PACT for Autism Charity Registration Number 1148170 Company Registration 08076243 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MAY 2023 PACT for Autism CONTENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MAY 2023 Page Legal and administrative Information Trustees Report 2-24 Statement of Financial Activities 25 Balance Sheet 26 Notes forming part of the financial statements 27-29 Independent Examination report 30 PACT for Autism LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MAY 2023 Trustees: Julia Carr (Chairl Wendy Dunlop (Treasurer) June Fleming Julie King Andrew Mclntyre (appointed 24111120221 Selina Avery ICo-OPted} Ryan Carr Ictroptedl Aimee Carr ICo-OPtedl Vern Lacey {Co-opledl Chloe Rich Icmptedl Registered company number: 08076243 Registered charity number: 1148170 Premises: Office 50 Latton Bush Centre Southern Way Harlow CM18 7BL Independent Examiner: Community360 Winsley's House High Street Colchester Essex, C011UG Bankers: Lloyds Bank East Gate Harlow ## **Trustee Annual Report Year ending 31 May 2023** The trustees are pleased to present their annual directors' report together with the financial statements of the charity for the year ending 31 May 2023 which are also prepared to meet the requirements for the directors' report and accounts for Companies Act purposes. The financial statements comply with the Charities Act 2011, the Companies Act 2006, the Memorandum and Articles of Association, 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 2015). ## **Chair's Report** Once again, this reporting period has been a challenging one for PACT as a charity and for the community that we support. While the world has moved out of the tight restrictions imposed by the COVID 19 pandemic, we still found ourselves in a time of uncertainty both economically and in wider contexts. This uncertainty impacts PACT and the charity sector, but more significantly impacts the lives of the autistic and neurodivergent community which PACT works with and who find a lack of certainty hard to deal with. The PACT team of staff and volunteers has, once again, risen to the challenge and continued to adapt and innovate, to provide an excellent level of support. PACT has continued to respond to the need of support for those who identify as autistic or neurodivergent, and their family, carers and friends, and this need continues to grow. In the 12 months to 31[st] May 2023, the number of people contacting PACT online rose by 38%, and the number of people registering with PACT to receive support or services rose by 37%, clearly evidencing the continuing and ever-growing need for the services PACT provides. Throughout this reporting period PACT has had to be innovative and creative in the ways in which we support our community, and the ways in which we raise the necessary funds to be able to offer long with his highly dedicated team, continue to be outstanding in the way they responded to both these challenges. This year we were able to secure much needed grants totalling £33,088, and express gratitude and thanks, particularly to Capital Group and West Essex Clinical Commissioning Group (NHS). In addition to these important grants, our funding was helped enormously by donations and fundraising by many individuals and organisations, totalling an incredible £21,405! PACT could not survive without the money provided by these amazing grant providers and fund raisers. On behalf of all the people who we support, we would like to say a huge thank you! continue to offer support and can respond to the ever-changing needs of our wonderful community. PACT is only as strong as our staff and volunteers, and they all continue to go above and beyond what anyone could expect of them. There are no words to express how important they are to the continuing successful running of our charity PACT for Autism. ## **Legal and Administration** PACT for Autism is a registered charity limited by guarantee, originally established as PACT Harlow in December 2005. The charity is run by a small team of staff and volunteers, most of whom are parents of autistic individuals, as well neuro divergent adults, and professionals with a special interest in Special Educational Needs and disabilities (SEND). ## **Objectives and Activities** The purpose of the charity is to provide for and advance the needs and welfare of autistic and neurodivergent children, young people and adults, along with their families and carers who live in Harlow, West Essex and surrounding areas. PACT is increasingly aware of language preferences within our communities and the need to embrace those changes. There is a real need for all organisations to be more aware of neurodiversity and the neurodivergent community, in its entirety. Our ongoing desire is to continue highlighting the need for all of society to understand how the entire autistic spectrum and all neurodivergent individuals are perceived, accepted and acknowledged. It is essential that these differences are seen more as a neurological difference and a unique way the world is experienced, rather than how they are often perceived within the medical model, as a disorder. Summary of our objectives: - Supporting parents and carers of autistic and neurodivergent individuals. - Improving people's understanding and acceptance across the autistic and neurodivergent spectrum. - Raising awareness of the Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) of autistic and neurodivergent children and young people. - Improving access to sport and leisure activities for autistic and neurodivergent individuals. Improving opportunities for work, sport and leisure activities for autistic and neurodivergent children, young people and adults. - Improving the lives of the autistic and neurodivergent community, including their families and carers. and services which strive towards achieving these objectives are shown in detail, later in this report. ## **Achievements and Performance** At last, we have moved out of one of the most challenging periods, not only for PACT for Autism and the entire third sector, but most importantly, for our autistic communities. The challenges have not completely gone away and there are still some tough times ahead as we move out of a very structured and controlled period, into a more open and, for our autistic community, increasingly uncertain times. The schools are now back open and where home schooling suited many of our autistic children and young people, new struggles are starting to emerge, and many families are finding that the changes are increasingly more difficult to accept. Working environments are now requiring people to return to the workplace and home working is not as widespread as before, impacting on individuals and families. The challenges of facing the financial and economic hardships are now becoming more common place, families and individuals are seeking more support than ever. During this year PACT became fully embedded into meetings with health commissioners and other organisations commissioned to provide services. This meant that we were at the forefront of understanding the impact of the significant increases in families and individuals seeking a neurodivergent diagnosis, together with the rise in numbers and complexities of mental health challenges. Many support services are challenged by the volume of people seeking support, the capacity needed, and / or fully understanding the complex nature of