## **Dudley Stroke** Association ## ANNUAL REPORT 2020 - 2021 ## Charity No.: 1100690 Company Limited by Guarantee No.: 04873607 16 High Street, Pensnett, Kingswinford, West Midlands DY6 7YD ## **Aims and Objectives** ## **Our Vision** Our vision is a borough in which people that have had a stroke, their families and carers are supported, able to live fulfilled and independent lives, and people are aware of strokes, its effects, and preventions. ## **Our Mission** Dudley Stroke Association aims to provide high quality advice, guidance and support to people, carers and their families who have experienced a stroke and to raise awareness of strokes and stroke prevention in Dudley borough. ## **Our Values** **Respect and Confidentiality** – we will always treat others with respect and retain confidentiality **Commitment and Support** – we are committed and supportive to the people who need our help **Access** – we believe that people who have had a stroke, their families and their carers should have access to information and support **Equality and Diversity** – we strive for equality of opportunity and value diversity ## **Governance** ## **Board of Directors:** Alan Hackett - Chair Graham Jones - Treasurer Anne Adams - Company Secretary Ann Cashmore Christine Charles David Tuplin ## **Staff** Laura Martin - Manager Roger Edwards - Development Officer/Long Term Support Pauline Caines - Support/Stroke Reviews Wendy Jackson - Support/Stroke Reviews Lynne Evans - Support/Stroke Reviews Cathy Watson - Support/Stroke Reviews Gaynor Avison - Admin Officer Chris Fradgley - Admin/ Long Term Support Karen Walters - Long Term Support ## **Volunteers:** Neil Fulton Brian Holliday ## **Chairman's Foreword** 2020 was to be a year when, settled into new offices, we could begin to benefit from the experience and fresh perspective of our new Manager, Laura Martin. What we had not anticipated was a global pandemic which would bring serious restrictions on our stroke support operations and turn working practices on their head. Face to face support became impractical and even our new offices could not be properly utilised as ‘working from home’ became the new normal. However, the updates to our IT arrangements executed in 2019-20 and the upgraded telephone and database systems installed during the move to new offices proved most fortuitous in enabling the path to remote working. Our staff as ever quickly adapted to the changes in working practice and stroke survivors became used to regular ‘phone calls and zoom support groups. Throughout the repeated imposing and easing of restrictions we continued to reassess and modify our support offering to best meet the needs of stroke survivors and their families in Dudley, so that recovery Reviews and information flow could continue unabated. With more normal times on the horizon, we can get back to planning new ways to fulfil the needs of our ever-growing number of users. I remain indebted to all our staff and the Trustees who have supported the Association without falter through trying times to ensure our objectives are met and good governance prevails. Alan Hackett Chairman ## **Current Year** 2020-2021 has been another busy year facing the challenges brought to us by COVID-19. All staff, trustees and volunteers have continued to work flexibly, and embraced the virtual world to offer a full service to meet the needs of those who access our support. Dudley Stroke Association have continued to provide high quality services that enhance the lives of people and families who have had a stroke. We passionately believe that **‘life goes on after a stroke.’** ## **Family and Carer Support/Stroke Review service** Our Family and Carer support and stroke review service continued throughout 2020-2021 being funded by Dudley Integrated Health Care Trust (DIHC). Majority of our referrals are received from Russell’s Hall Hospital. Every person admitted and diagnosed with stroke within a Dudley Hospital is referred to us. We receive twice weekly admission and discharge reports to ensure we receive all necessary referrals. Due to COVID-19 we have been unable to visit the ward, all patients have been contacted within 14days of discharge home, where our services have been discussed, including our review process and our support services. Where patients have been discharged to step down beds or alternative addresses letters have been sent to relatives to inform of our involvement. 666 people were referred to us in 2020-2021 **----- Start of picture text -----**
Referral Source
