Forward Assist Limited Report and Accounts 31[st] August 2025
Company Registra�on Number – 08190905 Charity Registra�on Number - 1150408
FORWARD ASSIST LIMITED
(Charitable Company Limited by Guarantee)
TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT
The Trustees present their Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 August 2025, which also comprises the Directors' Report required by the Companies Act 2006.
1. Reference and Administra�ve Details
The legal name of the charity is: Forward Assist Limited
The charity's areas opera�on and UK charitable registra�on.
The charity is registered in England & Wales with the Charity Commission in England & Wales (CCEW) with charity number: 1150408 and company number: 08190905
The charity does not operate in any overseas jurisdic�ons.
The principal opera�ng address, telephone number, email and web addresses of the charity are: -
The John Willie Sams Centre, Dudley, Cramlington, Northumberland, NE23 7HS Telephone 0191 250 4877
Email Address: steve@forward-assist.com
Web address: h�ps://www.forward-assist.com/
shown above.
By opera�on of law, all trustees are directors under the Companies Act 2006 and all directors are trustees under Chari�es legisla�on and have responsibili�es, as such, under both company and charity legisla�on.
The trustees are all individuals.
Trustees (who are also directors for the purposes of company law):
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B J Hegarty
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S Honor
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Sally Walker
The following persons served as Trustees during the year ended 31 August 2025 :-
The trustees who served as a trustee in the repor�ng period were as shown above or in the period between the year end and the approval of the accounts.
G T Edwards - resigned 24/03/2025
N Preston – resigned 12/12/2024
R Jiggins – resigned 03/11/2025
Independent Examiner: Shaun Jubb, Unit 2-4 Protec�on House, Albion Road, North Sheilds, NE30 2RH
Bankers: Na�onal Westminster Bank plc, 250 Bishopsgate, London, EC2M 4AA Accountants: Hurren & Jubb Accountants Ltd, Unit 2-4 Protec�on House, NE30 2RH
2. Structure, Governance and Management
Forward Assist Limited is a charitable company limited by guarantee, incorporated in England and Wales and registered under the Companies Acts.
The governing document of the charity is the Memorandum and Ar�cles of Associa�on establishing the company under company legisla�on.
There are no restric�ons in the governing documents on the opera�on of the Charity or on its investment powers other than those imposed by Charity Law.
Trustees are appointed in accordance with the Ar�cles. The trustees are responsible for se�ng the strategic direc�on and policies of the charity. Day-to-day opera�ons are managed by employed staff under the supervision of the trustees.
to have due regard to the guidance on public benefit published by the Charity Commission.
3. Objec�ves and Ac�vi�es
OUR MISSION STATEMENT:
“We support military veterans struggling to adjust to civilian life; we want all veterans to live great lives, filled with passion, purpose, social connec�on, service and growth.”
In the UK, military veterans and their families account for 5% of the general popula�on. There are an es�mated 2.5 million veterans living in the United Kingdom. For some veterans a return to civilian life can be a joyous experience, however for others it can be an experience fraught with transi�onal difficul�es that are mul�ple and complex in nature. Sadly, through omission and/or commission we are leaving behind too many of our veterans in the ‘no man’s land’ of civvy street. With so many veteran support organisa�ons, groups, chari�es and providers opera�ng in the same area it is no surprise to hear that veterans struggle to navigate, connect and engage with professional support in a �mely manner. We aim to provide a safe place where all veterans can feel physically and psychologically supported, respected and welcome. Any veterans accessing our services will be signposted to the most appropriate
irrespec�ve of geography, gender, race, age, culture or sexual orienta�on.
Based in the North East of England, but with a geographical footprint across the UK. Forward Assist has moved the professional prac�ce dial forward and developed unique services that foster Post Trauma�c Growth. If needed Forward Assist, in collabora�on with a host of mul�-disciplinary partners can help you access bespoke support to address key issues such as unemployment, homelessness, involvement in the CJS, family breakdown and/or chronic social exclusion. The transi�on from military to civilian life can be a challenging journey for many UK military veterans. This shi� o�en requires significant adjustments, including finding new career paths, adap�ng to civilian societal norms, and coping with the physical and psychological impacts of service. While tradi�onal interven�ons o�en focus on addressing deficits and trea�ng condi�ons such as post-trauma�c stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, or depression, strength-based interven�ons offer a compelling alterna�ve. These approaches emphasise the innate strengths, skills, and resilience of veterans, fostering empowerment and long-term well-being. Forward Assist’s Strengthbased interven�ons focus on iden�fying and u�lising the individual’s exis�ng assets, capabili�es, and achievements. Rather than emphasising problems or deficits, this approach leverages the skills veterans developed during their military service, such as leadership, discipline, adaptability, teamwork, and problem-solving. By recognising these a�ributes, strength-based interven�ons seek to build confidence and mo�va�on, encouraging veterans to apply their abili�es in new contexts.
The main ac�vi�es undertaken in rela�on to those purposes during the year.
