SpeakEasy N.O.W. Annual Report 2024 - 2025
www.speakeasynow.org.uk
Registered Charity No: 1106914
The last year has been one of the busiest ever.
We had 1,782 engagement contacts with people with a learning disability throughout the year across Herefordshire and Worcestershire.
On average, each month, 60 people with a learning disability attended one of our SpeakUp groups or the pop up groups we run at day opportunities across Worcestershire.
400 contacts were with young people with a learning disability through our regular school and college sessions.
Our Co-trainers have helped to train over 2,000 health and social care staff about learning disability through the Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training in Learning Disability and Autism.
We have attended lots of meetings and met with lots of different professionals. We have visited health services, day opportunities, supported living and replacement care providers to carry out peer engagement reviews.
We have raised important issues locally and nationally to make sure that people with a learning disability have a voice.
Annual Report 2024 - 2025
We have been based in Droitwich for over 20 years. For the last year we have been one of the chosen charities of the Mayor of Droitwich Spa, Councillor Alex Sinton. We have really enjoyed getting to know the Mayor and attending events with him. We even got to turn on the Droitwich Christmas lights!
The highlight of the year for the Management Committee was receiving an award from the High Sheriff of Worcestershire on behalf of SpeakEasy N.O.W.
The award was in recognition of our contribution to the community. In particular enabling people with a learning disability to speak up and improve local services and the lives of people with a learning disability in Worcestershire.
Annual Report 2024 - 2025
Our Funding
Between April 2024 and March 2025, we received money to do our work from:
- NHS Herefordshire and Worcestershire
C) Worcestershire County Council . The Community Lottery Fund vk
We are also very grateful for donations from the Mayor of Droitwich Spa’s charity fund, Vernon Chapter and Wyche Lodge Freemasons and from Opinion Research Services on behalf of Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service.
Annual Report 2024 - 2025
Forum Meetings
We have had lots of guests at our monthly Forum meetings.
One of the themes of Worcestershire’s Learning Disability Strategy is Being Safe. This has been a focus of some of our recent Forum meetings.
We have had visits from West Mercia Police Hate Crime Officers and Neighbourhood Officers, to talk to members about Hate Crime, Mate Crime and scams.
Our Way Self Advocacy have talked to us about their Safe Places Scheme and work on Hate Crime. Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service came to talk to members about their 5 year Community Safety Plan.
Annual Report 2024 - 2025
Forum Meetings
Other visitors have included:
-
Councillor Richard Morris, Worcestershire County Council Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care
-
Health and social care professionals
-
Healthwatch Worcestershire, to talk about their work on emotional wellbeing and Pharmacy First
Malvern District Council to talk about Active Travel
==> picture [60 x 30] intentionally omitted <==
----- Start of picture text -----
Telling my
story
----- End of picture text -----
This year we have introduced a new My Story section to Forum meetings. This gives individual members an opportunity to tell others more about themselves and their lives. Members have enjoyed sharing their stories and we have learnt lots of new interesting things about people.
Annual Report 2024 - 2025
SpeakUp Groups
This year we continued to run our Pa Bie: I — monthly SpeakUp groups: Malvern , ? 4 - a 4 \ 4 : | Comet Group, Speakers Corner in 2 wee ¥ -¥ Droitwich, Reddi-to-Talk in 4 wA Redditch and Severn Source in Comet Group Worcester.
We have also run regular pop up groups at Choices in Evesham, Wildgoose in Hallow, Reach in Bewdley, Branches in Malvern, Odell in Kidderminster, Amber and Amber Urban in Bromsgrove, Where Next in Redditch and Reddi Support in Redditch. 5
Branches
Severn Source
Reddi-to-Talk
Reach
Annual Report 2024 - 2025
The issues that matter
Our SpeakUp groups have covered lots of different topics and issues over the last year. As well as local issues, many have been related to national awareness campaigns. We have focussed on themes of mental health, wellbeing and community awareness.
This has included:
Celebrating Me, by sharing personal stories for Learning Disability Week.
Health and wellbeing topics including: healthy eating, physical activity, personal hygiene, emotional wellbeing tools, the impact of kindness, awareness days for conditions such as heart
disease and cancer, and a Health Checkers workshop session on oral and lung health.
We have talked about safety awareness, including Hate Crime, scams and fire safety.
Annual Report 2024 - 2025
School and College Engagement
We have been running regular sessions at HOW College in Redditch and Worcester, Kidderminster College and Vale of Evesham School.