700
600
599
500
400
300
200
100
32 13 6 11 5
0
Not Specified Other Out of Area RHH Self Therapy Services
**----- End of picture text -----**
On discharge people are contacted within 14 days to ensure that they have everything in place and any concerns can be raised. Following this for some it may be a weekly/bi-weekly or monthly support call, sending out information, providing emotional support, or signposting to other organisations. Others will be happy to wait until their review is due, knowing we are only a telephone call away if their situation changes. People who do not have a Dudley GP are also contacted and with their permission referred to their local support/stroke review service for ongoing support. One of the key benefits of our stroke support service is our ability to be flexible to meet and respond to people’s needs. ## **Age range of referrals with a Dudley GP** Stroke affects people of all ages, during 2020-2021 we had 471 people referred to us with a Dudley GP. Of these people the majority (358) were aged 65+, 2 people were under the age 25, 110 people were aged 25 to 64. Breakdown of age ranges is shown in the charts below. **----- Start of picture text -----**
Not
Not Specified Under 25 25 to 34 Specified 1
0% 0% 1% 35 to 44 Under 25 2
2%
25 to 34 4
45 to 54 35 to 44 9
Age Range 7% 45 to 54 33
Not Specified
55 to 64 55 to 64 64
Under 25
14% 65 + 358
25 to 34
35 to 44
45 to 54
55 to 64
65 +
65 +
76%
**----- End of picture text -----**
## **Stroke Reviews** Our Support Workers provide reviews for stroke survivors at 6 weeks following their discharge from hospital and then at 6 months and 12 months post stroke. Copies of reviews are sent to the stroke survivor along with their GP and carer where deemed appropriate. We do not work on our own but have strong links to therapy and other services, enabling us to make referrals as appropriate to help with difficulties/problems identified. 6-week reviews conducted via the telephone (unless information indicates a home visit is required) ensure that stroke survivors have the appropriate information and services required following their discharge and to see how they are progressing. 196 6 week reviews we completed during 2020-2021. The Stroke Sentinal audit states all people are required to have a 6-month stroke review between 4 – 6 months post stroke, and we like other organisations are required to fill in data (non- identifiable, with their permission) stating it has been conducted and how the stroke has affected them. During 2020-2021 reviews were conducted via telephone unless it was deemed a home visit was necessary. The review looks at all aspects of their recovery, and during home visits includes taking their blood pressure. During 2020-2021 336 6-month reviews were due. 330 were completed within the 4- 8month time. ## **Ninety-eight percent of people received their review within the requisite period.** ## **Age range of people receiving a 6-month stroke review with a Dudley GP** **----- Start of picture text -----**
1%
1%
2%
9%
Under 25
25 to 34
15%
35 to 44
45 to 54
72% 55 to 64
65 +
Age range of those who have received 6 month
review
**----- End of picture text -----**
||| |---|---| |Age Range|| |Under 25|2| |25 to 34|3| |35 to 44|7| |45 to 54|30| |55 to 64|51| |65 +|241| 12-month reviews take place over the telephone and enable our Support Workers to check how a stroke survivor has progressed from their 6-month review and to check if there are any new concerns. During 2020-2021 our team completed 87 12-month reviews. ## **Long Term Support** Stroke does not go away after 12 months, people may continue to improve for years, albeit at a slower rate, and we believe that **“Life does go on after a Stroke”** . Our group activities enable people to meet like-minded people, support each other and build up on skills, together with providing much need support also to other family members (and friends) who are also living with the effects the stroke has had on their loved one. This non-funded work provides a much-needed lifeline to many people. During April 2020 – March 2021 our groups were suspended due to COVID-19. We embraced the virtual world and offered groups via the platform of zoom. Here we offered a weekly social catch up and a weekly exercise group. We supplemented our virtual offer alongside making regular contact via telephone and/or email and by sending regular postal activities including quizzes, newsletters. ## **Group Activities** Due to