trustees
annual
report
Pennine
me
cap
This annual report is from
I JAN 2024- 31 DEC 2024
contents
page
The trustees who are also directors of the charity for the
purposes of the Companies Act 2006 present their report
with the financial statements for the charity for the year
ended 31 December 2024.
Executive Summary
Impact Report
Social, Creative and Wellbeing Activities
10
Community Engagement
17
Volunteering
23
Steps Towards Supported Living
26
The first Pennine Mencap group holiday
29
Health & Wellbeing Inequalities
32
Introducing the Pennine Mencap Advisory Panel 35
. Advocacy
39
Grant Fundraising and Income Generation
44
Annual Accounts
48
Events Gallery
56
In Memoriam
60
Pennine
cap
trusteesannualreport J
02
Executive
Summary
Pennine
cap
trusteesannualreport J
03
Including Welcome & Reflections from the Chair &
Board of Trustees
2024 has been o year of resilience, reconnection and reinvention
for Pennine Mencap.
At a time of ongoing financial uncertainty for many charities, our
team has demonstrated outstanding creativity, commitment
and care in navigating challenges while maintaining a
high-quality, inclusive offer for adults with learning disabilities,
autism and acquired brain injuries across Oldham, Tameside and
Greater Manchester.
On beholf of the Board of Trustees, I would like to extend our
sincere thank5 to the staff, volunteer5, service users and
community portners who have helped ensure that the charity's
mission hos not only endured but grown stronger. The work
undertaken this year has reaffirmed Pennine Mencap's place as
a trusted provider, a bold innovator and a much-loved presence
in the local community.
Throughout 2024, Pennine Mencap has...
Delivered an ambitious timetable of arts, wellbeing and
social activities across Oldham and Tameside.
Seen service user participation, especially in public
performance, reach record levels.
Forged new community partnerships and strengthened
many existing ones - through powerful platforms like
Forever Manchester, Caritas, Dr Kershaw's, and Oldham
Community Leisure.
Maintained a strong commitment to equity, accessibility and
service-user voice across all areas of work.
Repositioned its fundraising strategy toward more flexible,
project-based funding, demonstrating resilience in the face
of reduced long-term core income.
These achievements have taken place in a demonding operotional context. The
conclusion of major three-year gronts from the Notional Lottery Community Fund and
Tudor Trust placed increased pressure on our income streams, particularly in regard to
staffing and running costs. However, in the face of thi5, the team's focus, energy and
ability to adapt has been exemplary - responding with determination, resourcefulness
and a renewed emphasis on showcasing the quality and impact of our work.
"The staff are greaL
they help me feel
comfortable"
Michelle
Service User
trusteesannualreport
04
Perhaps the most striking theme throughout 2024 has been a commitment to
co-creation, inclusion and outward connection. From the success of Showability and
Stage Right Performing Arts, to the choir's growing reputation and the remarkable
impact of Finding a Foothold, it is clear that Pennine Mencap is not simply delivering
services - we are creating platforms for people with learning disabilities to be seen,
heard and celebrated in public life.
Looking Ahead: Future Plans for 2025 and Beyond
As we head into 2025, our priorities are informed by the experiences and lessons of
the past year. The coming year will focus on consolidating growth, strengthening
sustainability and further embedding our mission in the communities we serve.
Key areas of focus will include:
l. Strengthening Core Stability
We will prioritise identifying and securing new sources of core funding to replace
those lost in 2024, with a renewed focus on unrestricted or infrastructure-focused
support. We will continue to work with Action Together and other local partners to
identify strategic opportunities.
2. Expanding Partnerships and Collaborative Delivery
Building on new links made with Cycling UK, Failsworth Community Pop Choir, and
SPARK Oldham - as well as long-term allies like Hurst Community Centre and Dr
Kershaw's - we will expand co-produced, cross-organisational work, particularly in
public performance, community health and inclusive education.
3. Scaling Successful Programmes
We aim to increase the reach of high-impact initiatives such as:
Showability- expanding dance performance to more venues and events.
Cookalong - refining delivery models to
increase accessibility.
Finding a Foothold- seeking new
funding to evolve employability and
confidence-building projects.
• Dancercise & WOW Club-
sustaining and growing
participation in these
health-focused offerings.
EY
Being part of Pennine
Mencap has boosted
my self-esteem."
Sorvice User
trusteesannualreport
05
4. Investing in Service User Voice and Representation
We will seek opportunities to platform our service users as
performers, creators,
educators and ambassadors- not only within the charity but
in the wider community. This includes further performances,
public exhibitions, and involvement in planning and delivery.
5. Infrostructure Development
We will explore options to improve our transport capacity
(highlighted as a borrier to community engagement in 2024),
invest in venue development and seek capital or in-kind support
for premises improvements
including accessibility
enhoncements and energy efficiency.
6. Widening Access and Inclusion
We are committed to reaching underrepresented individuals
and groups across the boroughs we serve. This includes
increasing opportunities for adults with complex needs, and
continuing to remove barriers to participation
be they
physical, social, economic or attitudinal.
Final Note from the Chair
To every funder, partner, volunteer, staff member and service
user: thank you. In a difficult year for the third sector, Pennine
Mencap has not only held firm but flourished - thanks entirely
to the commitment, creativity and compa55ion at the heart of
our organisation.
We look forward to 2025 with confidence and renewed
determination
knowing that the voices, talents and
aspirations of the people we support will continue to drive us
forward.
Elliot Sparks
Chair, Pennine Mencap Board of Trustees
trusteesannualreport
06
Impact
Report
Pennine
cap
trusteesannualreport J
07
This year we directly supported 179
adults with a learning disability, autism
and a huge range of other disabilities
and neurodiverse conditions
In 2024 we delivered a record
number of group sessions, including
choir, drama, cookery, dance, art,
informationlawareness and social
activities
490 8th
The charity benefitted from over
2,600 hours of volunteers helping
with events, front of house, kitchen,
activities, marketing and governance
2600
Across the Pennine Mencap pages on
Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, X
and TikTok, our content gained more
views for than ever before
' 212K+,
This year our staff team handled a
huge 2,205 phone calls, offering
information, advice and support to
service users, carers, family
members and more
(L 2205
In 2024 year the Rhodes Bank Choir
were inundated with bookings,
delivering a magnificent total of 20
public performances all around
Greater Manchester
20
EVENTS
The second Pennine Mencap
Celebration Ball was a huge
fundraising success, with
ticket sales, sponsorships, raffle and
auction bids roising almost £llk
10.9k
trusteesannualreport
08
On our most popular social platform,
Pennine Mencap stimulated a strong
public response, with a huge number
of comments, donations, likes and
shares
f 11.7k '
With weekly Dancersize sessions and
our ShowAbility performance group,
our service users clocked up over
1,000 hours of dance moves in 2024
62 040 Kts>
Thanks to our partnership with
Neighbourly, we collected almost
half a ton of food from Aldi, Lidl and
Sainsbury's stores for our
Community Fridge
I'J 458.4kg'
Despite a difficult climate for
fundraising in 2024, we raised a
strong amount from grant funders-
you can find the breakdown in the
Accounts section
' £84.5K fr
With our weekly wanders With Walk
% 171k+' ,',,,,.,,,,, ,,.,,, .,,.,
we walked and wheeled a huge
distance this year
With donations of goods and
services, fundraising efforts and by
providing volunteers, we were
helped by 67 wonderful local
businesses
67
'e' 1225
Over the course of 2024, Cookalong
sessions saw our service users
expertly prepare 1,225 portions of
food using 48 different recipes
trusteesannualreport
09
Social, Creative
Ihlellbeing
Activities
Pennine
cap
trusteesannualreport J
10
Pennine Mencap is committed to facilitating high quality,
creative opportunities for adults with learning disabilities,
autism and acquired brain injuries through wellbeing sessions,
social activities and the arts.
Throughout 2024, Pennine Mencap delivered a broad timetable
of activities, events, performances and lecjrning opportunities,
providing platforms for service users, old and new, to participate
and express themselves.
We take pride in promoting independence, self-expression and
inclusion across all activities, in direct alignment with the
mission of the charity.
Health and Wellbeing Activities
Statistically, adults with learning disabilitie5 are more likely to
experience poorer health, reduced life expectancy and barriers
to healthcare. Mondoys Matter, a day focusing on health and
wellbeing, was a product of the ongoing bottle to try to combat
the persistent health inequality our service users are facing.