These cover lots of the important topics we cover at our SpeakUp groups, with a real emphasis on empowering young people to have a voice.
‘It helps me to understand more about myself’
‘I want to be asked more about what I want.’
We have worked with Worcestershire Children First to engage with young people about Education Health and Care Plans. The feedback from the 103 students who took part in these sessions helped to develop a toolkit for schools. Making sure that their feedback and views are part of the process for support planning and review.
‘It needs to be easier so that I can understand.’
Annual Report 2024 - 2025
Having a Voice
Our Expert Members continue to work as part of Worcestershire’s Learning Disability Partnership Board. This includes attending Partnership Board meetings and sub group meetings, as well as joint meetings with Herefordshire’s Learning Disability Partnership Board.
Our Forum meetings, SpeakUp groups, school and college sessions and engagement visits make sure that Expert Members understand the important issues and can represent the voice of people with a learning disability across Worcestershire.
In September Rachel and Sam helped to present an update on Worcestershire’s Learning Disability Strategy to the Being Well Strategic Group, on behalf of the Learning Disability Partnership Board.
Annual Report 2024 - 2025
People’s Parliament
==> picture [214 x 426] intentionally omitted <==
----- Start of picture text -----
‘This has
made me
feel a lot
stronger’
Gi” (aa
WA ae
‘I learnt a lot
ly } \
about ‘a
relationships’ ‘Meeting
new
people’
----- End of picture text -----
Expert Members chose Relationships as their main topic for last year. They gathered feedback from 72 people with a learning disability about their experiences of relationships. They wrote a report about these experiences, the things that people found difficult and what would help them to build better relationships. Most people said they would find it helpful to learn more about relationships.
So Expert Members ran a workshop for people with a learning disability, attended by 48 people, in November. Everyone found this really helpful.
Expert Members developed some Top Tips for supporting people with a learning disability to build good relationships. They met with social care staff to talk about this and making sure that this is included in support plans.
‘I liked the group discussions’
‘Sharing my views’
Annual Report 2024 - 2025
Peer Engagement Visits
Our Expert Members have visited a range of supported living and day opportunity providers over the last year, to speak to people who use the services and find out what they are like.
As well as being able to give feedback about the services to the providers and Worcestershire County Council, it helps Expert Members to have an understanding of different services and the experiences and views of more people with a learning disability.
Annual Report 2024 - 2025
Overnight Breaks Engagement
We were asked by Worcestershire County Council to carry out engagement with people who use Pershore Short Breaks and Worth Crescent for overnight breaks.
Our engagement report will make sure that their voices and feedback are considered when decisions are being made about services for the future.
Worth Crescent
Annual Report 2024 - 2025
Health Checkers
Our Health Checkers are from across Herefordshire and Worcestershire. They make sure that people with a learning disability are represented and involved in local health services.
Lots of different health professionals, from different services have attended their meetings over the last year. Health Checkers have helped with developing easy to understand information and given their feedback to consultations and service development.
They attend and give reports to local NHS meetings including the Learning Disability and Autism Partnership Board.
Health Checkers have also attended different meetings and events to tell people about their work.
Becky gave a presentation about the work of the Health Checkers to the Herefordshire and Worcestershire Integrated Care Board in September.
Annual Report 2024 - 2025
Rachel and Mano gave a presentation at an event organised by Herefordshire and Worcestershire Health and Care NHS Trust, as part of their learning disability improvement work.
Mano attended the Adfest conference in Cardiff in June 2024 with the British Institute of Learning Disabilities. This event promoted the work of people within their local communities. Mano talked about the work of Health Checkers and how this helps to address health inequalities for people with a learning disability.
Our Herefordshire Health Checkers have attended Hear Our Voices events, visited Beacon College and led a workshop at an event for Learning Disability Awareness Week in June.
As well as raising issues locally, Health Checkers have taken part in a national consultation about plans for the NHS and written to the government to raise concerns about changes to national targets for Annual Health Checks.
Annual Report 2024 - 2025
Health Checkers
Improving the care that people with a learning disability receive in hospital has always been an important issue for the Health Checkers. Over the last year they have been working more with the Worcestershire Acute Hospital NHS Trust and the Wye Valley NHS Trust.
Health Checkers have carried out visits and written reports about the Day Surgery department at Kidderminster Hospital and the Emergency Department at Hereford Hospital. They have helped to develop Easy Read patient information and attended external stakeholder meetings.