individual neurodivergence. When services and support agencies struggle to meet demand, it falls upon third sector organisations to fill more of the gaps. By PACT working closely with these agencies, and understanding the local issues, it has enabled us to build strong relationships with other professionals, sharing our knowledge and experiences to help them understand some of the complexities facing our autistic communities. The PACT support team stepped up to the challenge of receiving a huge increase in families and individuals contacting us for support with an array of new issues that have begun to surface. Debbie Hannam and Kim Darby continue to expand their breadth of knowledge and expertise to meet the increased volume and complexities, continuing to offer an outstanding support service to families and individuals. We found that our children and young people can be extremely resilient when given the right support. Forward planning and understanding the challenges of our communities enabled PACT to put support in the right place at the right time. PACT support staff continue to build knowledge and expertise from the evidence of the lived experiences of our children, young people, and adults attending support sessions. By PACT partnering with other relevant agencies across local authorities, education, health and social care, this engagement ensures co-production and co- leaders, to ensure that the voice of autistic and neurodivergent people is at the forefront of their plans, and that they are building the right support in the right environment. At the beginning of the reporting period, we found that families were desperately seeking face-toface support again, and opportunities to allow their children to engage with others and get back out into the big wide world. As a result, PACT decided to invest in increased staffing, and as activities was the area families were asking for, we created a new Activities & Events role. We welcomed Ruth Bolwerk to our team, someone who had been volunteering with us for many years. As a mother to an autistic son, and a daughter on the diagnostic pathway, Ruth knew the charity well and understood the challenges facing our neurodivergent children and young people. Ruth has successfully increased the number and variety of charity activities and events, catering for all needs whilst constantly exploring new opportunities for our PACT families. There is still much more work to do be done and we continue to plan for growth and sustainability for the long term. The achievements and success we have shown over this reporting period could not have happened without a dedicated and committed team, along with the engagement of an amazing community. ## **Plans For Future Periods** We look forward to the coming year when we aim to: - Secure funding to sustain and grow essential support services for beneficiaries. Improve support services, health equalities and working opportunities for all autistic and neurodivergent individuals. - Increase staffing hours and volunteer base to sustain growth and meet the needs of the autistic and neurodivergent community. - Continue to raise public awareness and acceptance of autism and neurodiversity, reaching out to all areas of the community, with our extended talks service and new awareness package. - Continue to grow our ongoing works and influence with education, health, local authority and social care across all ages and support needs. - Further Increase the charity's beneficiaries. **Services and Activities** ## **Support Services** PACT support staff, themselves being parents of autistic young adults, have continued to balance the many challenges we have all faced together, whilst continuing to keep PACT families and vulnerable individuals safe, providing the support needed to increase confidence and mental wellbeing across our communities. We still experience an increasing number of referrals and requests for our services, not only from parents and carers and autistic individuals, but also professionals struggling with the amount of need versus the appropriate support and services available. These needs range from families with children and young people needing support around education, social care, benefits, behaviour, as well as pre and post diagnosis support. This also includes adults looking at their own neurodivergence, late diagnosis and associated mental health challenges, peer to peer support, and assistance with benefit forms and review meetings. The numbers of people contacting us for help and support increased month on month and the number of people registering with us also continues to rise sharply. Many people feel encouraged to register with us to gain the added benefits of access to regular and community information emails. Those same families and individuals can then access our activities and events, as many of them are funded and designed exclusively for PACT registered families and individuals. |**Numbers of people**|**1st June**
**2021**|**31st May**
**2022**|**31st May**
**2023**|**Number increase**
**1yr (2yrs)**|**%**
**increase**
**1yr (2yrs)**| |---|---|---|---|---|---| |Making contact with PACT
through social media/website|850|1189|1638|449 (788)|38% (92%)| |Registering with PACT to receive
direct support/services|732|981|1341|360 (609)|37% (83%)| ## **Social Media Interaction** Our social media platforms have experienced increased numbers seeking information and support, or just keeping up to date with PACT services and other useful information shared from other sites. We fully understand that social media is a vital communication channel and often the quickest way to share information to a wide audience. We continue to improve our social media skills to maximise the systems available. |**Number of people**
**following**|**1st June**
**2021**|**31st May**
**2022**|**31st May**
**2023**|**Number increase**
**1yr (2yrs)**|**% increase 1yr (2yrs)**| |---|---|---|---|---|---| |Facebook|1999|2422|2990|568(991)|23%(49%)| |Instagram|531|709|860|151 (329)|21% (62%)| ## **Support and Information Phone Lines** This essential service has never stopped and has been a lifeline for many families and individuals. The main reason people are using this phone service is to reach out for specific support at a time that suits them. A phone conversation enables staff to fully understand situations and help formulate a plan, which may include signposting to other relevant services and organisations. With all calls being handled by Kim and Debbie, it may also have just been the place that person felt safe to talk or share a particularly challenging experience, having confidence that the person on the end of the phone understood them, through having lived experiences and in-depth knowledge. This is a service that many other charities have stopped offering but something that we see as essential. It allows greater access to those people who may not have internet access, ability to travel or find it hard to cope with online (virtual) contact. ## **Newsletter** The PACT monthly newsletter is sent via email to all registered individuals, and it continues to go from strength to strength, continually adapting to the evolving needs for access to new and updated services. Requests for more events and activities have substantially increased. The newsletters are the best way to keep families updated on PACT events and activities as well as sharing new information on other services being made available. ## **PACT Website** This is an area we are still looking to improve upon, with the aim of providing a one stop shop for people seeking support, information, events, activities, and fund raising opportunities. This is an ongoing project, staff working closely with the IT company, who we have had a long-standing relationship with and continue to provide support **.