OpenCharities

This text was generated using OCR and may contain errors. Check the original PDF to see the document submitted to the regulator. This document is also available as Markdown.

← WECAN - We Enable Children with Additional Needs

2023-10-31-accounts

==> picture [573 x 369] intentionally omitted <==

WECAN (A company limited by guarantee) Charity number 1125037 Company number: 06384156

A reflection of the year

1[st] November 2022 till 31 October 2023

WECAN Registered Office and operational address are: Moot Hall Gallery, Market Place, Hexham, NE46 1XF

THE WECAN TEAM

We would like to extend our thanks to our enthusiastic and loyal team of staff and volunteers, who have shown outstanding commitment to supporting the children and young people of Wecan, our thanks goes out to:

Volunteers - Alice Di Lullo, Daniel Connolly, Hannah Clark, Henry Sharpe, Katherine Hinchcliffe

Progression from Volunteers to Support Workers- Megan Elstob

Support Workers –Annemarie Brown, Becky Hives, Bella Stienlet, Bethany Eltringham, Carly Atkinson, Charli Heslop, Dara Pringle, Emily Monelly, Ellie Willoughby, Eleanor Brunton, Freddie Carruthers, Gabriel Morley, Gillian Bell, Georgia Findlay, Georgina Reed, Grace Courtney, Grace Peatfield Muter, Hannah Bartlett, Hannah Watson, Jack Abson, James Bell, Kate Riddick, Kate Salthouse, Katherine Birkenshaw, Katie Carruthers, Lindsay Davidson, Lucy Shorey, Martyn Barnes, Nicole Harasymiuk, Sarah Shorey, Sarah Watson, Tegan Carr, Terri Anderson, Zuzanna Pasak.

Senior Management Team-

Mrs Hayley Armstrong, Service Manager

Miss Kirsty Jackson, Deputy Manager

We would like to extend our thanks to our enthusiastic and loyal board of Trustees, who volunteer their time to support our charity providing governance to the service we provide.

Mr Alan Nelson – Chair

Mr Bob Parker – Treasurer

Mrs Rhonda Quigley

Mr Dominic Slowie

Mrs Dawn Flynn

Miss Hannah Steward

WECAN EXPLORE

At the start of this year we received £5,000 from The Ballinger Trust, to start our new group supporting children under the age of 6 years with their families. We were able to purchase lots of equipment to support the needs of the group, including role play, sensory based items, messy play, musical instruments and signing DVDs, warm blankets and cushions to name a few items.

This group was named Wecan Explore. Kirsty decided upon the name Wecan Explore, as babies and toddlers are explorers but also it allows the parents to explore Wecan and find out more about our services.

The sessions were held on the following days/times at the Family Hubs:

Monday at Hexham 1.30pm-2.30pm

Wednesday at Haltwhistle 10.30am-11.30am

Thursday at Prudhoe 1.30pm-2.30pm

During the Holidays we held sessions in Prudhoe with an Easter, Summer, Halloween and Christmas theme. It was lovely to meet lots of families and have fun!

==> picture [244 x 184] intentionally omitted <==

==> picture [213 x 285] intentionally omitted <==

==> picture [244 x 183] intentionally omitted <==

==> picture [212 x 282] intentionally omitted <==

CHILDREN & YOUNG PEOPLE’S SERVICE

Saturday Club

Now in its 27[th] year, the Saturday Club provision continued as in previous years for three hours on a Saturday during term time.

We continued to use The Chrysalis Centre in Hexham, home to support and activities for people with dementia. These premises provided a lovely light and airy atmosphere with wheelchair access and facilities which was ideal for our needs. In June 2023 we were lucky to find our own office space in The Moot Hall, which allowed ourselves the opportunity to create a space for our children, young people and adults to use for sensory time, and arts and crafts.

Our sessions included;

Bowling and swimming at Wentworth Leisure Centre Indoor sports with Smile Through Sports Gaming sessions using Ipads, Nintendo Switch and our own Wii system Cookery Claires Cool Creatures Arts & Crafts including visits to Ipots Visits to Hexham Abbey Hexham Forum Cinema A visit from the Sunshine Panners

We also hosted a visit from the Mayor of Hexham (Derek Kennedy) and the High Sheriff of Northumberland (James Royds) as well as a lovely visit from Tyne Valley Ices on one of our hot summer days!

The staff, volunteers, children, young people and adults all appreciated the support offered by the Chrysalis Centre staff in delivery of the Saturday Club activities during this time and are very appreciative of the welcoming and accommodating atmosphere afforded. We are now looking forward to continuing our fantastic at The Moot Hall.