Our charitable objec�ves remain unchanged and are:
- The ensure that any former member of His Majesty's Armed Forces can access specialist advice and informa�on, guidance and holis�c support to reduce physical, psychological or social harm experienced by individuals because of military service and their assimila�on back into the civilian community.
socially excluded, relieving the needs of those people who are socially excluded and assis�ng them in integrate into society.
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To develop the capacity and skills of former service personnel both socially and economically so that they are able to support themselves and other disadvantaged communi�es in the UK in such a way that they are be�er able tom iden�ty, and help meet, their needs and to par�cipate more fully in society.
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To promote such other charitable purposes as may from �me to �me be determined.
4. Achievements and Performance
Suppor�ng military veterans struggling to adjust to civilian life. The trustees have had regard to the Charity Commission's guidance on public benefit in managing the ac�vi�es of the charity.
The main achievements and performance of the charity during the year.
their hard work and dedica�on across 2024-25. This period saw a significant period of transi�on at the Charity as the founder and CEO Tony Wright announced his re�rement date of 30[th] November 2025. The planning for his re�rement and the installa�on of a new CEO has taken precedence during the la�er half
of the year. The trustees would like to put on record our thanks to our founder Tony Wright for his outstanding contribu�ons as he approaches a well-earned re�rement.
Forward Assist has made real progress in rese�ng our opera�onal delivery and obtaining the funding required for sustainability and growth at the Charity.
The charity launched outdoor therapy foraging events, designed to promote wellbeing, slow living, and reconnec�on with nature. These fit well alongside exis�ng hor�culture therapy projects that con�nue at Seaton Delaval Hall. Alongside this, a new cohort of volunteers is being recruited to strengthen delivery capacity and widen community involvement. It is noteworthy that Lance Corporal, Sarah Bushbye MC who is only the third woman to win the Military Cross has agreed to join Forward Assist as a volunteer, coming full circle in her transi�on back into civilian life having previously engaged with our veteran retreat services in the past.
On the partnership front, we have engaged with key stakeholders including our local MP, Emma Foode, the Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner, Susan Dungworth, and senior Proba�on Opera�onal and Commercial Leads. These discussions are shaping the development of an intensive supervision pilot for veterans on Proba�on, which represents a major opportunity to influence prac�ce and improve outcomes. Further collabora�ve work has been ini�ated with the North Tyneside Youth Jus�ce Team, exploring funding opportuni�es and the crea�on of innova�ve repara�on ac�vi�es. A proposed ini�a�ve will see young people, under supervision, working alongside veterans to renovate the Salute Coffee Truck, combining skill-building, restora�ve prac�ce, and intergenera�onal learning.
These developments demonstrate Forward Assist’s con�nued role as a trusted partner in veteran support, criminal jus�ce innova�on, and community engagement.
As Trustees, we con�nue to be deeply impressed by the charity’s ability to adapt and con�nue delivering essen�al services to those in need. We have added a new opera�onal lead to our excellent dedicated team helping us the manage the transi�on of the CEO and con�nue our work entering a new dawn for Forward Assist.
Despite the unique challenges of the past year, we are incredibly proud of the charity’s achievements and the impact it con�nues to make in rela�on to evidence based prac�ce and prac�ce-based evidence. The CEO’s blogs have provided valuable insights into the real-life experiences of hidden popula�ons within the military veteran community, further reinforcing the depth of understanding within our team.
Opera�onally, we have remained steadfast in our core mission: delivering excep�onal support to veterans and their families through needs led and person-centred interven�ons and signpos�ng. Like all chari�es, we con�nue to navigate an increasingly compe��ve and challenging fundraising landscape. To address this, we secured restricted funding for an opera�onal lead, to help bring in funding and enhance our sustainability. Addi�onally, with a reduced staff team this financial year, we have relied heavily on volunteering and partnerships to achieve our objec�ves.
Structure, governance and management of the charity
The methods used to recruit and appoint new charity trustees.
and qualifica�ons.
During the year the charity con�nued to deliver support services and programme ac�vi�es for beneficiaries. Ac�vi�es included events, exchange programmes and support ini�a�ves aligned with the charity’s objec�ves.
Income for the year totalled £51,798 (2024: £32,973), including a restricted grant of £25,000 received to fund specific salary contribu�on for our opera�onal lead.
and staffing costs.
lower income levels rela�ve to programme and staffing expenditure.
Restricted funds of £28,750 remain at the year end and will be applied to programme delivery in the next financial year.
5. Financial Review
At 31 August 2025 total funds were £32,039 (2024: £81,504), comprising:
-
Unrestricted funds: £3,289
-
Restricted funds: £28,750
Cash at bank at the year-end was £32,780 (2024: £76,854).
and procedures. The charity remains transparent, accountable, and responsible for its financial management. Our stakeholders are happy with the services they have funded and our regular reports update them on progress made in suppor�ng military combat veterans. We con�nue to effec�vely fulfil our mission and charitable objec�ves and by consolida�ng the 'lived experience' of hidden and marginalised veterans have created dedicated services to directly meet their needs.