** ## **Support Groups and Training Workshops** The PACT support team are constantly looking at best ways to deliver a range of support across a variety of platforms as well as much needed face to face sessions, to ensure accessibility for all. Staff continually seek the most appropriate delivery method according to their audiences, as well as offering more diversity in content, which is often led by the need at the time, and at the request of the families and individuals we support. Parent / Carer drop-in sessions have increased, giving opportunities to discuss any areas of concern and support needs, as well as allowing friendship groups to develop and peer to peer support networks to flourish. We started , encouraging people to meet up, with the benefits of getting out in the open air and increasing exercise, all great for mental wellbeing. We also started catch-up sessions, spreading our support across all areas of West Essex. PACT continual seek feedback from families and individuals, allowing us to plan for the most appropriate support, with the most appropriate services. Our networking continually improves, giving us the ability to call on the specialist knowledge that is available, and allowing us to deliver information straight from source. This not only supports families and individuals but also the professionals from within the services, improving their knowledge and experiences. We have now developed new groups to better support partners as well as parents & carers of autistic and neurodivergent individuals that, through the diagnosis process and support, are now looking to seek diagnosis for themselves. Support sessions are also available for different age ranges, allowing freedom of topics to be discussed as we are identifying that all these groups are having very different needs and varied discussion topics. We continue to offer a range of workshops with invited professional speakers, who introduce specific support and services, for example: - SENDIASS training on Educational and Health Care Plans (EHCP) with transition planning - Families in Focus workshop on Disability Living Allowance (DLA) The amazing Dean Beadle workshop on xecutive Functioning and Anxiety ## **Adult Support** PACT continue to support an increasing number of adults who are questioning their own neurodivergence or seeking support around pre or post diagnosis. The PACT support team are increasing their own knowledge along with experiential learning, whilst linking with appropriate organisations and support services. We continually strive to upskill our knowledge and understanding of the different pathways and support services being offered, forging new ties and connections with adult social care, employment support, mental health services and different teams within local authority and health teams. These connections have made a huge difference to the support we can provide, as we now have autistic individuals who can offer a voice and a different level of experience. We have learnt with them and from them, utilising their highly individualised knowledge and experience, whilst continuing to provide them with the support they need. This helps others within our support groups develop much needed peer to peer opportunities. - Our adult Support Groups continually asked for more face-to-face interaction. We listened and delivered a variety of sessions at suitable, local locations. Constantly seeking feedback on their needs meant that we could offer a more bespoke service, developed by the groups themselves. We looked at ways to support more people and started creating bespoke groups for new joiners but included some of the other group members to help with increased self-support and advocacy. Our adult group have worked closely with Healthwatch Essex and they represent PACT on a disability forum, discussing some really impactive subjects and offering essential lived experience. **----- Start of picture text -----**
Thank you to
West Essex Clinical Commissioning
Group (NHS)
for funds towards all our support
services
**----- End of picture text -----**
## **Sports and Leisure Activities** PACT for Autism actively seek and support any sports and leisure activities that could be accessible to our autistic community. We took the decision to increase staffing in this area of significant need, coming out of the pandemic restrictions. Families and individuals were asking for, and needing help, to integrate back into groups settings and much needed peer contact, which had become so important before the period of lock downs and restrictions. Ruth joined PACT as our new Activities and Events lead and has been able to connect with local providers, arranging a variety of sessions that have proved extremely popular. This addition to staff resources has proved to be one of the best and most timely decisions made by the charity, as we were struggling with limited capacity to return to activities whilst still delivering all the other support services. We have been able to expand our network and signpost to many organisations that are looking to improve sport and leisure access for all abilities. If an opportunity is discovered, we reach out and link with organisers, find out how the activities are run, and seek ways to improve, ensuring we offer awareness and training to all staff and volunteers involved. This not only benefits PACT service users, but everyone in our community. This photo shows our activities lead Ruth seeking new and exciting opportunities with linked support at Harlow Leisurezone. ## **Art Empowerment (Art Therapy)** Our weekly Art Empowerment sessions are held in Harlow for neurodiverse young women, girls, and those who identify as non-binary. These sessions have continued to be well attended, and a place where we can offer support for teenage girls and young women who are struggling with education, late diagnosis and often dealing with identity and sexual orientation challenges. We identified that a younger age range could also benefit from these unique sessions, so we increased availability by starting sessions across two age ranges: 11 16yrs and 18 25yrs. This has worked well and something that will continue and develop. All the private hire and staffing of these sessions, along with our trained art therapist Hannah are now being funded by a grant through the local (West Essex) Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG - NHS). ## **Wild and Wacky Soft Play** This ever popular and essential monthly family activity is now back on, and better than ever. This is a support from PACT staff and volunteers, as well as developing relationships and peer networks to support each other into the future. g , party food and an early Christmas gift. haracters. ## **Gamers Cage** **----- Start of picture text -----**
These bi-weekly sessions have also been re-introduced, for young
people over the age of 12 years (including siblings), providing them
with a safe place to do something they enjoy, whilst parents and
carers enjoy a cuppa and a chat with PACT staff, volunteers and other
families.