==> picture [153 x 204] intentionally omitted <==

==> picture [158 x 210] intentionally omitted <==

==> picture [250 x 187] intentionally omitted <==

==> picture [234 x 176] intentionally omitted <==

February Half Term

For February half term we enjoyed two choices of activities based in Hexham and Haltwhistle. Some of the group joined in with a cricket session led by Sam Biggs, Disability Cricket leader followed by a treat at McDonald’s Hexham. We learnt lots of new skills at cricket, those who already play cricket supported their friends! Another group ventured out on an exciting train journey with Tyne Valley Community Partnership, beginning at Hexham travelling to Haltwhistle. Whilst in Haltwhistle we explored the train station ticket booth and learned all about Arlo’s adventures: which supports us to learn about what to do when near to a Train Station.

==> picture [149 x 199] intentionally omitted <==

==> picture [148 x 198] intentionally omitted <==

==> picture [213 x 160] intentionally omitted <==

==> picture [149 x 199] intentionally omitted <==

==> picture [148 x 199] intentionally omitted <==

==> picture [212 x 160] intentionally omitted <==

Easter Half Term

For our Easter Half Term Sessions, we enjoyed two trips. Our first trip took us to Whitehouse Farm, where we saw lots of animals, and had the opportunity to feed the goats and hold the guinea pigs. We also enjoyed the park areas with lots of bouncing and sliding. Our second trip found us at Whitley Bay Playhouse to see a performance of Cinderella, followed by a tasty tea at The Beefeater.

==> picture [113 x 152] intentionally omitted <==

==> picture [199 x 149] intentionally omitted <==

==> picture [140 x 187] intentionally omitted <==

==> picture [139 x 185] intentionally omitted <==

==> picture [139 x 185] intentionally omitted <==

May Half Term

It was great this year that our May Half Term activity session took us on our very first long trip away! We had a great time at Flamingo Land, enjoying both the rides and the zoo animals.

==> picture [156 x 208] intentionally omitted <==

==> picture [210 x 158] intentionally omitted <==

==> picture [158 x 211] intentionally omitted <==

==> picture [157 x 209] intentionally omitted <==

==> picture [215 x 162] intentionally omitted <==

==> picture [167 x 221] intentionally omitted <==

Annual Summer Scheme

We delivered two and a half days of activities for five weeks of the school summer holidays and we spent these days doing lots of new and exciting activities as well as some old favourites. Up to 30 children and young people participated in our Summer Scheme provision and everyone enjoyed a range of different activities every day.

WEEK ONE; We jumped straight into our fun with a visit to Inflataspace, and the Funshack on our first day. While visiting Alnwick Gardens, a favourite place to visit, we added to the excitement with their new Lilidorei magical play park. Some of our children and young people also enjoyed a quieter day of pottery at Canny Crafty at Wheelbirks, followed by a tasty ice cream!

==> picture [158 x 211] intentionally omitted <==

==> picture [159 x 211] intentionally omitted <==

==> picture [158 x 211] intentionally omitted <==

==> picture [236 x 177] intentionally omitted <==

==> picture [236 x 177] intentionally omitted <==

==> picture [145 x 194] intentionally omitted <==

==> picture [228 x 171] intentionally omitted <==

WEEK TWO; Our adventures took us to another new experience at the Surfing School in South Shields, we learned various surfing poses. We also ventured into the open water to swim at Sweethope Lough with Fenwick Ridley. Whilst visiting St. James Park the home of our beloved Newcastle United was a requested return visit, we added the excitement of treating ourselves at Kaspa’s Ice Cream Parlour afterwards! Another pantomime was also enjoyed at Whitley Bay Playhouse, we were lucky to also meet some of the cast members.

==> picture [245 x 185] intentionally omitted <==

==> picture [245 x 185] intentionally omitted <==

==> picture [162 x 216] intentionally omitted <==

==> picture [161 x 215] intentionally omitted <==

==> picture [160 x 214] intentionally omitted <==

==> picture [231 x 198] intentionally omitted <==

==> picture [263 x 198] intentionally omitted <==

WEEK THREE; This week was certainly action packed! Our adventures included a visit to Blackpool, something which the children and young people have requested for many years, whilst the journey was longer than usual, we enjoyed splashing at the Waterpark, Rides at the Pleasure Beach and lots to see and watch at Madame Tusauds and the Circus. An action-packed day was followed by a quieter but still fun day at Consett, swimming, exploring the play park and a show all about Sarah and Duck!

==> picture [186 x 248] intentionally omitted <==

==> picture [186 x 247] intentionally omitted <==

==> picture [186 x 248] intentionally omitted <==

==> picture [269 x 202] intentionally omitted <==

==> picture [268 x 201] intentionally omitted <==

==> picture [179 x 238] intentionally omitted <==

==> picture [177 x 236] intentionally omitted <==

==> picture [176 x 235] intentionally omitted <==

WEEK FOUR: This week we ventured to Alston for a train ride on the South Tynedale Railway, another visit to Whitehouse Farm as we enjoyed our time there in Easter, this time it was quite wet with all the rain, and a favourite activity of sports with our friends at Smile Through Sport at the park.