Our weekly Dancercise! sessions provide opportunities for all to
participate in high energy, fitness focused dance routines, in an
environment that is inclusive of every individual's physical or
mental needs. Similar to traditional dance-based fitness, which
currently excludes or limits access to those with additional
needs, Dancercise! incorporates popular music, club lighting and
full body movement, with routines that are easy to learn and
adaptable. Each routine has the choice of intensity level,
including swapping out jogging for walking and substituting
jumping for just bouncing or bending the knees gently. A
demonstration of a chair version of the routine can also be
shown.
"It cheers me up to be with
rny friends here, laughing
and having a good time.
It's like my second home."
Adrian
fer i:0 User
u* •1 Ilj
The WOW Club (Walk or Wheel) continued to thrive in 2024, offering accessible local
walks in locations such as Alexandra Park, Dovestone Reservoir and themed walking
tours across Manchester city centre. Each walk is carefully planned to ensure full
accessibility, enabling service users with wheelchairs or mobility needs toparticipate
equally. We recognise that reluctance to travel to unfamiliar ploces canpresent a barrier,
so providing support around public transport and navigating busy environments is a key
approach that has proven highly beneficial for all participants.
In addition, our service users have demonstrated a strong commitment to their
communities by engaging in regular litter picks across local porks and beauty spots
in Oldham and Manchester, alongside other local Learning Disability groups. This not
only reflects their pride in their local environment but their willingness to support the
community.
trusteesannualreport
11
Creativity Club
Creativity Club takes place every Tuesday morning and provides a structured
session of arts and crafts. Each session is designed around a central theme or key
activity, encouraging participants to explore different creative mediums. Where
possible, sessions are aligned with notable dates in the calendar such as Diwali,
Easter and Christmas, as well as the different seasons. This thematic approach
establishes continuity across the year, while offering variety and meaningful
opportunities for creative engagement.
Following the success of our roof terrace project and the positive feedback from
service users who valued the space as a. additional quiet area, we have now made
the terrace refresh an annual feature of Creativity Club. This year, service users took
part in cleaning and repainting the plant pots, as well as adding new flowers and
greenery to enhance the outdoor sensory area for everyone to enjoy.
We make it a priority to display artwork created by service users throughout the
centre, whether as decorations for parties or as part of window displays. Showcasing
their work not only enhances the environment but also provides a sense of pride and
achievement for participants. It stands as a clear example of the creativity that
emerges from these sessions.
Rhodes Bank Choir
2024 has been an exceptional year for our choir, marked by the highest number of
public performances to date.
The year began with a significant opportunity when Forever Manchester, a long-
standing funder, invited the choir to perform at their annual birthday celebration. The
event, attended by over 300 guests, showcased the positive impact Forever
Manchester has had on communities and the organisations it supports. Our choir
embraced the opportunity to perform at such a
high-profile event with enthusiasm
and excitement.
In addition, Forever Manchester arranged for
the Rhodes Bank Choir to record their
vocals in a professional studio, which were
later incorporated into the live
performance.
The performance was met with a standing
ovation and stands out as one of the key
highlights of 2024.
"Drama and choir are my
favourites. I love showing
I what we can do when we
perform in the community.
Service User
trusteesannualreport
12
Our next performance in 2024 was at Terence O'Grady, a local
organisation providing evening activities for adults with learning
disabilities. The choir performed for approximately an hour, with
the audience enthusiastically dancing and singing along. The
event was so well received that we have since been invited to
return on several further occasions.
The summer months were particularly busy, with the Rhodes
Bank Choir invited to perform at several community events,
including the Doctor Kershaw's Summer Fayre, the Camberwell
Park Summer Fayre and the Caritas Hate Crime Event. The strong
relationships we have developed with these organisers have
significantly raised the profile of Pennine Mencap and we are
grateful to be invited back year after year.
Oldham Pride remains a highly anticipated event for the Rhodes
Bank Choir and we were delighted to once again have the
honour of opening the celebration. The event provides a
valuable platform to strengthen connections within the local
community while highlighting the contribution we make to
supporting and celebrating the learning disability community in
Oldham.
"I like all the creative
activities. Taking part
'gets me out and stops
me being on my own."
Paul R dl
'co Usor
Throughout the year, the Rhodes Bank Choir a150 performed at
our own fundraising events, including the Summer Fayre and the
Celebration Ball. Having service users perform at these
occasions is especially meaningful, as it provides a direct and
powerful way to showcase the impact of our work. Their
involvement brings a personal touch to our events and is
consistently met with an overwhelmingly positive response.
To conclude the year, our annual Christmas Care Home Tour
returned, bringing festive cheer to residents across Oldham and
Tameside. In 2024, we expanded the tour to include a visit to Tameside Hospital, making
it our busiest Christmas week to date. Performances of much-loved Christmas classics
were warmly received, with nursing staff, relatives, residents and patients alljoining in to
celebrate the season together.
Music Therapy
This year we continued our partnership with music therapy charity Nordoff and Robbins,
building on our relationship with therapist Alan Wells. Following his student placement at
Pennine Mencap in 2022-23, Alan returned fully qualified throughout 2024. In addition to
1:15essions, specialist small group work and our big percussion-based Pennine Sunshine
Bond, we also facilitated a free of charge joint project with neighbouring learning
disability organisation OPAL. This culminated with a Music Therapy Extrcjvanganza at
Rhodes Bank Chambers in December, showcasing a year of amazing creative efforts.
trusteesannualreport
13
Wednesday Social
Wednesday Social continued to expand in 2024, enhanced by the introduction of
themed parties and events throughout the year, including St Patricks Day, 1950s day,
Cinco de mayo and Halloween. Wednesday Social has continued to be promoted as
our introduction session to meet new people, become familiar with the centre and
staff and settle in, before committing to a more structured activity. Tabletop activities,
karaoke and bingo are on offer, as well as a weekly quiz, all which contribute to a
welcoming and inclusive environment.
Stage Right Performing Arts
Throughout 2024, Stage Right Performing Arts concentrated on developing their
skills, across the three core disciplines of Musical Theatre; Dancing, Singing and Acting.
This is where the project, A night at the Musicals came from. The primary objective was
to enable performers to adopt a ronge of characters within a cabaret style production
of scenes from well known musicals such as Moulin Rouge, The Lion King and My Fair
Lady. The fully accessible performance provided an opportunity to showcase the
progress achieved through weekly rehearsals and also
evidence the range of the cast.
Showability
At Pennine Mencap, creative expression through the arts is at the heart of what we
do. In 2024, we launched Showability, a dedicated performance-based group for
service users who wanted to learn dance routines and perform either on stage or at
events in the community.
The group provided an opportunity to explore a variety of choreographed routines,
introducing different dance styles, formations and the use of props. For those with a
little more confidence, there was also the chance to develop solo pieces to songs of
their own choosing, which could then be showcased at future performances and
events.
Each term ran for six weeks, with routines carefully
broken down and rehearsed to ensure
participants could master and refine the
choreography. The feedback from everyone
involved was overwhelmingly positive and it
was inspiring to see the dancers, skills,
confidence and creativity grow with every
session.
Friday Night Club
Throughout 2024, we continued the process
of reimagining Friday Night Club as an
event-based service rather than simply a drop-in
social club. This shift has been highly successful in
differentiating it not only from our own Wednesday
social sessions but also from other evening social
opportunities in the area for adults with additional needs.
"Showability is my
favourite thing. I really
like it when we dance
as a group."
Service User
trusteesannualreport
14
A key factor in this success has been our imaginative use of monthly themes, which
help create a sense of excitement and give each Friday Night Club its own distinct
identity. The themes we've chosen throughout the year have reflected the interests
and strengths of our regular service user group in Tameside.
Highlights have included a Strictly Come Dancing night, an American Diner themed
Friday Night Club and a Murder Mystery Dinner Party, during which staff and volunteers
performed a fully scripted play while serving a three-course meal to almost 40
attendees.
By taking this approach - and adding regular extra touches such as a full-scale
photo booth with props and costumes- we have made significant strides in
establishing a new identity for Friday Night Club.
At the same time, it remains an important part of our offer as our longest-standing
activity in Tameside, providing a strong link to the borough where the charity first
established its activities in 2012. It also continues to be a vital point of contact for
both regular and new attendees, offering access to information, advice and
signposting from staff and volunteers, alongside the warm welcome, hearty food and
companionship that define this increasingly unique monthly gathering.
Cookalong
Throughout 2024, Cookalong remained one of our favourite ways to encourage
independent skill-building and creativity through the medium of food. Over the course
of the year, we celebrated cultural and religious occasions, marked local, national and
global food celebration days and embraced exciting spontaneous ideas that took us on
unusual culinary journeys- keeping our service users stimulated and entertained every
Friday morning.