COVID-19 we were unable to deliver our usual group outline instead we offered virtual groups These activities include: **Zoom zoom in the afternoon –** a weekly virtual get together. A group for stroke survivors and carers to meet for a weekly chat, offer peer support, reduce social isolation, and offer a safe environment to discuss any concerns. On average 12 people attend the session each week, a total attendance during the year of 624 **Virtual Exercise Class –** a weekly group where gentle chair-based exercise is provided via a virtual platform. On average 6 people attend each week totalling 312 attendees through the year We also held special events online to celebrate Christmas including a sing-along and Christmas quiz. We also held a special event to mark national stroke awareness day in October. ## **Public Health Self-Management Programme** This 6-week course funded by Public Health aims to improve quality of life by giving people confidence, skills, and information to help them manage their long-term condition or caring role better on a daily basis. During the year we were able to offer the course virtually, we successfully completed one course where 5 people completed fully. ## **Rotary Stroke Awareness Day** – Stourbridge We were unable to take part in Rotary’s stroke awareness day due to continued restrictions in relation to COVID-19. We maintained our close working relationship with Rotary and hope to be offering more stroke and health awareness days in the future. ## **Looking forward….** As we closed the end of this year, measures, and restrictions in relation to COVID-19 were lifting and we are looking forward to restarting our support groups, seeing people, and offering our support and services face-to-face whilst also embracing the virtual world and continuing our offer online groups. We carry some uncertainties still in relation to the pandemic and are fully aware we need to continue to adapt, change and be flexible to meet the needs of those who use our services. ## **Over the last 12 months people have expressed their appreciation of our work, some of the comments made include:** _“it’s reassuring that Dudley Stroke care about me.”_ ## _**“I was thankful that someone was interested in my well-being.”**_ _“Thank you all for your support during this time with COVID. It has been morale boosting.”_ ## _**“Thank you for the support shown by yourselves over the last 12months following my Mums stroke”.**_ _“I am really grateful for all of Wendy’s care, advice and help for several years now, for which I will always treasure. – I think you are doing amazing work for the group.”_ We thank the people for their kind comments and are certain that regardless of whatever challenges are thrown at us, we do know as an organisation that the welfare of people who have suffered a stroke and their families will continue to be at the centre of everything we do. DUDLEY STROKE ASSOCIATION REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES AND UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2021 REGISTERED NUMBER: 048736071England and Wales) REGISTERED CHARITY NO. 1100960 DUDLEY STROKE ASSOCIATION TRUSTEES REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2021 The trustees who are also direclors of the tharily for Ihe purposes of the Companies Act 2006, present their report with the financial statements of the tharity for the year ended 31 st March 2021. The trustees have adopted the provisions of Accounting and Reporting by Charities.. Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard 102 (effective 1 January 2016). OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES Dudley Stroka Association - a Iotxl independent diarity- established in 1987 provides guidance, support and information to people who have SLffiered a stroke and their familiesttriends by various means, such as: the prowsion of information packs- free of charge people to visit- many of our volunteers are people who ha￿ themselves Suffered a stroke or hav8 8Xperien￿ of some-one who is affect8d by a stroke support groups listening to peoples worries and concems, being a sympathetic ear. In planning activities for the year, trustees pay due regard to the Charity Commission's guidanc8 on public benèfit. ACHIEVEMENT AND PERFORMANCE In the year under review, the charity reports a surplus of £34,956. The charity relies predorninantly on donations to continue its core work and is extremely grateful to thos8 who give so generously, whether by sponsored events, corporate