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2023-03-31-accounts

Merton me cap Registered Charity No.1113444 Company Limited by Guarantee No.5692213 Trustees, Annual Report & Financial Statements, year ended 31 March 2023 Pictured: Café learner, Victoria. serving lunch at our Community Café

Accessible Santa Grotto December 2022

Autism Acceptance Week March 2022

Online Charity Auction Night November 2022

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Welcome to Merton Mencap - at the heart of our wonderful community

Dance in the Park for Learning Disability Week June 2022

Cook Smart cooking tutorials December 2022 March & April 2023

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Our 3 proudest achievements - during 2022 23

Supporting our brilliant learners to achieve their accreditations at our Community Café

Launching health-conscious cooking tutorials, CookSmart, for carers and the person they care for

Running our first Dance in the Park event celebrating Learning Disability Week 2022 which brought the community together

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Beneficiary feedback during 2022-23

Absolutely brilliant service

Thank you for service going the extra mile which is amazing and greatly I just want to say thank appreciated you so much for the way you have helped me and my son

I don't know what we would have done without you

I really appreciate your advice which has made me feel better & confident about the future

Thank you so much for your help and kindness. I really appreciate it

You are an outstanding service

Having a child with special educational needs can be Isolating but you’ve helped me feel part of a community

If it wasn’t for your service, I would not have an idea where to go to access certain services and information

Thank you for the fabulous work you do — you are priceless to the young people and parents

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Merton Mencap Contents

Trustees’ Annual Report (including Director’s Report)
for year ended 31 March 2023
Overview 7
Chair of Trustees & Chief Executive 8
Finance Manager & Treasurer 9
Community Engagement 10
Community Facilitator 10
Activities for children, young people and adults 11
Supporting parents & carers 12
Forums for parents & carers 12
Independent Travel Trainers 13
Community Café 14
Organisational chart 15
Statement, Aims & Statistics 17
Statement & Aims
Gender & Location
Attendance
Statistics
Ethnicity
Summary of Projects 2022-23 23
Children & Young People
Adults
Parents & Carers
Finance & Governance 29
Financial review
Risk management
Supporters
Volunteers
The Year Ahead & Future Plans
Administrative details
Statement of Trustees’ Responsibilities
Independent Examiner’s Report 35
Statement of Financial Activities
Balance Sheet
Statement of Cash Flows
Notes to the Financial Statements

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Merton Mencap Overview

Our Mission

To listen and understand the needs of people with learning disabilities and/or autism and their families, empowering them to make their voices heard, actively representing and fighting for their interests, and creating and delivering the services they need.

We do this by

increasing the opportunities and choices made available to people with a learning disability and/or autism

promoting inclusion and participation in the community supporting families of people with a learning disability and/or autism and help them to enjoy a life beyond their caring role

raising awareness and understanding of learning disability and/or autism.

Our charitable aims are stated in our Memorandum & Articles of Association

The relief of people with a learning disability in particular by the provision of help and support for them and for their families, dependants and carers.

Also, to provide or assist in the provision of facilities for the recreation or other leisure time occupation for people who have need thereof by reason of learning disability and/or autism with the object of improving their conditions of life.

About Merton Mencap

Merton Mencap is a local charity operating in the London Borough of Merton, supporting local families for over 60 years.

We are a registered charity affiliated to the national charity Royal Mencap Society; we are independent of them and responsible for our own governance, management and fundraising.

Unique!

We are the only charity in Merton providing services for the whole family affected by learning disability and/or autism, i.e. children, young people and adults, and parents & carers.

Stakeholder Driven!

We are scrupulous about being needs-driven; we regularly consult our members, service users and potential users, and other local stakeholders.

Demonstrable & Effective!

We are rigorous about measuring outcomes and showing the demonstrable impact of our work.

Big Picture!

We collaborate with local organisations to pool resources and offer joined-up services.

But our work is only possible with continued funding.

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Introduction

Chair of Trustees, Richard Drummond

Our charity has felt more familiar during this last year after the disruption of the Covid-19 pandemic.

I am pleased to report a more stable year following the interruption of Covid-19. That’s not to say we didn’t respond well to the challenges — I feel enormously proud of way the whole team innovated when it became clear that we would be unable to continue our services and activities in the normal way on account of the dreadful pandemic. We have shown how we can adapt quickly to overcome obstacles and we’re all very grateful to our funders and supporters who helped us to do that.

So this last year has seen us push ahead with our Strategic Business Plan, with a particular focus on supporting carers of adults.

Our research on the impact of the pandemic on carers showed the extent of the additional caring demands that many have experienced during these last few years; many carers have seen their caring time increase significantly since 2020. Although the Covid-19 situation has improved, the legacy is that many carers have seen their networks of support diminish and have become isolated, while others have felt their physical and mental health deteriorate significantly.

To respond, we were pleased to create the new post of Carers Caseworker - a dedicated person at Merton Mencap assigned to supporting carers of adults. Carolyn Doyle, who we appointed to the role, had a successful first year and the service has now become a key strategic addition to our offer. Our Carers Caseworker service joined our Carers Advisor service, our Carer Forum and our Carers Group to offer a range of support to local carers of adults

I would also like to acknowledge the important contribution of Ellie McCarthy who stood down as trustee this year. Ellie has been a very popular member of the board and I’m pleased she will continue to help the charity as a volunteer, supporting our community engagement work. I also want to give grateful thanks to all my fellow trustees for sharing freely their knowledge, insights and wisdom in guiding the work of our charity. And if trusteeship at a leading local charity could be of interest to you, please get in touch!

Chief Executive, Andrew Whittington

Thanks to our fantastic and dedicated staff and volunteers, we feel in good shape to look ahead to new ventures.

Last year, it was clear that the pandemic was far from over for many people in the community. This year, we know that some groups remain vulnerable to the virus so we continue to manage our services and activities carefully to minimise the risk of an outbreak.

But we are also eager to look forward and turn our attention to providing new ways to support people affected by learning disability and autism. Our ambitious strategic plan plots a course for our providing greater support for families, for example by reaching people with more complex needs, helping people on their journey into employment, and supporting people to discover new hobbies and interests.

We feel it’s a good moment to consider how our whole charity operates to feel confident that we’re an inclusive organisation. For example, we’re underway with our review of our diversity policy so that we can ensure we are an attractive organisation to people from across the whole community who may wish to work or volunteer for us.

Keeping the community updated with our work and developments has been a key feature of our work during this last year. This year, we launched our monthly ebulletin, Mencap Pulse, which provides a regular snapshot of topical developments and opportunities at the charity; we know our followers on social media appreciate our frequent updates there too. And we still produce our hard-copy newsletters and other communications in paper form for people who prefer it.

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Finance Manager Elizabeth Cushman

Treasurer Russell Benzies

Our priority remains to provide services in a safe and responsible manner and we remain grateful that we continue to have the opportunity to contribute to community partnership work to support local families.

Maintaining good financial management and control now we have moved out of the immediate challenges of Covid-19 is as important as ever. The current environment continues to present challenges either in the way we deliver our services or recruiting the best staff to deliver our services. We are proud that the staff that have joined us embrace fully the work ethos and aspirations of Merton Mencap.

Whilst many of our services have returned to pre Covid-19 normality, for others our working practices and patterns have changed for the long term. We are determined that we will continue to deliver our services to ensure that funds are directed to support local families in need.

During the year, our staff have improved upon their ways of working and the charity was able to operate in a sound, cost-efficient manner. Controlling the finances of the charity such that we will be able to deliver our services over the long term continues to be our main focus.

Our Finance Committee has continued its governance role reviewing all aspects of our financial management and control. The disruption over recent years focused us more on detailed forecasting and budgeting to better ensure we maintain our finances as expected.

The charity’s normal practice is to have our Trustees’ Annual Report and Accounts formally audited every four years. In accordance with that policy this year we are having an Independent Examination which has been performed by the same firm of Chartered Accountants that audited us last year.