==> picture [186 x 247] intentionally omitted <==

==> picture [186 x 248] intentionally omitted <==

==> picture [189 x 251] intentionally omitted <==

==> picture [187 x 249] intentionally omitted <==

WEEK FIVE: On this our final week of Summer Scheme 2023, we spent a day at the Metro Centre which was a great opportunity to keep cool, more Open Water Swimming, followed by a jam-packed end of Summer Party! We also had a special visitor to our party: Tynedale Ices, which was a refreshing break after our fun on the bouncy slide!

==> picture [195 x 260] intentionally omitted <==

==> picture [189 x 252] intentionally omitted <==

==> picture [319 x 240] intentionally omitted <==

==> picture [202 x 269] intentionally omitted <==

==> picture [197 x 262] intentionally omitted <==

ADULT SERVICE

Our Adult Service has been running since March 2019 providing sessions for adults aged 19 years plus. We are extremely pleased with how it has progressed so far, having received positive feedback from both the Adults who attend and their families. Staff who work within the Adult Service also work in our Children service, which allows for continuity of care and knowledge of our service users to be of a high standard. It has proved comforting to those parents who have just begun transitioning into Adult Service’s as we know this is a very difficult time for a lot of our families. Our vision within adult service continues to promote the independence and choice of everyone attending, by allowing us to utilise everyone’s skills – each adult has an important part to play in the process. We look forward to more adventures in the following year and networking with local organisations.

Saturday Club Sessions.

We had lots of fun together and built our confidence. The Adults joined in with new activities but also continued to enjoy weekly favourites which include bowling, craft sessions, walks, local café visits, music and drama and swimming. To expand the organisations, we work with we joined in with session workouts with Jo from The Barn (Barnability), pottery sessions with Ipots, sensory based sessions at The Alan Shearer Centre, a music session with The Sunshine Panners, a very relaxing sound bath with Mary Dawson and a forest craft-based session with Deni Riach.

==> picture [167 x 222] intentionally omitted <==

==> picture [166 x 221] intentionally omitted <==

==> picture [248 x 186] intentionally omitted <==

==> picture [246 x 185] intentionally omitted <==

Holiday Sessions.

During the holiday we venture out on a couple of trips. We enjoyed a visit to Alnwick Gardens & Castle, a favourite trip which Is requested most years to Beamish, a sunny day spent in Whitley Bay including swimming and lunch at the chip shop before a walk and rest on the beach. We held a session at The Alan Shearer centre, using their sensory rooms, hydro pool and exploring their outdoor space. Whilst we enjoyed a couple of trips, we also enjoyed staying local in Hexham. We tested our skills in the Escape Rooms Hexham and held a party for the Kings Coronation.

==> picture [263 x 198] intentionally omitted <==

==> picture [261 x 196] intentionally omitted <==

==> picture [201 x 202] intentionally omitted <==

==> picture [164 x 220] intentionally omitted <==

==> picture [216 x 162] intentionally omitted <==

==> picture [212 x 160] intentionally omitted <==

FUNDRAISING AND AWARENESS RAISING EVENTS

This year we were lucky to join in with various fundraising activities, some which were new to ourselves. We supported our participants in The Great North Run and Let’s Move Event.

Let’s Move Event 2023

Children Service and Adult Service both joined in with our Let’s Move Event. We began the walk at Tyne Green Hexham and followed the path which led us all the way to the Boatside Inn at Warden. We stopped for a refreshment break at The Boatside Inn before, restarting our journey back to Tyne Green Hexham. Everyone who joined in completed the walk with a smile on their face! We have raised a fantastic total of £1463

==> picture [204 x 153] intentionally omitted <==

==> picture [204 x 154] intentionally omitted <==

Great North Run 2023

In the Fifth year of our participation in the Great North Run, our enthusiastic runners included: - Martyn Barnes (support worker), Colin Simpson (Friend of Wecan), Stephen Holmes (Friend of Wecan), Peter Holmes (Friend of Wecan), Georgia Findlay (Support Worker), Lucy Gentles (Supporter of Wecan), Emily Flood (Supporter Wecan) & Kirsten Ramsay (Supporter of Wecan). This year we also had a runner in the Junior Great North Run, Teddy Shepherd (Children Service).

Their training started pretty quickly, and we were able to follow their progress as they posted achievements on social media. Through social media an increased amount of awareness was raised for our charity, which is vastly important to ourselves, as this enables us to reach everyone who will benefit from our service and also those who may know very little about who we are and what we do.

