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2023-03-31-accounts

Company registration number: 04854897 Charity registration number: 1107079

DISABILITY ASSIST FOR INDEPENDENT LIVING LTD

(A company limited by guarantee)

Annual Report and Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 March 2023

Alison & Gary Robinson Aims Accountants for Business New Stonehill Farm Stone Hill Road Egerton Kent TN27 9DU

DISABILITY ASSIST FOR INDEPENDENT LIVING LTD

Contents

Trustees' Report 1 to 13
Independent Examiner's Report 14
Statement of Financial Activities 15
Balance Sheet 16
Notes to the Financial Statements 17 to 27

DISABILITY ASSIST FOR INDEPENDENT LIVING LTD

Trustees' Report

The trustees, who are directors for the purposes of company law, present the annual report together with the financial statements of the charitable company for the year ended 31 March 2023.

Objectives and activities

Objects and aims

About Us

Disability Assist was previously known as Centre for Independent Living Kent. We rebranded in April 2022, with a new name and image.

Our Vision

Disability Assist’s vision is a world where disabled people can live as independently as possible.

This means that they have the same access to the opportunities enjoyed by their non-disabled peers and are included in society as full and equal citizens.

Our Mission

We exist to help disabled people in Kent to be self-advocates, to take control over their own lives and to have real choice.

Our job is whatever is required to support disabled people to lead a more independent life, from helping people access the right services and information to campaigning for change.

Our Values

We get it.

We are practical

We offer bespoke support and work with the individual to find the best approach to suit them.

We want to empower

We want to help disabled people to take control and have real choice for a better, more independent life.

We are resourceful

We have the necessary skills, know how to find the appropriate help and who to contact to get the right results.

We are Inclusive

We are a pan-disability organisation and can help adults in Kent with any physical disability or long-term disabling health condition.

Our History

Disability Assist was previously known as Centre for Independent Living Kent (CiLK).

CiLK was formed in April 2002 to support the positive promotion and uptake of Direct Payments and independent living for disabled people living in Kent.

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Trustees' Report

Until this point, disabled people in Kent had been struggling to set up a Centre for Independent Living but had not been supported or able to gain funding to achieve it so establishing CiLK was a turning point.

In December 2015, CiLK joined forces with The Simon Paul Foundation, a physical disability organisation based in North West Kent, so that disabled people across the county could benefit from universal services with just one point of contact.

The coming together of the two organisations was seen as a very positive step in CiLK’s history and enabled CiLK to retain Simon Paul Foundation’s staff and the valuable links the organisation had with the North West Kent communities.

Public benefit

The Trustees confirm they have had due regard to the Charity Commission’s public benefit guidance and are confident the objectives and activities undertaken provide significant benefit to the public and are in accordance with its charitable objects, as described in the annual report.

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 Wales.

Achievements and performance

CEO Report

New Year, Fresh Start

This year, 2022-2023, has been one of great change. We are now called Disability Assist for Independent Living Ltd.

We kicked off the year with a massive rebrand project, changing our name and image to ensure we were instantly recognisable for who we are and what we do. I am excited to say that we have achieved this!

I am immensely proud of all our hard work and the way the staff and trustee teams pulled together to transform the organisation to Disability Assist in time to start our new Physical Disability Wellbeing contract!

This contract is commissioned and funded by Kent County Council and is specifically to support the wellbeing of people living with a Physical Disability in Kent. The funding pays for front line services and staff, including four Information Officers who deliver our Information and Benefits Support service.

In previous years, we received grant funding through the council on an annual basis. This method of funding has now ended and I am delighted that Disability Assist has now been awarded a longer-term contract which will help stabilise the charity for 3-5 years.

We have implemented new systems to ensure we keep records in line with GDPR rules and ensure we are able to capture and monitor the outcomes we are supporting our beneficiaries to achieve.

Our staff team has grown and we have brought in new team members to help service the contract, to develop our communications and to work with our beneficiaries.

Rebranding and investing in communications has realised our belief that there were a lot of disabled people in Kent needing our support who we just weren’t reaching. A combination of newsletters, media promotions, advertising and presentations to statutory and non-statutory organisations sees us reaching more people than we could ever have imagined. And once people found us and benefitted from clear information and knowledgeable, friendly support team, they have been spreading the word to others.

It has been a learning curve for us all to navigate new ways of working but it has been a real privilege to lead such a dedicated and hard-working organisation.

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Trustees' Report

We still hold the same ethos and believe that being user led, disabled people supporting disabled people, makes us the best people to be working with our beneficiaries and peers.

Staff Team

During 22/23, the Disability Assist Staff team consisted of:

Myself – Chief Executive Officer

Donna Francis – Senior Information Officer

Angie Berkley – Information Officer

Hannah Daley – Information Officer

Stephen Saxby - Information Officer/Benefits

Madlin Brinton – Administrator

Luci Conington – Finance

Lizell Williams – Advocate

Tania Nadarajah – Marketing & Communications Lead

We have been working with the following contractors to provide specialist support to the organisation:

Jason Martin – Business Development

Peter Dyer – Finance review and accounts

We have changed our accountant to Aims Accountants for Business, who manage our accounts and run our payroll. This is important as we are now a much bigger organisation.

Our previous bookkeeper, Madlin Brinton, has stepped aside but we remain in touch and are looking for a role for her into the future. She has such a wealth of knowledge and been a part of our organisation for so long that we remain in regular contact.

We have since been joined by Luci Conington who, along with Peter Dyer, are bringing our finance systems and procedures in line with how they need to be for an organisation that has grown and is looking to the future.

KCC Wellbeing Contract

The Wellbeing Contract has introduced new ways of working for all of us. I am pleased to say that the first year of the contract has been a huge success thanks to the very hard work of everyone in the organisation.