As a result of having the additional staff and capacity, along with
generous funding allowed us to run 2 x Christmas parties to enable
the two age ranges to enjoy an extra special Gamers Cage session,
including food and a small gift.
Thank you to
St James Place
for funding towards all festive
celebrations
**----- End of picture text -----**
## **Colchester Swim Trip** One of our most popular trips was once again possible this year, giving our families the option of a coach or to meet up at the venue. Again, our extra staffing and capacity allowed us to book 2 two of these sessions so that many more families could experience this special fun filled event. 72 PACT family members enjoyed private use of this amazing leisure facility, safely and securely. Families often tell us that they cannot access swimming for their children and young people, so this private hire fun venue is perfect, and often sold out within days of advertising. We also had some sponsorship from Town Travel Harlow who kindly provided transport for those families who do not drive, and struggle with the coach journey. Here is one of our families with our volunteer Michael, making use of this amazing service. ## **CanalAbility** As a result of some vital funding from MIND (West Essex), we were able to organise an amazing day out, on the fully boats. We took two canal boats along the River Stort for a relaxing trip, with lunch included. One boat was booked as a family boat, exclusively for autistic adults who wanted to bring their family. The second boat was for just the adult support group. This is an activity we had enjoyed before, and it was such a great and calm experience, that it was requested again! **----- Start of picture text -----**
Thank you to
Mind (West Essex)
for funding towards our Adult
groups
**----- End of picture text -----**
## **Ice Skating** During this reporting period we were approached by a local transport company A2B cars, who had selected PACT as their charity of the year. One of the events they were keen to fund was an ice skating trip to Chelmsford, a brand new activity for PACT families to experience. A2B supplied cars and drivers to transport families to the venue. The event was attended by 52 amazing children and young people with their families, slipping and sliding their way to a highly succcessful trip! **Autism Awareness** ## **Talks and Training Workshops** PACT Talks and Awareness workshops have always been popular, and never more so as we have returned to the classrooms and workplaces. These talks are delivered from a unique perspective of lived experience and learnt knowledge researched and collected over many years. Led by our Talks and Training lead Debbie Hannam, we have delivered these talks to schools, charities, and other organisations, to improve knowledge and bring greater understanding of autism and neurodiversity. We are always looking to improve our talks and range of training workshops. Our training is designed to give individuals, families and carers as much confidence and understanding as possible, to improve the lives of our autistic community, and to put self-advocacy and empowerment at the forefront of our ongoing mission. Working closely with partners, charities, and other organisations, our talks ensure delivery of a diverse range of information coming from speakers within depth knowledge and understanding. We have continued to support Essex Young Carers with workshops and talks, not only to improve staff awareness and understanding but also the young carers themselves, giving them additional confidence in understanding the challenges that Autism and Neurodiversity can bring to a family. All our training workshops are advertised on social media sites as well as through our newsletter, ensuring that as many families and individuals as possible get the opportunity to attend. ## **PACT Talks** talk, developed and delivered by our own Debbie Hannam, continues to be popular. Offering a personal insight into her lived experience of being a mother to Luke, her young adult autistic son (the theory), together with Deb, an autistic female with a late diagnosis and many related mental health challenges (the experience). A real and very powerful training package!! This unique insight into two very different autistic perspectives, delivers some really important information and strategies for professionals working with neurodivergent people. This talk continues to be delivered online as well as some face-to-face sessions being made available when necessary. ## **PACT Community Engagement** All PACT staff have been extremely busy! Not only have they been planning and running all the support services and activities throughout this reporting period, but also attending meetings and networking across all areas of education, health, social care and local authorities, as well as building relationships with other organisations and charities. PACT Charity Manager Kev Gay was invited to join the **Essex Family Forum** Management Committee and soon became Chair of Essex Family Forum. This role has provided increased exposure for PACT, to information and projects across Essex, with Kev being able to represent both organisations across a range of subject matters. This has been a key driver for PACT to be able to make an impact on services and activities within the wider Essex footprint and become an important partner in areas of improvements in education, social care and health inequalities of SEND children and young people. Essex Family Forum partnership working resulted in an amazing new book, written by parents for parents. This was developed in collaboration with three organisations: Essex Family Forum, MyOTAS and SEND Essex. With our close ties to these organisations, we were able to share this book widely to every family that