteers, many of wlwm are themselves visually impaired. At the end of this financial year, we have 77 Volunteers {2023 - 70). Many of our Volunteers now support more than one Servic¢ U8¢r. All Volunteers are in regular contact with the Sightline Services Manager, to provide feedback, discuss issues and ensure that the befriending matches provide the best possible support to Service Users. All new Volunteers receive a comprehensive Induction, Training, and Support Guide together with a set of Safeguarding Procedures. Like most charities and as evidenced by the National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO) Sightline has been unable to recruit new Volunteers at the required rate. Financial Review Principal funding sourc¢s including grants have supported the key objectives of the Charity, running costs and services. Overall resources available have incr¢as¢d by £6392 (2023 decreased by £16575). Reserves policy and going concern The trustees aspire to have free reserves at a level that would cover three months nonnal running costs. Free reserves as at the 31" December 2024 are £23792 (2023 - £22658). Taxation The charity has no liability to tax as all its income is used for charitable pu08¢S. Risk Management The main risks to which the charity is exposed as identified by the trustees have been considered and systems have been established to mitigate those risks.
Directors and Trustees The directors of the charitable company (the charity) are its trustees for th¢ purpose of charity law. The trustees and oific¢rs are as follows: Mr. P.A. Howard (Chair) Mr. P. W. Booth Mr. A.V. Kimpton Ms. H. Parkinson Miss. K.J. Ayres Mr. l.C. Edwards (Charity Director) Appointment of Trustees One third of trustees must retire at each Amiual General Meeting in accordance wilh the Articles of Association. Trustees, Induction and Training New trustees are briefed on their legal obligations under Charity and Company Law, the Charity Cornmission guidance on public benefit, and are inforn]ed of the contenl of the Mernorandum and Articles ofAssociation, the committee and decision-making process, the business plan and recent financial performance of the charity. Trustees are encouraged to attend appropriate training ev¢nts where these will facilitate the undertaking of their role. Organisation The Board of Trust¢es which consists of at least three and not more than twelve individuals administer the charity. The board meet at least four times a year. The Charity Director is appointed by the trnstees to manage the day-to-day operations of the charity. The day-to- day management of the charity is delegated to the Charity Director who in turn leads a staff team with specific areas of responsibility. Related Parties and co-operation with other Organisatiolls None of the truslees receive remuneration or other benefits from their work with the charity. The charity has a close working relationship with Galloways Society for the Blind, a charity which shares our passion for supporting persons who are blind or visually impaired.
Sightline Vision (North W¢st) Limited has one trustee in common with Galloways Society for the Blind (Charity Number 526088). The trustees do not consider this charity to be under common control since there are additional trustees on both the Board of Galloways Society for the Blind and Sightline Vision (North West) Limited. Trustees, responsibilities in relation to FAnancial Statements The charity trustees (who are also directors for the purposes of company law) are responsible for preparing a Trustees, Report and Financial Statements in accordance with applicable law. Company law requires the directors to prepare financial statements for each financial year. Under the law the directors have elected to prepare the financial statcmcnts in accordance wilh United Kingdom Accounting Standards and applicable law (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice (GAAP). Under company law th¢ directors must not approve the financial statements unless they are satisfied that Ihey give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the company and the profit and loss of the company for that period. In preparing these financial statements the dir¢ctors are required to: select suitable accounting policies and ihen apply consistently. make judgements and accounting estimates that are reasonabl¢ and prudent. prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume the company will continue in business. The directors are responsible for keeping accounting records that disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the company and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006. They are also r¢sponsible for safeguarding th¢ assets of the Company and for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities. Small Company Excmption5 The report has been prepared in accordance with th¢ sp¢cial provisions relating to companies subject to the small companies, regime with part 15 of the Companies Act 2006. This report was app ed by the Board on the 22 April 2025 and signed on their behalf. P.A. Howar (Direetor/Trustee)