I meet regularly with Kent County Council, who monitor the work we are doing, our Key Performance Indicators, the outcomes of the services we are providing. They are very pleased with our first year and we are working with them to ensure our KPIs are sensible and representative of the work we are doing.

We have supported people to access information and advice, and they say that they feel listened to and supported to live more independently as a result. Our benefits support service has also been particularly in demand this year as everyone feels the effects of the cost of living crisis. However, we are particularly proud to have helped people to receive new or increased benefits totaling over £900,000 in the last year alone. This figure represents an excellent return for Kent County Council on their investment in Disability Assist and, most importantly, is an important increase in funds for people who are most in need.

Advocacy

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Trustees' Report

During the year we continued working as a delivery partner for The Advocacy People providing community, non-statutory advocacy. Lizell Williams is now our full time advocate, working to support community advocacy clients.

Over the last year, we have been allocated 102 cases and have invested case time of over 1003hours.

Raising important issues

I remained Chair of the Kent Physical Disability Forum during the year. However, we understand that this Forum is to be replaced with a new way of working, although our requests for information on what this will be has not been answered by the organisers of the Forum yet. Regardless, Disability Assist will continue to be a voice for disabled people, highlighting the issues and concerns that are brought to our attention.

Disability Assist remains a member of Disability Rights UK and has a seat on Our Voices, the Disability Rights UK forum of Disabled Peoples User Led Organisations from across the country.

Communications

I am truly amazed by the progress made with our communications.

Our clear, user-friendly website showcases the organisation and is constantly developing with self-help information, news about Disability Assist and all the services we can provide. It also has clear referral pathways, and our webforms have received over 1000 new referrals in the first year. Our Newsletter is performing better than the industry average and the number of subscribers has increased by 348%. That means we are now reaching over 1300 people who are opening it, reading it and accessing the information within.

Medway & non-physical disabilities

Our resources are limited and are being used to service the contracts and agreements we have. We do not currently receive funding to support disabled people within Medway or people with other, non-physical, disabilities but rest assured that we haven’t forgotten them. We are seeking the funding to resource additional services to support those people who currently fall outside of our service remit. In the meantime, through our Newsletter and social media platforms, we highlight information for Medway residents and our self-help guides are designed to be universally beneficial.

We are reaching more people than ever before at a time when it is very clear people need us. That is something the whole of Disability Assist is very proud to have achieved and we will continue to build on this success to serve the community going forwards!

Sophie Fournel

Chairman’s Report

Over the past year, myself and the board of Trustees have continued to be very impressed with Sophie Fournel’s leadership of the organisation which continues to go from strength to strength. During the year, steps have been taken to professionalise the financial reporting for Disability Assist. This has included employing a part time book keeper, out sourcing payroll and retaining the services of Starling Support CIC to assist with presenting quarterly management information to the board of trustees.

The cost of living crisis has hit many of the service users of Disability Assist hard and I am pleased with the response of the organisation to provide much needed support and advice. Results of our ongoing feedback surveys are very encouraging and show the dedication of the staff at Disability Assist in delivering the KCC contracted services.

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Trustees' Report

During the year, the staff have been involved in several development days, helping to keep the team informed and work on the organisation. This is especially important given the remote nature the organisation operates with no fixed premises and all staff working from home.

The CEO has been working closely with Starling Support CIC and Cap Enterprises to secure additional grant funding to assist with the financial stability of Disability Assist; we await the decision on several grant applications later on in the year.

It only remains for myself and all the board of Trustees to thank all of the staff at Disability Assist for their continued hard work and dedication in delivering a service of excellence for many disabled people who have needed to have support over this past year.

Dr Andrew Robertson

Information Officer’s Report

What a year! Our first as Disability Assist delivering the Kent County Council Physical Disability Wellbeing Contract. To sum up the first year in just a few words – busy, exhausting, fulfilling, challenging, rewarding and positive.

The Team

This year we gained two new Disability Assist staff members – Stephen and Hannah – I do not know how we would manage without them now!

Sarah and Donna from KASBAH joined us for the year, it was really helpful to have them on board covering North Kent.

The Information Officers team was made up of:

The team met up regularly every 6 weeks either in person or online to talk through any issues, updates and training needs.

Work Completed

From April 2022 we have operated a duty system where each of the team (apart from the KASBAH staff) were allocated a day or two to cover the phones and emails dealing with enquiries as they came in. At times, this has been extremely busy. We have continued to use our online database to record clients details and the work completed with them.

The total number of clients supported this year was 1,857. This is a huge number and a testament to the hard work the Information Officers have put in. Benefits work is still the most popular enquiry and we have seen a huge number of clients being supported by us in this area with positive results.

This year, we have been able to see clients face to face again which has been great. We are still mindful of Covid so take regular tests. We now have a fixed number of venues that we use to see clients, including the following:

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Trustees' Report

One You, Ashford Fusion, Maidstone ASDA in Folkestone and Canterbury Freedom Centre, Sheerness Charlton Centre, Dover Westwood Cross, Broadstairs

Training

The team have completed a number of training sessions this year including suicide awareness, mental health, GDPR and staff wellbeing. These are always really helpful sessions and ensures we are kept up to date and that our own wellbeing is looked after.

Looking ahead

I feel that Disability Assist is firmly on the map in Kent and I look forward to supporting even more disabled people. I think we need to continue to get our message out there, letting people know we are here, who we can support and with what issues. I have really appreciated the amazing Information Officers team and have enjoyed seeing the team come together, work as a team and support each other. Thank you to each and everyone of you.