During the year to 31 March 2023, income and expenditure increased on previous year. Our free reserves position at year-end was £249,639 (2022: £176,139) which maintains our desire to hold free reserves equivalent to between 3-6 months operating expenditure (see the Financial Review). Our combined reserves reduced from £451,579 to £447,997 as we delivered on projects whose funding was received in the previous year.

An element of our reserves comprises income received for which the service is yet to be delivered therefore little or no expense has as yet been incurred. The accounting rules for charities mean we do not either defer this income or accrue the costs we expect to incur when the services are delivered. Consequently, in the year to 31 March 2024 we will have expenses incurred for which income has already been received.

We continue to secure funding from a variety of sources and the process of funding diversification remains a key goal for the Charity.

Staff costs continue to be the charity’s greatest investment and expenditure. As we look ahead, our aim remains to secure continuation funding in instances where funding for successful work is due to expire and, second, to attract further funding to develop current services to reach more families. We continue to be thankful to people who support us by raising much-needed funds to help our charity’s general expenditures.

It is a credit to our staff that despite the challenges of operating in an uncertain environment we continue to be able to predict with a high level of confidence our income and expenses for the forthcoming year where we will strive to facilitate improvements to lives for people affected by learning disability and/or autism.

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Maria Solari, Community Engagement Officer

My role as community engagement officer has been so rewarding to say the least again this last year — it’s a pleasure meeting such brilliant people across our community!

The many events I’ve run which raised the profile of the charity and awareness of the people we support have been hugely enjoyable. Highlights include a joint event with local health at Morden Hall Park for Carers Week 2022 which brought many carers together.

Our wonderful Dance in the Park event, pictured, celebrated Learning Disability Week 2022 and was an amazing spectacle last year — it was great to see so many people dancing and enjoying themselves. Our Great Merton Mencap Art Competition also drew so many fantastic artwork entries from local people. And I was pleased our Charity Auction Night was another success this year, raising over £2,00 for our charity. Look out for more events in the year ahead!

Dymphna Graham, Community Facilitator

Supporting people to move forward with their lives in some way is a huge privilege. It’s been great pleasure over this last year to support adults with learning disabilities and autism in various ways — for some, I am simply a listening ear as they take the next step in their lives, whereas for others I carry out research and give practical help to facilitate their journey.

My Community Facilitator service is a key feature of our new ‘My Life, My Community 2.0’ project which we are so pleased has attracted funding for a further 3 years! I very much look forward to meeting more people and helping them to achieve their life-goals this year.

Partnership working is an important aspect of my role and our good relationship with many other local charities and community groups means I can coordinate different types of support for a people I help. Particular thanks to the Wimbledon Guild, Merton Uplift and Merton’s social prescribers for working with us for the benefit of our service users — I look forward to our continued working!

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Niki Lowe, Jane Birchmore

What a year!

For adults with learning disabilities and/or autism, highlights include our 2 adventure holidays (pictured right) which we have been so pleased to run after all the disruption of the pandemic. Our holidays are packed with challenges and fun activities which everyone can get involved in and, for many, the holidays are the first time people have been away from home; they are also the first time many family carers have had an extended break from caring.

Our weekend activity club for adults, Saturday Hub , now has a new home at the wonderful Leyton Road community centre which gives us capacity to expand plus greater activity areas including outdoor areas for all the wonderful things we have planned for the year ahead! We are developing our Better Gym club to include swimming which is a popular addition to our other schedule which includes our gym workouts, indoor tennis and boccia.

For young adults, we are thrilled to have relaunched our Giving Back Club which provides opportunities for community engagement

including volunteering and doing good deeds. And this year, we had a memorable evening in which we celebrated our learner's achievements at our Community Café — well done everyone!

For children and young people, highlights include our ever popular holiday playschemes and Saturday club for children aged 5-14 which we base at the local Perseid and Cricket Green schools, which enjoyed another year of fun activities. For young adults, our Buddies Going Out (pictured left) supports our members to make new friends. Our Aces club for young people with high-functioning autism has developed so it allows greater time for outings -which are always popular!

As ever, none of

this would be possible without our tremendously dedicated staff and volunteers who make our activities happen. Our frontline teams do some of the charity’s most important work and we are so proud of them.

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Maria Solari, Merton Autism Parent Service (MAPS) Yvonne Dawes, Carers Advisor Carolyn Doyle, Carers Caseworker

Our weekly peer counselling support for parents of young people with autism, Maps, developed this year; we were pleased to reach more fathers with our service, plus our socials for parents who used the service were popular and encouraged peer support. For the year ahead, we’re planning to extend the service by providing specialist autism workshops for parents which will provide monthly information and advice in-person.

The effectiveness of our support for carers of adults this year has been due to two aspects of our service working together particularly well, namely our Carers Advisor and Carers Caseworker services. The former carries out carers assessments and reviews which is a crucial aspect of support for carers of adults, and the latter carries our casework to help improve carers’ lives in some way, either by helping to solve a problem or by providing practical support.

Our case studies demonstrate that our offer for carers is effective at supporting carers during difficult times and it is therefore a key feature of our strategic plan.

Tracy Blackwell, Parent & Carer Forum Manager Tuhina Shaikh, Projects, HR & Systems Administrator Our forums for parents and carers, Kids First and Adults First, provided a full year of

workshops and events this year, none of which would have been possible without the work of our brilliant steering groups. Many forget that our steering groups comprise people who are parents and carers themselves, volunteering time to plan and take forward the business of our forums. Our grateful thanks to our fantastic steering group volunteers who make our forums possible — we simply couldn’t do it without you!

Many of our forum events returned in-person this year although we still run some remotely as we know some people remain hesitant about resuming community contact on account of the Covid-19 pandemic. Our new online facility, Merton Mencap TV, provides a new way for parents and carers unable to attend our events live to watch them later at a time of their choosing.

For the year ahead, we are already underway with our planning of forum events covering topics including legal matters, benefit advice and opportunities to meet local senior council officers in relation to service planning. Our forums are free to join for any parent and carer of a person with a learning disability and/or autism so please get in touch.

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Jenny Lockett, Radek Switalski, Jane Birchmore, Michelle Scott

Our team of travel trainers support people with learning disabilities and autism to attain skills for safe independent travel. Our trainers provide training in the community, supporting students to learn to use buses, trams, trains and to negotiate roads safely. The aim is to help the person learn the skills and gain confidence so they can travel on their own.

We were thrilled to develop our travel training offer this year by extending it to provide it for adults aged 25 and over. This is an important strategic development for us as we know many older people with learning disabilities and/or autism have the potential to become independent travellers but may have not had the opportunity to learn.

We were also pleased to develop by providing a classroom based course to introduce travel training to people who may be considering becoming independent travellers. The 6 week course was provided by our travel trainers and helps people take that important first step to becoming safe, independent travellers which can open possibilities for leisure, volunteering and employment.

This year, we were proud that our team passed their accredited training in providing travel training programmes. We feel this is important to underline the quality of our service and help families have confidence in us.

Referring interest for travel training is quick and easy via our referral form (found on our web site). Our travel trainers will then make contact to arrange a meeting with the person and their family and to arrange for training to take place. Once our students become independent travellers, they don’t look back! (pictured)

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Abby Herring, Café Manager

I’m pleased to report that our Community Café has been open for business as normal this year which was a welcome return after the interruption of the pandemic.

And it’s been brilliant to see our customers coming back to us!

One of the highlights of this last year has to be our wonderful event for our learners in which we celebrated their achievements (pictured, below). We were thrilled that local MP Siobhain McDonagh could join us to make the presentations and we were also joined by our friends from the local Orchard Hill College who provided tuition at our sessions during the last 2 years.

It was a wonderful evening of celebration — we are so proud of all our learners, well done everyone!

We’re at an interesting moment at our Community Café. We will soon be re-branding which will include deciding a new name and new café uniforms for the staff and learners! At the time of writing, we’ve asked our customers to suggest a new name for our café and we already have some brilliant suggestions. Our learners will vote for their favourite so watch this space!