Our runners were not left empty handed and all enjoyed a goody bag as a thank you. We are delighted to say that all of their effort paid off as they helped us to raise we a huge £3637 A massive thank you to them all! We would also like to Thank Dawn Flynn at B2B Injection Moulding, who sponsored our running vests this year.

At Wecan we are always grateful for people who help fundraise as it provides much needed funds which, in turn, helps our service users by providing specialist activities as well as covering the cost of training courses to ensure our staff are equipped with the highest level of skills and knowledge to work with the children and young people.

We are already looking forward to celebrating the Great North Run 2024 with 10 runners!

==> picture [156 x 208] intentionally omitted <==

Charity Registration No. 1125037

Company Registration No. 06384156 (England and Wales)

WECAN - WE ENABLE CHILDREN WITH ADDITIONAL NEEDS ANNUAL REPORT AND UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2023

==> picture [478 x 374] intentionally omitted <==

WECAN - WE ENABLE CHILDREN WITH ADDITIONAL NEEDS

LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION

Trustees Mr A Nelson Mr R J Parker Ms R A Quigley Dr D F Slowie Ms D Flynn Ms H J Steward Charity number 1125037 Company number 06384156 Registered office Moot Hall Gallery Market Place Hexham Northumberland NE46 1XF Independent examiner A K Dunn BA (Hons) ACA St Matthews House Haugh Lane Hexham Northumberland NE46 3PU

(Appointed 16 February 2023) (Appointed 9 March 2023)

WECAN - WE ENABLE CHILDREN WITH ADDITIONAL NEEDS

CONTENTS

Page
Trustees' report 1 - 4
Independent examiner's report 5
Statement of financial activities 6
Balance sheet 7
Notes to the financial statements 8 - 15

WECAN - WE ENABLE CHILDREN WITH ADDITIONAL NEEDS

TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2023

The trustees present their annual report and financial statements for the year ended 31 October 2023.

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out in note 1 to the financial statements and comply with the charity's governing document, 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).

Objectives and activities

Our charity's purposes as set out in the objects contained in the company's Memorandum of Association are:

"to promote the relief of children, youths and adults with learning disabilities aged between 6 and 30 and living in Tynedale and South West Northumberland, in particular by providing short break facility by the provision of but not exclusively, leisure activities."

We review our aims, objectives and activities each year. This annual report looks at what we have achieved and the outcomes of our work in the previous twelve months. The document reports on the success of each key activity and the benefits they have brought to families and the children, young people and adults we aim to help.

The report also helps us ensure our aim, objectives and activities remain focussed on our stated purposes. We have referred to the guidance contained in the Charity Commission's General Guidance on Public Benefit when reviewing our aims and objectives and in planning our future activities, In particular, the trustees and management staff consider how planned activities will contribute to the aims and objectives they have set.

The Focus of our Work

Our main objective for the year 2022/23 continued to be in line with the objects contained in our Memorandum of Association as quoted above.

The strategies we used to meet our objectives included:

These objectives were delivered throughout the local community and wider areas of Tynedale and Cumbria during our term time Saturday Clubs and school holiday sessions.

WECAN - WE ENABLE CHILDREN WITH ADDITIONAL NEEDS

TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2023

Achievements and performance

WECAN’s 27[th] year was another busy one during which we continued to run our Saturday Clubs for children, young people, and adults as well as holiday sessions during half term, Easter and the Summer. The feedback continues to be very positive from all involved and families and individuals come back time and again to use our valued services. All of our activities take place in the community either in and around Hexham or wider afield during holiday schemes, this differentiates us from many centre-based organisations.

The particular highlights of this year were visits to Sunderland Light show, Raby Castle, St James Park, swimming at both Haltwhistle and Sweethope Lough, Whitley Bay Ice Rink, Beamish, Kirkley Hall Zoo, South Tyne Railway and many more. More feedback and photographs can be found on our website www.wecanenable.co.uk.

WECAN continues to grow, and our Adult Section is becoming increasingly popular. In 2023 we have also started a mother and baby group for 0-6 years called WECAN Explore. WECAN Explore runs regular sessions in Haltwhistle, Prudhoe and Hexham.

To promote growth in all services we are restructuring to provide specific focus on Adults and WECAN Explore, Childrens Services and Business Management.

WECAN also relocated to a Grade 1 listed building in the heart of Hexham, next to the marketplace, this is ideal as both a permanent office location and a meeting point from where our service users can meet before enjoying their activities in the Hexham community. It also has a quiet area and space to relax during inclement weather.