I have been so grateful to the support from the wider team too – Sophie, Tania, Charlie, Jason, Madlin and it has been great to welcome Luci in recent months.

Thank you to my amazing Personal Assistant, Dawn, too. I could not do my job without her.

Let’s see what the next year brings for Disability Assist!

Donna Francis

Our Impact

A Name that Speaks Volumes

In 2022, the charity underwent a transformation, marking a pivotal moment in our twenty-year journey. We began by rebranding in April 2022, which saw us shedding our old identity of Centre for Independent Living Kent (CiLK) to embrace the new name "Disability Assist". This change was a strategic move to better align with our mission, be more recognisable and help us communicate our purpose more clearly. The new identity echoes our commitment to provide support and assistance to individuals with disabilities.

Extending Our Reach

Central to our transformation was a comprehensive marketing and communications initiative that aimed to amplify our presence across the county. We reached out to stakeholders, bridging the gap through digital activity on our website, social media channels, and through an engaging monthly newsletter.

We also maximised our opportunities to speak directly to our target audiences. During launch, our staff and trustees participated in media interviews to publicise the work of the charity and gave interviews on BBC Radio Kent, ITV Meridian and other broadcast channels as well as on podcasts and in local newspapers. Our CEO also chaired 20 forums and groups, ensuring that the voice of disabled people was heard and considered across all levels.

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Trustees' Report

We delivered over 34 presentations to professionals working across the county in health, social care and other services, as well as attended nine community events to speak to various groups. Engaging with professionals increased awareness of our charity and helped them understand how we can help the disabled people that they work with. This allowed a more collaborative way of working, encouraged referrals to our service and gave professionals working within the community further support for their clients.

Forging Pathways Through Collaboration

Collaboration is at the heart of our success and we know that we can achieve more by working with like-minded organizations to give clients the support that is right for them. Our partnership with KASBAH allowed us to expand our services to Dartford, Gravesham, and Swanley. Furthermore, as a trusted delivery partner in the Kent Advocacy Partnership, we championed the power of disabled voices through community advocacy. This non-statutory service empowered clients to raise issues, understand their choices and navigate challenges with confidence.

A Vision Fulfilled

The culmination of our efforts reflects an unwavering commitment to transforming lives. Through rebranding, expanded outreach and strategic collaboration, Disability Assist has reached more individuals than ever before.

As we reflect on this transformative year, we are proud of the collective dedication of our staff, trustees and partners and will continue working to change more disabled peoples’ lives than ever.

We supported 1,857 disabled people - that's 10x more clients than last year!

Over £913,000 of benefits secured for clients

348% increase in e-newsletter subscribers

94% of clients recommend us

Over 3,500 unique visitors to our website

145,000+ social media reach

Clients tell us that we have supported them to

Live more independently

Feel listened to by someone who really understands

Feel less lonely

"The support given to me was very professional"

"There is absolutely no way I would have been able to get through that assessment without your help"

Client Feedback

We have helped to support clients through a wide range of issues and queries and have receive some fantastic feedback as a result. Here, two of our clients explain how we were able to help them.

We helped Mrs X, a client with numerous disabling health conditions, who required support with grant applications. This is what she had to say:

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Trustees' Report

“Your tireless dedication and help throughout this process have been nothing short of phenomenal. I truly would not be in this position without your support. I turned to you at a time when every door was closed, when none of the expected avenues of assistance proved helpful (this included medical teams, social care teams and even Citizens Advice). But you did. You took on a task that I now appreciate is even more substantial than I initially realised. If you hadn't stepped in to help me at that pivotal moment, I would have been stranded, without any viable alternatives and definitely given up. It leaves me wondering how others manage in similar situations without someone as supportive as you in their lives.”

We also helped Mrs Y, who has various disabling health conditions. We were able to support her with her PIP tribunal, including all of the preparations as well as attending this with her on the day. This led to a successful outcome for her.

“I would like to express my sincerest gratitude for the service I have received through Disability Assist. From my initial telephone call to a number provided by a friend, to a home visit by a representative who helped me appeal my second rejection for Personal Independence payments. The onward visits to talk me through the appeals process and finally accompaniment on the day of my tribunal after my third attempt. I have been given impartial, empathetic advice and guidance.

Donna in particular really listened and assisted me to explain to my health needs with a patient, compassionate approach. The fact that home visits were possible, made the whole process so much easier and comfortable to deal with.

I am so grateful for this wonderful service and would not hesitate to recommend to anyone navigating disability services. In fact, I have already on a number of occasions! Well done to the team behind this fabulous provision and thank you for making a difficult time so much easier to bear.”

Thank You

Disability Assist would like to thank the following groups and organisations for all their help and support during the year:

Access to Work

Ashford Borough Council

CAP Enterprises

Disability Rights UK

Involve Kent

KASBAH

Keep Talking Services

Kent Association for the Blind (KAB)

Kent County Council and Commissioners

Kent Community Foundation

Medway Voluntary Action

Ross Care

South East Network of Disabled People’s Organisations (SENDPO)

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Trustees' Report

Starlings Support

The Advocacy People/Kent Advocacy Partnership,

We would also like to thank all our members and other individuals who have supported us with their valuable time.

Financial review

The financial overview for the year to 31 March 2023 is as follows:

Income: £246,542 Expenditure: £283,043

Net expenditure: (£36,501) (comprising an unrestricted deficit of (£42,990) and a restricted surplus of £6,489) Balance brought forward: £143,892 (of which £2,522 was restricted)

Balance carried forward: £107,391 (of which £9,011 was restricted)

The charity made an unrestricted (general) deficit of £42,990. The deficit was due to a planned investment from the charity’s reserves to expand and strengthen the organisation as part of the delivery of the new KCC Wellbeing contract. The increase in restricted funds for the year was due to the securing of funds to be spent in the next financial year.