Improving the quality of Annual Health Checks is an important area of work for the Health Checkers. They have been helping to develop the templates used for Annual Health Checks and Health Action Plans. They also helped to plan and deliver a Study Day for GP practices.
Annual Report 2024 - 2025
NHS Experts by Experience
We have continued to work with NHS Herefordshire and Worcestershire to make sure that Experts by Experience attend Care and Treatment Reviews for people who are admitted or at risk of admission to hospital due to their mental health.
This year we have organised individual and group sessions for our Experts by Experience, so they can share their experiences. Rachel has continued to deliver workshops for health and social care staff about Care and Treatment Reviews.
Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training
Our Co-Trainers have now helped to deliver training to over 2,000 health and social care staff across Herefordshire and Worcestershire. They have really grown in confidence and received some fantastic feedback. As Health
|\
|
Checkers they know how important the training is and are able to talk about some of the work they have been involved in.
Annual Report 2024 - 2025
Making information accessible
As well as making lots of our own Easy Read information and reports, we have helped other organisations to create Easy Read documents, including leaflets and policies.
Our Expert Members have been working with Worcestershire County Council, as part of their Building Together work, to develop Easy Read support plans and social care assessments.
This year we have also been working with Photosymbols, the online photo library we use to : LY make Easy Read. They have been holding regular meetings with our members to get feedback about how they are developing their photo library and new Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology.
Annual Report 2024 - 2025
As always, members have enjoyed opportunities over the year to spend time with friends and have some fun. We had a great afternoon bowling for our summer social. SpeakUp groups organised social meet ups and meals out across the year. And there were festive celebrations, activities and crafts in December.
There were opportunities to learn new skills, develop confidence and lead activities and meetings. Including a SpeakUp workshop for members, focussing on sharing your views, listening skills and confidence building.
There have been many personal achievements for members throughout the year. Well done to all of those who have delivered training, shared their stories, given presentations about our work and led groups, discussions and peer engagement visits.
Most importantly, thank you to everyone for helping us to make sure people with a learning disability have a voice.
Annual Report 2024 - 2025
N.O.W Registered Charity No: 1106914 made with photosymbols.
==> picture [696 x 380] intentionally omitted <==
----- Start of picture text -----
Speakeasy N.O.W Trustees Report
Profit & Loss By Activity Date 31/03/2025
Health Checkers Health Checkers Speak Up Brought NHS H&W Interest
Voices Hereford Worcester Easy Read Speak Up Forward Service Review CETR Hub OMMT Keyworkers Received Total
By Month
Income 24,078 42 174 300 180 150 - 60 48 18 239 25,289
Expenditure
Gross Wages 3,247 1,543 4,361 40 5,318 - - 1,235 3,614 310 19,667
Employers NIC 21 11 48 - 86 - - 25 54 6 251
Self Employed Costs - - - - - - - 750 - - 750
Office Costs 360 194 803 - 831 - - 277 222 83 2,770
Staff Recruitment & Training 13 7 30 - 31 - - 10 8 3 102
Travel 143 72 52 - 50 - - 186 80 0 584
Meeting Refreshments & Room Hire 107 262 92 40 145 - - 8 7 3 664
Support Costs & Activities - - - - - - - - - - -
Interest Received - - - - - - - - - - -
-
Total Expenditure 3,892 2,089 5,386 80 6,462 - - 2,491 3,983 405 - 24,789
Net Profit /(Loss) 20,186 (2,047) (5,212) 220 (6,282) 150 - (2,431) (3,935) (387) 239 500
NP % 84% 0% 0% 73% 0% 100% 0% 0% 0% 0% 100% 2%
Year to Date
Health Checkers Health Checkers Speak Up Brought NHS H&W Interest
Voices Hereford Worcester Easy Read Speak Up Forward Service Review CETR Hub OMMT Keyworkers Received Total
£ £ £ £ £ £ £
Income 60,193 25,550 50,620 1,200 79,508 150 - 129 21,277 34 3,140 241,801
Expenditure
Gross Wages 38,621 19,037 47,363 100 63,180 - - 14,341 44,949 3,253 230,843
Employers NIC 284 145 489 0 1,008 - - 276 608 64 2,875
Self Employed Costs - 10 - - - - - 10,130 252 - 10,392
Office Costs 5,698 2,774 8,296 - 10,437 - - 3,632 3,711 876 35,424
Staff Recruitment & Training 108 58 232 - 245 - - 82 67 24 815
Travel 1,114 1,093 957 66 1,747 - - 2,297 2,698 65 10,037
Meeting Refreshments & Room Hire 1,787 1,187 1,292 204 819 - - 275 255 49 5,867
Support Costs & Activities 59 30 88 - 143 - - 38 40 9 408
Interest Received - - - - - - - - - - -