we support, and it has proved to be an invaluable reference book. PACT continue to be an integral part of the Stansted Airport Disability Forum **, SAFE (Stansted Accessibility for Everyone)** and continue to support all the organisations working within the aviation industry. This reporting period has been difficult, and many necessary changes have needed to be implemented, including the new terminal and upgrades at Stansted Airport being put on hold due to financial pressures. PACT involvement within this forum became more crucial since moving out of the pandemic and the public being re-introduced back into aviation services. With new staff joining at every level (staff numbers were significantly impacted over this time), training and awareness continue to be an integral part of this process. PACT is a member and/or attends meetings / work with: - The Essex SEND Information and Advice Support Steering ( **SENDIASS** ). We also have close ties and regular meetings with the **SEND Facilitator** team in West of Essex. Supporting schools and families (previously specialist teacher teams). - **West Essex ASD steering group** , helping to shape improvements within the West **JADES** (Journey of Diagnosis and Early Support) pathway services. - **West Essex Voluntary Community Groups** (Rainbow services / VAEF / Uttlesford UVCS). - `o` The Harlow, Epping Forest District **Think Family Forum** . A networking forum designed to introduce and build stronger ties to many organisations and charities. An area to share projects, ideas and encourage working together. - The **All-Age Autism partnership board** (Eastern region) and **All-Age Autism wider network group** (Essex). Both groups seek ways to improve the lives of neurodivergent people across all areas of need e embedding the ideal of . - **ECVYS** (Essex council For Voluntary Youth Workers) including a specific project supporting and advising Essex Police **Violence and Vulnerability** . - **Families in Focus / Family Solutions / Essex Carers Network.** - **Local linked support - Community Agents** , a service set up to help adults who are autistic or may have a learning disability. - Various **Clinical Commissioning Groups** across Essex especially with the **West CCG commissioner** for children and young people. - **Summit** services who have secured the contract for pre / post diagnostic support for Autistic adults. We hope to build on this relationship, and along with our adult group representatives, ensure that ongoing support is effective and appropriate for all. ## **Grants, Fund Raising and Donations** ## **Grants** The charity frequently applies for many grants and managed to secure several vital grants this year which has ensured ongoing work can continue with the additional opportunities to build services and continue to support individuals, families and professionals. ## **PACT for Autism would like to particularly thank the following organisations their amazing support.** - **Capital Group** has been a major supporter of PACT and continues to support our charity each year. A grant for **£17,400** was gratefully received in February 2023 through their employee support scheme; one of their employees being a Trustee on our board, and father of an autistic young lady. This vital grant is being used for our core running costs, with some of the funding being carried forward into the financial year starting June 2023. - **West Essex Clinical Commissioning Group (NHS)** supplied a grant of **£15,200** which was received in April 2022 covering the 12 month reporting period starting May 2022. This amazing grant covered all areas of support, including workshops and activities for families who have been or are currently accessing the JADES diagnostic pathway for an autism diagnosis. This funding was also used for our Wild n Wacky, Gamer s cage and Art Empowerment information and support sessions, as well as our support and information phone lines. PACT is an identified support network for those families at any stage of autism assessment or diagnosis in West Essex. - Adult (Prevent suicide) funding provided a **£3,000** grant dedicated and - utilised on providing support and services to our expanding adult groups. - provided a grant of **£2,500** in March 2022 which was - fully utilised this reporting period in December 2022 to fund the Wild n Wacky, Cage and Art Empowerment festive parties for all PACT service users. - **Essex Community Foundation** supported PACT as follows: - **£1,000** grant in June 2022, funding for staff training and membership of the National Council for Voluntary Organisations - **£500** February 2023 Cost of Living uplift grant - **£5,596** received in March 2023 which will be funding our Talks Service during the reporting period starting June 2023. **PACT Fund Raising** ## **Annual Charity Ball** The PACT for Autism Annual Charity Ball has always been the major fund-raising event for PACT over many years and has enabled us to secure continued support and delivery of essential services for our entire autistic and neurodiverse communities. The pandemic and lockdowns had meant 2 years without our much loved annual It was the 10[th] anniversary of PACT for Autism attaining charity status and we intended to celebrate this epic achievement, planning for a very special return of a much-needed event for the charity. We not only wanted to ensure that all those who have supported us throughout some of the most challenging times were acknowledged and celebrated, and we also needed to look at how we could re-balance 2 years of not having the fundraising opportunities that these events have produced over many previous years. We wanted to celebrate 10 years as a charity with a fundraising target of £10,000. Did we make it? Of course, we did!! With a lot of hard work and the generosity of those who continue to support us the PACT for Autism Charity ball raised a whopping **£11,800.