Given the high percentage of individuals in our service user
diabetes and other health conditions related to
obesity, as well as common challenges around
portion control, it has been essential to
maintain a careful balance between
promoting healthy choices and presenjing
the creativity and fun for which Cookalong
has become known. Creating this
individualised health-centred approach in
a group drop-in activity is a challenge,
with varying dietary needs, skill levels and
personal preferences all needing to be
balanced, while still ensuring that each
participant feels engaged, supported and
able to develop confidence and independence
in their cooking.
group who live with
41
I enjoy performing and
really appreciate how
the staff support me
with my art projects.1
Anthony
Sorvice User
trusteesannualreport
15
In 2024, some of the recipes we explored together ranged from
simple regional classics such as ploughman's lunch and toad in
the hole, to more elaborate dishes such as chestnut en croute,
as well as international favourites like aloo gobi and
Chinese-inspired Across-the-Bridge soup.
Occasional sweet dishes, such as traditional English afternoon
tea presented on individual three-tier stands, have been exciting
treats that add a sense of celebration and indulgence to the
sessions, while showcasing how presentation can elevate even
simple recipes into something special.
As attendance at in-person Cookalong sessions has continued to
rise steadily, we've refined our methodology, room layouts and
cookery techniques to meet an increasingly diverse range of
needs and ability levels. Food hygiene, cross-contamination and
allergen awareness remain ever-present considerations,
integrated into every session to support the development of safe
and sustainable cooking skills.
Feedback from service users consistently highlights that one of
the most valuable aspects of Cookolong is its ability to build
confidence and practical independence. While the sessions are
often quite adventurous- making the most of the kitchen
facilities at Pennine Mencap they reliably provide useful ideas,
information and hands-on experience. This, in turn, helps
participants feel more confident about buying ingredients and
trying recipes at home that they might otherwise have found
daunting.
trusteesannualreport
16
Community
Engagement
Pennine
cap
trusteesannualreport J
17
11
2024 has seen a huge uplift in community engagement as
Pennine Mencap has forged connections and partnerships with
a range of new organisations across Greater Manchester. This
increase builds on pre-existing relations with other charities,
public bodies, community associations and local businesses
around Oldham, Tameside and our immediately neighbouring
boroughs.
Off to a Flying Start: Forever Manchester Birthday Party
Early into 2024, our first opportunity for community
engagement was the Forever Manchester Birthday Party, held at
the Kimpton Clock Tower Hotel, with over 500 guests in
attendance. This annual celebration for the biggest community
foundation in Greater Manchester is a hugely visible platform,
bringing together passionate representatives of communities
from all ten boroughs of Greater Manchester.
The Rhodes Bank Choir were given the incredible opportunity to
record and perform their own cover of Take That's 'Rule the
World, at the event. The audience's reception of the
performance was electric, with all 500 guests stood on their
feet, cheering and applauding. Significantly, this performance
led to a number of great opportunities for the charity, including
creating fruitful new links with organisations, such as
community radio stations, from across Greater Manchester.
Creating Collaborative Experiences
A theme established throughout 2024 has been creating
opportunities for our service users to see and experience new
and exciting things. The staff team decided to organise a
number of trips that were fun and had strong themes and
educational elements to them but first and foremost, were
chosen by the seniice users themselves. The first of these trips
was to Salford Quays and Media City. Service Users got the opportunity to look around
the Lowry, the Quays and Media City itself.
'nnlnE
me
Throughout the year we also took trips to Etherow Park, Ordsall Hall, Flecther Moss,
the Sea Life Centre and the Museum of Science and Industry. These were all local
outings, where we engaged with their services to provide an accessible and inclusive
trip for our service users. Ordsall Hall, in particular, was a great example of working
with the organisation to create a bespoke visit just for our service users. We had a
guided tour with a member of staff who was trained to work with people with learning
disabilities. The visit to Ordsall demonstrated that with a cooperative and inclusive
approach it is possible to make historical and cultural destinations truly accessible. a
mark of this trip's success is that the seniice users have already asked to go back for
a repeat visit.
trusteesannualreport
18
Looking further afield, during 2024, we have also taken trips to Blackpool, Chester
and even organised and successfully delivered a bespoke holiday to Caernarfon.
The trips to both Blackpool and Chester, gave us the opportunity to create a great
relationship with Kmatt Coaches who have provided us with a brilliant service on
several occasions. A local firm, who are happy to support a local charity. Both trips
were educational as well as fun. In Blackpool we took in the sites and the got the
chance to spend the afternoon in the incredible Tower Ballroom. The service users
were in their elementl Likewise, in Chester, the service users toured the cathedral
and even met a roman centurion! This is still talked about nearly a year later!
Connecting with New Partners
Successfully across 2024 we have created links with a number of community
organisations from around Oldham and beyond. Having attended a number of
Engagement Network events, hosted by the Greater Manchester NHS Engagement
Team, we have established new relationships with SPARK Oldham, Caritas and
Inclusive Bytes to namejust a few. These connections have been a great way for the
service users to display the work of the charity; our choir has performed twice at
different Caritas events, and we have also had stalls at a number of SPARK
community events.
Continuing on the theme of new connections, during 2024 we have established links
with both Oldham Community Leisure and Cycling UK. The latter has proven to be a
great opportunity for our service users, since our first meeting with them we have
joined up to offer a number of accessible riding sessions. These have taken place in
beautiful landscaped locations ranging from Hyde Park in Tameside to Peel Park in
Salford, taking advantage of Cycling UK'S range of accessible bikes. The varied seating,
steering and pedaling configurations of the bikes and trikes ensured there was a
suitable option for everyone, regardless of any difficulties with coordination, balance or
physical strength.
Feedback from the service users has been really
encouraging, confirming this partnership
offers something unique which we would
not have been able to realistically provide in
isolation. This partnership is something we
are hoping to continue into 2025.
trusteesannualreport
19
Shared Voices: Success Through Song
One major new community-based connection we have established this year is with
Failsworth Community Pop Choir. Laura, the choir leader, reached out to our choir
and asked us to perform alongside them for two shows; importantly this placed the
Rhodes Bank Choir on an equitable platform with their counterparts in the Failsworth
choir, making this a fantastic opportunity to promote inclusion and co-production.
The Rhodes Bank Choir performed 'He Lives in You, without lyrics, with choreography
and in front of 300 people at a public event in Chadderton. This event was a major
success and thanks to the amazing efforts of both choirs and the big audiences we
managed to raise £IOOO over two nights. Since these performances, the Failsworth
Community Pop Choir has gone on to support the work of the charity by sponsoring our
Celebration Ball.
We look forward to further relationships we will have in the year to come, having
organised another two performances with them.
Solidifying Strong Partnerships
Building on the successes of the choir's performances at Forever Manchester and
with the Failsworth Community Pop Choir, the choir and our newly established
ShowAbility Dance Group performed al fresco at Dr Kershaw's Summer Fayre. This
was met with warm praise and highlighted that Pennine Mencap is also keen to turn
its hand towards supporting other local charities.
This performance built on our existing relationship with Dr Kershaws, but this led to
further connections arising from the goodwill generated on the day. From our
participation at the Dr Kershaws event, we forged a friendship with the comperes
who also happen to be the organisers of numerous other community events,
including Alkrington Christmas Lights Switch On. This proved to be a brilliant
opportunity, with the event organisers not just inviting
us to perform at the Alkrington Switch On, but
providing transport, food, drinks and even a
substantial donation towards the work of the
charity.
Moreover, throughout the year we have
continued to develop mutually supportive
relationships
with
number
organisations, including Hurst Community
Centre, Oldham Pride, Oldham College,
Action Together and Billingtons. These
connections have once again proven to bear
fruit for the charity. Not only have they helped
us to raise the profile of our work and mission
across Oldham and Tameside, but have also helped
us to facilitate the important work to aim to do every
day.
trusteesannualreport
20
We continue to rely heavily on Hurst Community Centre as our
second home, continuing our good relationship with the
Centre's management committee. We use this facility for our
large events, such as Friday Night Club, our Summer Fayre and
live performances by our Stage Right Performing Arts company.
We hope to make more use of Hurst as an important partnership
venue in the coming year for more midweek activities.
A Ball for All
In November, we were proud to host our second Celebration
Ball. Again, we chose to hold the event at Chadderton Town Hall,
with a three-course dinner, live performances, auction and
raffle. This event was a huge success, raising eleven thousand
pounds for the charity. Not only was the outcome amazing but
the event brought together a huge number of our supporters.