Policy on reserves

Disability Assist recognises that there is no legal definition of "reserves" in relation to charities and no specific legal rule about the amount or proportion of funds that should be held as reserve.

Disability Assist is dependent on funding from external sources, and this cannot be guaranteed. The Board of Trustees deem that it is necessary to ensure that Disability Assist has sufficient reserves to continue to operate for a period of three to six months should all funding cease. This time period would allow the Board to identify alternative sources of funding, or if unsuccessful to meet all its obligations to creditors and to cease operating in a considered manner that safeguards the interests of staff, volunteers, service users and stakeholders.

Disability Assist will maintain an appropriate level of reserves through careful budget management. This policy will be reviewed annually, taking into account:

• The reliability of each source of income and the prospects for securing new funds;

• Forecasts for expenditure in future years on the basis of planned activity;

• Analysis of any future needs, opportunities, contingencies or risks, the effects of which are not likely to be able to be met out of income if and when they arise;

• Assessment, on the best evidence reasonably available, of the likelihood of each of those needs etc. arising and the potential consequences for the charity of not being able to meet them.

At 31 March 2023, the charity's reserves (unrestricted funds less fixed assets) were £96,801.

Principal funding sources

In the year to 31 March 2023, the majority of the charity’s income was secured from a Wellbeing contract from Kent County Council. The charity also received income for an advocacy service, income for projects and to cover support costs under Access to Work. A small number of donations were also received.

Investment policy and objectives

The Trustees operate a policy of holding any reserves held in an interest-bearing savings account.

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Trustees' Report

Plans for future periods

Activities planned to achieve aims

The charity will continue to deliver the Wellbeing contract for Kent County Council along with projects and services to support disabled people.

Going concern

The charity is considered to be a going concern. The majority of the charity's expenditure is met from committed public sector funds, with additional funds raised from an ongoing programme of fundraising from trusts, foundations and the lottery and the participation in funded projects. Funds are held in reserve to cover any losses of income or for unforeseen expenditure.

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Trustees' Report

Reference and Administrative Details

Charity Registration Number: 1107079 Company Registration Number: 04854897

The charity is incorporated in England & Wales.

Registered Office: R&B Star Units 9 & 10 Nimbus Enterprise Park Liphook Way

Allington Maidstone Kent ME16 0LQ

Independent Examiner: Alison & Gary Robinson

Accountants: Alison & Gary Robinson

Aims Accountants for Business New Stonehill Farm

Stone Hill Road Egerton

Kent

TN27 9DU

Trustees and officers

The trustees and officers serving during the year and since the year end were as follows:

Trustees: Sonia Jannette WEAVER-MALLION

Paul BURCHETT

Victoria Grace CHITTENDEN

Christopher William Maxwell WISE

Catherine Michelle FINNIS, Treasurer, resigned 21 July 2023)

Dr Andrew James ROBERTSON

Clive William BASSANT

Hannah Elizabeth TUTT

Chairman: Dr Andrew James ROBERTSON (to 26 September 2023)

Acting Chair: Hannah Elizabeth TUTT (from 26 September 2023)

Secretary: Sonia Jannette WEAVER-MALLION

Structure, governance and management

Nature of governing document

The organisation is a charitable company limited by guarantee, incorporated on 4 August 2003 and registered as a charity on 1 December 2004. The company was established under a Memorandum and Articles of Association. In the event of the company being wound up members are required to contribute an amount not exceeding £1.

On 28 March 2022 the charity changed its name from Centre for Independent Living Kent Limited to Disability Assist for Independent Living Ltd.

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Trustees' Report

Recruitment and appointment of trustees

The directors of the company are also charity Trustees for the purposes of charity law. Under the requirements of the Memorandum and Articles of Association the number of Trustees must be not less than five. Trustees are appointed in accordance with the Memorandum and Articles of Association.

New Trustees are provided with an induction into the charity’s work and the duties and responsibilities of the Trustee Board.

Organisational structure

The Trustee Board oversees the running of the charity. The CEO has day to day responsibility for the provision of services in line with the policies and plans agreed by the Board.

Relationships with related parties

All Trustees give their time voluntarily and received no benefits from the charity. Any expenses reclaimed from the charity are set out in the notes to the accounts.

Risk management

The Trustees conduct regular reviews of the major risks to which the charity is exposed. Where appropriate, systems or procedures are established to mitigate the risks the charity faces.

Statement of Trustees' Responsibilities

The trustees (who are also the directors of DISABILITY ASSIST FOR INDEPENDENT LIVING LTD for the purposes of company law) are responsible for preparing the trustees' report and the financial statements in accordance with the United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice) and applicable law and regulations. The report and accounts have been prepared in accordance with the provisions in the Companies Act 2006 relating to small companies.

Company law requires the trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year. Under company law the trustees must not approve the financial statements unless they are satisfied that they give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charitable company and of its incoming resources and application of resources, including its income and expenditure, for that period. In preparing these financial statements, the trustees are required to:

The trustees are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that are sufficient to show and explain the charitable company's transactions and disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charitable company and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charitable company and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.

Small companies provision statement

This report has been prepared in accordance with the small companies regime under the Companies Act 2006. The annual report was approved by the trustees of the charity on 6th December 2023 and signed on its behalf by:

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Trustees' Report

...................................................... ...................................................... Victoria Grace CHITTENDEN Clive William BASSANT Trustee Trustee

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DISABILITY ASSIST FOR INDEPENDENT LIVING LTD

Independent Examiner's Report to the trustees of DISABILITY ASSIST FOR INDEPENDENT LIVING LTD ("the Company")

I report to the charity trustees on my examination of the accounts of the Company for the year ended 31 March 2023.