We continue to support children, young people and adults who are in receipt of direct payments but also support families who are unable to get funding. None of this would be possible without the generous grants from our many sponsors and the support of Northumberland County Council. Fund raising is also key as we continue with our monthly draw and our very successful Great North Run. Thank you to everyone who made a contribution as well as our loyal staff who sacrifice their weekends and holidays to work for us.

During the year we provided 46 Saturday Club days a total of 2,000 hours of which 700 hours were for adults. This service was attended by 43 different children and 14 adults.

Easter represented 285 hours and Summer scheme almost 1,500 hours of respite provided.

Over the year approximately 50% of our hours were based on one-to-one supervision, 40% on one to two and 10% on two to one.

In addition, half term sessions were run in both February, May and October none of which was funded by direct payments.

Through the generosity of the National Lottery, we were also able to provide 240 hours to unfunded children who would otherwise not have access to our services.

We look to the future with confidence, and we expect to continue to grow and support even more families and those with additional needs from birth right through to adulthood.

WECAN - WE ENABLE CHILDREN WITH ADDITIONAL NEEDS

TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2023

Financial review

The latest set of accounts demonstrate that the charity is built on a sound financial basis with:

As a board of trustees and management team we are all particularly focussed on ensuring we optimise the level of unrestricted funds that we can call upon, striking the right balance between fulfilling our mission of supporting children and young people in our community, and maintaining our robust financial position to demonstrate financial responsibility and stability to our stakeholders, providing us with a base to improve our service levels and ensure that there are no ongoing concern risks.

Our expenditures exceeded our income in 2023, as we utilised the one-off grants that were raised in 2022 and spent in 2023. As a result, our funds declined by -£18,000 year-on-year, but this was mirrored by a similar increase from the year before.

We therefore remain confident our reserves demonstrate a charity that is underpinned by financial strength whilst being committed to delivering for the children, young people, parents and carers who depend on our services. We are, however, focussed on working with the new management team on improving our position as we move into 2024 and we aim to improve the level of cover we have on unrestricted funds to continue to demonstrate strength and financial stability.

Reserves policy

It is the policy of the charity that unrestricted funds which have not been designated for a specific use should be maintained at a level equivalent to between three and six month’s expenditure. The trustees consider that reserves at this level will ensure that, in the event of a significant drop in funding, they will be able to continue the charity’s current activities while consideration is given to ways in which additional funds may be raised. This level of reserves has been maintained throughout the year.

Major risks

The Management has conducted a review of the major risks to which the charity is exposed. A risk register has been established and is updated annually. Where appropriate, systems or procedures have been established to mitigate the risks the charity faces. Internal controls risks are minimised by the implementation of procedures for authorisation of all transactions and projects. Procedures are in place to ensure compliance with health and safety of staff, volunteers, clients and visitors to the Charity.

Structure, governance and management

The charity is a company limited by guarantee, incorporated on 27 September 2007. The company was established under a Memorandum of Association which set out the objects and powers of the charitable company and is governed under its Articles of Association.

WECAN - WE ENABLE CHILDREN WITH ADDITIONAL NEEDS

TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2023

The trustees, who are also the directors for the purpose of company law and under the company's Articles are known as members of the Management Committee, and who served during the year and up to the date of signature of the financial statements were:

Mr A Nelson Mr R J Parker Ms R A Quigley Dr D F Slowie Ms D Flynn (Appointed 16 February 2023) Ms H J Steward (Appointed 9 March 2023) G A Brown (Resigned 16 February 2023) A Frankish (Resigned 16 February 2023)

Recruitment and appointment of trustees

Under the requirements of the Memorandum and Articles of Association the members of the Management Committee are elected to serve for a period of three years, after which they must be re-elected at the next Annual General Meeting. All members of the Management Committee give their time voluntarily and received no benefits from the charity.

None of the trustees has any beneficial interest in the company. All of the trustees are members of the company and guarantee to contribute £1 in the event of a winding up.

Organisational structure

WECAN has a Management Committee of 8 members who meet quarterly and are responsible for the strategic direction and policy of the charity. At present the Committee are from a variety of professional backgrounds relevant to the work of the charity.

A scheme of delegation is in place and day to day responsibility for the provision of the services rests with the Service Manager who is responsible for ensuring that the charity delivers the services specified and that key performance indicators are met. The Service Manager also has the responsibility for the day to day operational management of the Project, individual supervision of the staff team and also ensuring that the team continue to develop their skills and working practices in line with good practice.

The trustees' report was approved by the Board of Trustees.

Mr A Nelson Mr R J Parker Trustee Trustee 26 March 2024

WECAN - WE ENABLE CHILDREN WITH ADDITIONAL NEEDS

INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT

TO THE TRUSTEES OF WECAN - WE ENABLE CHILDREN WITH ADDITIONAL NEEDS

I report to the trustees on my examination of the financial statements of WECAN - We Enable Children with Additional Needs (the charity) for the year ended 31 October 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.

