2021-03-31-accounts - Dash - Discovering Autistic Spectrum Happiness

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D.A.S.H. Discovering Autistic Spectrum Happiness

Registered charity no: 1116852 Registered office: Sanford House, Sanford Street, Swindon SN1 1HE

www.dashswindon.com

www.facebook.com/dashswindon

info@dashswindon.com @DASHswindon

Annual Report

For the period of April 2020 to March 2021

DASH is a small local registered charity launched in 2006 as a response to a shared concern for the unmet needs of adults with high-functioning autism and Aspergers living in Swindon.

DASH was launched with the purpose and determination to help improve the quality of life of people affected by autism by raising professional, public and political awareness.

A specialist, post-diagnostic support service for adults Aspergers/High functioning autism is an essential part of an effective adult autism strategy. Post diagnostic support for parents and carers, employers and statutory services is important so that people with autism can access the right resources to help them lead more independent, more fulfilled, safer, more engaged and happier lives. DASH campaigns and lobbies and works in partnership with others to develop and promote such services.

Our primary aims are to:

Raise awareness and understanding of Aspergers
Promote and enhance access to assessment & diagnosis, welfare, housing, education and employment
Research, promote and help to deliver a local model of support and services

and in this way we will help people with Aspergers to enjoy safer, healthier, more social, more productive and happier lives.

DASH Trustees

David Ahern Sally Grubb Robert Jordan Jon Dunn Nigel Jobbins

Administration

Lorrette Jobbins

Formal DASH Volunteers

Neil Cross Emma Yates

Informal volunteers are too numerous to mention but huge thanks go to all who have given their time and energy to support us

Dash Staff

Manager: Adrian Embling to 30[th] May 2020, Gemma Owens: from 1[st] June 2020 Ops Manager: Gemma Owens until 30[th] May 2020 Finance: Richard Parrett Social group team leaders Julie Welsh Karen Day Sam Webb Ceri Gardiner Angie Ingram Mark Clayborough

IAS – Autism Matters Peggy Rosser Dona-Marie Paoletta Angie Ingram

Social groups Ken Webb Hannah Collier Katie Halliday

Overview

The financial year started with the charity in lockdown due to Covid19 restrictions. Social Groups did not open during the reporting year. Social group staff were place on furlough in April and remained so until the end of the reporting year and beyond.

Covid 19 required we shut our office, which is both an administrative site and venue for meetings with clients. All operation activity was moved online. Change can be particularly difficult for people on the autistic spectrum. The inability to meet face to face was very stressful for some clients. There were several instances of clients being so fearful of Covid19, both of the virus and breaking lockdown restrictions that they did not leave their accommodation. Several clients reported feeling isolated and depressed. In April we moved our Autism Matters service online. This was a lifeline for many to access services and support. We also opened online chat groups. These were particularly successful. Chatroom moderators encouraged clients to assist

running groups. A number of clients embraced the opportunity to run quizzes and other activities. We are most grateful to our staff who have innovatively and commitment to ensure we provided the best possible service that circumstances permitted.

The Government’s Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme was gratefully used to its fullest extent for those roles that were not able to operate during the year.

Our work in the year included the following case studies :

Supporting someone with a PIP application and subsequently at a tribunal. The original assessment denied an award as the DWP based a judgement around capability on his outward smart appearance. DASH argued that wearing a suit was a coping strategy that gave confidence and was a reassuring habit. A successful outcome was achieved.

A person requested support with communication needs. He presented as very anxious, was unable to make eye contact and spoke quietly. Initially flagged as potentially a concern around mental health, DASH worked as a support when talking to his GP. Once mental health had improved, DASH worked with him more broadly to look at how text might be a suitable platform and agreed etiquette and expectations. Communication improved and a level of independence was restored.

Plans for the future

DASH, like many charities, is aware of the increased need of clients as Covid becomes an endemic health issue. In particular challenges for people on the autistic spectrum include employment, mental health, emerging from isolation, communication and changes in routines and behavioural norms.

The charity is also aware of the extended waiting lists to get a formal diagnosis, and a lack of services that can help individuals lead productive and happy lives. It is planned to work with Swindon Borough Council to address these issues at the earliest opportunity.

The charity will also seek to put its social groups on a sustainable footing to avoid any financial shortfall that might put them at risk.

Our thanks also goes to the following for their funding support:

Big Lottery

Wiltshire and Swindon Community Foundation

Mid Counties COOP

Howard Tenens

Plus donations from Excalibur communications

Green Labyrinth

W Davies

DASH

DISCOVERING AUTISTIC SPECTRUM HAPPINESS

Registered Charity Number 1116852

Summarised Draft Financial Statement for the year ended 31[st] March 2021


Income and Expenditure 2020-21 Restricted and Designated Income: Lottery Grants Lottery Emergency Fund Lottery Covid-19 Response Grant CFWS Covid Response & Recovery Grant Wilts Community Foundation Social Groups Grant HMRC Covid Job Retention Scheme Unrestricted Income: Donations and Fund Raising Total Income Expenditure Wages and Salaries Management Contractor Costs Room Hire Consultancy Stationery/Office Costs Phones Travel Equipment IT Costs Redundancy Costs Miscellaneous Expenses Total Expenditure Surplus (deficit) of Income over Expenditure	£ 14087 8604 9866 20829 5000 4081 62467 2471 2471 36725 1534 773 0 0 117 795 7 1359 587 50 273 42219	£
		64937
		22718

Cash and Reserves at Start of Year: Unrestricted Funds Restricted and Designated Funds Cash in Hand Total Surplus of Income over Expenditure Total	1726 13658 62
	15446 22718
	38164

Cash and Reserves at Year End Unrestricted Funds Restricted and Designated Funds Cash in Hand Total	2521 35611 32
	38164

Plant, Machinery, Fixtures and Fittings Opening Balance Additions this year Depreciation ClosingBalance	2586 1259 -773
	3072

Signed by one or two trustees on behalf of all the trustees:

Signature Print Name Date of approval	Signature Print Name Date of approval	Signature Print Name Date of approval
	Nigel Jobbins	20/12/2021

		Independent examiner's report on the accounts
	Section A Independent Examiner’s Report
Report to the trustees/ members of Charity Name DASH (Discovering Autistic Spectrum Happiness) On accounts for the year ended 31/03/21 Charity no (if any) 1116852 Set out on pages (remember to include the page numbers of additional sheets) Responsibilities and basis of report I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of the above charity (“the Trust”) for the year ended 31/03/2021. As the charity's trustees, you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 (“the Act”).

I report in respect of my examination of the Trust’s accounts carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination, I have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Act.

Independent examiner's

statement[I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have ] come to my attention in connection with the examination (other than that disclosed below *) which gives me cause to believe that in, any material respect:

the accounting records were not kept n accordance with section 130 of the Charities Act; or
the accounts did not accord with the accounting records; or
the accounts did not comply with the applicable requirements concerning the form and content of accounts set out in the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 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.

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.

Please delete the words in the brackets if they do not apply.

Signed:		14/12/21
Name:	Claire Turner
Relevant professional	CIMA (FCMA)
qualification(s) or body (if any):
Address:	Far End House, London Road, Poulton, Cirencester,	GL7 5JQ

Oct 2018

IER

Section B Disclosure

Only complete if the examiner needs to highlight material matters of concern (see CC32, Independent examination of charity accounts: directions and guidance for examiners).

Give here brief details of any items that the examiner wishes to disclose .

Oct 2018

IER