** And what a night!! ## **PACT Raffles** PACT ran two raffles this year themed around Christmas and then Easter, raising an amazing **£824** plus some very happy people having their prizes delivered. ## **Other Donations and Fundraising** - A huge thanks to **Tony Batten (The Walking Dad)** who committed himself to completing a number of challenges throughout the year. A dad of four _You_ The first challenge was a **solo walk from Westminster bridge to Brighton** - **pier, a massive 52miles!!** Currently raising over **£600** with so much more to come. - Thank you to Sarh Piercy and Rachel Doherty for taking part in the **Lea Valley 10k run** and raising an amazing **£1,079** ! - **Wall Solo Walk** raising **£848.** - Thank you to **Pitney Bowes Ltd** for their volunteer grant of $500 (£423), plus monthly Employee volunteer recognition matching scheme, and a donation of **£750** to the Charity Ball which allowed 10 struggling PACT parents / carers to attend. - Special thanks to employees at **Euromonitor International** who nominated PACT, resulting in a donation of **£2,500** ! The money was used to fund support and activities for neurodivergent groups. A HUGE Thank you to **Rough Creed Motorcycle Club.** This group fundraise for a different charity each year, finishing with a ride out and delivery of gifts to Princess Alexander . The total funds raised for PACT was a massive **£4,317** ! - **Essex Lottery** Regular monthly donation received from 7 supporters generating approx. **£260** per year. Many generous one of and anonymous donations received through PayPal and JustGiving. ## **PACT for Autism express our deepest thanks to all of those who provided grants, made donations, and raised money for us this year** ## **Thank you!** PAcf for Autism Trustees and Governance PACT for Autism's governing document ￿ its Memorandum of Assoclation. The liability of the members is limited lo a sum not exceedin8 £10, being the amount that each member undertake5 to contribute to the a55ets of the charity in the event of it bein8 wound up whlle helshe is a member. or within one year after helshe ￿aseS to be member. PACT for Autism is governed by the boord of truslees. The direttors of the charity are trustees and are referred to a5 such throughout the annual report and accounts. There are currently five trustees which include a retired Special Educational Needs Professional. Tax Accountant, Education PTofesslonal, an Accountant and Coun5ellor, three of whom are parents of youn8 autistic adults. All tNstees give their time voluntarily and receive no monetary benefits from the tharity. The trustees may by ordlnary resoILbtM)n appoint a person who is willln8 to be a tTUStee either to fill a vacanoi or betome an additional trustee. At a general meeting a person may be appointed trustee if he or she Is recommended by the trustees in accordance with the Articles or is a member qualified to vote at the meeting nominales a person in accordance with the Articles. The maximum number of trustees is 7. Trustees, Responsibilities In R•l•tlon to the Financlal Statements The charity trustees Iwho are also the director5 of PACT for Autism forthe purposes of company lawl are responsible for preparing a trustees, annual report and financial statement5 in accordance with the appllcable lèw and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally AC￿pted Accountlng Practicel. Company law requires the trustees to prepare financial statemen15 for each year whlch glve a Irue and fair view of the state of affairs of the charitable company and of the incomin8 resources and application of resources, Including income and expenditure, for that period. In preparing the financial statements. the trustees are required to.. Selett sultable accounting pollcles and the apply them conslstently Observe the methods and principles In the Charities SORP Make judgements and accounting estimates that are reasonable and prudent State whether applicable UK accounting Standards have been followe(I, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements Prepare the financial statements on the going concern bas15 unless tt is inapproprlate to presume that the charlty wlll contlnue buslness The trustees are responsible for keeplnB proper records that disclose wlth reasonable accuracy at any time the financlal posltion of the charlty and to enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006. They are also responsible for safe8uardin8 the assets of the charlty and hence taking reasonable steps for the preventlon and detection of fraud and other irregularitles. The trustees are responsible for thè maintenance ènd integrrty of the corporate and financial informatlon included on the charitable company's website. Le8islation in the United Kingdom governin8 the PreParat￿n and dlssemlnatlon of financlal statements may differ from legislation in other lurlsdictions. Statement as to dlsdosure to •)ur auditors In so far as the trustees are aware at the tlme of approvin8 our trustees, annual report: There is no relevant information, being infonnation needed by the auditor in ConneCt￿n with preparlng the report, of which the auditor is unaware of. and 22 The trustees, having made enquiries of fellow directors and the auditor that they ought to have individually taken, have each taken all Steps that he/she is obliged to take as a dirertor in order to make them5elve5 dwdre of aiiy ielevatbt audit information and to esttyblish that the auditor is aware of that information. stsff and Volunteers PACT for Autism has five part time paid staff and a small, dedicated team of volunteer5, working on a regular basis. The trustees express deepest thanks to the Charity Manager Kevin