6. Reserves Policy
opera�ng expenditure.
At 31 August 2025 unrestricted reserves amounted to £3,289. The trustees recognise that this level is below their target level and have already taken steps to rebuild unrestricted reserves through fundraising ini�a�ves and careful cost management. The board based on the communica�on with funders surrounding future income are posi�ve that this situa�on will improve in 2026.
7. Going Concern
basis, they consider it appropriate to prepare the financial statements on a going concern basis.
8. Statement of Trustees’ Responsibili�es
The trustees (who are also directors of Forward Assist Limited for the purposes of company law) are responsible for preparing the Trustees’ Annual Report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accoun�ng Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accoun�ng Prac�ce).
true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charitable company and of the incoming resources and applica�on of resources, including its income and expenditure, for that period.
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select suitable accoun�ng policies and apply them consistently;
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observe the methods and principles in the Chari�es SORP (FRS 102);
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make judgements and es�mates that are reasonable and prudent;
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state whether applicable UK accoun�ng standards have been followed;
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presume that the charity will con�nue in opera�on.
The trustees are responsible for keeping adequate accoun�ng records and for safeguarding the assets of the charity.
Approved by the trustees on 25/03/2026 and signed on their behalf by:
B J Hegarty Trustee / Director
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER’S REPORT
To the Trustees of Forward Assist Limited
I report to the trustees on my examina�on of the accounts of Forward Assist Limited for the year ended 31 August 2025.
Responsibili�es and basis of report
As the trustees of the charity (and its directors for the purposes of company law) you are responsible for the prepara�on of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006.
examina�on, I report in respect of my examina�on carried out under sec�on 145 of the Chari�es Act 2011.
Independent examiner’s statement
gives me cause to believe that in any material respect:
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accoun�ng records were not kept in accordance with sec�on 386 of the Companies Act 2006; or
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the accounts do not accord with those records; or
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the accounts do not comply with the accoun�ng requirements of sec�on 396 of the Companies Act 2006; or
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the accounts have not been prepared in accordance with the Chari�es SORP (FRS 102).
Signed: _______ Name: Shaun Jubb
Date:
Address: Unit 2-4 Protec�on House, North Shields, NE30 2RH
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES
For the year ended 31 August 2025
Income
Unrestricted Restricted Total 2025 Total 2024
Dona�ons and grants 26,588 25,000 51,588 14,240 Other trading income 210 – 210 18,733 Total Income 26,798 25,000 51,798 32,973
Expenditure
Unrestricted Total 2025 Total 2024
Charitable ac�vi�es 104,412 104,412 134,569 Total Expenditure 104,412 104,412 134,569
Net Movement in Funds
Net expenditure for the year: £49,465 Total funds brought forward: £81,504 Total funds carried forward: £32,039
BALANCE SHEET
As at 31 August 2025
2025 (£) 2024 (£)
765 900 Cash at bank and in hand 32,780 76,854 Creditors (due within one year) (1,506) – Net assets 32,039 81,504
Funds
2025 (£) 2024 (£)
Restricted funds 28,750 3,750 Unrestricted funds 3,289 77,754 Total funds 32,039 81,504
companies subject to the small companies’ regime.
B J Hegarty Director Company number: 08190905
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
1. Basis of Prepara�on
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The Chari�es SORP (FRS 102)
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The Financial Repor�ng Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102)
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The Companies Act 2006
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The Chari�es Act 2011
2. Accoun�ng Policies
Income is recognised when the charity is en�tled to the income, receipt is probable and the amount can be measured reliably.
Expenditure is recognised on an accrual’s basis.
basis at 15% per annum.
No employee received remunera�on in excess of £60,000.
4. Trustee Remunera�on and Related Party Transac�ons
No trustee received reimbursement of expenses (2024: £nil).
There were no related party transac�ons requiring disclosure.
5. Restricted Funds
following financial year.
Balance at 31 August 2025: £28,750.
Opening balance £3,750 Income £25,000 Closing balance £28,750
6. Tangible Fixed Assets
Cost
| Plant & Machinery |
Motor vehicles |
Total | |
|---|---|---|---|
| At 1 September 2024 | £29,791 | £10,400 | £40,191 |
| Disposals | (£4,301) | – | (£4,301) |
| At 31 August 2025 | £25,490 | £10,400 | £35,890 |
Deprecia�on and impairment
Deprecia�on is provided on a reducing balance basis at 15% per annum.
| Plant & Machinery |
Motor vehicles |
Total | |
|---|---|---|---|
| At 1 September 2024 | £28,891 | £10,400 | £39,291 |
| Disposals | (£4,301) | – | (£4,301) |
| Deprecia�on charge | £135 | – | £135 |
| At 31 August 2025 | £24,725 | £10,400 | £35,125 |
Net Book Value Total
At 31 August 2025 £765
At 31 August 2024 £900