2023-10-31-accounts - Sam's Place NW Ltd

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REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER: 1121089

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST OCTOBER 2023 FOR SAM’S PLACE NW LTD

SAM’S PLACE NW LTD

CONTENTS OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST OCTOBER 2023

	Page
Report of the Trustees	3 to 9
Report of the Independent Auditors	10
Consolidated Statement of Financial Activities	11
Balance Sheets	12
Notes to the Financial Statements	13 to 14

SAM’S PLACE NW LTD

CONTENTS OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST OCTOBER 2023

The trustees who are also directors of the charity for the purposes of the Companies Act 2006, present their report with the financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31st March 2020 The trustees have adopted the provisions of the Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP) ‘Accounting and Reporting by Charities’ issued in March 2015.

REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS

Charity Name

Sam’s Place NW Ltd

Registered Charity number 1121089

Registered office

Aiming Higher 231-233 Church Street Blackpool Lancashire FY1 3PB

Trustees

M Smith – chair (appointed 03.04.23) S Lancaster (appointed 13.06.22) N Oldham (appointed 03.04.23) M Riches (appointed 03.04.23) G Whiteley (appointed 24.05.22) S Hudson (appointed 24.05.22) J Martin – secretary (appointed 24.05.22) D Henderson (appointed 24.05.22)

Independent Examiner

Louise Owen AAT 3 Ryldon Place Blackpool Lancashire FY4 4JD

Bank

The Co-operative Bank 147 Church Street Blackpool Lancashire PR1 3UD

SAM’S PLACE NW LTD

CONTENTS OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST OCTOBER 2023 - continued

STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT

Governing document

The Charitable Company (hereafter referred to as “the Charity”) is controlled by its governing document, the Memorandum and Articles of Association, and constitutes a limited company, limited by guarantee, as defined by the Companies Act 2006.

Recruitment and appointment of new trustees

As set out in the Articles of Association, the board of trustees comprises not less than three trustees but not more than 12 trustees.

The Board is responsible for the recruitment and appointment of new Trustees. Each year a skills audit is undertaken and if gaps are identified, a recruitment process takes place. The recruitment process has been developed in order to attract a diverse group of trustees with appropriate skills, knowledge and experience.

Occasionally potential trustees register an interest in the organisation. Following this, a meeting is arranged with the Chair and a Director and the trustee is held on a waiting list until an appropriate vacancy arises.

Organisational structure

The activities of the organisation are governed by the board of trustees, all of whom are directors.

Board meetings are held once per quarter and a board assurance framework has been established in order to guide the board.

The Treasurer provides assurance to the board around organisational finance.

The board of trustees appoints the Directors who report to the Board on the operational running of the organisation.

OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES

Objectives and aims

Sam’s Place supports children and young adults who have physical, sensory or learning disabilities, life-reducing conditions or complex needs. The charity provides opportunities for enterprise/learning to encourage employability skills; recreational and social facilities, and activities, to promote inclusion, peer networks and reduce isolation; information, advice, and guidance for the whole family.

Public Benefit

Our purpose is to give young people with disabilities in Blackpool, Fylde and Wyre the same opportunities as everyone else and to improve the quality of their lives.

We are delighted to report growth within the charity and the number of young people we are now supporting has risen 3 times since June 2022.

New funding has allowed the charity to open a second social session and continue to run the daytime Enterprise project, this year it also includes Life skills and Well-being.

Participants

There have been a total of 1,299 attendances

Contact Hours

We have delivered 634.5 hours supporting young people with Disabilities, Learning Disabilities and Autism

In November the young people requested a trip down Blackpool Illuminations, funding from DJ Sidebottom (Glasdon) allowed the charity to hire a mini bus and everyone enjoyed a fish and chip supper before setting off. The young people all expressed their enjoyment verbally for this activity.

SAM’S PLACE NW LTD

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Public Benefit – continued

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During November the charity ran a pop up shop at a local garden centre selling the quality products made in the Enterprise sessions. The young people involved gained valuable customer service and money handling skills through interaction with the public at this event.

The young people also had a visit from a small company who brought small animals and reptiles into the centre for them to learn about.

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December saw a Christmas party and a trip to the local theatre to see a pantomime.

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SAM’S PLACE NW LTD

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Public Benefit – continued

In January the charity had to relocate due to damage to the building and this caused problems for a few members who found it difficult to travel to the temporary accommodation. The members returned to the sessions as soon as the building had been repaired.

Following the return to the main building a Healthy Cooking and Eating project began which was funded by DJ Sidebottom (Glasdon), Asda Foundation and Assura. This was a six week course running on a Saturday, where the young people chose recipes to cook and then ate their meals for lunch. At the end of the course each young person made their own recipe books to use at home and was presented with a certificate and a personalised apron.

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The staff are now supported by volunteers who help to cook meals and assist the young people where needed. The Blackpool Council cost of living grant has provided a hot meal and drinks for all of the young people aiding families through the financial crisis.

One of the young people expressed an interest in becoming a volunteer and he is now able to do some basic tasks within the group. We also have two mentors as support in the new group.