Gay and his team intludlng L15a Gay, Debble Hannam, Kim Darby and Ruth Bolwerk, together with the energy and enthuslasm of our volunteers Mike Doe, Alison Doe. Lewis Wa15ham, Kath Rencontre, Chloe Rich. Callum Gay, Deb Butler. Michellè Freeman, Nikki Mclntyre, Vanessa Baker and Tess Millar. This small team of highly motivated, committed individuals work together as a team to deliver the objectives of the charity. Pay Poliry for Senior Staff No member of staff receive5 a FTE salary over £60,000 p.a. A market rate, based on the size of the charity, is used to set all salary scales. Pay rate5 are reviewed annually in line with inflation. Rlsk Management The trustees regularly review the risks facing the or8anisation. The prlncipal risks during the financlal perlod ending 31st May 2023 were the Increased demand on seNices and support for neuro diverse families and specifically adults, along with sustaining funding streams to maintain existing services. The trustees regular review controls, including the budget, to sustain the required levels of services. Public Benefit The trustees confirm that they have paid due regard to the Charity Commission guidance on public benefit in making decisions on the activitie5 undertaken by PACT for Autism. Our information and support 5ervites are provided free of charge to neuro dlver5e famllle5 individudl>, witl) just a siiiall contribution requested towards the cost of heavily sub5idi5ed leisure activities. Our autism awarene5S talks are tailored to meet the needs of the audiences and often opÈn to the wider public. Financial Review PACT for Autism's turnover forthe year ending 31st May 2023 was £82,602 (prior year £66,026). Expenditure was £80,589 (prior year £56,557). This resulted in a surplus for the year of £2,013 Iprior year £9,469). The increased income ond expenditure wa5 in part duc to the charity being able to once a8ain hold it's annual fund rai51n8 8all. something that had to be cancelled In prior years due to the COVID pandemic. A150, donations signrficantlv Increased as more fund raising activities became possible after the national restriction5 were Ilfted. Expenditure increased for similar reasons, a5 service5 not only regained momentum but increased from the pre pandemic levels, in order to meet growing demand. Reserves Policy and Going Concern The trustees rÈ8ularly review the charity's financial reserves to ensure that the minlmum policy requirements of 6 months running costs for reserves is achieved. This is held within the designated funds. The trustees increased the designated funds to £56,752 Iprior year £53,961) wilh plans to utili5e a significant amount in the next financlal year. in orderto increase adult services to meet the growing demands from neurodivergent adul15. The account5 are prepared on a Going Concern basis. Investment Powers and Policy The trustees have kept available funds in an Interest-bearing deposf( account. Total Interest received during the year totalled £264. 23 Small Companles Provisions This report has been prepared in accordance with the special provisions for small companies under Part 15 ofthe Companles Aci 2006. 51gned by order of the TIu5tee5 25.01.2024 Julla Carr Chalr 24 PACT for Autism STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MAY 2023 Unrestricted Designated Restricted Fund Fund Fund 2023 Totsl 2022 Total Note Incoming resourees from generated funds Investment ineome Incoming resources from charrtable activities Total incomlng resourcos 266 60,464 21,872 82,336 66,020 60.730 21,872 82,602 66,026 Resources expended Costs of generating voluntary funds Charitable activities 12,690 12,690 381 45,252 57,942 22,647 22,647 67,899 80,589 56,176 56.557 Total resources expended Net Incoming resources before trnnsfers 2,788 1775) 2.013 9,469 Gross transfets betwgen funds (2,788> 2,788 Net in¢ome for th? y¢•r 2,788 1775} 2,013 9.469 Total funds brought forward at 1 June 2022 775 53,964 54,739 45,270 Total funds carrled foThYard at 31 May 2023 54,739 56,752 56,752 Notes on pages 27- 29 ft)mi part of these financial $latemenls 2S PACT for Autism BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31 May 2023 2023 2022 Not8S Fixed Assets Tangible Assets to urrent assets Debtors Cash * bank and in hand 4,857 72,888 77,746 1,387 62,166 63,552 reditors: amounts falllng due within on• year 20,994 8,816 Net current assets I Illablllll951 $6,752 54,736 Total assets less current liabiliti05 56,752 54.736 Fund$ of thè charlty Reslricled Funds Designated Funds Totsl Funds 775 53,961 54.736 56,752 56.752 For the year endèd 31 May 2023 the company was enlilled to exemption from audit under section 477 of the Companies Act 2006. The members havc ntsl r¢quired the company to obtain an audit in aeeordanc• with s•ction 476 of the Companies Act 2006. The ¢Jlrector5 acknowledge their ie¥puTlt*ibility lor complyin9 Wlth the reqUir¢M￿t$ of the AGt Yrfith re¥pe¢t to accounting records and for the preparation of accounts. These accounts have been prepared in accordance wth the provisions applicable lo companles subjed to small companies regime. The directors declare that they have approved the accounts above. Dale 25.01.2024 Julia CarT (Chair> PACT for Autism NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MAY 2023 1. Accountlng pollcios 1.1 8asls of the proparation of the accounts The financial statements have been prepared in accordance wrth Accounting and Reporting by Charrties.. Slalemenl on Recommended Practice applicable lo charrties preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republi¢ of Ireknd IFRS 1021 (effective 1 January 20191-ICharities SORP IFRS 10211, the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland IFRS 10218nd the Companies Act 2006. Cash flow staternent The directors have taken advantage of exemption in Financial Reportin9 Standard 1 Irevisedl from including a cash flow slalement in the financ￿1 statements on the ground5 that the company is small. 