The room was filled with businesses and associations that have
established links with the charity throughout the last decade, all
of whom were there to show their support to the vital work we
are doing across Greater Manchester.
i*
This year however we chose to use the time leading up to the
event as a major profile increasing opportunity. For thirty days
leading up to the event, we contacted a new business or
organisation, who could sponsor us. This gave the event a much
wider reach, in terms of publicity, but also brought in a number
of new and exciting event sponsors. This included our Food
Ambassador celebrity chef, Adam Reid, who donated a meal for
two at his restaurant The French, combining it with an overnight
stay at the Midland Hotel. Support like this helps massively in the
effectiveness of the event and is crucial in helping community
engagement to and from the charity.
Feeling a Festive Glow
As we approached December and the Christmas period, community event opportunities
really took an uplift. It is both a joyful and challenging time of year throughout the
community as a whole, but especially for our service user group. The
choir were invited to attend a huge number of different events across Greater
Manchester and we accepted as many of these booking requests as possible, both
to give back to the wider community and to offer further opportunities for our service
users to experience the uplifting feelgood benefits of showcasing their talent and
goodwill to other local residents.
trusteesannualreport
21
J'i
In the 2024 festive season we performed in four care homes,
two of which are new to the charity. Further to our role at the
Alkrington Christmas Lights Switch On we also took centre stage
in the Spindles Shopping Centre ahead of the Oldham Lights
Switch on. All of this is in addition to singing at Tameside General
Hospital, which was a wonderful opportunity to give something
back to staff and patients in Tameside the borough where
almost half of our service users live. This occasion was also an
opportunity to solidify our links with the NHS trust, which we
believe will lead to important partnership work in the years to
come.
Following on from this we also got the chance to be the
entertainment at an Over 60s Christmas Party, hosted by Dr
Kershaws. This performance was a hit with the guests and really
boosted the mood of both service users and guests alike. As well
as this, at the start of the month we were involved in the
Christmas Tree Festival at Oldham Parish Church. Service Users
created decorations that adorned the tree for two weeks. We
were also lucky enough to receive a tour of the church and listen
to the organ and sing some carols. The feedback from the
service users was hugely positive and we will look to do this
again next year.
'<4
Overall community engagement throughout 2024 has been
hugely positive. Establishing links with organisations from across
Greater Manchester proven to be very beneficial for the charity
as a whole and most importantly our service users. This is not to
say that we haven't had our challenges, for example attendance
at some events has been low and the lack of a charity vehicle
has been difficult. However, despite these things, we have seen
a huge amount of growth in this area and we are heading into
2025 with a positive outlook for the charity, now knowing
that we have forged a number of new relationships with a range
of organisations which have complimentary objectives in the
community.
trusteesannualreport
22
Volunteering
Pennine
cap
trusteesannualreport J
23
Before 2024, the charity consistently struggled to recruit and
maintain volunteers. The main reason for this, as indicated in
volunteers, exit interviews, was successful career progression.
Whilst the charity recognises this as a positive outcome for
those who have volunteered with us until opportunities arose
elsewhere, it meant high turnover
and we were generally
unable to rely on volunteer contributions.
Pennine Mencap has previously lacked a formal recruitment
process for volunteers. Historically, almost all of our volunteers
have sought outthe charity independently or were referred to us
by the Jobcentre. In 2024, the charity aimed to rectify this by
putting more effort into advertising, developing further
volunteering opportunities, and improving the supervision of
volunteers. We were able to do this successfully with the help of
Jrant funding from Greater Manchester Combined Authority
(GMCA) for our Finding A Foothold project, allowing us to employ
staff to coordinate and deliver the charity's volunteering
programme.
Volunteering in the
kitchen helps me
learn new skills."
Jason
Ser... ie User
The main aim of the Finding A Foothold project was to improve
employability outcomes for adults with disabilities. Statistically,
this group have some of the highest rates of unemployment.
The majority of our service users are aged between 25 and 50.
This group grew up in a society with little awareness of
disabilities and low expectations of people with disabilities. This
has left them without adequate qualifications, training or
experience. Our project focused on skill building which could
lead to better employability prospects.
As part of the Finding A Foothold project, we embedded skill
building into our daily activity provision. This included
developing communication skills in our Stage Right drama
workshops, creativity in Creativity Club, technical skills in Cookalong and communication
skills within our social groups. Some project participants received opportunities to
engage in volunteering roles within Pennine Mencap. Some
examples included taking part in reception duties, serving lunch, pot-washing,
marketing and housekeeping.
In addition to this, we opened a Pop-up Charity Shop at Rhodes Bank Chambers.
Our service users were responsible for collecting donations, steaming clothing,
pricing items, creating displays, managing stock, greeting customers, completing
sales and tidying up at the end of the day. An impressive 56 people with disabilities
were involved with all different aspects of setting up, promoting and running our
charity shop between February and July 2024.
trusteesannualreport
24
Our volunteer co-ordinator was responsible for the recruitment and management
of volunteers. Recruitment was made easy through connections with other
organisations such as Action Together, Tameside College and Oldham college. All of our
volunteering opportunities are now advertised on Action Together's website, and we
receive notifications each time somebody expresses an interest in one of our roles.
Action Together's social prescribing team are very supportive of our work and
often assist individuals to apply to volunteer with us. This contributed hugely to the
volume of applicants we received throughout 2024. Since, publishing our adverts on
the Action Together website we have received an average of 5 expressions of
interest per month.
Our 2024 volunteering opportunities included: Volunteer Receptionist, Volunteer
Kitchen Assistant and Volunteer Support Worker. Since recruiting these specific job
roles, there has been a noticeable difference in the attitude of our volunteers. Feedback
from volunteers highlights the importance of having a clear understanding of their
roles and responsibilities. It is also clear that our volunteer co-ordinator has made our
volunteers feel confident in their roles.
We are delighted that following this successful project, we have been invited to apply
to GMCA/WEA to continue the Finding A Foothold project for a further 6 months in
2025.
"At my other volunteeringjob,they never told me
what I should be doing and I didn't know who to
go to for clarification. I feel supported here."
Elizabeth Volunteer Support Worker
trusteesannualreport
25
Steps Towards
Supported
Living
Pennine
cap
trusteesannualreport J
26
Supported Living represents one of the three main pillars of our
fundraising and income generation strategy. In 2024, this area
was formally embedded within a clear, structured plan to guide
our efforts in generating unrestricted income for the charity. We
are therefore especially pleased to report a major step forward
in what we believe may become the most sustainable source of
revenue to support Pennine Mencap's work into the future.
From Vision to Reality
After three years of groundwork through our trading subsidiary,
Pennine Mencop Supported Housing Limited, we reached a
significant milestone. The subsidiary owns two properties in
Tameside that have been under gradual renovation in
preparation for use as supported living accommodation for
adults whose needs are not well met by the limited supported
housing options currently available in the area.
One property is a four-bedroom shared house, while the second
is a mews-style building that previously comprised four separate
flats. Renovation work on both has progressed steadily, though
at a modest pace, due to funding limitations and the inevitable
challenges of modernising older residential properties.
We are deeply grateful to Reliance Bank for their continued
support with this project, having first come on board in 2021.
Their provision of a low-charge mortgage enabled not only the
purchase of these properties but also the initiation and
progression of essential renovation works.
Welcoming Our First Resident
A major highlight of 2024 came in August, when all work on the
shared house was completed and Tameside Council formally
approved its use as a supported living property for adults with
learning disabilities. Soon after, we proudly welcomed our first
resident - a long-standing service user who has been involved with Pennine Mencap
since the charity's founding in 2012.
Having supported this individual through many challenges and milestones over the past
12 years, it is a source of immense pride that we are now able to offer them a safe,
secure and supported semi-independent home for the first time in their life.
As the property has capacity for four residents, our next focus will be on identifying two
additional tenants who are a suitable match to share the home (the fourth bedroom is
allocated as a staff room and sleep-in space for provision of overnight support). We are
approaching this process with care and deliberation, recognising that compatibility and
quality of experience are essential to ensuring the long-term success of this new chapter
in our service delivery.
trusteesannualreport
27
Continuing the Journey
Work has also continued on the second property, the building of four flats. We have
determined that, in order to use it most effectively for supported living, the internal
layout must be substantially reconfigured. This will include combining two smaller flats
to create a larger, more flexible space capable of housing two cohabiting adults with
learning disabilities.
The scale of this work is significant, but we aim to complete renovations by the end of
2025, bringing both properties into full use and expanding the supported living
opportunities we can offer.