Independent examiner's statement

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

A K Dunn BA (Hons) ACA

St Matthews House Haugh Lane Hexham Northumberland NE46 3PU

Dated: 26 March 2024

WECAN - WE ENABLE CHILDREN WITH ADDITIONAL NEEDS

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES INCLUDING INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2023

Unrestricted
Restricted
funds
funds
2023
2023
Notes
£
£
Income and endowments from:
Donations and legacies
3
7,429
29,937
Charitable activities
4
60,342
-
Other trading activities
5
6,529
-
Investments
6
224
-
Other income
7
19
-
Total income
74,543
29,937
Expenditure on:
Raising funds
8
1,279
-
Charitable activities
9
91,746
29,397
Other expenditure
12
-
-
Total expenditure
93,025
29,397
Net income/(expenditure)
(18,482)
540
Transfers between
funds
948
(948)
Net movement in
funds
(17,534)
(408)
Reconciliation of funds:
Fund balances at 1 November
2022
51,108
15,905
Fund balances at 31 October
2023
33,574
15,497		 Total
Unrestricted
Restricted
funds
funds
2023
2022
2022
£
£
£
37,366
6,498
36,305
60,342
75,136
-
6,529
6,450
-
224
9
-
19
-
-
104,480
88,093
36,305
1,279
983
-
121,143
79,169
24,559
-
38
-
122,422
80,190
24,559
(17,942)
7,903
11,746
-
-
-
(17,942)
7,903
11,746
67,013
43,205
4,159
49,071
51,108
15,905		 Total
2022
£
42,803
75,136
6,450
9
-
124,398
983
103,728
38
104,749
19,649
-
19,649
47,364
67,013

The statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year. All income and expenditure derive from continuing activities.

WECAN - WE ENABLE CHILDREN WITH ADDITIONAL NEEDS

BALANCE SHEET

AS AT 31 OCTOBER 2023

Notes
Current assets
Debtors
14
Cash at bank and in hand
Creditors: amounts falling due within
one year
15
Net current assets
The funds of the charity
Restricted income funds
16
Unrestricted funds		 2023
£
2,718
47,959
50,677
1,606		 £
49,071
15,497
33,574
49,071		 2022
£
3,267
64,177
67,444
431		 £
67,013
15,905
51,108
67,013

The company is entitled to the exemption from the audit requirement contained in section 477 of the Companies Act 2006, for the year ended 31 October 2023.

The directors acknowledge their responsibilities for complying with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 with respect to accounting records and the preparation of financial statements.

The members have not required the company to obtain an audit of its financial statements for the year in question in accordance with section 476.

These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to companies subject to the small companies regime.

The financial statements were approved by the trustees on 26 March 2024

Mr A Nelson Mr R J Parker Trustee Trustee

Company registration number 06384156 (England and Wales)

WECAN - WE ENABLE CHILDREN WITH ADDITIONAL NEEDS

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

1 Accounting policies

Charity information

WECAN - We Enable Children with Additional Needs is a private company limited by guarantee incorporated in England and Wales. The registered office is Moot Hall Gallery, Market Place, Hexham, Northumberland, NE46 1XF.

1.1 Accounting convention

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the charity's [governing document], the Companies Act 2006, FRS 102 “The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland” (“FRS 102”) and the Charities SORP "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 charity has taken advantage of the provisions in the SORP for charities not to prepare a Statement of Cash Flows.

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, [modified to include the revaluation of freehold properties and to include investment properties and certain financial instruments at fair value]. The principal accounting policies adopted are set out below.

1.2 Going concern

At the time of approving the financial statements, the trustees have a reasonable expectation that the charity has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. Thus the trustees continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting in preparing the financial statements.

1.3 Charitable funds

Unrestricted funds are available for use at the discretion of the trustees in furtherance of their charitable objectives.

Restricted funds are subject to specific conditions by donors or grantors as to how they may be used. The purposes and uses of the restricted funds are set out in the notes to the financial statements.

1.4 Income

Income 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 received.

Cash donations are recognised on receipt. Other donations are recognised once the charity has been notified of the donation, unless performance conditions require deferral of the amount. Income tax recoverable in relation to donations received under Gift Aid or deeds of covenant is recognised at the time of the donation.

Legacies are recognised on receipt or otherwise if the charity has been notified of an impending distribution, the amount is known, and receipt is expected. If the amount is not known, the legacy is treated as a contingent asset.

WECAN - WE ENABLE CHILDREN WITH ADDITIONAL NEEDS

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2023

1 Accounting policies

(Continued)

1.5 Expenditure

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.

1.6 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.