-
Total Expenditure 47,671 24,333 58,718 371 77,578 - - 31,071 52,580 4,339 - 296,661
Net Profit /(Loss) Apr 2024 to Mar 2025 12,522 1,217 (8,098) 829 1,929 150 - (30,942) (31,303) (4,306) 3,140 (54,860)
NP % 21% 5% 0% 69% 2% 100% 0% 0% 0% 0% 100% -23%
Reserves brought forward 01.04.24 15,521 10,887 87,575 64,905 20,563 49,837 41,035 11,378 - 301,701
Available Reserves 28,043 12,104 79,477 829 66,834 150 20,563 18,895 9,732 7,072 3,140 246,841
----- End of picture text -----
Charity registration number 1106914 (England and Wales) SPEAKEASY NOW ANNUAL REPORT AND UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
SPEAKEASY NOW LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION Trustees Ms J M De Sousa Mr R Gallier MsJMWyatt Ms J E Stanley Ms L Hancock Mr J Monk (Appointed 26 June 20241 Charlty number 1106914 Principal address Sl Richards House 22 Vicloria Square Droitwich Wofceslershire WR9 8DS Independent examiner Ormerod Rutter Limited The Oakley Kidderminsler Road Oroitwich Worcestershire WR9 9AY BankeTS Natwesl Bank Pl¢ 1 The Cross Worcester Worcestershire WR1 3PR
SPEAKEASY NOW CONTENTS Page Trustees, report Independent examinerfs report Statement of financial activities Balance sheet Notes to the financial statements 7-16
SPEAKEASY NOW TRUSTEES. REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 The Truslees present their annual report and financial slalemenls for the year ended 31 March 2025. The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with Ihe accounting policies sel out in note 1 to the financial statements and comply wilh the Charity's governing document, the Charities Act 2011 and "Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Slalement of Recommended Practice applicable lo charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland {FRS 1021" leffeclive 1 January 20191. Objectives and activities The Charity's objectives ale as follows.. il The relief of people with learning clisabililies, in particular by developing their skills in 5elf-advocacy and self- represenlalion., ill The advancement of education amongst people with learning disabilities and amongst professionals and alhers with an interest in the welfare of people with learning disabilities., iiil The advancement of the education of the public in matters pertaining lo learning disabilily issues. PubliG benefit The Trustees have paid due regard to guidance issued by the Gharity Commission in deciding what aclivilies the Charity should undertake. The Charity works with organisations. including Worcestershire County Council and the NHS. lo make sure there is inclusivity for people with a learning disability, in delivering and improving local seriicès. Focus is on enabling people to gain confidence and speak up about what rnatters lo them. The Charity has a network of Speakup groups across Worcestershire. Achievements and performance Significant activities and achievements against objectives This year the charity had 1.782 eng8gemenls and contacts with people with a learning disability, across Herefordshire and Worcestershire. On average, each month. 60 people with a learning disability attended one of our Speakup groups and 400 contacts were with young people. with a learning disability through our regular school and college Sessions. Our Co-TTainers, who have a learning disability, helped to train over 2.000 health and social care staff through the Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training in Learning Di58bilily and Aulism. We were chosen as one of the Mayor of Droitwich Spa charities, and received an award from the High Sherilf of Worcestershire in recognition of our contribution lo the community. The Charity continued to progress with their other ongoing projects and aetivilies in order to help those wtlh a learning disability have their voices heard. Financial review The Charity continues to receive funding from their principle funding sources: i) NHS Herefordshire and Worcestershire ill Worcestershire County Council Iiil The Community Lottery Fund Reserves policy 11 is the policy of the Charity that unreslricled funds which have not been designated for a specific use should be maintained at a level equivalent to no less than 3 months running costs plus any additional fees for eady end of conlracl costs. The Trusteès consider that reserves at this level will ensure that. in the evenl of a significant drop in funding, they will be able to continue the Charity's current activities while consideration is given to ways in iNhich additional funds may be raised. This level of reserves has been maintained throughout the year. The Trustees have assessed Ihe major risks lo which the Charity is exposed, and are satisfied ihal sy51ems are in place lo mitigate exposure to them.