Fair Trades
Our progress would not have been possible without the continued goodwill and
cooperation of a range of local tradespeople - builders, joiners, roofers, plumbers, gas
engineers, decorators and flooring specialists - many of whom have provided services
at competitive rates or contributed materials free of charge.
This generosity has had a tangible impact. For example, one local supplier donated a
full suite of high-quality bathroom fixtures, including an ex-display luxury bathtub, for
the shared house. Contributions like this have been invaluable in enabling us to reach
the point where our first supported living property is now complete and occupied.
We are confident that, with the continued support of our community partners and local
businesses, we will see the shared house flourish and the second property brought to
completion in the near future. Together, these developments mark a transformative
milestone for Pennine Mencap - one that deepens our
impact and ensures greater long-term stability for
the organisation and the people we support.
I'm feeling more confident
and independent. The staff
have supported me with my
living situation."
Adam
Service User
trusteesannualreport
28
Destination
Caernarfon:
The First Pennine Mencap Holiday
Pennine
cap
trusteesannualreport J
29
In March 2024 the charity took a group of 20 service users to beautiful, historic North
Wales for four days of fun. This wasn't just a holiday; this was big news for Pennine
Mencap. It had been a long-standing ambition discussed within the charity for many
years, but for a long time it felt like an unachievable dream.
We could never previously muster enough staff and volunteer time to org(]nise and
put a holiday into action on top of all our day-to-day activities and other long-term
projects. There had also always been concerns about making a holiday financially
accessible for our service users, given that many of them experience significant
economic hardship - while still making it a memorable, high quality experience for
them.
Then, at the end of 2023, the service users collectively expressed a wish to go on
holiday together, directly asking for our support in facilitating that. Presented with
such a strongly expressed desire, we were galvanized and resolved to finally make it
happen. As a team we found a venue that was accessible and housed a large
number of visitors. Due to the success of our 2023 fundraising we were able to
subsidise the holiday, which meant the costings for service users were majorly
reduced.
The venue we found was called The Bevan, an adapted large accommodation made
for group holiday bookings. It had 24 adapted twin rooms with ensuites, games
room, cinema space and incredible views of north Wales. It was a great space for the
service users and really made the holiday special.
Over the four days we planned a trip to Caernarfon, where the service users took
part in a town exploration trail, taking in the harbour, medieval town walls and the
royal castle. We then enjoyed a three-course meal at The Castle Pub, where
everyone got to watch the sunset on the harbour. It
was a really wonderful moment, with Karl looking
out contentedly and simply saying 'it
really helps you, being by the sea,.
The feedback we received from everyone
who attended the holiday was thoroughly
encouraging. On the second day we took
the service users on an outing to
Llandudno, where they enjoyed time
wandering around the shops, down the
pier and enjoying a nice lunch by the
seaside. Bobby stated how 'the holiday has
really helped my mental health, and Sue
explained 'how the holiday had brought all the
service users closer together,.
(2
trusteesannualreport
30
The feedback received really enforced the importance of this first
Pennine Mencap holiday and showed that such trips can be a vital
part of the work we do for our service users. We finished the
holiday with a slumber party, pyjamas on, buffet tea and a good
film. This simple evening of relaxed companionship really rounded
off the few days. It gave the service users the opportunity to let go
of any residual anxieties and just be present as the best versions
of themselves.
There was a clear decision that we must do this again. We can't
wait for next year's holiday.
10,000 Metres of Manchester Fundraising
Opportunities such as the holiday to Caernarfon are only possible thanks to
generous individual giving. Fundraising from the public creates unrestricted funds,
which enable us to subsidise activities that grant funders won't support. This is
how we can make them accessible to as many of our service users as possible.
A fantastic example of public fundraising in 2024 came from volunteer Chris, who
trained for months alongside Shono to toke part in the Manchester Iok on Sundoy
26th May. It was a challenge for Chris as a runner, while Shona showed incredible
tenacity and resilience throughout. Together, their efforts raised over £500 for
Pennine Mencap.
Well done and thank you both!
I.
trusteesannualreport
31
Health &
Wellbeing
Inequalities
Pennine
cap
trusteesannualreport J
32
Adults with a learning disability on average die 19.5 yearsyounger than the
general population.
LeDeR also reported that 38
of people with a mild or moderate learning
disability died an avoidable death.
Mencap website (www.mencap.org.uk), 2025
The term 'avoidable death, is used to describe a death that could have been
prevented with good quality healthcare. One of the major barriers to healthcare for
people with learning disabilities is anxiety or lack of confidence. At Pennine Mencap
we recognise this barrier is common among other vulnerable groups, including
autistic people and those who have acquired brain injuries.
The Pennine Mencap team are passionate about reducing health inequalities and
work incredibly hard to support service users to live long, meaningful lives. We do
this by providing daytime activities geared towards promoting health and wellbeing
for all.
Our activity centre is designed to be a safe and warm space for vulnerable adults,
where they can socialise with others, access support and receive a nutritious meal.
As well as this, our activities provide opportunities for skill building and creative
outlets. The empathy and patience of staff mean everybody feels welcome and
accepted.
Through our activity provision we are reducing social isolation, encouraging people
to be active and creative, increasing self-esteem; and above all else, creating a
sense of togetherness. This highlights that 'Wellbeing'
sits at the very core of thecharity's work.
In 2024, we received a generous donation of
£IOOO which enabled us to create a
Breakout Space within our activity centre,
offering a quiet area for service users when
they are feeling overwhelmed or anxious.
It is a low-stimulating environment with
comfortable seating and self-regulation
tools.
****
****
*****
****
*****
****
"My favourite thing is spending
time with my friends here. It's
really good for me."
Physical Health
According to the NHS, 37 % of people with
learning disabilities who underwent a BMI
check in 2019 were classified as overweight or
obese.
Dan
Service User
trusteesannualreport
33
That is why in 2024 we committed to facilitating 150 minutes of
physical activity per week, as recommended by the NHS. This led
to the formation of our inclusive dance company: ShowAbility,
who rehearse for 45 minutes, every Wednesday afternoon. We
continued to offer dance-based exercise classes, a walking
group and performing arts activities throughout 2024.
In February, Defibshop kindly donated a portable Defibrillator to
Pennine Mencap. Since then, we have been able to facilitate
physical activity safely and with confidence, knowing we have a
potentially life-saving device on site in cose of a cardiovascular
emergency.
'I felt inspired to
do more cycling"
Ilon
Us
In addition to our 150 minutes of weekly physical activity, we also took part in The
Inclusive Cycling project with Cycling UK. We attended several cycling sessions in the
2024, where service users were introduced to a wide range of adapted cycles. The group
practised various skills such as braking, changing gear, adjusting speed, road safety and
cyclist etiquette. This was a fantastic opportunity for our service users, many of whom
told us they had not cycled since being children.
In celebration of our commitment to being more active, the charity proudly attended
Oldham College's National Fitness Day event. Hosted in the college's sports hall, this
event brought together on impressive ronge of services promoting health and
fitness. Throughout the doy, we demonstroted our inclusive Dancercise activity and
invited members of the public to join in too.
Community Health Champions
In 2024, Pennine Mencap were invited to become Health Champions for the learning
disability community. The charity received support to promote NHS health initiatives
such as cancer screenings, vaccinotions, annual health checks, and the measles
outbreak. We became part of the Health Champion network, enabling us to stay up to
date with accurate health information which we could then share in more accessible and
engaging ways within our provision. We invited representatives from Answer Cancer to
discuss various screening programmes, raising awareness and encouraging uptake.
An important element of this project provided staff with appropriate awareness
training, enabling them to support service users to
make and attend appointments. We recognise that
support and encouragement from staff is the most
successful tool for reducing anxiety and developing
confidence. This is a service we hope to continue to
develop in the future.
"I like the
socialising" F
Shona
Service User
trusteesannualreport
34
Pennine Mencap
Advisory
Panel
Pennine
cap
trusteesannualreport J
35
Introducing Pennine Mencap Advisory Panel
In 2024, Pennine Mencap took a significant step forward in
deepening service user involvement by formally establishing the
Pennine Mencap Advisory Panel (PMAP). The panel was created
to provide a structured, inclusive platform where service users
could actively represent the views, concerns and aspirations of
their peers, contributing directly to the charity's day-to-day
operations and longer-term development. The journey to launch
PMAP was grounded in thoughtful planning and a commitment
to accessibility, with a goal of helping every voice to be heard in
a way that suited individual communication preferences.