In the year ahead, we will be holding special events at our café which include providing lunch ‘on us’ for carers during Carers Week 2023 and a festive lunch for them in December. It’s a great honour catering for carers and the team does a wonderful job.

So if you’re in Wimbledon on a Monday or Wednesday and want the best lunch in town, you’ll find us on The Broadway next to the Polka theatre. We’d love to see you!

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Merton Mencap

Organisational Chart 31st March 2023

----- Start of picture text -----
31st March 2023
Chair of
trustees
Volunteers
Merton Mencap
members contributing
at all areas of
Executive Merton Mencap
Committee
Chief
Executive
Community Office Finance Parent Community
Facilitator Manager Manager Carer Engage.
Forum
Officer
Manager
LD Projects, HR LD
4 Travel Carers Service & Forum Carers
Trainers Caseworker Managers Admin. Adviser
Team Café
Leaders Manager
Deputy Team Café Deputy
Leaders Manager
Support
Workers
----- End of picture text -----

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Merton Mencap Statement, Aims & Statistics Image- Presenting Certificates of Achievement to our Café learners, 2022 Il:. Merton me cap Stypportlng chlldren. youngpeople adalts wltb alejxning disabllity andlor atttism and payent5 & ¢aierS

Merton Mencap Statement & Aims

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out in note 1 of the financial statements and comply with the charitable company’s Memorandum and Articles of Association, the Companies Act 2006 and "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) (effective 1 January 2019).

Public Benefit Statement

Trustees have complied with their duty to have due regard to the guidance on public benefit published by the Charities Commission in exercising our powers and duties.

We provide services to people affected by learning disability and/or autism and their parents and carers living in and around Merton. A large proportion of our users live in the most disadvantaged areas of our Borough.

Meeting our Charitable Aims

Our normal business model comprises face-to-face services and activities and during 2022-23 our operation recovered from the restrictions of the Covid-19 pandemic. In response to government advice and advice from local agencies such as Merton’s Public Health, we resumed most of our pre-pandemic activities while also providing opportunities for people to be involved remotely if they preferred, eg via our carer forum events.

The apparent reduction in social care workers continued during this last year. Our recruitment and retention strategy supported us to ensure our services and activities were properly resourced, avoiding as far as practicable the need to postpone sessions on account of staffing shortfalls.

Our beneficiaries ask for a range of community-based services for children, young people and adults with a learning disability and/or autism and their parents and carers in the London Borough of Merton. Our Strategic Plan sets out our intention to provide support to help people to live full and rewarding lives, for example, taking part in sport and activities which encourage wellbeing, discovering new hobbies and interests and developing friendships.

Learning disabilities and autism range from profound disabilities to more moderate conditions. All learning disabilities/autism are life-long and affect a person’s ability to learn, communicate, and interact socially. Many people with a learning disability/autism have additional needs such as medical needs, physical disabilities, sensory impairments and/or autistic spectrum disorders. Some people require 24 hour specialist care and support whilst others can succeed in mainstream society.

But at the heart of our work is ensuring our support is tailored to the individual. We are committed to person-centred planning and to providing services which respond to the needs and wishes of each person. We believe that this is key to achieving our charitable aims and our evaluations confirm to us whether we are doing what we set out to do.

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Statement & Aims

Merton Mencap

Trustee recruitment

The charity attracts trustees to its Executive Committee by advertising locally and online, through word-of-mouth and, occasionally, with free assistance from a recruitment agency. Prospective trustees are required to complete our application form setting out their interest in Merton Mencap, and their skills, experience and knowledge which they consider will be a help to the charity; the Chair of Trustees and Chief Executive meet prospective trustees, appointments subject to Executive Committee approval, satisfactory references and an enhanced DBS disclosure (updated every 2 years).

On appointment, trustees are required to learn about the charity’s work by meeting the Chief Executive and senior team and undergoing the charity’s mandatory training in Safeguarding, Health & Safety, Equal Opportunities & Diversity, and GDPR (updated every 2 years); Trustees’ are required to agree to follow the charity's policies & procedures and Code of Conduct and must declare any conflicts of interest to the Chair of Trustees. Trustees may claim expenses in respect of trustee activities, approved by the Chair of Trustees.

The Executive Committee meet 6 times a year in relation to the management of the organisation; trustees are required to visit the charity’s projects and activities, take part in team meetings and represent the organisation at public events.

Statement of compliance with Charity Commission guidance

The Trustees have paid due regard to guidance issued by the Charity Commission in deciding what activities the charitable company should undertake.

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Merton Mencap Attendance

Tables show number of people accessing each project during 2022-23

Children & young people Individuals
Saturday Club (Perseid) 25
Buddies Holidays 25
Buddies Going Out 16
Holiday Playscheme (Perseid) 56
Holiday Playscheme & Buddies
(Cricket Green)		 35
Independent Travel Training (LBM) 20
Aces 21
Parents & carers Individuals
Kids First (registered parents) 654
Adults First (registered parents) 250
Merton Autism Parent Support (MAPS) 50
LD Carers Adviser 63
LD Carers Caseworker 50
Adults Individuals
Merton Mencap Café 18
Better Gym 17
Saturday Club 23
Personal Assistant 1
Community Facilitator 64
Community Sports 10
Community Challenge 10
Community Holidays 22
Independent Travel Training 5

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Merton Mencap

During 2022-23, our beneficiaries included:

Statistics

----- Start of picture text -----
177 127 111 63 113
Children & young Adults with a Parents of children Carers of an adult Carers of adults
people with a learning disability with a learning with a learning received a carers’
learning disability and/or autism disability and/or disability and/or assessment and/
and/or autism autism attended at autism attended at or support
least 1 parents least 1 carer forum
forum event event
----- End of picture text -----

Our services are open to anyone irrespective of income, ethnicity, gender or religion.

Arab 1%
Asian/Asian British: Bangladeshi 1%
Asian/Asian British: Indian 5%
Asian/Asian British: Other 5%
Asian/Asian British: Pakistani 4%
Black/Black British: African 7%
Black/Black British: Caribbean 4%
Black/Black British Other 1%
Chinese 1%
Mixed: Other 3%
Mixed: White & Asian 2%
Mixed: White & Black African 1%
Mixed: White & Black Caribbean 2%
Other ethnic group: 2%
Prefer not to say: 12%
White: British 41%
White: Irish 1%
White: Other 7%

Merton Mencap

Ethnicity

We monitor with reference to the projected local authority populations, published by the Greater London Authority

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Merton Mencap Gender & Location

Merton Mencap: Gender & Location

The breakdown of our male and female service users reflects the nationwide incidence of learning disability between genders. Our ward by ward breakdown shows the prevalence of service users based in

Locaton by Ward %
Abbey 4
Cannon Hill 6
Colliers Wood 2
Cricket Green 11
Dundonald
Figges Marsh
Furzedown		 4
9
1
Graveney 1
Hillside 1
Lavender Fields 8
Longthornton 6
Lower Morden 3
Merton Park 3
Unknown 5
Pollards Hill 11
Ravensbury 6
Raynes Park
Southfelds		 3
1
St Helier 6
Suton South 1
Trinity 2
Village 2
West Barnes 2
Wimbledon Park 2
Locaton by Ward %
Abbey 5
Cannon Hill 7
Cricket Green 11
Dundonald 3
Figges Marsh 9
Furzedown 2
Graveney 5
Hillside 2
Lavender Fields 9
Longthornton 10
Lower Morden 3
Merton Park 2
Unknown 3
Ravensbury 5
Raynes Park 5
St Helier 5
Suton North 1
Trinity 2
Village 1
West Barnes 5
Wimbledon Park 5

The east of the borough includes wards which are some of the top 15% most income-deprived in the country (ref Merton’s Authority Monitoring Report)

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Merton Mencap Summary of Projects: 2022-23 Image: Cooksmart Gooking tutorials, 2023 Merton me cap Supyoribtig chlldrety* youtyg people and ad￿lts with alearniJLg diaabllity wd/ot a￿tI￿￿ attd pare.nts & eareyg

Merton Mencap Summary of projects for children & young people

Saturday Club (Perseid) When : Weekly during term time, Saturdays for up to 6 hours Where : Based at Perseid School, Morden Places : 12-15 young people with complex learning and physical disabilities. Access : Referral from the Short Breaks Team, via Merton Council Transport : Provided for those who need it

Providing a range of activities for children aged 5-13 from a base, supporting them to develop experiences and enjoy life.