Responsibilities and basis of report

As the charity’s trustees of the Company (and also its directors for the purposes of company law) you 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 ASSIST FOR INDEPENDENT LIVING LTD 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 section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act.

Independent examiner’s statement

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:

  1. accounting records were not kept in respect of DISABILITY ASSIST FOR INDEPENDENT LIVING LTD as required by section 386 of the 2006 Act; or

  2. the accounts do not accord with those records; or

  3. the accounts do not comply with the accounting requirements of section 396 of the 2006 Act 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

  4. 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 [applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102)].

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.

......................................

Aims Accountants for Business New Stonehill Farm Stone Hill Road Egerton Kent TN27 9DU

6 December 2023

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DISABILITY ASSIST FOR INDEPENDENT LIVING LTD

Statement of Financial Activities for the Year Ended 31 March 2023 (Including Income and Expenditure Account and Statement of Total Recognised Gains and Losses)

Unrestricted Restricted Total
funds funds 2023
Note £ £ £
Income and Endowments from:
Donations and legacies 3 36,064 61,496 97,560
Charitable activities 4 148,616 - 148,616
Other income 366 - 366
Total income 185,046 61,496 246,542
Expenditure on:
Charitable activities 5 (228,036) (55,007) (283,043)
Total expenditure (228,036) (55,007) (283,043)
Net (expenditure)/income (42,990) 6,489 (36,501)
Net movement in funds (42,990) 6,489 (36,501)
Reconciliation of funds
Total funds brought forward 141,370 2,522 143,892
Total funds carried forward 14 98,380 9,011 107,391
Unrestricted Restricted Total
funds funds 2022
Note £ £ £
Income and Endowments from:
Donations and legacies 3 35,116 108,365 143,481
Other income 19 - 19
Total income 35,135 108,365 143,500
Expenditure on:
Charitable activities 5 (20,469) (151,081) (171,550)
Total expenditure (20,469) (151,081) (171,550)
Net income/(expenditure) 14,666 (42,716) (28,050)
Net movement in funds 14,666 (42,716) (28,050)
Reconciliation of funds
Total funds brought forward 126,704 45,238 171,942
Total funds carried forward 14 141,370 2,522 143,892

All of the charity's activities derive from continuing operations during the above two periods. The funds breakdown for 2022 is shown in note 14.

The notes on pages 17 to 27 form an integral part of these financial statements. Page 15

DISABILITY ASSIST FOR INDEPENDENT LIVING LTD

(Registration number: 04854897) Balance Sheet as at 31 March 2023

2023 2022
Note £ £
Fixed assets
Tangible assets 10 1,579 1,755
Current assets
Debtors 11 47,824 10,663
Cash at bank and in hand 12 66,477 143,830
114,301 154,493
Creditors: Amounts falling due within one year 13 (8,489) (12,356)
Net current assets 105,812 142,137
Net assets 107,391 143,892
Funds of the charity:
Restricted income funds
Restricted funds 14 9,011 2,522
Unrestricted income funds
Unrestricted funds 98,380 141,370
Total funds 14 107,391 143,892

For the financial year ending 31 March 2023 the charity was entitled to exemption from audit under section 477 of the Companies Act 2006 relating to small companies.

Directors' responsibilities:

The financial statements on pages 15 to 27 were approved by the trustees, and authorised for issue on 6 December 2023 and signed on their behalf by:

......................................... ......................................... Victoria Grace CHITTENDEN Clive William BASSANT Trustee Trustee

The notes on pages 17 to 27 form an integral part of these financial statements. Page 16

DISABILITY ASSIST FOR INDEPENDENT LIVING LTD

Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 March 2023

1 Charity status

The charity is limited by guarantee, incorporated in England & Wales, and consequently does not have share capital. Each of the trustees is liable to contribute an amount not exceeding £1 towards the assets of the charity in the event of liquidation.

The address of its registered office is: R&B Star Units 9 & 10 Nimbus Enterprise Park Liphook Way Allington Maidstone Kent ME16 0LQ

These financial statements were authorised for issue by the trustees on 6 December 2023.

2 Accounting policies

Summary of significant accounting policies and key accounting estimates

The principal accounting policies applied in the preparation of these financial statements are set out below. These policies have been consistently applied to all the years presented, unless otherwise stated.

Statement of compliance

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice (applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102)) (issued in October 2019) - (Charities SORP (FRS 102)), the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) and the Companies Act 2006.

Basis of preparation

DISABILITY ASSIST FOR INDEPENDENT LIVING LTD meets the definition of a public benefit entity under FRS 102. Assets and liabilities are initially recognised at historical cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant accounting policy notes.

Going concern

The charity is considered to be a going concern. The majority of the charity's expenditure is met from committed public sector funds, with additional funds raised from an ongoing programme of fundraising from trusts, foundations and the lottery and the participation in funded projects. Funds are held in reserve to cover any losses of income or for unforeseen expenditure.

Exemption from preparing a cash flow statement

The charity opted to early adopt Bulletin 1 published on 2 February 2016 and have therefore not included a cash flow statement in these financial statements.

Income and endowments

All income is recognised once the charity has entitlement to the income, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount of the income receivable can be measured reliably.

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DISABILITY ASSIST FOR INDEPENDENT LIVING LTD

Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 March 2023

Donations and legacies

Donations are recognised when the charity has been notified in writing of both the amount and settlement date. In the event that a donation is subject to conditions that require a level of performance by the charity before the charity is entitled to the funds, the income is deferred and not recognised until either those conditions are fully met, or the fulfilment of those conditions is wholly within the control of the charity and it is probable that these conditions will be fulfilled in the reporting period.