Building an Inclusive and Accessible Structure
The process began with extensive groundwork to map out the
structure of PMAP and to design an accessible application
process. Recognizing the diverse communication and cognitive
needs of service users, the application invited submissions in any
combination of written, spoken or drawn formats. This openness
allowed candidates to express themselves in ways they felt
comfortable, removing traditional barriers to participation.
Selection procedures were carefully calibr(]ted to ensure
fairness, acknowledging the unique challenges some applicants
faced while maintaining a focus on identifying those best
positioned to advocate for the collective interests of the service
user community.
Once formed, the PMAP board was tasked with meeting
quarterly to discuss issues, provide feedback and plan ongoing
projects. Each meeting was designed to foster equal
participation and ensure a variety of perspectives were
represented. PMAP members were given opportunities not only
to raise anonymous compliments, concerns and complaints for
the attention of staff and trustees but also to develop initiatives
between meetings, such as surveying other service users to
gather ideas for future activities.
Setting Expectations and Early Priorities
At the inaugural PMAP meeting in April, the purpose ond potential of the panel were
clearly outlined. Staff emphasized the role of PMAP members as ambassadors for the
charity, chosen for their ability to represent service users positively and constructively.
The group discussed practical steps to increase their visibility and approachability,
including consideration of the introduction of badges or other physical identifiers to
signal their role. Given the range of communication abilities within the wider service user
group, creative solutions such as photo badges and colour coding were proposed to
ensure clarity.
trusteesannualreport
36
Discussions also highlighted the importance of educating members about each
other's disabilities to foster mutual understanding, with suggestions to invite guest
speakers for this purpose. The April meeting revealed a shared enthusiasm for
expanding activity options, with members suggesting new sessions such as yoga, tai
chi and guided meditation to complement existing health and wellbeing programs.
Music therapy and choir were praised for their mental health benefits, sparking ideas
for accessible adaptations like visual song aids to enhance inclusivity during
performances.
Beyond activity programming, the group reflected on social spaces within the centre.
Members advocated for improvements such as using the ground floor windows to
display artwork, creating a more vibrant community atmosphere visible to passers-by.
There was also a strong appetite for trips and outings, with members brainstorming
accessible destinations reachable by public transport, emphasizing the value of shared
experiences and community building.
Growing Confidence and Influence
By July, PMAP members were demonstrating increased confidence in their roles.
Discussions about volunteering and fundraising reflected a growing sense of
ownership, with members taking initiative in leading tabletop activities, managing
rooms and exploring innovative ideas such as online charity sales. Positive feedback on
existing activities like dancercise and walking groups was balanced with suggestions
for themed entertainment and further afield trips, underlining the members, keen
interest in shaping a dynamic and enjoyable program.
Food and safety also featured in conversations, with practical recommendations such
as portion control, the use of safety knives and diversifying meal options, reflecting
PMAP'S holistic engagement with daily life at the charity. Fundraising efforts were
bolstered by ideas for a tuck shop and increased promotion of the charity shop in local
communities, demonstrating a commitment to
supporting the organisation's longer term
sustainability.
Learning, Challenges and Adaptation
While the first year of PMAP brought many
successes, it also surfaced challenges,
particularly
navigating diverse
communication styles and occasional
differences of opinion among members.
Recognizing the emotional investment
involved and the complexities of managing
group dynamics, the panel recommended
introducing an independent facilitator to
guide meetings. This role would support the
navigation of agendas and mediate discussions,
ensuring all voices could be heard in a respectful and
productive environment.
trusteesannualreport
37
This reflective approach to improvement signals PMAP'S maturity
and the charity's commitment to continuous learning. The
feedback provided by PMAP members has already proven
invaluable to staff and trustees, offering fresh insights that have
influenced decision-making and enhanced service user
experiences.
1]_1 I,
Looking Forward: PMAP'S Role in 2025 and Beyond
As PMAP moves into its second year, the focus is on refining
processes and building on the foundations Icjid in 2024. Plans
include strengthening support for member5, expanding the
scope of their projects and enhancing the panel's visibility both
within the charity and in the wider community. There is a shared
ambition to embed PMAP more deeply into the charity's
governance and to ensure service users have a genuine and
ongoing say in shaping the future of Pennine Mencap.
The establishment of PMAP marks a vital milestone in the
charity's commitment to co-production and meaningful
engagement. By empowering service users to represent their
peers, advocate for improvements and celebrate successes,
Pennine Mencap is fostering a culture of inclusion, respect and
shared ownership. The journey of PMAP in 2024 illustrates the
transformative potential of listening, adapting and growing
together
and it sets an strong precedent for what can be
achieved in the years to come.
110¥ gniAofEID
bnoya8gnO .
re
111
Pennlne
trusteesannualreport
38
Advocacy
Pennine
cap
trusteesannualreport J
39
Advocacy
As communication systems become increasingly automated
and not just digital but AI-driven, the landscape of how people
access basic, essential services is changing rapidly. There is no
denying the efficiencies these technologies bring on a
broadscale, yet this progress is not without a cost. For many
people with learning disabilities, mental health conditions,
physical impairments, sensory challenges and neurodivergent
presentations such as autism or ADHD, the shift toward overly
structured, automated communication is creating significant
new barriers.
At Pennine Mencap, we are aware of the impact this has already
had on many of our service users who struggle with their
literacy, numeracy, memory, IT skills and their fear of
consequences (real or perceived) if they 'get it wrong, when
trying to deal with services who have a substantial influence
over their lives. The services which have a growing reliance on
digital forms, online journals, apps, booking systems, ID
checking measures and voice recognition software, range from
banks and utility providers to dentists and DWP - services that
are essential our service users.
As part of confronting these realities, our advice and advocacy
work is more critical than ever. While the large organisations
which are central to daily life simultaneously promote equality,
inclusion and diversity as important ethical virtues, they also
embrace automation in ways which can entirely contradict the
values they promote. Many of the people we support are the
people who are'left behind, by change.
The Invisible Walls of Automated Communication
The adoption of automated phone line5, online portals, AI
chatbots and multi-factor authentication systems is becoming
the default across public bodies, banks, utility providers and other essenticjl services.
What is often sold as progress or digital inclusion is, in practice, a series of hurdles that
block access to fundamental rights and services for many people we support.
These systems demand not only the ability to navigate complex technology but also
to manage multiple passwords, codes, authenticator apps and layers of personal
data verification before a human being can even be reached. This is not simply a
matter of 'getting with the times,; for a significant proportion of our service users,
these demands are a barrier that excludes them outright.
trusteesannualreport
40
The narrative that these challenges primarily affect older adults conveniently
obscures the reality. People with disabilities, mental health difficulties and
neurodivergence are systematically excluded despite the rhetoric of inclusion and
diversity. Large institutions tout their values, yet their automated systems operate
with little regard for the diverse needs of their users, pushing a significant and varied
group to the margins.
The Myth of Digital Inclusion
There is a widespread but misleading assumption that technology is universally
empowering. While many do benefit from streamlined digital services, this overlooks
the stark inequalities that automation exacerbates. The systems designed to
increase efficiency often sacrifice flexibility, discretion and human judgement -
qualities essential for meaningful inclusion.
For people facing cognitive or sensory challenges, or living with fluctuating mental
health conditions, the loss of face-to-foce or even straightfonNard telephone contact
is not just an inconvenience" it can cut them off from essential services. Being forced
to engage with impersonal automated systems, often programmed without
understanding or accommodation of these realities, results in exclusion and distress.
These in turn lead to real-life problems, ranging from suspension of benefits needed
to buy basic shopping and top up the gas meter, to the loss of teeth which could be
saved because it was too complicated to book an appointment with a dentist. While
we aim to make our advice and advocacy services easily approachable for those
who already access group activities or other elements of our services, we often only
find out about such problems when it's too late.
It's hard for anyone to ask for help, but harder still if you are contending with the
challenges of a disability - and even moreso when it feels like the issue you're
struggling with is something so fundamental that it
makes you feel 'silly' or 'incapable' for needing
support. This is increasingly becoming the case,
as it is proving harder than ever for many of
our service users to navigate the processes
that should be simpler and more accessible
than they are.
The Importance of Human Advocacy
Against this backdrop, advocacy becomes
more than a helpful service
itcan bea
lifeline.
Pennine
Mencap's work
is
increasingly about breaking through these
automated
barriers,
providing
the
representation and support that many seniice
users simply cannot secure for themselves in a
digitised world.
"Pennine Mencap is always here and
always open for us. Because staff help
me with bills and appointments. I have
more understanding of them."