SPEAKEASY NOW TRUSTEES, REPORT {CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 Structure. governance and management The Charity is a Charilable Incotporaled organisalion and is govemed by its conslilulion adoptèd on.. 8th March 2004, Ireg. by Charity Commission 22 November 20041; as amended on 23rd October 2023. A copy of the constitution is available from the Charity on request. The Truslcos who seNed during the year and up to the dale of signature of the financial slalements were-. Ms J M De Sousa Mr R Gallier MsJMWyatt Ms J E Stanley M5 L Hancock M5 S Jobling Mr J Monk (Resigned 6 February 20251 (Appointed 26 June 20241 RecruitnFenl appointment Of ttystees The Board of Trustees are authorised lo appoint neiN trustees lo fi15 vacancies arising under Section 10 {El of conslilulion by co-opting new truslees onlo the board. None of the Twslees has any beneficial interest in the company. Organisalion81 structure The day to day management is delegated by the Truslees lo the Chief Executive Officer. Policy and strategic decisions are made by the Board of Trustees al regular meelings. Induclion and training of trustees New trustees are instructed by the Chief Executive ofricer and exisling Tru5tee5 as lo their dutie5 and responsibilities and develop their knowledge of the Char(ty Ihrough Trustee meetings and involvement in the Charity'5 activities.
SPEAKEASY NOW TRUSTEES. REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 Statement of Trustees. responsibilities The Trustees are responsible for preparing the Trustees, Report and the financial stalemenls in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practic lees, r ppr the ard of Truslees. De Sousa Mr R Gallier Trustee Trustee
SPEAKEASY NOW INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF SPEAKEASY NOW I report to the Trustees on my examination of the financial slalernenls of Speakeasy NOW (the Charity) for Ihe year ended 31 March 2025. Responsibilities and basis of report As the Trustees of the Charily you ale responsible for Ihe preparalion of the financial slatemenls in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011. I report in respect of my examination of the Charily's financial slalemenls carried out under section 145 of the Gharilies Act 2011. In carrying oul my examination I have followed the Directions given by the Charity Commission under seclion 14515llbl of the Ch3rilies Act 2011. Independent examiner's statement I have completed my examination. I confirm Ihal no matters have come lo my attention in connection with the ex3minalion giving me cause lo believe Ihat in any material respect- accounting records were not kept in respect of the Charity as required by section 130 of the Charities Act 2011. Ihe financial slalemenls do nol accord wilh Ihose records., or the financial slatemenls do not comply wilh the applicable requirements Goncerning the form and content of financial slalemenls sol out in the Charities (Accounts and Reportsl Regulations 2008 other than any requirement that the financial slalernen15 give a true and fair view. which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination. I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn tn this report in order to enable a proper unders18nding of the financial slalernenls lo be reachecl. Tony Archer Ormerod Rutter Limited The Oakley Kiddermin51er Road Droitwich WorGeslershire WR9 9AY Dale..
SPEAKEASY NOW STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES INCLUDING INCOMEAND EXPENDITUREACCOUNT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 Unrestricted Restricted funds funds 2025 2025 Total Unrestricted Restricted funds funds 2024 2024 Total 2025 2024 Notes Income and endowments from: Donations and legacies Investments Oiher in¢ome 237.011 237.011 3,140 1.850 8,055 738 3,230 361,852 369,907 738 5.591 3,140 1 ,200 450 2.361 Total income 4,340 237,461 241,801 12.023 364,213 376,236 Expenditure on: Raising funds Charitable activities 330 295.959 330 296,330 390 13,574 390 258,929 371 245,355 Total expenditure 371 296.289 296,660 13,964 245.355 259,319 Net incomellexpenditure} and movement in funds 3.969 158.828) 154.8591 {1,9411 118,858 116,917 Reconcillation of funds: Fund balances at 1 April 2024 20,563 281,138 301,701 22,504 162,280 184,784 Fund balances at 31 March 2025 24.532 222.310 246,842 20,563 281.138 301,701 The statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses re¢ognised in the year. All income and expenditure derive from continuing aclivilies.