1.7 Employee benefits

The cost of any unused holiday entitlement is recognised in the period in which the employee’s services are received.

Termination benefits are recognised immediately as an expense when the charity is demonstrably committed to terminate the employment of an employee or to provide termination benefits.

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.

3 Income from donations and legacies

Unrestricted Restricted Total Unrestricted Restricted Total
funds funds funds funds
2023 2023 2023 2022 2022 2022
£ £ £ £ £ £
Donations and gifts 7,429 29,937 37,366 6,498 36,305 42,803

WECAN - WE ENABLE CHILDREN WITH ADDITIONAL NEEDS

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2023

3
Income from donations and legacies
Unrestricted
Restricted
funds
funds
2023
2023
£
£
Donations and gifts
Total Community
Foundation
-
-
James Knott
-
-
National Lottery
-
9,937
Northumberland County
Council
-
-
Sport England
-
-
Three Guineas Trust
-
10,000
Dare Technology
-
-
Arnold Clark
-
-
The Lions Club
-
-
Inj M Limited
-
-
Other Private Donations
1,929
-
Ballinger Trust
-
10,000
Kate Richards
3,000
-
High Sherriff
1,000
-
Plastic Furniture
Charitable BBP
1,000
-
Jive Alive
300
-
Ponteland Parochial
Church
200
-
7,429
29,937		 Total
Unrestricted
Restricted
Total
funds
funds
2023
2022
2022
2022
£
£
£
£
(Continued)
-
-
9,149
9,149
-
-
500
500
9,937
-
10,000
10,000
-
-
500
500
-
-
638
638
10,000
-
15,518
15,518
-
2,000
-
2,000
-
1,000
-
1,000
-
1,000
-
1,000
-
1,000
-
1,000
1,929
1,498
-
1,498
10,000
-
-
-
3,000
-
-
-
1,000
-
-
-
1,000
-
-
-
300
-
-
-
200
-
-
-
37,366
6,498
36,305
42,803		 Total
Unrestricted
Restricted
Total
funds
funds
2023
2022
2022
2022
£
£
£
£
(Continued)
-
-
9,149
9,149
-
-
500
500
9,937
-
10,000
10,000
-
-
500
500
-
-
638
638
10,000
-
15,518
15,518
-
2,000
-
2,000
-
1,000
-
1,000
-
1,000
-
1,000
-
1,000
-
1,000
1,929
1,498
-
1,498
10,000
-
-
-
3,000
-
-
-
1,000
-
-
-
1,000
-
-
-
300
-
-
-
200
-
-
-
37,366
6,498
36,305
42,803
42,803

4 Income from charitable activities

Unrestricted Unrestricted
funds funds
2023 2022
£ £
Sale of goods 60,342 75,136

WECAN - WE ENABLE CHILDREN WITH ADDITIONAL NEEDS

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2023

5 Income from other trading activities
Unrestricted Unrestricted
funds funds
2023 2022
£ £
Fundraising events 6,529 6,450
6 Income from investments
Unrestricted Unrestricted
funds funds
2023 2022
£ £
Interest receivable 224 9
7 Other income
Unrestricted Total
funds
2023 2022
£ £
Other income 19 -

WECAN - WE ENABLE CHILDREN WITH ADDITIONAL NEEDS

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2023

8 Raising funds

**Unrestricted ** Unrestricted
funds funds
2023 2022
£ £
Fundraising and publicity
Other fundraising costs 1,279 983
1,279 983

9 Charitable activities

Staff costs
Activity costs
Share of governance costs
Analysis by fund
Unrestricted funds
Restricted funds		 2023
£
84,491
23,816
108,307
12,836
121,143
91,746
29,397
121,143		 2022
£
83,009
12,386
95,395
8,333
103,728
79,169
24,559
103,728

10 Trustees

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

11 Employees

The average monthly number of employees during the year was:

2023 2022
Number Number
36 40

WECAN - WE ENABLE CHILDREN WITH ADDITIONAL NEEDS

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2023

11
Employees
Employment costs
Wages and salaries
There were no employees whose annual remuneration was more than £60,000.		 (Continued)
2023
2022
£
£
84,491
83,009		 (Continued)
2023
2022
£
£
84,491
83,009
12
Other
Sundry expenditure		 Total Unrestricted
funds
2023
2022
£
£
-
38
-
38		 Total Unrestricted
funds
2023
2022
£
£
-
38
-
38
38

13 Taxation

The charity is exempt from taxation on its activities because all its income is applied for charitable purposes.

14 Debtors

14
Debtors
Amounts falling due within one year:
Trade debtors
15
Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
Trade creditors		 2023
£
2,718
2023
£
1,606		 2022
£
3,267
2022
£
431

WECAN - WE ENABLE CHILDREN WITH ADDITIONAL NEEDS

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2023

16 Restricted funds

The restricted funds of the charity comprise the unexpended balances of donations and grants held on trust subject to specific conditions by donors as to how they may be used.