donations, gifts or in memory of loved ones. The charity also benefitted from the various Covid-19 financial support schemes available. The Trustees consider these results to be extremely satisfactory in the current dimate. FINANCIAL REVIEW Reserves policy The Trustees are (1)n￿rned that the lack of core funding available from statutory bodies imposes evermore reliancE on general donations. Funds available remain sufficient to pemiit the charity to continu8 in operation in the medium tenn, given continued support from donors. It is the trustees wlicy to ideally maintain a cash reserve equivalent to at least 6 months core expenditure to enable altemative funding sources to be obtained. STRUCTURE. GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT Governing document The charity is controlled by its goveming document and constitutes a limited ¢YJmpany. limited by guarantee, as defined by the Companies Act 2006. Rècruitment and appointm#nt of new trustees Trustees can be appointed by the board should opportunities arise during the year. Risk management The trustees have a duty to identfy and review the risks to which the charity is exposed and to ensure appropriate controls ar8 in plac8 to provide reasonable assurance against fraud and e¢TOr. DUDLEY STROKE ASSOCIATION TRUSTEES REPORT (Continued) ST FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2021 COVID-19 Due to the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, from March 2020 fa￿ to fa￿ meetings and all group activities etc. were suspended in order to o)mply with social distancAng guidelines. The company has ¢ontinued to provide telephone support to its service users. REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS Reglstered Company number 04873607 (England and Wales) Reglstered Charity number 1100960 Registered office 16 High Street Pensnett Ktngswinford W88t Midlands DY6 8XD Trustees (durlng the year and to date) Mrs A. Adams (secretary) Mrs A. Cashmore Mrs C. Chades A. Hackett G. Jones M. Baggott- appt 6.12.21 D. Tuplin Independent examiner Dr R.J. Pickin Clo Dudley CVS 7 Albion Street Briedey Hill West Midlands DY5 3EE Bankers Natwest Bank PLC Merry Hill Centre Brierfey Hill Wesl Midlands DY1 1LW This report has been prepared in accordan￿ with the speaal provisions of Part 15 of the Companies Act 2006 relating to small ￿MPanies. Approved by order of tt)e board of trustees on 6th December 2021 and signed on Its behalf by.. Jones- Trustee CHARITY COMMISSION FOR ENGLAND AND WALE&. , Indep•nd•nt gxaml.n9r'3 report Dn tho accounts Sgction A IDdopondtrnt Exaininer's Roport R•port to th• tru•tg••ldlre¢tornl m•mbord of DUCiLEY STROKE ASSOCIATION 31 MARCH 2021 ond Chorlty no.: Company no.: 1700960 04873607 Sot on pages I report to the Gharity trustees on my examination of the accounts of the Company for th6 year ended 3110312021. R•spon81bllities and bash of report As the charsty's trustees of ihe Company (who are also the directors of the ". company for the purposes of company law), you a￿ ￿SPOnsible for the preparation of the accounts In accordants with the requirements of the Companies Act 20061.the 2006 Act"}. Having satisfied myself that the accounts of the Company are not required to be audited for this year under Part 16 Of the 2006 Act and are eligible for indgpendent examination. I report in respect ￿ my examination of your charity's accounts as ¢arried out under section 145 of the CharitÉes Act 2011 {Yhe 2011 Act"}. In carrying out my examination. I have followed the Directions given by the Charity Commission (under seclton 14515Xb) of the 2011 Act. Independent examlnerfs statement I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have comfy lo my attention (other than that disclosed below") which gives me cause to believe that.. ' accounting re¢ords were not kepl In accordance with section 386 of the Companies Act 2006., or the accounls do not accord with such re¢ords,' or the accounts do not comply with relevant accounting requirements under section 396 of the Companies Act 2006 other than any rÈquirement Ihat the accounts give a 'tru8 and fair, view which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination., or .Ihe accounts have not been prepared in a￿rdance with the Charities SORP {FRS1Q21. I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examinglion to whieh attention should be drawn in this report in I".- order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached. ' Please d8J8t@ the words in Ihe brackets ff they do not apply. Slgned: Date: 2q112 October 2018 IEA onyl: Clo Dthlley CVS . 