Scott
Service User
trusteesannualreport
41
We advocate not only by Stepping in during crises but by
empowering individuals with the skills to engage with these
Systems where possible. However, the very complexity and
inflexibility of automated processes mean that independence is
huge challenge for many, making advocacy indispensable,
especially for our Service users who live alone, don't have a
full-time carer or don't have a strong family
support network.
The Toll on Mental Health
The impact of automated systems is felt most acutely where
mental health conditions intersect with other disabilities.
Anxiety, depression and more complex conditions such os
bipolar disorder or schizophrenia often make the sustained
interaction with bureaucratic systems overwhelming or
impossible without support. They can also be quite triggering,
causing negative behaviours and beliefs. Failing to meet a
requirement for Universal Credit or missing a payment deadline
on a bill can be enough to cause adverse reactions thot can be
deeply harmful.
Repeated encounters with automated phone menus,
inaccessible website5 and rigid data verification processes lead
to a sense of failure and then withdrawal, increased isolation
and disconnection from essential services. Pennine Mencap
works with people whose lives are made more difficult - not by
their disabilities alone
but by a society that has embraced
digital systems without ensuring it remains inclusive.
odes l. ¥.
"The help I've had with my bills ond
belng better In contact with my
finunces has tuken a weight off my
shoulders. Things like this make u5
mor• independent in the real wortsLJP
Karl
5eii.lce User
Navigating a Complex Landscape
From applying for Personal Independence Payment (PIP) to
handling utility bills or negotiating telecoms contracts, the
practical demands ploced on service users have ballooned in an
era dominated by digital access and identity management. The
need to juggle numerous passwords, security measures and online forms is far from
trivial - it is a constant source of stress and exclusion.
Even straightforward transactions, such as replacing a lost bank card or renewing a travel
pass, have become obstacles for many. Our advocacy helps translate and navigate these
processes, but the fact remains that such everyday tasks should not require extensive
intervention.
trusteesannualreport
42
Despite the undeniable importance of advocacy in mitigating these systemic barriers,
it remains under-resourced and often invisible. Pennine Mencap continues this work
because the need is urgent and growing. Yet, the charity's ability to meet demand is
restricted by a lack of dedicated funding. This remains a challenge we have yet to
identify a clear solution to, other than to gratefully acknowledge our continued reliance
on the additional efforts made by staff and volunteers to go above and beyond the
expectations of their roles within the charity. Everyone in the team does so by assisting
service users when they are in crisis, making their time and understanding available
whenever a knowledgeable companion is the best solution to a problem.
Looking Ahead
As automation and AI become further embedded in public and private services, the
risk of widening inequality grows. The direction we are heading in threatens to leave
behind those who already face multiple, intersecting disadvantages- whether from
disability, health inequality, socio-economic hardship, or all of these combined.
At Pennine Mencap, many people we support experience all of these disadvantages
and more. Our commitment to advocacy is unwavering because the consequences
of ignoring these challenges are severe. In this respect, advocacy is a safeguarding
mechanism - a means of giving voice to people who feel reduced to silence.
Technological progress should not come at the expense of dignity or equal access.
Every voice matters.
trusteesannualreport
43
Grant Fundraising
&income
Generation
in 2024
Pennine
cap
trusteesannualreport J
44
The year 2024 was characterised by a general reduction in
incoming funds, particularly due to a significant decline in grant
funding towards our core operating costs. This was primarily the
result of the conclusion of our three-year funding package from
the National Lottery Community Fund for our Bronching Out
project.
That grant had fully supported the employment costs of three
full-time staff member5 for the past three years, ending in
December 2023. As a Small charity operating across a
high-demand area, our staff team 15 one of our most valuable
a55ets ond sustaining those roles hos presented a considerable
challenge throughout 2024.
With few new opportunities offering support on the same scale
as the National Lottery, we were required to recalibrate our
approach and refocus our fundraising efforts toward short-term,
grants. While this approach has yielded fewer results than
hoped, we are pleased to report a number of meaningful
successes that demonstrate resilience and adaptability in our
income generation strategy.
Finding a Foothold Project
A particular highlight of the year was the success of our
application to the Greater Manchester Combined Authority's
Community Grant Scheme for our Finding a Foothold project.
This six-month initiative focused on building confidence, life
skills and transferable employability skills among adults with
learning disabilities, autism, additional needs and complex
multiple disabilities. The project provided an excellent
opportunity to showcase the skills-based approach that has
long been embedded in our work, while also creating new
opportunities for participants to engage directly with the public
and develop practical experience.
me
Activities included..
Charity Vinted Shop Project: Service users organised, cleaned, photographed and
packaged used clothing for online sale.
Royton Market Stall: Provided both a fundraising opportunity and hands-on employability
experience for participants.
Pop-up Charity Shop: Operated at Rhodes Bank Chambers for two months, offering a
safe, structured retail environment while drawing public interest and increasing footfall.
Community Engagements: Collaboration with organisations such as the Clarendon
Shopping Centre in Hyde, where service users managed an information stall, as well as
similar opportunities in prominent areas of high public footfall across Oldham and
Tameside.
trusteesannualreport
45
These experiences offered confidence-building, skill application and real-world
engagement opportunities that were invaluable for participants, personal and
vocational development.
Looking ahead, we plan to continue focusing on short-term, project-based grants that
support initiatives of this kind, using them to rebuild stability following the conclusion
of larger, long-term funding streams.
End of Long-Term Core Funding Support
Another major transition during 2024 was the conclusion of our three-year funding
agreement with the Tudor Trust. We received the final £20,000 instalment of a
£60,000 commitment toward utilities and core running costs at Rhodes Bank
Chambers.
This funding has been essential in covering the high costs associated with electricity,
heating, lighting, telecoms, water and insurance. However, the Tudor Trust has since
shifted its strategic priorities toward addressing racial injustice, meaning it will no
longer provide funding to disability-focused organisations.
This development serves as an important reminder of the need to avoid over-
reliance on any single funding source and to remain responsive to the evolving
priorities of grant-makers within the wider charitable landscape.
Ongoing Project-Based Grant Success
Our partnership with Action Together, the local VCSE infrastructure organisation for
Oldham and Tameside, has continued to be a valuable source of information and
support in identifying and applying for local grant opportunities.
Through this partnership, we were delighted to receive
a £10,000 grant from the One Oldham Fund in
support of our Mondays Matter project. This
funding safeguarded the delivery of a range
of health and wellbeing-focused activities
throughout the year, including Health Club,
Dancercise and Walk or Wheel Club.
Without this support, it would not have
been possible to continue these activities
at the same level of quality and
consistency.
This project exemplifies the benefits of
targeted support for targeted outcomes,
enabling us to measure impact clearly and
demonstrate to funders how their investment
directly benefits vulnerable adults with disabilities in our
local community.
trusteesannualreport
46
Smaller But Significant
In addition to larger project grants, we are deeply grateful for
several smaller grants received during 2024, each of which
made a tangible impact:
Manchester Guardian Society - £1,000: Initiated the
replacement of fire doors and frames throughout Rhodes
Bank Chambers with more compliant, modern models
as recommended in our recent Fire Risk Assessment
Neighbourly Foundation - £500: Supported the purchase of
key resources for our health and wellbeing projects.
Hubbub Foundation - £1,000: Contributed to the continued
development and operation of the Pennine Mencap
Community Fridge.
Volunteer Celebration Fund - £499.96: Funded the
purchase of two 6m x 3m bright pink gazebos from Gala
Tents Ltd, significantly improving our capacity to engage
the public at community events and volunteer fairs.