SPEAKEASY NOW BALANCE SHEET ASAT31 MARCH 2025 2025 2024 Notes Fixed assets Tangible assets 11 7,134 7,349 Current assets Debtors Cash at bank and in hand 12 1,304 240,505 7.024 290.944 241,809 297,968 Creditors: amounts falling due within one year 13 (2.101) 13,6161 Net current assets 239,708 294,352 Total assets less currènt liabilities 246,842 301,701 The lunds of the Charity Reslricled income funds Unre51ricled funds 15 16 222,310 24.532 281.138 20,563 246,842 301,701 e financial te en reap the Trustee5 On . De Sousa Mr R Gallier Trustee rustee
SPEAKEASY NOW NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 Accounting policies Charlty information Speakeasy NOW is a registered charity no. 1106914. The principle address is St. Richards House. 22 Vicltsria Square, Droitwich, WR9 8DS. 1.1 Accounting convention The financial s13temènls have been prepared in accordance with the Charity's governing document, Ihe Ch8rilies Act 2011, FRS 102 The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland" and the Charities SORP "Accounting cind Reporting by Charilies.. Statemnt of Recotnrnendtsd Practice applicable lo charilips preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland IFRS 102}" The Charity is a Public Benefit Entity as defined by FRS 102. The Charity has taken advantage of the provisions in the SORP for charities not lo prepare a slalement of cash flows. The financial statements are prepared in sterling, which is the functional currency of the Charity. Monetary amount5 in these financial statements are rounded to the nearest £. The financial ststemenls hava been prepared under the historical cost convenlion. The principal accounting policies adopted are sel out below. 1.2 Going concern Al the lime of approving Ihe financi31 slalemenls, the Trustees have a reasonable expectation that Ihe Charity has adequate resources lo continue in operational exislence for the foreseeable future. Thus the Truslees conlinue to adopt the going concerri basis of accounting in preparing the financial slalements. 1.3 Charitable funds Unrestricted funds are available for use at the discretion of the Trustees in furtherance of their charitable objectives. Restricted fLJnds are subject lo specific conditions by donors Dr grdnlors as to how they may be used. The purposes and uses of the reslricled funds are sel oul in the notes to th2 financial slalemenls. 1.4 Income Incorne is recognised when the Charity is legally entitled to il after any performance conditions have been mel. the amounts can be measured reliably, and il is probable that income will be received. Cash donalions are recognised on receipt. Olher donations are recognised once the Charity has been notifièd of the donation, unles5 performance conditions require deferral of Ihe amount. Legacies are recognised on receipt or otherwise if the Charity has been notified of an impending distribution, the amount is known, and receipt 15 expècted. If the amount Is not known, the legacy is treated as a contingent asset.
SPEAKEASY NOW NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS {CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 Accounting policies Icontinuedl 1.5 Expenditure Expenditure is recognised once there is a legal or constructive obligation lo transfer economic benefit lo a third party, it is probable Ihal a transfer of economic benefits will be required in settlement, and the amount of the obligation ean be measured reliably. Expenditure 15 classified by aclivity. The cos15 of each aGtivily are made up of the total Df direct costs and shared costs. including support costs involved in undertaking each activity. Direct cosls attributable lo a single activity are allocated directly to that activity. Shared Gosls iNhich contribute lo more than one activity and support costs which are nol attribulable lo a single aclivily are apportioned between those aclivilies on a basis consislenl with the use of resources. Central staff costs are allocated on the basis of lime spent, and depreciation charges are allocated on the portion of the asset's use. 1.6 Tangible fixed assets Tangible fixed a.8%els are initially rneasured at cost and subsequently measured at cost or valuation. nel of depreciation and any impaimient losses. Depreciation is recognised so as lo write off the cost or valuation of assets less their residual values over their useful lives on the following bases_. Fixtures and firtings Cornputer Equipmenl 25g/o on cost 25°/D on cost The gain or Ios5 arisir¢g on the disposal of an asset is detemiined as the difference between the sale proceeds and the carying value of the asset. and is recognised in the statement of financial activities. 1.7 Impairment of fixed assets At each reporting end dale, the Charily reviews the carrying amounts ol its tangible assets to determine whether Ihere is any indication that those 8S5et5 have suffered an impairment loss. If any such indication exists, the recoverable amount of the asset is estimated in order to determine the extent of the impairment loss lif any). 1.8 Cash and cash equivalents Cash and cash equivalents include cash in hand. deposits held al call with banks. other short-lemi liquid inveslmenls with original maturities of three months or less, and bank overdrafts. 8ank overdrafts are shown within bOowingS in current liabililies. 1.9 Financial instruments The Charity has elected lo apply the provisions of Section 11 'Basic Financial Inslnjments. and Section 12 'Other Financial Instruments Issues. of FRS 102 to all of ils financial insirumenls. Finanoal instruments are recogniseé in Ihe Charity's balance sheet when the Charity becornes party lo the contractual provisions of the in51rumenl. Financi81 assets and liabilities are offset, with the net amounts presented in the financial slalements. when therè is a legally enforceable right to sel off the recognised amounts and ihere is an intention to settle on a net basis or to realise Ihe assel and settle Ihe liability simultaneously. Basic financial assets Basic financial assets, which include debtors and cash and bank balances, are initially measLJred at transaction price including transaction costs and are subsequently carrièd al amortised cost using the effective interest method unless the arrangement conslitules a financing Iransaclion. where the transaction is measured at the present value of the future receipt5 discounted at a market rate of interest. Financial assets classified as receivable within one year are not amortised.