1.2 Incoming Resources Income from donations and gfanls, ineluding capital grants, 15 in¢luded in incoming resource5 when these are receivable. When donors specify that donations and grants, including capital grants are for a particular restr￿ed purpose, this I￿orne is included in incoming resources of restricted funds when receivable. 1.3 RÈsources expendÈd and recognition of liabllltles All expenditure is incurred on an a¢ctuals basis. The majorf(y of costs are directly attributable lo the specrfic charitsble aclivilies. Liabililie5 are recognised on the accruals basis in accordance with normal accounting principles. 1.4 Fund AGGguntlny Funds held by the Charity are either.. Unreslricteij general tunds - tnese are funds which can be use(1 In accordance wrth the charrtabl objects at the discretion of the Trustees. Designated funds - these are funds set aside by the trustees out of unrestricted funds for specific future purposes or projects. Restrtted funds - these are funds that can only be used for particular restricted purpo$e$ within the objects of the charity. 1.5 Taxation Status The c¢Jmpany is a registered charity and is not subject to Corporation tax on i(s charitable adivrtigs. 2. Investment income Unrestri¢t8d Restrict Fund Fund Total 2023 Total 2022 Interest receivable 264 264 264 264 PACT for Autism NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MAY 2023 3. Incoming resources from charitable a¢tlvltles Unre$tri¢tgd Restricted Fund Fund Total 2023 Total 2022 Donations Fundraising Charity Ball Ineome from Charty se￿ICe$ Grant5 21,405 495 22,841 4,507 11,216 60,464 21,405 495 22,841 4,507 33,088 82.336 7,865 1.779 2,304 54,072 66,020 21,872 21,872 4. Cost$ of generatlng voluntary funds Unrestricted Restricted Fund Fund Total 2023 Total 2022 Charty Ball Charrty promoted events Online givin9 websrte serrfic¢ 12,443 31 216 12,443 31 216 165 218 12,690 12,690 381 5. Charftablo activltl•s Unrestricted Restricted Fund Fund Total 2023 Total 2022 Charrtable aetivities Insuranc 5,183 727 3,482 954 470 881 92 563 593 950 28,716 2,250 51 340 45,252 8,888 14,071 727 3,482 954 470 1.239 92 563 647 950 42,063 2,250 51 340 67.899 9,083 797 3,364 641 442 703 137 568 594 223 39,199 Rent and Rates Office expenses IT Costs Travel & Subsi51ence Training Professional Fees Office phone and broadband Finance charges (incl booking tool) Salaries staff & volunteers promotional uniform Office equipment Accountancy & Companies House Total 358 13,347 326 56,176 22.647 PACT for Autism NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MAY 2023 6. Debtors Total 2023 Total 2022 Debtors PrepayTnents Total 28 4.829 1.387 1.387 7. Creditors: amounts falllng due within one year Total 2023 Total 2022 Accruals Credf(ors Deferred income (Granlsl Tol 556 2,576 17,862 20.994 422 8,394 8,816 8. Designated Funds The designated funds are represented aB bel*)w. Personnel Fund lind addd roles 20241 Activities & Contingency Fund Total 42,C63 14,689 56.752 None of the Trustees lor any person5 Connected with them} received any remuneration during the year 10. Fixed Asset$ Th•r• Ar8 no Fixèd As¥et$ for tho yS2r 8nding 31 ?022 11. Going concem The charty is operating on a going concern basis. 12. Related partles There were no related parties within the year. 13. Kay Personal During the year total remuneration of £19,211 was paid lo key management personnel. The remuneration of key management personnel is decided upon and aulhorised by the trustees. PACT FOR AUTISM INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MAY 2023 I report on the accounts of PACT for Autism for the year ended 31 May 2023 which are set out on pages 25 to 29. Respective responsibilities of trustees and examiner The Charity's Trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. The Charity's Trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year {under section 144 (2) of the Charities Act 2011 (The Act) but that an independent examination is needed. 11 is my responsibility to: Examine the accounts under section 145 of the Charities Act, To follow the Pro￿dureS laid down in the General Directions given by the Charity Commissioners (undef section 145(5)(b) of the Charities Act, and To state whether particular matters have come to my attention. Basis of independent examiner's Statement My examination was carried out in accordance with the General Directions given by the Charity Commissioners. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the Charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes considerations of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts, and seeking explanetions from you as trustees concerning any such matters. Tha procedures undertaken do not provide all the eviden￿ that would be required in an audit and consequently I do not express an audit opinion on the view given by the accounts. Independent examiner's statement In the course of my examination, no material matters have come to my attention which gives me cause to believe that in, any material respect: tlie aGGounling rewrd5 were not kept in aGGordanGe with section 130 of the Charities Act., or the accounls did not accord with the accounting records., or the accounts did not comply with the applicable requirements concerning the form and content of the accounts set out in the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 other than any requirement that the accounts give a true and fairf view which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination. I 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. David Courtier FM Community360 Winsley's House, High Street, Colchester, Essex T AATQB for and on behalf of: Date 25/? 1 121+ 30