At 1 Incoming Resources Transfers At 31 October Transfers At 31 October
November resources expended 2023
2022
£ £ £ £ £
Total Community Foundation 3,051 - (2,103) (948) -
Lottery Funding Saturday Fund 5,541 9,937 (5,259) - 10,219
TGT Fund 7,313 10,000 (17,313) - -
Ballinger Charitable Trust - 10,000 (4,722) - 5,278
15,905 29,937 (29,397) (948) 15,497
Previous year: At 1 Incoming Resources Transfers At 31 October
November resources expended 2022
2021
£ £ £ £ £
Total Community Foundation - 9,149 (6,098) - 3,051
Hadrian Trust Fund 71 - (71) - -
James Knott - 500 (500) - -
Lottery Funding Saturday Fund 1,949 10,000 (6,408) - 5,541
NCC - 500 (500) - -
Sport England - 638 (638) - -
TGT Fund 2,139 15,518 (10,344) - 7,313
4,159 36,305 (24,559) - 15,905

National Lottery Saturday club refers to income set aside for the provision of Saturday club attendance for those not in receipt of direct payments yet have significant additional needs.

Ballinger Trust income refers to a grant income for £10,000 split between the establishing of WECAN Explore, a new section providing support for babies and mothers 0-6 years and for children for half term activities.

WECAN - WE ENABLE CHILDREN WITH ADDITIONAL NEEDS

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2023

17 Unrestricted funds

The unrestricted funds of the charity comprise the unexpended balances of donations and grants which are not subject to specific conditions by donors and grantors as to how they may be used. These include designated funds which have been set aside out of unrestricted funds by the trustees for specific purposes.

At 1 Incoming Resources Transfers At 31 October
November resources expended 2023
2022
£ £ £ £ £
General funds 51,108 74,543 (93,025) 948 33,574
Previous year: At 1 Incoming Resources Transfers At 31 October
November resources expended 2022
2021
£ £ £ £ £
General funds 43,205 88,093 (80,190) - 51,108

18 Analysis of net assets between funds

Unrestricted
Restricted
funds
funds
2023
2023
£
£
Fund balances at 31 October 2023 are represented by:
Current assets/(liabilities)
33,574
15,497
33,574
15,497
Unrestricted
Restricted
funds
funds
2022
2022
£
£
Fund balances at 31 October 2022 are represented by:
Current assets/(liabilities)
51,108
15,905
51,108
15,905		 Total
2023
£
49,071
49,071
Total
2022
£
67,013
67,013

19 Related party transactions

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

WECAN - WE ENABLE CHILDREN WITH ADDITIONAL NEEDS INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF WECAN- WE ENABLE CHILDREN WITH ADDITIONAL NEEDS I report lo the Iruslees on my examination of Ihe financial slalements of WECAN - We Enable Children with ALlditional Needs Ilhe charity) for the year ended 31 October 2023. ResponsibilitiÈ$ and basls of report As the trustees of the charity land also Ils diractors for the purposes of company lawl you are rèsponsible for the preparation of the financial $¢alemenls in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 20C6 (the 2006 Acti. Having satisfied myself that the financial 6talemenls of the charity are not required lo be audited under Part 16 of the 2006 Act and are eligible for independent examination. I report In respect ol my examin81ion of the charity's financial slalemen15 carried out under section 145 of the Charities Act 2011 Ilhe 2011 Acll. In carrying out my examlnalion I have followed all the applicable Direction¥ given by the Charity Commlsslon under section 14515llbl ol the 2011 Act. Ind•p•nd•nt •xamlnerf¥ statoment I hav8 completed my examination. l Gonflrm that no mattgr5 have Come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause lo believè that In any m8lerial reypecl.. accounting records were not kept In respect ol the charity as required by section 386 of the 2006 Act,. or the financial statements do not a¢cofd wllh Ih05e records., or the financial slalements do not comply wlh the accounting requirements of section 396 of the 2006 Act other than any requirement that the accounts give a true and lair view which is not a maller considered as part of an independent examination., or the financial slalemenls have not been prepared in accordance with the methods 8nd principles of the Slalement of Recommènded Practice lor accounting and reporting by charities applicable lo Charities preparing their accounts in accordance wlh the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK a Republic ol Ireland IFRS 1021. I have no concerns and have come across no other mallers in connection with the examination lo which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a prO￿r understanding of the financial slalements lo be reached. A K Dunn BA IHon$l ACA St M8tthews House Haugh Lane Hexham Northumbertand NE46 3PU