Buddies Holidays (Groups 1 & 2)

When: Various during the school/college holidays Where: Various activities in the local community Places: 8-10 young people (aged 12-18) with moderate & complex learning disabilities Access: Referral from the Short Breaks Team, via Merton Council Transport: Not provided

Buddies Going Out When : Weekly during term time, usually Wednesdays Where : Various activities in the local community Places : 8-10 young people (aged 18-24) with mild and moderate learning disabilities Access : Referral from the Short Breaks Team, via Merton Council or self referral Transport : Not provided - training in using public transport is provided. Holiday Playschemes (Perseid) When : Various days during the school holidays (all day provision – 7 hours) Where : Various activities from a base and in the local community Places : 12 young people (aged 5-13) with complex learning & physical disabilities Access : Referral from the Short Breaks Team, via Merton Council Transport : Provided to those who need it

Holiday Playschemes & Buddies (Cricket Green) When : Various days during the school holidays (7hrs) Where : Various activities from a base and in the community Places : Up to 12 young people (8-13) with moderate needs Access : Referral from Cricket Green School Transport : Provided to those who need it

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Merton Mencap Summary of projects for children & young people

Aces

When : Every other Thursdays, 6.45pm-8.45pm Where : Phipps Bridge Youth Centre, CR4 3TY Cost: £2.50 subs per week Places : 20 young people with high-functioning autism Access : Self-referral, no social services referral needed Transport : Travel training may be offered

A youth club for young people with high-functioning autism; the club takes a mainstream approach offering activities which any young people would enjoy

Independent Travel Training (Merton funded) Access: Mainly referrals from Merton schools and colleges, but also from schools and colleges out of borough attended by Merton residents

Through practical training in the community, our Travel Trainers monitors students’ progress until they are able to travel safely on their own.

Independent Travel Training (Independently funded) Access: Open referral

Through practical training in the community, our Travel Trainers monitors students’ progress until they are able to travel safely on their own.

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Merton Mencap Summary of projects for adults

Merton Mencap Community Café

When : Weekly on Mondays & Wednesdays, 9.30am to 2.30pm Where : Holy Trinity Church, 234 The Broadway, Wimbledon, SW19 1RY Places : Up to 10 adults (aged 18+) with moderate learning disabilities Access : Self-referral. Available to personal budget holders and self-funders Transport : Not provided

The Merton Mencap Café is run by adults with a learning disability, supported by our staff and volunteers, and serves a healthy menu to the public. The project provides vocational training in the areas of food preparation, customer service, good hygiene practice, and team working. Service users develop skills which lessens the demand on family carers. The Merton Mencap café also provides catering at local community events.

Better Gym When: Weekly on Wednesdays, 7pm to 9pm Where: Canons Leisure Centre, Mitcham Places: 12 places for adults (aged 18-24) with a moderate learning disability Access: Self-referral, no social services referral needed Transport: Not provided at present

A gym and sports club which includes sessions in the gymnasium, various sports and leisure activities. The club takes place in a mainstream setting alongside the general public.

Saturday Hub When : Saturdays 10am-1pm Where : Wimbledon Guild, Wimbledon; North Cheam Community Centre Places : Up to 30 places for adults with a learning disability Access : People who do not qualify for social care support, self-referral Transport : Not provided Our Hubs provide people with a learning disability and/autism with activities which encourage health, wellbeing, inclusion and independence.

Community Facilitator When: By appointment Where: Home and at our offices Places: N/A Access: Self-referral, no social services referral needed Transport: N/A

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Merton Mencap Summary of projects for adults

Personal Assistants

When: As required Where: Activities in the community Places: N/A— service agreed individually Access: Self – referral Transport: As instructed

Community Challenge

When: Weekly on Thursdays afternoons Where: Activities in the community Places: Up to 15 places for adults with moderate learning disabilities Access: Self-referral, no social services referral needed Transport: Not provided at present

Community Sports

When: Weekly on Thursdays mornings Where: Sports in the community Places: Up to 15 places for adults with moderate learning disabilities and/or autism Access: Self-referral, no social services referral needed Transport: Not provided at present

Adults Holidays

When: Various dates—2 holidays per year Where: High Ashurst activity centre, Places: 10 placed for adults with learning disabilities, autism Access: Self-referral, no social services referral needed Transport: Provided

Independent Travel Training (Independently funded) Access: Open referral

Through practical training in the community, our travel trainers monitor students’ progress until they are able to travel safely on their own.

27

Merton Mencap Summary of projects for parents & carers

Parent & Carer Forums

Our parent & carer forums supported our members to have a voice about local service provision affecting them and the person they care for.

We run free educational workshops and opportunities for mutual support and information sharing during the year. Parents and carers also have representative roles at key local forums and committees.

Our parent forums are:

Kids First Forum

for parents of children & young people (aged 0-25)

Adults First Forum

for Carers of adults (aged 18+)

LD Carers Adviser & LD Carers Caseworker

Our LD Carers Support service supports carers of adults with a learning disability and/or autism through the completion of carers assessments & reviews. Our LD Carers Caseworker is available to help with problems and provides information, a listening ear and emotional support. Both services continue to be offered remotely in line with our Covid-19 risk assessments.

Merton Autism Parents Service (MAPS)

MAPS is a listening, support, information and advice service for parents of 0 – 25 year olds with a diagnosis of autism or who are likely to receive a diagnosis (e.g. referred for an assessment), running on Wednesdays 10am-1pm. During this last year, we provided this service via telephone and online consultations.

MAPS offers confidential, informal sessions provided by a Parent Advisor (who also has a child or young person with autism) and a member of MAPS staff. Our team has been trained to offer a range of evidence-based strategies – this means that the tools and information we provide parents have been tried and tested and are approved by professionals in the field.

We offer support on communication, challenging behaviours, self-harming, sleep issues, anxiety and many other challenges that arise.

Carers Group

Our monthly Carers Group provides monthly outings for carers of adults with learning disabilities and/or autism. We organise enjoyable outings at convenient times, which also provide opportunities for carers to meet up, develop friendships and support each other. Membership and activities are free.

28

Merton Mencap Finance & Governance Image.. Dance in the Park for Learning Disability Week, 2022 -* Merton me cap 5uppDYtittg cbaidreL, young people ond adalts vdtb aieaYniLg disabllity and/ot a￿tI$M andpar¢Jktx & careT5

Merton Mencap Financial Review

The charity is in a strong financial position going forward into 2023-24.

The charity continues to attract financial support - our overall income increased by 3% (ie £18,575) in reporting period. We are pleased that donors, grant-making trusts and foundations recognise the value of our work and support us to continue. Income generated from our services and other fundraising activities increased as our services and activities returned to pre pandemic levels. Other income included a one –off backdated employment allowance credit.

As anticipated the charity incurred a small deficit of £3,582 for the reporting period, 2022-23.

Expenditure increased in the reporting period by £138,661 from the prior year. Increase in staff costs was the main factor, where approximately 50% of the staff cost increase relates to additional headcount as we increased the travel training service for young people and adults, as well as introducing as caseworker service and 50% was due to pay increases and increased staff ratios where needed. Expenditure exceeded income in the period due to funding being received in the 2021-22 prior reporting period where the projects funding period ran in 2022-23.