7 Alb￿ Street, BiieTley Hi DYS 3EE Soction B Disclosure Onw complele rf the axaminer needs to highlight matert81 matters of t)Jn( ,. (see CC32, 5ndependent examlrTrakn of tharity ac(¥)urts: dtrFfai(Th and gu1jBn￿ for examiners). ,IER OGtober 2018 i¥s•:' DUDLEY STROKE A SOCIATION - CHARITY NO. 1100960 STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES INCORPORATING AN INCOME AND EXPENDITURE AC R THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2021 2021 2020 INCOME Grants Received Donations Sundry Income Group Meeting Contributions Covid-19 Support 121,058 18,608 3,829 131,886 24,388 3,031 4,398 17,905 TOTAL INCOME 161,400 163,703 EXPENDITURE Salaries, Nl & Pensions Training Travelling Expenses Rent, Rates & Insurance Light & Heat Printing, Stationery. Advertising InformationlLiterature Telephone & Postage Lease of Equipmenl Repairs & Renewals Professional Fees Group Meeting Costs Volunteers, Expenses Sundry Expenses Relocation Costs 97,555 102 96 13,216 988 1,111 267 4,047 100.354 863 13,660 1,739 12,294 855 2,684 664 5,131 2,182 6.529 182 798 17,405 5,662 2,192 20 524 126.444 165,140 NET INCOMEI-EXPENDITURE As at 318t Mard) 2020 34,956 63,278 -1,437 64,715 As at 31. March 2021 98,234 63,278 DUDLEY STROKE ASSOCIATION BALANCE SHEET ST AS AT 31 MARCH 021 2021 Nol¢s Fixed assets Taryble assets . Debtors and Prepaymerrts Cash at bank in hand 7,506 57.287 95,640 99.751 84.793 Crndll•vs: 4mr*unts fallkng du• withii ono y•ar 1,517 1.515 N•t curr•nt as8•ts 98234 63,278 Net assets 98234 63.278 Funds Unreslrl¢tqd fvnds General 98,234 63,278 98234 63.276 For the year ending 315t March 2021 th* company was entittèd to exemptton from audrt under seCtiC￿ 477 of the Companies Ad 2006 relating to small companies. Dlrnctors. res￿${bilItieS". The members have not rewired the company to obtain an audt of ib acwunts for the year in queslon In accordance ￿1th sectton 476, The directors acknovAedge their resp￿81b41thS for comptying wth the retwirements of the A(* with respeGI to accounling records and the prepaiation of accounts These accounts have been prepared in accordance with the provisions ap￿1¢able to wnpanies subject to the small companies. regime. ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD ones- DIRECTOR DUDLEY STROKE ASSOCIATION NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE ST R ENDED 31 MARCH 202 Funds of the charity. Unrestrlcted funds: Grants: Dudley Clinical Commissioning Group: To provide one full time offi￿r and part time administration officer to support families and carers of those affected by stroke. Dudley CliniGal Commissioning Group ".To undertake 6 and 12 month stroke reviews. Various minor single and Expert Patient Programme grants. Accountlng pollcles. 2.1 Accounting convention The financial statements are pr8par8d under the histOriG91 cost conv&ntion 8fKI in accordance with the Charities SORP {FRS102 (effective January 2016) and the Companies Act 2006. 2.2 Tangible fixed assets and depreciation Tangible fixed assets are ststed at cost less depreciation. Depreriation is provided at rates calculated to write off the cost of each asset over its expeded useful IFfe, as follows., Office equipment 33113% straight line basis Expenditure of less than £1,000 per item is not capitalised but is written off in the year in whith it is incurred. Assets purchased entirely wlth specific grants are not capitalised but are written off in the yaar of purchase and the grant reflected in incnme. 2.3 Deferred grant reserve Grants ￿ceiVed for periods ex￿edIng the Charity's year end are credited to a deferred grant serve account and rele8sed in line with the period to which the grant relatss. 3. Tangible flxed assets Office equipment.. Cost at 31 St March 2020 Additions 6.102 Cost at 31°, March 2021 6,102 Depreaation at 31st M8rch 2020 Charge for Year 6,102 Deprnciation at 31 St March 2021 6,102 Net Book Value 31" March 2021 DUDLEY STROKE ASSOCIATION NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31$T MARC 021 4. Debtors 2021 2020 Prepayments other deblors 2.186 1,925 2,145 5,361 4,111 7,506 5. Credltors - due ￿thIn one year Trade Creditors 1,517 1,515 ¥i.LIDIFY.STROKE ASSQCIATION , I.I:MAfi¢H. 202tr"_ . P.48736Q?. ..:: '. Cornpany'lor the year.ended 3110W2021 Indepe"ndeTit.osaminatlon,.'.:fréFth Thi Y:'rots"pé.tit'.ol nly.éxatyiii8tion."ti"f.:y.tygt;':; '": :" ' . 7osi,.Ad": causè tb"..tdi&ve tha" i:. Ilintssi￿.9"X￿l& and:fai-. whth.i&"not a matter consid"ere