Inde endent Examiner's Re ort to the Trustees of htline Vision 'orth West Limited Chari number 04620457 I report on the accounts of the charity for the year ended 31 D¢¢ember 2024. Respective responsibilities of trustees and examiner As the charity's trustees you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts" you consider that the audit requirement of section 144 (2) of the Charities Act 2011 (the act) does not apply and that an independent examination is needed. It is our responsibility to a) Cxamine the accounts (under section 145 of the Act). b) to follow th¢ procedures laid down in the General Directions given by the Charity Commissioners under section 145 (a) of the Act: and c) to state whether matteTS have come to our attention. Basis of independent examiner's report Our examination was Caled out in a¢cordance with th¢ General Directions given by th¢ Charity Commissioners. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts and seeking explanations from you as trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit, and consequently we do not express an audit opinion on the accounts. Independent examiner's report In the course of our examination, no matter has come to our attention: . which gives us reasonable caus¢ to believe that, in any material respect, the tn]ste¢s have not m¢t the requirements to ensure that 8) proper accounting records are kept (in accordance with section 130 of the 2011 Act)" and b) accounts are prepared which agree with the accounting records and comply with the accounting requirements of the Act" or 2. to which, in our opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a propcr undcrstanding of the accounts o be r¢ached. Date: Chairpersvn: Independent Scrutineer: Michael J Sullivan Financial Accountants
SIGHTLINE VISION NORTH WEST CHARITY NUMBER 04620457 STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024 LIMITED Section H Balance sheet Notes 2024 2023 Fixed Assets Tangible Fixed Assets Current Assets Debtors; grants receivable Cash at Bank and in Hand 328 852 47,309 42,382 Creditors falling due within l year 1805 Net Current Assets Total Assets less Current Liabilities Funds of the Charity RestTiCted Funds Unrestricted Funds 20,426 27,907 17,919 24,023 Total Funds Declaration For the financial year in question the company was entitled to exemption under section 477 of the Companies Act 2006 relating to small companies and no members have r¢quired the company to obtain an audit under section 476 of that act. The directors acknowledge theiT responsibility for complying with the requirements of the Act with respect to accounting records and the preparation of the accounts. I approve the above accounts and si on behalf of the Trustees. DirectorlTrustee:
SIGHTLINE VISION ORTH WEST LIMfTED CHARITY NUMBER 04620457 Notes to the Financial Statements for the Period Ended 31 December 2024 l. Basis of accounting These accounts have been prepared on the basis of historic cost in a¢¢ordance with Accounting Standards, Accounting and Reporting by Charities - Statement of Recommended practice (SORP 2015 FRSSEE) and the Charities Act 2011. Thcrc has b¢¢n no changc to the accounting policies since last year. Expenditure is charged on an accruals basis. 2. Tangible Fixed Asset5 These are depreciat¢d at 250/0 of their written down value. DepreKiation is included at note 3. Staff Costs The average number of employees w&8 2 (2023 - 2) No amounts were paid to the Board of Trustees 4. Expenditure Charitable Activities 2024 Unrestricted 2024 Restricted 2024 Total 2023 Total Note Salari¢s and Pension Costs Sessional Worker R¢nt & Services Cornmunications & Marketing Training Travelling Expenses Insurance Befiiending Contract & Call Charges Other Telephon¢ Costs Consultancy Fees PAYE admin General Running Costs Depreciation 5,514 6,180 36,322 13,897 4,612 4,541 400 648 1,297 9,946 857 41,836 38,389 20,077 19.320 4,612 4,602 4.541 4,753 400 1378 648 665 1,297 1,227 9,946 8,006 857 779 1,122 114 1,648 114 1,798 331 150 331 2,269 455 Total Charitable Expenditure 12,175 74,282 86,457 82,965
-SIGHTLINE VISION NORTH WEST CHARITY NUMBER 04620457 STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024 LIMITED Section G Statement of Financial Activities Unrestricted funds Restricted Total 31.12.24 Total 31.12.23 Notes Incoming and Endowments Grants Interest Other Income Totsl Income 15,000 273 786 79,790 91,790 273 786 65,117 194 Resources Expended on: Charitable Activities Total Resources Expended Net Incoming Resources 3,884 2,508 6,392 Net Outgoing Expenditure 16,575 Total Funds Brought Forward Balances carried forward at 31 December 2024