Debtors increased by £15,731 on the previous year. March 2023 debtors comprise grant income of £21,050, service user fees of £11,334 and prepayments of £6,203 compared to the debtors at March 2022 debtors comprise grant income of £5,285, service user fees of £15,798 and prepayments of £1,773. Our efforts to recover our debt have increased to ensure the charity receives funds owed to it.

Review of the charity’s reserves

The total funds held by the charity at the end of the reporting period were £447,997. Restricted funds at the end of the reporting period were £198,358 and the unrestricted funds increased by £73,500 to £249,639 which represent 4.27 months of operating expenditure cover for the charity, assuming no other income, which is an increase from 3.76 months in the prior year.

Our intention is to maintain unrestricted reserves of 3-6 months cover of operating expenditure. No amounts have been designated or otherwise committed at the end of the reporting period.

30

Merton Mencap Risk Management

Risk Management

This year, trustees commissioned an independent examination of our accounts in accordance with our policy of undertaking a full audit every 4 years (our previous full audit was in 2020-21).

Trustees have also reviewed the charity’s risk register this year and assessed the major risks and procedures to mitigate those risks.

Trustees regard the following among the principal risks:

1. Safeguarding

We regard safeguarding and sound risk management must be at the heart of our charity.

We achieve this by

(i) becoming a ‘ Merton Safeguarding Champion’ in 2022-23. We now contribute to Merton’s Safeguarding Champions forum with local partners which supports our best practice at our charity

(ii) appointing a new training provider during 2022-23 and making Safeguarding Training Level 1 & 2 mandatory for all staff and volunteers

2. Funding

Our work is only possible through continued funding and we recognise that to attract funding we must understand the needs and wishes of local people affected by learning disability and autism

We achieve this by

(i) frequently consulting users and potential users about the support they need

(ii) evaluating the impact of our services

(ii) diversifying our income streams

3. Reputational risk

Our good standing in the community is important to us and key to our strategic planning – for example, we want to be regarded as an inclusive organisation with strong governance, effective at improving the lives of its beneficiaries through high quality services.

We achieve this by

(i) obtaining advice and support to inform our policies and practice

(ii) providing a competitive employment package which supports our staff to achieve

(iii) working with local partners

(iv) requiring staff and volunteers to sign up to our vision and values which are underpinned by our policies, breaches of which are investigated and reported to trustees

31

Merton Mencap Supporters

Funders

We are very grateful to our funders and supporters who continued to permit us the flexibility to adapt our services to respond to the needs of local people, particularly as many of our beneficiaries continue to be affected by Covid-19 pandemic. This flexibility has been a great help to us as we were able to alter many of our normal activities to provide support in different ways, eg online .

We are most grateful to our grant funders (see Financial Statements ) for their trust in our work and for all those who support us including by providing in-kind support, including:

We also wish to thank all our members and others who have kindly donated or raised money for us during this last year.

Volunteers

During 2022-23, we were fortunate that 30 people volunteered their time and skills to support our charity. Our fantastic volunteers help across the whole charity including supporting people with learning disabilities/autism at our activities, representing the voice of parents and carers, and as trustees.

We estimate that our volunteers gave the charity a total of 1,455 hours during 2022-23 for which we are extremely grateful.

The year ahead & future plans

We were pleased to publish our Strategic Plan which sets out ambitious aspirations for supporting local people. Our plan is informed by feedback obtained during our various engagements plus published reports from other agencies, eg our affiliated partner, Royal Mencap Society.

Our plan sets out our intention to facilitate positive improvements to the lives of people affected by learning disability and autism. Principally, our focus is on supporting people to be safer, healthier and better connected to mainstream community life.

During the year ahead, are intend to achieve external validation which reflects the quality of our support for local people. We feel an appropriate accreditation will further demonstrate to our stakeholders our commitment to high standards, giving confidence to the people who use our services and those who support us.

32

Merton Mencap Administrative Details Company no: Charlty no: Reglstered office: 5692213 1113444 Chaucer Centre Canterbury Road Morden Surrey, SM4 6PX Ind•p•ndent Exarnln•TJ: WSM Adwsor$ Limited Connect House 133-137 Alexandra Road London. SW19 7JY Solicltor5: Russell-cooke 2 Pulney Hill London, SW15 6AB Princlpal Bankers: National We51minsler Bank PIC 16 Wimbledon Hill Road London SW19 7ZD Trustees: The fdl¢)wing are the charity's trustees and served as directOTS of the Company throughout the period.. Richard Drummond. Chair of Trustees Russetl Benzies. Treasurer William lan Newman Julian Watton Chlef Executivg Officer: Andrew Whittington Ap rov by the Trustees, tho followlng belng authorlsed to slgn on thgir b8hall: Dated.. 27 2023 me.rton me cap SuppoitirLg eklloztt. people witb • le•rllkng diMbWty andlor *Utlsm d well¢5 & carprt 33

Merton Mencap Statement of trustees’ responsibilities

STATEMENT OF TRUSTEES' RESPONSIBILITIES

For the year ended 31 March 2023

The trustees, who are also the directors of Merton Mencap for the purpose of company law, are responsible for preparing the Trustees' Report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).

Company Law requires the trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charity and of the incoming resources and application of resources, including the income and expenditure, of the charitable company for that year.

In preparing these financial statements, the trustees are required to:

The trustees are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity 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 charity and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities

34

Independent Examiner's Report 35

MERTON MENCAP

INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT

TO THE TRUSTEES OF MERTON MENCAP

I report to the trustees on my examination of the financial statements of Merton Mencap (the charity) for the year ended 31 March 2023.

Responsibilities and basis of report

As the trustees of the charity (and also its directors for the purposes of company law) you are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 (the 2006 Act).

Having satisfied myself that the financial statements of the charity 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 the charity’s financial statements carried out under section 145 of the Charities Act 2011 (the 2011 Act). In carrying out my examination I have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act.

An independent examination does not involve the gathering of all the evidence that would be required in an audit and consequently does not cover all the matters than an auditor considers in giving their opinion on the accounts. The planning and conduct of an audit goes beyond the limited assurance that an independent examination can provide. Consequently I express no opinion as to whether the financial statements present a "true and fair" view and my report is limited to those specific matters set out in an independent examiners statement.

Independent examiner's statement

Since the charity’s gross income exceeded £250,000 your examiner must be a member of a body listed in section 145 of the 2011 Act. I confirm that I am qualified to undertake the examination because I am a member of , which is one of the listed bodies.

I have completed my examination. I confirm that no matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect:

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 financial statements to be reached.

Simon Marsh (Independent Examiner)

for and on behalf of WSM Advisors Limited

Connect House 133-137 Alexandra Road Wimbledon London SW19 7JY

Dated: 29 June 2023

MERTON MENCAP

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES INCLUDING INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT

For the year ended 31 March 2023

Unrestricted
Restricted
funds
funds
2023
2023
Notes
£
£
Income and endowments from:
Grants and donations
3
112,041
480,409
Charitable activities
4
-
81,705
Other trading activities
5
2,855
3,375
Investments
6
1,658
-
Other income
7
13,672
1,776
Total income
130,226
567,265
Expenditure on:
Expenditure on other trading activities
8
-
14,679
Charitable activities
9
85,874
600,520
Total resources expended
85,874
615,199
Net incoming/(outgoing) resources before transfers
44,352
(47,934)
Gross transfers between funds
18
29,148
(29,148)
Net income/(expenditure) for the year/
Net movement in funds
73,500
(77,082)
Fund balances at 1 April 2022
176,139
275,440
Fund balances at 31 March 2023
249,639
198,358		 Total
2023
£
592,450
81,705
6,230
1,658
15,448
697,491
14,679
686,394
701,073
(3,582)
-
(3,582)
451,579
447,997		 Total
2022
£
604,071
64,633
2,606
39
7,565
678,914
11,582
550,830
562,412
116,502
-
116,502
335,077
451,579

The statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year.