During the Spring months staff were out networking with SEN schools and colleges to highlight the work the charity does and these sessions were essential in bringing in new young people from Blackpool, Fylde and Wyre. Wherever possible staff were accompanied by one or two of the young people who could speak about what Sam’s Place means to them. Some of the comments the young people have said when asked this question are:

J** I belong to a place that accepts me for who I am

A*** Without Sam’s Place I wouldn’t be the confident man I am today without you.

Sam’s Place makes me a better person R** Makes me very happy and it’s very nice.

Sam’s Place is somewhere I can be with friends and feel safe.

February saw the start of the second social session due to demand and having a waiting list, this group is currently two thirds full with new expressions of interest coming through each week.

In May the charity held a Coronation party and all the young people were very excited to be celebrating this amazing event.

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SAM’S PLACE NW LTD

CONTENTS OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST OCTOBER 2023 – continued

Public Benefit – continued

In July the charity was lucky enough to be supported by The Plant Place with an amazing Summer Fair. The young people once again held a pop up shop selling the products made by the group and The Plant Place held carnival type games and activities. During the event some of the young people from Sam’s Place did speeches and also sang some of their favourite songs. This event was very successful and the charity is hopeful that this will become a regular annual fundraiser.

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During the Summer months the charity was very busy with holiday sessions running 10 - 3pm every Tuesday and Wednesday. These sessions included Enterprise activities, Life Skills, general crafts and having lots of fun. It included a trip to The Plant Place where the young people learned about plants and were taught how to plant up a beautiful container. They each got to take their planted masterpieces home. On the last day the young people put on a ‘Sam’s Place has talent’ show. The performances were amazing, we have some very talented members!

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September saw the start of the new Enterprise, Life Skills and Well-being project funded by Margaret Dobson Trust and Baily Thomas Charitable Fund and with quite a few students having finished college this year this is a very popular project, ensuring the young people keep learning new skills and going over skills taught at school and colleges for their independence and futures. The charity is delighted to have been chosen by Mayoress Julie Robinson as one of her chosen charities. The charity attended a male voice choir as the first event on the 6th October.

When the parents were asked ‘why do you use Sam’s Place for your young person?’ they replied

Sam’s Place is a positive learning environment where serious subjects are broached in a relaxing tailored manner that suits each person.
To socialise & maintain friendships, reduce isolation
To socialise with her peer group and take part in age appropriate activities. There is very little provision for this age group in our area.
So my son can meet different people and make new friends
Fully inclusive, safe place for mixing with peers
It’s a great youth group for young people of the older end, it feels more grown up.
He can’t go out alone and Sam’s Place is somewhere he can go and socialise with friends and make new friends.
To provide stimulation and encourage personal interaction with others.

Somewhere to provide more age appropriate activities.

SAM’S PLACE NW LTD

CONTENTS OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST OCTOBER 2023 - continued

FINANCIAL REVIEW

Financial review and reserves

The results of the Charity are summarised on the Statement of Financial Activities.

The change in trustees and staff during this financial year resulted in more funding applications being submitted and a resulting surplus of £6,903. Strong reserves mean that we have been able to use these effectively and still increase the activities offered to our young people.

At the end of the financial year, reserves were £31,749. With increased income in the year ahead, trustees have assessed the risks and are confident that the charity is moving towards a sustainable future. The trustees have assessed the major risks to which the charity is exposed and are satisfied that systems and procedures are in place to mitigate exposure to the major risks. The Charity’s reserves policy is to hold a level of 3-6 months free reserves equating to the unrestricted direct charitable costs for the year. In the year ended 31[st] October 2023 these costs amounted to 7 months reserves.

The Trustees will endeavour to retain this level in the future.

GOING CONCERN

The accounts are prepared on a going concern basis, which the Trustees consider to be appropriate having considered the foreseeable future. The Charitable Company holds reserves which are sufficiently in line with its reserves policy.

PLANS FOR THE FUTURE

Changes in the board have resulted in some real optimism for the future. A new strategy is in development following a development day attended by trustees and staff. The charity is working towards sustainability and growth within a robust framework. Work has begun to involve our young people in the decision-making, planning and development of projects.

STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT

Sam’s Place was incorporated on 31st October 2006 and the Memorandum and Articles of Association were amended by special resolution on 14th September 2007 and amended on 27th January 2020.

Our governing document provides the framework by which we achieve our principal objectives. Our principal activities continue to relate to meeting these objectives. These are constantly reviewed to ensure they remain relevant to the young people and families that we support.

The management of the charity is the responsibility of the trustees, who are appointed under the terms of the constitution. The board of trustees comprises a minimum of three and a maximum of twelve trustees. No member of the board benefits financially for their time or services.

During the year we have recruited new trustees as identified by a review of skills. We will continue with this work to ensure that the charity has the optimum mix of expertise required. Upon appointment, each trustee has an induction in order to understand how the charity operates and their role and responsibilities. Trustees are regularly updated on the charity’s activities through board meetings, via email and through informal conversations.

The board of trustees meet at least quarterly, and a new board annual plan is in development. During trustee meetings, discussions about key governance issues take place and decisions are made. The trustees also make time to consider questions about the charity’s future plans.