Grants receivable

Grants are recognised when the charity has an entitlement to the funds and any conditions linked to the grants have been met. Where performance conditions are attached to the grant and are yet to be met, the income is recognised as a liability and included on the balance sheet as deferred income to be released.

Expenditure

All expenditure is recognised once there is a legal or constructive obligation to that expenditure, it is probable settlement is required and the amount can be measured reliably. All costs are allocated to the applicable expenditure heading that aggregate similar costs to that category. Where costs cannot be directly attributed to particular headings they have been allocated on a basis consistent with the use of resources, with central staff costs allocated on the basis of time spent, and depreciation charges allocated on the portion of the asset’s use. Other support costs are allocated based on the spread of staff costs.

Charitable activities

Charitable expenditure comprises those costs incurred by the charity in the delivery of its activities and services for its beneficiaries. It includes both costs that can be allocated directly to such activities and those costs of an indirect nature necessary to support them.

Government grants

Government grants are recognised based on the accrual model and are measured at the fair value of the asset received or receivable. Grants are classified as relating either to revenue or to assets. Grants relating to revenue are recognised in income over the period in which the related costs are recognised. Grants relating to assets are recognised over the expected useful life of the asset. Where part of a grant relating to an asset is deferred, it is recognised as deferred income.

Taxation

The charity is considered to pass the tests set out in Paragraph 1 Schedule 6 of the Finance Act 2010 and therefore it meets the definition of a charitable company for UK corporation tax purposes. Accordingly, the charity is potentially exempt from taxation in respect of income or capital gains received within categories covered by Chapter 3 Part 11 of the Corporation Tax Act 2010 or Section 256 of the Taxation of Chargeable Gains Act 1992, to the extent that such income or gains are applied exclusively to charitable purposes.

Tangible fixed assets

Individual fixed assets costing £200.00 or more are initially recorded at cost, less any subsequent accumulated depreciation and subsequent accumulated impairment losses.

Depreciation and amortisation

Depreciation is provided on tangible fixed assets so as to write off the cost or valuation, less any estimated residual value, over their expected useful economic life as follows:

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DISABILITY ASSIST FOR INDEPENDENT LIVING LTD

Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 March 2023

Asset class

Furniture & equipment

Depreciation method and rate

10% reducing balance

Trade debtors

Trade debtors are amounts due from customers for merchandise sold or services performed in the ordinary course of business.

Trade debtors are recognised initially at the transaction price. They are subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method, less provision for impairment. A provision for the impairment of trade debtors is established when there is objective evidence that the charity will not be able to collect all amounts due according to the original terms of the receivables.

Cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents comprise cash on hand and call deposits, and other short-term highly liquid investments that are readily convertible to a known amount of cash and are subject to an insignificant risk of change in value.

Trade creditors

Trade creditors are obligations to pay for goods or services that have been acquired in the ordinary course of business from suppliers. Accounts payable are classified as current liabilities if the charity does not have an unconditional right, at the end of the reporting period, to defer settlement of the creditor for at least twelve months after the reporting date. If there is an unconditional right to defer settlement for at least twelve months after the reporting date, they are presented as non-current liabilities.

Trade creditors are recognised initially at the transaction price and subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method.

Fund structure

Unrestricted income funds are general funds that are available for use at the trustees discretion in furtherance of the objectives of the charity.

Restricted income funds are those donated for use in a particular area or for specific purposes, the use of which is restricted to that area or purpose.

Financial instruments

The Charity only has basic financial instruments (assets or liabilities).

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DISABILITY ASSIST FOR INDEPENDENT LIVING LTD

Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 March 2023

3 Income from donations and legacies

3
Income from donations and legacies
Unrestricted
funds Restricted Total
General funds funds
£ £ £
Donations and legacies;
Donations from companies, trusts and similar
proceeds 750 - 750
Donations from individuals 1,785 - 1,785
Grants, including capital grants;
Grants 33,529 61,496 95,025
Total for 2023 36,064 61,496 97,560
Total for 2022 35,116 108,365 143,481

4 Income from charitable activities

Contract income

Unrestricted
funds Total
General 2023
£ £
148,616 148,616
Total
2022
£

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DISABILITY ASSIST FOR INDEPENDENT LIVING LTD

Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 March 2023

5 Expenditure on charitable activities

Unrestricted
funds Restricted Total
General funds funds
Note £ £ £
Office and premises costs 10,277 2,206 12,483
General running costs 66,042 - 66,042
Service delivery costs 499 15,489 15,988
Staff costs 151,218 37,312 188,530
Total for 2023 228,036 55,007 283,043
Total for 2022 20,469 151,081 171,550
Grant funding Total
of activity expenditure
£ £
Support for disabled individuals 290,352 290,352
Total for 2022 171,550 171,550

Of the unrestricted expenditure above the following costs were support costs;

Accountancy fees £2,592 (£2,700 March 2022)

Wages & salaries £2,211 (£1,367 March 2022)

6 Government grants

Government Grants to assist in providing support to those who want to live independently and want to manage, monitor and pay directly for their own support and assistance requirements.

The amount of grants recognised in the financial statements was £45,746 (2022 - £86,005).

7 Trustees remuneration and expenses

No trustees, nor any persons connected with them, have received any remuneration from the charity during the year.