SPEAKEASY NOW NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS {CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 Accounting policies {Continued) 8asic financial liabilities Basic fin3nGial liabilities, including creditors and bank loans are initially recognised 81 Ir2n.%aclion price unless the arrangement conslilules a financing transaction. where the debt instrument is measured al the present value of Ihe future payments discounted at a market rate of interest. Financial li8bililies classified as payable within one year are not amortised. Debt instruments are subsequently carried at amortised cost. using the effective interest rale method. Trade creditors are obligations lo pay for goods or services that have been acquired in the ordinary course of operalions IrorTt suppli&rs. Amounts payable are classified as current liabilitie5 if payment is due within one year or less. If not, they are presented as non-currenl liabilities. Trade creditors are recognised initially at transaction price and subsequently measured at amortiscd cost using the effective intere51 method. Derecognition of financial liabilities Financial liabilities are derecognised when the Charity's contractual obligations expire or are discharged or cancelled. 1.10 Taxation The charity is exèmpt from tax on its charitsble activities. 1.11 Retirement benefits Payments to defined contribution relirement benefit schemes are Gharged as an expense as they fall due. Income frorn donations and legacies Unrestricted Restricted funds funds 2025 2025 Total Unrestricted Restricted funds funds 2024 2024 Total 2025 2024 Donations and gifts Grants 1,292 235,719 1,292 235,719 500 7,555 515 361.337 1,015 368.892 237,011 237.011 8,055 361,852 369.907 In¢ome from investments Unrestricted Unrestricted fund5 funds 2025 2024 Bank interest receivable 3,140 738
SPEAKEASY NOW NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 other income Unrestricted Restricted funds funds 2025 2025 Total Unrestrlcted Restrlcted funds funds 2024 2024 Total 2025 2024 Easy Read Other services 1.200 1,200 450 3,190 40 725 1,636 3,915 1,676 450 1.200 450 1.650 3.230 2.361 5,591 Expenditure on raising funds Unrestricted Restricted funds fund5 2025 2025 Total Unrestricted RestTlcted funds funds 2024 2024 Total 2025 2024 Fundraising and publicity Advertising 330 330 390 390 10-
SPEAKEASY NOW NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 Expenditure on charitable activities Charitable Charitable expenditure expenditure 2025 2024 Direct costs Siaff costs Depreciation and impairment Office rental and costs Travel costs Sundry expenses Conference and meeting costs Sub-conlractor costs Insurances Telephone 233,718 2.479 13.403 10.038 5,676 3.799 12.459 1.402 7,345 198.411 609 11.554 6.652 8.954 4,323 12,612 1,218 7,786 290,319 252,119 Share of support and governance costs (see note 7} Support Governance 4.891 1,120 6,810 296,330 258,929 Analysis by fund Unrestricted funds Restricted funds 371 295.959 13,574 245,355 296,330 258.929 Support costs allocated to activities 2025 2024 Governance Gosls 6,011 6,810 Analysed bettveen: Charitable expenditure 6,011 6,810 Governance and support costs consist of independent examiners fees of £1,120 and accountancy fees of £4.891. Trustees None of the Trustees (or any persons connected with them} received any remuneration or benefits from the Charity during the year. 11
SPEAKEASY NOW NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS {CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 Employees The average monlhly nutnber of employees during the year was.. 2025 Number 2024 Number Employment costs 2025 2024 Wages and salaries Other pension costs 230,843 2.875 196,139 2.272 233,718 198,411 There were no employees whose annual remuneration was more than £60.000. Remuneratlon of key management personnel The remunefation of key rnanagement personnel was as follows.. 2025 2024 Total remuneration 31,085 29,251 10 Taxation The charity is exempl from laxalion on ils activities because all its income is applied for Gharitable purposes. 12-