The trustees are fully aware of, and adhere to, the guidance issued by The Charity Commission on public benefits and their responsibilities as trustees.

SAM’S PLACE NW LTD

CONTENTS OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST OCTOBER 2023 - continued

STATEMENT OF TRUSTEES RESPONSIBILITIES

The trustees (who are also the directors of Sam’s Place NW Ltd for the purposes of company law) are responsible for preparing the Report of the Trustees 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 charitable company and of the incoming resources and application of resources, including the income and expenditure of the charitable company for that period. In preparing those financial statements, the trustees are required to

select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;
observe the methods and principles in the Charity SORP;
make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
Prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the charitable company will continue in business.

The trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records which disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charitable company and to 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.

In so far as the trustees are aware:

there is no relevant independent examination information of which the charitable company's examiners are unaware; and
the trustees have taken all steps that they ought to have taken to make themselves aware of any relevant audit information and to establish that the auditors are aware of that information.

The trustees wish to acknowledge the financial support of the following organisations:

Funders 2022/2023

National Lottery Community Fund - Awards for All Margaret Dobson Trust Baily Thomas D J Sidebottom (Glasdon) Blackpool, Wyre & Fylde Cerebral Palsy Association Asda Foundation Blackpool Council Cost of Living Grant 1, VCAN, 3 Supporters The Plant Place (Nominated Charity) Encore Singers Suzi Moden & Family Lotus school Blackpool

We would also like to thank our staff, volunteers and the many people who have generously provided contributions of time and funds. It is thanks to their support that we can continue to deliver the service. ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD :

M Smith - Chair

Date: 4th March 2024

INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF

SAM’S PLACE NW LTD

I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of the above charity (“Sam’s Place NW Ltd for the year ended 31[st] October 2023.

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.

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

the accounting records were not kept in 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.

Louise Owen AAT 3 Ryldon Place Blackpool Lancashire FY4 4JD

Date: 4th March 2024

SAM’S PLACE NW LTD

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST OCTOBER 2023 (INCORPORATING INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT)

INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM Donations and legacies Direct charitable activities Total EXPENDITURE ON Direct charitable activities NET INCOME RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS Total funds brought forward TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD	Unrestricted funds £ 10,757 7,076 17,833 10,930 6,903 26,297 33,200	2023 2022 Restricted fund Total funds Total funds £ £ £ - 10,757 5,338 32,952 40,028 25,931 32,952 50,785 31,269 32,952 43,882 45,302 - 6,903 (14,033) - 26,297 40,330 - 33,200 26,297

The Statement of Financial Activities includes all gains and losses in the year and therefore a statement of total recognised gains and losses has not been prepared.

All of the above amounts relate to continuing activities.

SAM’S PLACE NW LTD

BALANCE SHEETS AT 31ST OCTOBER 2023

Notes FIXED ASSETS Tangible assets 3 CURRENT ASSETS Cash at bank and in hand Debtors 4 CREDITORS Amounts falling due within one year 5 NET CURRENT ASSETS TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT LIABILITES TOTAL FUNDS	2023 £ 1,451 52,953 - 52,953 21,204 31,749 33,200 33,200	2022 £ - 1,316 34,675 - 34,675 9,694 24,981
		26,297 26,297

These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the special provisions of Part 15 of the Companies Act 2006 relating to small charitable companies and with the Financial Reporting Standard for Smaller Entities (effective April 2008).

The financial statements were approved by the Board of Trustees on 29[th] January 2024 and were signed on its behalf by:

M Smith - Chair

29.01.2024

SAM’S PLACE NW LTD

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST OCTOBER 2023

1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Basis of preparing the financial statements

The financial statements of the charitable company have been prepared in accordance with the Charities SORP (FRS102) 'Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice and the Companies Act 2006. The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention with the exception of investments which are included at market value.

Income

All income is recognised in the Statement of Financial Activities once the charity has legal entitlement to the funds, it is possible that the income will be received and the amount can be measured reliably.

Expenditure

Liabilities are recognised as expenditure as soon as there is a legal or constructive obligation committing the charity to that expenditure, 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 accounted for on an accruals basis and has been classified under headings that aggregate all cost related to the category. Where costs cannot be directly attributed to particular headings they have been allocated to activities on a basis consistent with the use of resources.

Taxation

The charity is exempt from corporation tax on its charitable activities.

Fund accounting

Unrestricted funds can be used in accordance with the charitable objectives at the discretion of the trustees.

Restricted funds can only be used for particular restricted purposes within the objects of the charity. Restrictions arise when specified by the donor or when funds are raised for particular restricted purposes.

Key management

The key management personnel of the Charity are noted in the Trustees Report. The total employee benefits of the key management personnel of the Charity were £0 (2022: £0).

No member of staff was paid more than £60,000 during the year (being the reportable limit specified by the Charity Commission).

2. COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE

Company is limited by guarantee and consequently does not have share capital.

SAM’S PLACE NW LTD

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST OCTOBER 2023

3. TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS

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4. DEBTORS

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5. CREDITORS

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6. EMPLOYEES

2n23 2022 Average number of employees during the period 16