8 Staff costs

The aggregate payroll costs were as follows:

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DISABILITY ASSIST FOR INDEPENDENT LIVING LTD

Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 March 2023

2023 2022
£ £
Staff costs during the year were:
Wages and salaries 174,851 118,591
Social security costs (182) -
Pension costs 2,678 -
Other staff costs 11,183 1,891
188,530 120,482

The monthly average number of persons (including senior management / leadership team) employed by the charity during the year was as follows:

charity during the year was as follows:
2023 2022
No No
Employees 12 8

No employee received emoluments of more than £60,000 during the year.

The total employee benefits of the key management personnel of the charity were £38,783 (2022 - £36,103).

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DISABILITY ASSIST FOR INDEPENDENT LIVING LTD

Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 March 2023

9 Taxation

The charity is a registered charity and is therefore exempt from taxation.

10 Tangible fixed assets

10 Tangible fixed assets
Furniture and
equipment Total
£ £
Cost
At 1 April 2022 2,666 2,666
At 31 March 2023 2,666 2,666
Depreciation
At 1 April 2022 911 911
Charge for the year 176 176
At 31 March 2023 1,087 1,087
Net book value
At 31 March 2023 1,579 1,579
At 31 March 2022 1,755 1,755
11 Debtors
2023 2022
£ £
Trade debtors 46,543 -
Prepayments 1,281 480
Accrued income - 10,183
47,824 10,663
12 Cash and cash equivalents
2023 2022
£ £
Cash at bank 6,301 124,802
Short-term deposits 60,176 19,028
66,477 143,830

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DISABILITY ASSIST FOR INDEPENDENT LIVING LTD

Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 March 2023

13 Creditors: amounts falling due within one year

2023 2022 2022
£ £
Trade creditors 5,261 -
Other taxation and social security 3,230 (212)
Other creditors (242) 10,000
Accruals 240 2,568
8,489 12,356
14 Funds
Balance at 1 Incoming Resources Balance at 31
April 2022 resources expended March 2023
£ £ £ £
Unrestricted funds
General
Unrestricted 141,370 185,046 (228,036) 98,380
Restricted funds
Ashford Borough Council - 4,983 (972) 4,011
Access to Work - 33,263 (33,263) -
Medway Council Medway
Together 2,522 18,250 (20,772) -
Colyer-Fergusson Charitable
Trust - 5,000 - 5,000
Total restricted funds 2,522 61,496 (55,007) 9,011
Total funds 143,892 246,542 (283,043) 107,391

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DISABILITY ASSIST FOR INDEPENDENT LIVING LTD

Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 March 2023

Balance at 1 Balance at 1 Incoming Resources Balance at 31
April 2021 resources expended March 2022
£ £ £ £
Unrestricted funds
General
Unrestricted 126,704 35,135 (20,469) 141,370
Restricted
National Lottery Community
Fund 9,800 - (9,800) -
Sport England Tackling
Inequalities Fund 2,575 - (2,575) -
Disability Action DPO Covid
Fund 5,220 - (5,220) -
Kent Community Foundation
Fidelity UK Foundation
Community Development Fund 5,816 - (5,816) -
Kent County Council Contain
Outbreak Management Fund - 7,308 (7,308) -
Kent Community Foundation
Kent County Council Strategic
Recovery Fund - 9,360 (9,360) -
Kent County Council Service
Grant 21,827 59,684 (81,511) -
Access to Work - 19,013 (19,013) -
Medway Council Medway
Together - 13,000 (10,478) 2,522
Total restricted funds 45,238 108,365 (151,081) 2,522
Total funds 171,942 143,500 (171,550) 143,892

The specific purposes for which the funds are to be applied are as follows:

Medway Council Medway Together

The grant was used to deliver a partnership project called Medway Together, funded under the UK Government Community Renewal Fund. The charity was one of a number of delivery partners and delivered employability support. The funds were used for support costs, fees, advertising and expenses.

National Lottery Community Fund

The grant was used to extend the SafetyNet project for a further 9 months in order to meet the growing need from isolated, scared and vulnerable disabled people across Kent and Medway for welfare support phone calls. The funds were used for staff costs for a Project Coordinator to recruit and support volunteers, match them with clients and monitor and oversee the project, along with project running costs.

Sport England Tackling Inequalities Fund

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DISABILITY ASSIST FOR INDEPENDENT LIVING LTD

Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 March 2023

The grant was used to deliver activities to improve health and wellbeing. The funds were used for project fees and support costs.

Disability Action DPO Covid Fund

The grant was used to provide AIG, community Advocacy and benefits support – form filling right through to Tribunal, along with counselling support to staff who have found the pandemic a challenge and who have also been working with people with very complex issues. The funds were used for staff costs, project fees and delivery costs.

Kent Community Foundation Fidelity UK Foundation Community Development Fund

The grant was used to run a research project to shape future services and support provision, gathering evidence of the support needs of people in Kent and Medway living with a disability. Funds were used for research and business development fees and project running costs.

Kent County Council Contain Outbreak Management Fund

The grant was used to raise awareness of the services and support available to physically disabled people across Kent, with the aim to engage new people, and to develop new resources to support each client to plan and action an improvement in their mental health and wellbeing. The funds were used for staff costs.

Kent Community Foundation Kent County Council Strategic Recovery Fund

The grant was used to deliver a project called Future Engagement Now, to develop a new client engagement and communication strategy, helping to rebuild channels for supporting, consulting and advising isolated disabled people across the county. The funds were used for the costs of engaging a digital marketing agency.

Kent County Council Service Grant

The grant was used to deliver services and support for disabled people living in Kent, to help people live independently. Funds were used for staff, service delivery and running costs.

Access to Work

The grants were from a government programme to help disabled people stay in work. The funds were used for support costs.

Ashford Borough Council

The grant was awarded by the Welfare Advisory Group towards the costs of a project to support people in Ashford with claims for Personal Independent Payment (PIP), Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) claims, assessments and support at tribunals, providing tailored, one-to-one practical help with form filling, support to prepare for an assessment and support during that assessment if needed. The grant was spent on staff costs and continues into 2023/2024.