SPEAKEASY NOW NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 11 Tanglble flxed assets Fixtures and filling5 ornputer Equiprnent Total Cost Al 1 April 2024 Additions 5,795 1.148 9.426 1,116 15,221 2,264 Al 31 March 2025 6.943 10.542 17,485 Depreciation and impairment AI 1 April 2024 Depreciation charged in the year 7,872 795 7,872 2.479 1.684 At 31 March 2025 1.684 8.667 10.351 Carrying amount At 31 March 2025 5.259 1.875 7.134 At 31 March 2024 5,795 1.554 7.349 12 Debtors 2025 2024 Amounts falling due within one year: Trade debtors Prepayments and accrued income 6.404 620 1.304 1.304 7.024 13 Credltors: amounts falling due within one year 2025 2024 Trade creditors Accruals and deferred income 981 1.120 2,536 1,080 2,101 3.616 14 Retirement benefit schemes 2025 2024 Defined contribution schemes Charge lo profit or loss in respect of defined conlribulion schemes 2,875 2.272 The Charity operates a defined contribution pension scheme for 811 qualifying employees. The assets of the scheme are held separately from those of the Charity in an independently administered fvnd. 13
SPEAKEASY NOW NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 15 Restricted funds The reslricled funds of the charity Lomprise the unexpended balances of donations and gra415 held on trust subjcct to specific condilions by donors as to how they may be used. At 1 April 2024 Incoming resources Resources At 31 March expended 2025 Health Checker- Herefordshirè Heallh Checker- Worcestershire Keyworkers Voices NHSE Experts (CETRI Speakup OMMT 10,887 87,575 11.378 15.521 49,837 64,905 41,035 25,550 50,620 34 60,343 129 79.508 21.277 124,3331 (58.7171 14,3391 147,6711 {31.0711 177,5781 152.5801 12,104 79.478 7,073 28,193 18,895 66,835 9,732 281,138 237,461 1296.2891 222,310 Previous year: At 1 April 2023 Incoming resources Resources At 31 March expended 2024 Health Checker- Herefordshire Health Checker- Worcesler5hire Keyworkers Voices NHSE Experts ICETRI Speakup OMMT 7,861 79,861 4,547 3.307 19,617 47,087 25,1SO 49,812 9,385 43,485 48.793 93,360 94.228 122.1241 142,0981 {2.5541 (31.2711 (18,5731 175.5421 (53.1931 10,887 87,57S 11,378 15,521 49,837 64,905 41,035 162.280 364.213 1245,3551 281,138 Speakup - fund for the delivery of engagement work. support lo Speakup groups. support for the creation of accessible information. NHSE Experts {CETRI fund for the support of Care, Education and Treatment reviews to prevent admission lo secure hospitals and supporting those who are at risk of admisS10n. Health Checker Herefordshire & Worcestershire funding for the Health Checkers Team lo support the laGkling of health inequ81ilie5 for people with a leaming disability- Voices - fund to support people with learning disabilities and lo contribute to the co-production of services in Worcestershire. Keyworkers - fund to 5UPPOrt the recruitment of keyworker staff for the NHS. OMMT - fltnd to support the delivery of 'Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training, lo health and social care staff across Herefordshire and Worcestershire. 14-
SPEAKEASY NOW NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 16 Unrestricted funds The unreslricled funds of the charily comprise the unexpended balances of donations and grants which are not subject lo specific conditions by donors and grantors as to how they may be used. These include designated funds which have been sel aside out of unreslricted funds by the Irusiees for specific purpDses. At 1 April 2024 Incoming re50urces Resources At 31 March expended 2025 General funds 20,563 4,340 13711 24,532 Previous year: At l April 2023 Incoming resources Resources At 31 March expènded 2024 General funds 22,504 12,023 113,9641 20.563 17 Analysis of net assets between funds Unrestricted funds 2025 Restricted funds 2025 Total 2025 At 31 March 2025: Tangible asset5 Current assetsllliabilitiesl 6,190 18,342 944 221.366 7,134 239,708 24.532 222,310 246.842 Unrestricted funds 2024 Restricted funds 2024 Total 2024 At 31 March 2024: Tangible assets Cuent assetsllli8bilitiesl 5,796 14.767 1,553 279.585 7,349 294,352 20.563 281.138 301,701 15
SPEAKEASY NOW NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 18 Operating lease commltments Lessee At the reporting end dale the Charity had outstanding commitments for future minilnum lease payments under non-cancellable operaling lease5, which fall due as follows.. 2025 2024 Within one year Between trNO and five years 1,392 1,392 2,784 19 Related party transactions There were no disclosable related p8rty transactions during the year12024 - none).