All income and expenditure derive from continuing activities.

The statement of financial activities also complies with the requirements for an income and expenditure account under the Companies Act 2006.

MERTON MENCAP BALANCE SHEET As at 31 Marth 2023 2023 1022 Current w¢ti Debiorg Cash at bank and in band Is 38.587 463291 22,856 487.857 501.878 510.713 Credllors: Imoonts f•lllD8 due wlthln e year 16 153.881) (59,1341 Ne( curt￿[ atse 447,997 451.579 Infome Restricted funds Unrestrietcd fiwds 19A.358 249.639 275.440 176.139 447.997 451.579 The company is ¢ntitl¢d to the exemprion from the audii rt4Trx1￿ in Aeaion 477 of the Companies Aei 2(KJ6, for the year ended 31 Match 2023. The members have not required the company to olmatn In thudit of its financi￿ thtern￿ts for the ye4r in quesiion in accordance with sectton 476. The direciors acknowled8¢ thgir r4X￿]billilcs for complyin8 with the requiremcnls of th¢ Compani¢8A¢i 2000 with rcspttt lu accountinB rccords and the pyeparation of fllwKial srawnenu. 27.6.13 The financial statements were wyovthl by the Tntses ￿ ......................... Tryitee Compthy l)5692213

MERTON MENCAP

STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS

For the year ended 31 March 2023

Notes
Cash flows from operating activities
Cash (absorbed by)/generated from operations
20
Investing activities
Investment income received
Net cash generated from investing activities
Net (decrease)/increase in cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year		 2023
£
1,658		 £
(26,224)
1,658
(24,566)
487,857
463,291		 2022
£
39		 £
198,475
39
198,514
289,343
487,857

For the year ended 31 March 2023

MERTON MENCAP

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

1 Accounting policies

Charity information

Merton Mencap is a private company limited by guarantee incorporated in England and Wales, Company number 5692213.The registered office is Chaucer Centre, Canterbury Road, Morden, Surrey, SM4 6PX.

1.1 Accounting convention

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the charity's Memorandum and Articles, the Companies Act 2006 and "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) (effective 1 January 2019)". The charity is a Public Benefit Entity as defined by FRS 102.

The financial statements are prepared in sterling, which is the functional currency of the charity. Monetary amounts in these financial statements are rounded to the nearest £.

The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention. The principal accounting policies adopted are set out below.

1.2 Going concern

At the time of approving the financial statements, the trustees have undertaken an assessment of the adequacy of the resources available to the charitable company. The trustees have a reasonable expectation the charitable company has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future and accordingly continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting in preparing the financial statements.

1.3 Charitable funds

Restricted funds

Restricted funds must be used for specific purposes which are determined by the donor’s wishes. Expenditure which meets these criteria is charged to the fund. The charity has a number of separate restricted funds, as set out in the notes to the financial statements. The Trustees’ Report provides further information about the uses of these funds. On completion of a project the funder may permit the transfer of any surplus funds to our unrestricted funds.

Unrestricted funds

Donations and incoming resources received by the charity for general use are held as unrestricted funds. They are available for use at the discretion of the trustees in furtherance of their charitable objectives unless funds have been designated for other purposes.

Designated funds

These are unrestricted funds earmarked by the trustees for a particular purpose. Such accounts are identified separately in the financial statements.

1.4 Incoming resources

Income received under a contract for the performance of services is recognised when the charity is legally entitled to it after any performance conditions have been met, the amounts can be measured reliably, and it is probable that income will be or has been received.

Membership subscriptions, donations, fundraising and grants are accounted for when received by the charity. Taxation receivable is accrued for in view of the material amounts involved.

Donated services and facilities, other than volunteers and transport, are valued on the basis of their estimated value to the charity of the services or facility received, based on the price the charity estimates it would pay in the open market for such a service or facility.

MERTON MENCAP

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

For the year ended 31 March 2023

1 Accounting policies

(Continued)

1.5 Resources expended

Expenditure is recognised once there is a legal or constructive obligation to transfer economic benefit to a third party, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefits will be required in settlement, and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably.

Expenditure is classified by activity. The costs of each activity are made up of the total of direct costs and shared costs, including support costs involved in undertaking each activity. Direct costs attributable to a single activity are allocated directly to that activity. Shared costs which contribute to more than one activity and support costs which are not attributable to a single activity are apportioned between those activities on a basis consistent with the use of resources. Central staff costs are allocated on the basis of time spent, and depreciation charges are allocated on the portion of the asset’s use.

Expenditure is recognised on an accruals basis as liabilities are incurred. As the charity is not VAT registered and cannot recover any of its VAT, expenditure includes unrecoverable VAT.

All charitable expenditure in furtherance of the charity’s objectives relates to the provision of services under the contracts and related administrative costs.

Costs of generating voluntary income comprise of costs directly attributable to raising voluntary income and gifts in kind.

Governance costs comprise internal and external audit or independent financial examination.

Other costs of generating funds relate to business development, communications and marketing and specific fundraising and investment projects.

Costs are allocated according to an estimate of the time and resources spent on delivering each project including staff time and use of general office resources. The remaining unallocated core costs represents the governance work that would be necessary irrespective of our level of front-line project activity.

The charity has a number of funding streams that do not include any allowance for core costs or where the allowance does not adequately reflect our true core costs. In these cases, we show a deficit against the project which is then covered by our unrestricted reserves. Our fund-raising strategy reflects the need to fill these deficits as well as to generate enough core income to balance any unallocated core expenditure. Trustees consider funding priorities at executive committee meetings weighing up the need to continue projects that our service users are reliant upon for their wellbeing and the need to remain a going concern.

Where we made transfers from restricted to unrestricted funds, this has been done with the approval of the funding organisations concerned.

1.6 Tangible fixed assets

Tangible fixed assets are initially measured at cost and subsequently measured at cost or valuation, net of depreciation and any impairment losses.

Depreciation is recognised so as to write off the cost or valuation of assets less their residual values over their useful lives on the following bases:

Fixtures and fittings 20% straight line per annum Computers 20% straight line per annum

MERTON MENCAP

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

For the year ended 31 March 2023

1 Accounting policies

(Continued)

1.7 Cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents include cash in hand, deposits held at call with banks, other short-term liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less, and bank overdrafts. Bank overdrafts are shown within borrowings in current liabilities.

1.8 Financial instruments

The charity has elected to apply the provisions of Section 11 ‘Basic Financial Instruments’ and Section 12 ‘Other Financial Instruments Issues’ of FRS 102 to all of its financial instruments.

Financial instruments are recognised in the charity's balance sheet when the charity becomes party to the contractual provisions of the instrument.

Financial assets and liabilities are offset, with the net amounts presented in the financial statements, when there is a legally enforceable right to set off the recognised amounts and there is an intention to settle on a net basis or to realise the asset and settle the liability simultaneously.

Basic financial assets

Basic financial assets, which include debtors and cash and bank balances, are initially measured at transaction price including transaction costs and are subsequently carried at amortised cost using the effective interest method unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where the transaction is measured at the present value of the future receipts discounted at a market rate of interest. Financial assets classified as receivable within one year are not amortised.

Basic financial liabilities

Basic financial liabilities, including creditors and bank loans are initially recognised at transaction price unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where the debt instrument is measured at the present value of the future payments discounted at a market rate of interest. Financial liabilities classified as payable within one year are not amortised.

Debt instruments are subsequently carried at amortised cost, using the effective interest rate method.

Trade creditors are obligations to pay for goods or services that have been acquired in the ordinary course of operations from suppliers. Amounts payable are classified as current liabilities if payment is due within one year or less. If not, they are presented as non-current liabilities. Trade creditors are recognised initially at transaction price and subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method.

2 Critical accounting estimates and judgements

In the application of the charity’s accounting policies, the trustees are required to make judgements, estimates and assumptions about the carrying amount of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. The estimates and associated assumptions are based on historical experience and other factors that are considered to be relevant. Actual results may differ from these estimates.

The estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognised in the period in which the estimate is revised where the revision affects only that period, or in the period of the revision and future periods where the revision affects both current and future periods.

MERTON MENCAP

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

For the year ended 31 March 2023

3 Grants and donations

Unrestricted
Restricted
funds
funds
2023
2023
£
£
Donations and gifts
3,159
3,400
Sponsorship
750
-
Grants
84,250
468,599
Membership subscriptions
158
-
Gift Aid
936
-
Donated services and facilities
22,650
8,410
Collections
138
-
112,041
480,409
For the year ended 31 March 2022
2022
2022
£
£
Donations and gifts
4,260
492
Sponsorship
564
-
Grants
37,730
534,078
Membership subscriptions
388
-
Gift Aid
151
-
Donated services and facilities
26,390
-
Collections
18
-
69,501
534,570		 Total
2023
£
6,559
750
552,849
158
936
31,060
138
592,450
2022
£
4,752
564
571,808
388
151
26,390
18
604,071

The charity is fortunate to have 28 volunteers who regularly give their time to help the charity. Like all charities, Merton Mencap is reliant on a team of volunteers for our smooth running.

Volunteers perform two roles:

In accordance with the SORP, due to the absence of any reliable measurement basis, the contribution of these volunteers is not recognised in the accounts. The value of the services provided by volunteers is not incorporated in these financial statements.

MERTON MENCAP

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

For the year ended 31 March 2023

3 Grants and donations Grants and donations (Continued)
Grants receivable Activity Unrestricted Restricted Total Total
for core activities
£ £ £ 2022
Garfield Weston General 25,000 - 25,000 -
National Lottery General
Fund 1,500 - 1,500 1,500
BBC Children in General
need 500 - 500 -
LLoyds FoundationGeneral 27,250 - 27,250 25,000
The Henry Smith General
Charity 30,000 - 30,000 -
Wimbledon District
Carers Support Group
Nursing and
Midwifery
Benevelent Society - 1,000 1,000 1,000
Wimbledon District
Better Gym
Nursing and
Midwifery
Benevelent Society - 1,000 1,000 -
The L&Q Better Gym
Foundation - 4,977 4,977 -
Scope Better Gym - 15,608 15,608 -
BBC Children in Travel Training (CIN)
need - 10,000 10,000 10,000
National Lottery Café Employment Extension
Fund - 7,991 7,991 7,991
National Lottery Community Challenge
Fund - 12,666 12,666 12,666
National Lottery Community Challenge Holiday
Fund - 6,364 6,364 6,364
National Lottery Community Engagement Manager
Fund - 13,068 13,068 13,068
National Lottery Community Sports
Fund - 7,837 7,837 7,837
Holiday Activities CGS Playscheme & Buddies
and Food (HAF)
Programme: - 1,805 1,805 -
Hospital Saturday Community Engagement Manager
Fund - 2,000 2,000 -
Carers Support LD Carer's Adviser
Merton - 20,000 20,000 20,000
City of London Giving Back
(City Bridge Trust) - 1,829 1,829 18,375
Department of Kids First
Education - 17,500 17,500 17,500
LBM (Adult Care Community Facilitator
Services) - 17,292 17,292 17,447
LBM (Adult Care Saturday Hub
Services) - 18,681 18,681 18,682
LBM (Adult Care Travel Trianing Adults
Services) - 12,596 12,596 12,440

MERTON MENCAP

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

For the year ended 31 March 2023

3
Grants and donations
LBM (Children,
Schools and
Families)
Buddies
LBM (Children,
Schools and
Families)
CGS Playscheme & Buddies
LBM (Children,
Schools and
Families)
Holiday Playschemes Perseid
LBM (Children,
Schools and
Families)
Kids First
LBM (Children,
Schools and
Families)
Saturday Club Perseid
LBM (Transport)
Travel Training
NHS South West
London CCG
ACES
NHS South West
London CCG
Merton Autism Parent Service
Morden PCT.
Cooksmart
Wimbledon District
Nursing and
Midwifery
Benevelent Society
General
Baily Thomas
General
Edward Gosling
General
Cheshire
Community CCF
Assura
Better Gym
Shanley
Foundation
Better Gym
London Borough of
Merton
Café
London Borough of
Merton
Website Accessibility Review
Royal Mencap
Society
Lets Get Digital
Lloyds Bank
Foundation
Lamplight
London Sport
Tackling Inequalities
Merton Connected Your Merton Engagement
Merton Public
Health
Adults First
Merton Public
Health
LD Carers Caseworker
NHS South West
London CCG
Mind the Gap
Taylor Family
Foundation
Travel Training Training		 -
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
84,250		 37,500
30,500
65,000
18,000
35,000
80,135
12,050
17,000
1,200
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
468,599		 (Continued)
37,500
37,500
30,500
30,500
65,000
65,000
18,000
18,000
35,000
35,000
80,135
50,000
12,050
17,917
17,000
17,000
1,200
-
-
2,000
-
4,230
-
5,000
-
4,350
-
3,000
-
1,000
-
1,600
-
6,480
-
3,484
-
4,920
-
1,000
-
17,936
-
39,521
-
11,500
-
5,000
552,849
571,808		 (Continued)
37,500
37,500
30,500
30,500
65,000
65,000
18,000
18,000
35,000
35,000
80,135
50,000
12,050
17,917
17,000
17,000
1,200
-
-
2,000
-
4,230
-
5,000
-
4,350
-
3,000
-
1,000
-
1,600
-
6,480
-
3,484
-
4,920
-
1,000
-
17,936
-
39,521
-
11,500
-
5,000
552,849
571,808
571,808

MERTON MENCAP

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

For the year ended 31 March 2023

4 Charitable activities

Restricted Restricted
funds funds
2023 2022
Income from: £ £
Services and activities for children and young people 3,392 3,502
Services and activities for adults 78,313 61,131
81,705 64,633

5 Other trading activities

Unrestricted
Restricted
funds
funds
2023
2023
Income from:
£
£
Fundraising events
2,855
34
Trading activity income: other
-
3,341
Other trading activities
2,855
3,375
For the year ended 31 March 2022
2,480
126		 Total
2023
£
2,889
3,341
6,230		 Total
2022
£
2,511
95
2,606
2,606

6 Investments

**Unrestricted ** Unrestricted
funds funds
2023 2022
£ £
Bank interest 1,658 39

MERTON MENCAP

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

For the year ended 31 March 2023

7 Other income

Unrestricted Restricted Total Restricted
funds funds funds
2023 2023 2023 2022
£ £ £ £
Other income 13,672 1,776 15,448 7,565

Other income represents grant receivable from the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme.

8 Expenditure on other trading activities

Restricted
funds
2023
£
Cost of generating voluntary income
10,591
Fundraising trading: cost of goods sold and other costs
4,088
14,679		 Total
2022
£
10,340
1,242
11,582

MERTON MENCAP

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

For the year ended 31 March 2023

9 Charitable activities

Children and
young people
2023
£
Staff costs
197,594
Transport, travel and related costs
9,286
Refreshments and entrance fees
1,131
Rent and venue hire
11,740
Other costs
19,658
Donated services and facilities - accommodation
4,728
244,137
Share of support costs (see note 10)
29,624
Share of governance costs (see note 10)
3,982
277,743
Analysis by fund
Unrestricted funds
-
Restricted funds
277,743
277,743		 Adults Parents and
Carers
2023
2023
£
£
149,004
51,681
1,292
426
2,822
300
19,994
1,981
16,544
3,853
3,910
-
193,566
58,241
32,742
7,097
3,105
796
229,413
66,134
-
-
229,413
66,134
229,413
66,134		 Other
Core
Unrestricted
2023
2023
£
£
19,140
-
-
-
145
-
326
-
6,030
-
-
-
25,641
-
1,509
85,874
80
-
27,230
85,874
-
85,874
27,230
-
27,230
85,874		 Total
2023
£
417,419
11,004
4,398
34,041
46,085
8,638
521,585
156,846
7,963
686,394
85,874
600,520
686,394		 Total
2022
£
307,547
5,466
2,250
27,220
48,361
-
390,844
152,293
7,693
550,830
86,552
464,278
550,830