While modest in financial value, these smaller grants have been
transformational in supporting specific purchases or works that
might otherwise have been overlooked within larger funding
bids. They demonstrate how even small-scale investments can
produce outsized benefits for our organisation and the people
we support.
trusteesannualreport
47
Annual
Accounts
Year Ending 2024
Pennine
cap
trusteesannualreport J
48
**PENNINE** PENNINE **MENCAP** MENCAP **CHARITY INFORMATION** CHARITY INFORMATION
|**Directors **
Directors|E
G
Sparks
(Trustee)
EGSparks (Trustee)|
|---|---|
||A P Stock (Trustee)
AP Stock (Trustee)|
||N
Jotham (Trustee)
N Jotham (Trustee)|
||J Guy
(Trustee)
Resigned 17 July 2025
J Guy (Trustee) Resigned 17 July 2025|
||Shaun Fletcher (Trustee)
Shaun Fletcher (Trustee)|
|**Company/Charity**
**Number**
Company/Charity Number|08055950 /
1150285
08055950 /1150285|
|**Registered Office**
Registered Office|RHODES
BANK
CHAMBERS
RHODESBANKCHAMBERS|
||184
-
188 UNION STREET
184-188 UNION STREET|
||OLDHAM
OLDHAM|
||OL1 1EN
OL1 1EN|
||ENGLAND
ENGLAND|
|**Accountants **
Accountants|Tarpon
Limited
Tarpon Limited|
||132
-
134
Great
Ancoats
Street
132-134Great Ancoats Street|
||Manchester
Manchester|
||M4
6DE
M46DE|
> **Company Registration No. 08055950 (England and** Company Registration No. 08055950 (England and **Wales)** Wales)
> **Registered Charity No.** Registered Charity No. **1150285** 1150285
a) examine the accounts under section 145 of the 2011 examine the accounts under section 145 of the
b) to to follow follow the the procedures procedures laid down laid down in in the General the General Directions Directions given given by by the the Charity Charity Commission Commission (under (under section section 145(5)(b) 145(5)(b) of of
c) to state whether particular matters have come to our
> 1. which gives us reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect the which gives us reasonable cause to believe that in any material
- to keep accounting records in accordance with section 386 and 395 of the Companies Act 2006; to keep accounting records in accordance with section 386 and 395 of the Companies
- to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and to comply with the accounting requirements of sections to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and to comply with the accounting requirements
2. to which, in our opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to to which, in our opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the
**PENNINE MENCAP INCOME** PENNINE MENCAP INCOME **STATEMENT** STATEMENT **FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER** FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER **202** 2024 **4**
|||**Restricted**
Restricted|**Unrestricted**
Unrestricted|**Total funds **
Total funds|**Total funds **
Total funds|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|||**funds**
funds|**funds**
funds|||
|||**202**
**4**
2024|**202**
**4**
2024|**202**
**4**
2024|**4**
**202**
**3**
2023|
|||**£**
£|**£**
£|**£**
£|**£**
**£**
£|
|**Voluntary income & investment**
Voluntary income & investment|**income**
income|84,510
84,510|1
64,410
164,410|248,920
248,920|309,323
309,323|
|Direct
costs
Direct costs||-
-|-
-|-
-|-
-
-|
|**Total incoming**
**resources **
Total incoming resources||84,510
84,510|1
64,410
164,410|248,920
248,920|309,323
309,323|
|Administrative
expenses
Administrativeexpenses||(
84,510
)
(84,510)|(239,278)
(239,278)|(
323,788
)
(323,788)|)
(
359,847
)
(359,847)|
|Other operating
income
Other operating income||-
-|9,551
9,551|9,
551
9,551|551
6,990
6,990|
|**Operating**
**(loss)/surplus **
Operating (loss)/surplus||-
-|(
65,317
)
(65,317)|(
65,317
)
(65,317)|)
(
43,534)
(43,534)|
|**Net**
**surplus **
Netsurplus||-
-|(
65,317
)
(65,317)|(
65,317
)
(65,317)|)
(
43,534)
(43,534)|
|Other
adjustments
Other adjustments||-
-|-
-|-
-|-
-
-|
|**Total**
**(loss)/surplus **
Total(loss)/surplus||-
-|(
65,317
)
(65,317)|(
65,317
)
(65,317)|)
(
43,534)
(43,534)|
a) ensuring that the charitable company keeps accounting records that comply with Sections 386 and 387 of the Companies
b) preparing financial statements which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charitable company at the end of
## **1**
## **2 Statutory** Statutory **information** information
## **3 Compliance with accounting** Compliance with
## **4** Accounting **Accounting policies** policies
**5 Tangible fixed** Tangible
**6 Debtors**
**PENNINE** PENNINE **MENCAP** MENCAP **DETAILED PROFIT AND LOSS ACCOUNT FOR** DETAILED PROFIT AND LOSS ACCOUNT FOR **THE** THE YEAR **YEAR** ENDED **ENDED** 31 **31 DECEMBER** DECEMBER **202** 2024 **4**
||**202**
**4**
2024|**4**|**202**
**3**
2023|
|---|---|---|---|
||**£**
£|**£**|**£**
£|
|**Incoming**
**resources **
Incoming resources||||
|Charitable grants
Charitable grants|84,510
84,510||173,774
173,774|
|Donations
Donations|106,252
106,252|106,252|45,883
45,883|
|Sales
Sales|48,059
48,059|48,059|17,469
17,469|
|Insurance claim
Insurance claim|-
-|-|46,640
46,640|
|Rental income
Rental income|10,099
10,099||25,557
25,557|
||248,920
248,920||309,323
309,323|
|**Cost of**
**sales **
Cost ofsales||||
|Other direct
costs
Other direct costs|-
-|-|-
-|
|**Gross**
**surplus **
Gross surplus|248,920
248,920||309,323
309,323|
|**Administrative**
**expenses **
Administrative expenses||||
|Wages and
salaries
Wages and salaries|128,142
128,142||91,953
91,953|
|Pensions
Pensions|3,045
3,045|3,045|4,094
4,094|
|Local
projects
Local projects|39,982
39,982||42,761
42,761|
|Staff training and
welfare
Travel and
subsistence
Staff trainingandwelfare
Travel and subsistence|396
736
396
736|396
736|686
1,942
686
1,942|
|Rent
Rent|2,535
2,535|2,535|4,270
4,270|
|Rates
Rates|4,061
4,061|4,061|473
473|
|Light and
heat
Light and heat|54,392
54,392||25,148
25,148|
|Cleaning
Cleaning|1,004
1,004|1,004|246
246|
|Telephone and
fax
Telephone and fax|2,328
2,328|2,328|3,415
3,415|
|Postage
Postage|-
-|-|64
64|
|Stationery and
printing
Stationeryand printing|93
93|93|9
9|
|Subscriptions
Bank
charges
Subscriptions
Bankcharges|324
139
324
139|324
139|590
34
590
34|
|Insurance
Insurance|3,676
3,676|3,676|10,433
10,433|
|Software
Software|12,807
12,807||8,160
8,160|
|Repairs and
maintenance
Repairs andmaintenance|47,356
47,356||133,460
133,460|
|Depreciation
Depreciation|19,006
19,006||19,006
19,006|
|Sundry
expenses
Sundryexpenses|1,573
1,573|1,573|1,038
1,038|
|Accountancy
fees
Accountancyfees|675
675|675|575
575|
|Consultancy
fees
Consultancy fees|-
-|-|-
-|
|Advertising and
PR
Advertising and PR|158
158|158|94
94|
|Other legal and
professional
Other legal and professional|1,360
1,360|1,360|11,396
11,396|
||323,788
323,788||359,847
359,847|
|**Other operating**
**income**
Otheroperating income||||
|Other operating
income
Other operating income|9,551
9,551|9,551|6,990
6,990|
|**Operating**
**(loss)/surplus **
Operating (loss)/surplus|(
65,317
)
(65,317)||(43,534)
(43,534)|
|**Total**
**(Loss)/surplus **
Total(Loss)/surplus|(
65,317
)
(65,317)||(43,534)
(43,534)|
Events
Gallery
Pennine
cap
trusteesannualreport J
56
Valentines Disco - February 2
Holiday to Caernarfon - March 8th
.r*
Pennine Mencap 12th Birthday Party
ch 22nd
Comed Fundraiser Ni
ht-A
ril 6th
First PMAP Meeting - April 10th
Camberwell Park School Visit
Oldham Pride- July 20th
Dr Kershaws Summer Fair- July 21st
.a%
trusteesannualreport
57
American Diner Night- July 26th
Stage Right Presents: A Night at
the Musicals- June 28th
****
'****
*****
***
Trip to Blackpool - August 15th
Pennine Mencap Summer Festival
August 17th
111:Ip ',jj ijj.
ill Il
.11!I r
Strictly Come Dancing Night
September 2 7th
Caritas Hate Crime Awareness Day
September 28th
iJTri
Mystery Tour of Chester
September 30th
Launch of ShowAbility- October 2nd
trusteesannualreport
58
A Night at the Movies Choir Event
October 10th
Greater Manchester Change
Conference- November 28th
,•E
Celebration Ball - November 30th
Pensioners Part - December 8th
%IIG'F RI(Illt
*•
Pennine Mencap Christmas Dinner
r Ilth
Music Therapy Band Extravaganza
December 12th
Penaine
me
Tameside Hospital Christmas
Performance December 13th
Piper Hill School Visit - December 17th
me
trusteesannualreport
59
in.
emo, ia
In lasting memory of
Paula Medley
A pure and joyful soul who we lost in 2024
Pi