Colyer-Fergusson Charitable Trust

The grant was awarded as a Stabilising Grant towards back office costs including CEO's salary, to enable the charity to develop new ideas and relationships, champion disability, mentor the staff team and help to secure funding for long term sustainability. The grant was received in the financial year but will be spent in 2023/2024.

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DISABILITY ASSIST FOR INDEPENDENT LIVING LTD

Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 March 2023

15 Analysis of net assets between funds

15 Analysis of net assets between funds
Unrestricted Total funds at
funds Restricted 31 March
General funds 2023
£ £ £
Tangible fixed assets 1,579 - 1,579
Current assets 105,290 9,011 114,301
Current liabilities (8,489) - (8,489)
Total net assets 98,380 9,011 107,391
Unrestricted Total funds at
funds Restricted 31 March
General funds 2022
£ £ £
Tangible fixed assets 1,755 - 1,755
Current assets 151,971 2,522 154,493
Current liabilities (12,356) - (12,356)
Total net assets 141,370 2,522 143,892
16 Analysis of net funds
At 1 April Financing cash At 31 March
2022 flows 2023
£ £ £
Cash at bank and in hand 143,830 (77,353) 66,477
Net debt 143,830 (77,353) 66,477
At 1 April Financing cash At 31 March
2021 flows 2022
£ £ £
Cash at bank and in hand 170,575 (26,745) 143,830
Net debt 170,575 (26,745) 143,830

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DISABILITY ASSIST FOR INDEPENDENT LIVING LTD

Statement of Financial Activities by fund for the Year Ended 31 March 2023

Unrestricted Funds

Unrestricted Funds
Total Total
Unrestricted Unrestricted
Funds Funds
2023 2022
£ £
Income and Endowments from:
Donations and legacies 36,064 35,116
Charitable activities 148,616 -
Other income 366 19
Total income 185,046 35,135
Expenditure on:
Charitable activities (228,036) (20,469)
Total expenditure (228,036) (20,469)
Net (expenditure)/income (42,990) 14,666
Net movement in funds (42,990) 14,666
Reconciliation of funds
Total funds brought forward 141,370 126,704
Total funds carried forward 98,380 141,370

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DISABILITY ASSIST FOR INDEPENDENT LIVING LTD

Statement of Financial Activities by fund for the Year Ended 31 March 2023

Restricted Funds

Restricted Funds
Total Total
Restricted Restricted
Funds Funds
2023 2022
£ £
Income and Endowments from:
Donations and legacies 61,496 108,365
Total income 61,496 108,365
Expenditure on:
Charitable activities (55,007) (151,081)
Total expenditure (55,007) (151,081)
Net income/(expenditure) 6,489 (42,716)
Net movement in funds 6,489 (42,716)
Reconciliation of funds
Total funds brought forward 2,522 45,238
Total funds carried forward 9,011 2,522

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DISABILITY ASSIST FOR INDEPENDENT LIVING LTD

Detailed Statement of Financial Activities for the Year Ended 31 March 2023

Total Total
2023 2022
£ £
Income and Endowments from:
Donations and legacies (analysed below) 97,560 143,481
Charitable activities (analysed below) 148,616 -
Other income (analysed below) 366 19
Total income 246,542 143,500
Expenditure on:
Charitable activities (analysed below) (283,043) (171,550)
Total expenditure (283,043) (171,550)
Net expenditure (36,501) (28,050)
Net movement in funds (36,501) (28,050)
Reconciliation of funds
Total funds brought forward 143,892 171,942
Total funds carried forward 107,391 143,892

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DISABILITY ASSIST FOR INDEPENDENT LIVING LTD

Detailed Statement of Financial Activities for the Year Ended 31 March 2023

Total Total
2023 2022
£ £
Donations and legacies
Appeals and donations 1,785 170
Corporate Appeals and donations 750 -
Access to Work income 26,779 -
Access to Work income 33,263 19,013
Advocacy income 7,750 17,696
Grants received 9,983 29,668
KCC income - 59,684
Other contract income (1,000) 17,250
Other contract income 18,250 -
97,560 143,481
Charitable activities
KCC Contract Income 148,616 -
148,616 -
Other income
Other income 366 19
366 19
Charitable activities
Wages and salaries (137,539) (17,088)
Wages and salaries (37,312) (101,503)
Staff NIC (Employers) 182 -
Staff NIC (Employers) (594) -
Staff pensions (Other) - pension scheme 1 (2,678) -
Staff pensions (Other) - pension scheme 1 (278) -
Staff training (993) -
Staff training - (1,891)
Staff welfare (201) -
Travelling (9,989) -
Rates - 80
Insurance (1,463) -
Insurance - (545)
Telephone and fax (2,439) -
Telephone and fax - (1,392)
Office expenses (499) (414)
Office expenses - (548)
Computer software and maintenance costs (5,011) -
Computer software and maintenance costs - (2,819)

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DISABILITY ASSIST FOR INDEPENDENT LIVING LTD

Detailed Statement of Financial Activities for the Year Ended 31 March 2023

Total Total
2023 2022
£ £
Printing, postage and stationery (448) (94)
Printing, postage and stationery - (453)
Subscriptions (875) -
Travel and subsistence (880) (1,801)
Advertising (41) -
Advertising (1,334) -
Accountancy fees (2,592) (2,700)
Legal and professional fees (63,157) (43)
Legal and professional fees (14,609) (40,129)
Bank charges (117) (15)
Depreciation of office equipment (176) (195)
(283,043) (171,550)

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