MERTON MENCAP

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

For the year ended 31 March 2023

9 Charitable activities

(Continued)

For the year ended 31 March 2022

Children and
young people
2022
£
Staff costs
134,688
Transport, travel and related costs
5,058
Refreshments and entrance fees
679
Rent and venue hire
8,140
Other costs
13,067
161,632
Share of support costs (see note 10)
26,691
Share of governance costs (see note 10)
3,462
191,785
Analysis by fund
Unrestricted funds
-
Restricted funds
191,785
191,785		 Adults Parents and
Carers
2022
2022
£
£
117,882
50,647
408
-
1,490
48
18,078
771
12,509
3,357
150,367
54,823
31,980
7,070
3,192
1,039
185,539
62,932
-
-
185,539
62,932
185,539
62,932		 Other
Core
Unrestricted
2022
2022
£
£
4,330
-
-
-
33
-
231
-
19,428
-
24,022
-
-
86,552
-
-
24,022
86,552
-
86,552
24,022
-
24,022
86,552		 Total
2022
£
307,547
5,466
2,250
27,220
48,361
390,844
152,293
7,693
550,830
86,552
464,278
550,830

Other costs are related to additional special projects for the whole charity. Core costs are the overhead costs of an organisation, as opposed to those specific to a project. Whilst these costs do not directly produce outputs of charitable activity, they are necessary to deliver these activities.

MERTON MENCAP

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

For the year ended 31 March 2023

10 Support and governance costs

Support costs Governance
costs
£
£
Administration staff costs
95,294
-
Transport
201
-
Rent
13,406
-
Donated services - accommodation
22,650
-
Office supplies
3,208
-
Telephone
3,659
-
Subscriptions
1,064
-
Consultancy fees
2,765
-
Bank charges
944
-
Computer Expenses
8,450
-
Equipment and materials
285
-
Insurance
1,587
-
Other costs
3,331
-
Accountancy fees
-
7,963
156,844
7,963
Analysed between
Charitable activities
156,844
7,963
156,844
7,963
For the year ended 31 March 2022
Analysed between
£
£
Charitable activities
152,293
7,693
152,293
7,693		 2023
£
95,294
201
13,406
22,650
3,208
3,659
1,064
2,765
944
8,450
285
1,587
3,331
7,963
164,807
164,807
164,807		 2022
£
93,648
131
12,175
26,390
923
3,462
572
3,865
666
6,443
127
1,555
2,338
7,693
159,988
£
159,986
159,986

11 Trustees

None of the trustees (or any persons connected with them) received any remuneration or benefits from the charity during the current or the previous year.

MERTON MENCAP

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

For the year ended 31 March 2023

12 Employees

Number of employees

The average monthly number of employees during the year was:

Number of employees
The average monthly number of employees during the		 year was:
2023 2022
Number Number
Full time 1 1
Part time 12 9
Sessional 28 30
41 40
Employment costs 2023 2022
£ £
Wages and salaries 434,404 353,225
Social security costs 27,421 23,657
Other pension costs 13,634 12,390
475,459 389,272

The full time equivalent of the staff employed in the year, based on a 35 hour week, was 16 (2022:14). No employees earned in excess of £60,000 (2022: nil).

13 Taxation

The charity is exempt from tax on income and gains falling within section 505 of the Taxes Act 1988 or section 252 of the Taxationof Chargeable Gains Act 1992 to the extent that these are applied to its charitable objects.

14 Tangible fixed assets

Tangible fixed assets
Fixtures and
fittings
Computers
£
£
At 1 April 2022
4,527
8,079
At 31 March 2023
4,527
8,079
Depreciation and impairment
At 1 April 2022
4,527
8,079
At 31 March 2023
4,527
8,079
Carrying amount
At 31 March 2023
-
-
At 31 March 2022
-
-		 Total
£
12,606
12,606
12,606
12,606
-
-

MERTON MENCAP

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

For the year ended 31 March 2023

15
Debtors
Amounts falling due within one year:
Trade debtors
Prepayments and accrued income
16
Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
Trade creditors
Other creditors
Accruals and deferred income		 2023
£
32,384
6,203
38,587
2023
£
14,857
11,515
27,509
53,881		 2022
£
21,083
1,773
22,856
2022
£
18,776
10,720
29,638
59,134

17 Retirement benefit schemes

The charity operates a defined contribution pension scheme for all qualifying employees. The assets of the scheme are held separately from those of the charity in an independently administered fund.

MERTON MENCAP

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

For the year ended 31 March 2023

18 Restricted funds

The income funds of the charity include restricted funds comprising the following unexpended balances of donations and grants held for specific purposes:

Movement in funds Movement in funds
Balance at Incoming Resources Transfers Balance at
1 April 2022 resources expended 31 March 2023
£ £ £ £ £
Holiday Playschemes Perseid 47,432 65,080 (60,475) (19,597) 32,441
Saturday Club Perseid - 35,354 (49,288) 13,934 -
Buddies Holiday 38,515 37,500 (20,169) (11,821) 44,025
Buddies Going Out - 1,732 (13,553) 11,821 -
Holiday Playscheme & Buddies CGS - 36,805 (42,468) 5,663 -
Travel Trainer - 80,135 (75,939) (4,196) -
Travel Training (CiN) 5,270 10,000 (9,338) - 5,932
ACES 1 16,197 13,710 (11,809) (7,000) 11,098
Giving Back 19,588 1,829 (4,157) - 17,260
Community Sports 6,308 8,982 (18,702) 3,412 -
Community Challenge 16,081 13,346 (19,791) (9,636) -
Café Employment Extension 24,766 7,991 (1,332) (31,425) -
Community Challenge Holiday - 7,964 (20,119) 12,155 -
Community Engagement Manager 5,338 15,068 (23,829) 25,493 22,070
Better Gym 1,084 25,257 (11,760) - 14,581
Cafe - 70,646 (71,693) 1,047 -
Saturday Hub - 23,532 (27,889) 4,357 -
Travel Training Adults 19,009 12,596 (16,760) (14,845) -
Community Facilitator - 17,292 (18,747) 1,455 -
PA1 (PT) 227 2,970 (2,852) (345) -
Kids First - 35,500 (27,198) (8,302) -
Adults First 16,690 - (11,118) - 5,572
Carers Group 936 1,000 (946) - 990
LD Carer's Adviser - 20,000 (19,662) - 338
MAPS 12,819 17,000 (8,270) - 21,549
Mind the Gap - Phase 2 - - (210) 210 -
Travel Trainer Training 5,000 1,370 (6,107) (263) -
LD Carers Caseworker 32,435 3,406 (20,502) - 15,338
Round the World Challenge 1,265 - - (1,265) -
Lets Get Digital 6,480 - - - 6,480
Cooksmart - 1,200 (516) - 684
275,440 567,265 (615,199) (29,148) 198,358

The transfers from restricted funds above of £29,148 (2022: £22,643) relate to contributions to the costs of administration, co-ordination and management of projects activities and services, and to office overheads and expenses, provided for in funding arrangements.

MERTON MENCAP

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

For the year ended 31 March 2023

19 Related party transactions

There were no related party transactions during the year (2022 - none).

20
Cash generated from operations
(Deficit)/surpus for the year
Adjustments for:
Investment income recognised in statement of financial activities
Movements in working capital:
(Increase)/decrease in debtors
(Decrease) in creditors
Cash (absorbed by)/generated from operations		 2023
£
(3,582)
(1,658)
(15,731)
(5,253)
(26,224)		 2022
£
116,502
(39)
98,929
(16,917)
198,475

21 Analysis of changes in net funds

The charity had no debt during the year (2022: none).