2023-12-31-accounts

GRAPEVINE ESSEX FOR PEOPLE WITH LEARNING DISABILITIES

ANNUAL REPORT 2023

Contents

Contents
Our Purpose, our Values, our Services	4
Structure and Governance	5
We Listen, We Act, We Care	6
Chair’s Annual Review	7
President’s Report	8
Club Grapevine	9
Dance Group	10
Performance Overview	11
What People Say…	12
Our Benefactors	14
Treasurer’s Report	15
Independent Examiner’s Report	16
Accounts for the Year 2023	17
Spot the Difference	18
Membership Forms	19
Gift Aid Form	21

2

“We didn't know we were making memories, we were just having fun” AA Milne

To make an impact on the lives of adults with learning disabilities by providing the necessary tools for change to enable them to lead active and purposeful lives.

Grapevine Essex is committed to providing an excellent and professional service to adults with learning disabilities; comprising affordable, confidence building and educational opportunities that teach life skills, support independent living and improve employability.

The supported outings and activities provided ensure valuable

respite to parents and carers, in addition to raising acceptance and awareness of adults with learning difficulties within the general public.

Most of all, we are dedicated to ensuring our members have fun, develop friendships and enhance their lives within a safe, supportive and friendly environment.

3

Structure and Governance

Grapevine Essex was founded in January 2012 and achieved charity status as a Charitable Incorporated Organisation in March 2013 with the registered Charity Number 1151261. Our governing document is the CIO Constitution, which was also agreed in 2013 and is reviewed on a regular basis.

otherwise be available to them. Grapevine provides over 40 outings and events during the Easter, Summer and Christmas holidays. These can include trips to historical venues, theme parks, theatres, outdoor activity centres, wildlife parks and residential mini-breaks to name just a few.

In term time, we hold two weekly evening clubs - a Dance Group, and Club Grapevine, which is a social club providing organised activities. Both are very well attended.

In accordance with Charity Commission regulations, we have an elected Board of Trustees, who are responsible for the governance of the group. Charity trustees are elected on the basis of the relevant skills and attributes they possess that enable them to perform important functions within the charity. Trustees who were elected at the Annual General Meeting on 27 May 2023 are:

Adults with learning disabilities can lead sedentary and sheltered lives and are at a particular disadvantage in our society with relation to involvement in leisure and social activities. This may be due to communication difficulties, a lack of confidence, qualified help and support or financial restrictions. People who are intellectually disadvantaged can be socially marginalised and isolated. Some of our members live in segregated settings, with few, if any, social relationships within the wider community.

Mrs Jackie Holland Mrs Monika Kelly Mrs Emma Wyatt Mrs Jane Crossman Mr Adrian Heighes Mrs Vanessa Hellier Mrs Sue Johns Mr Simon Jones Mrs Mary Schultz Mr Peter Schultz

Chair Treasurer Secretary Trustee Trustee Trustee Trustee Trustee Trustee Trustee

Belonging to Grapevine Essex helps to motivate our members and improve their quality of life by providing exciting opportunities to get involved with, alongside some regular and familiar activities too. Members form relationships and make friends; and belonging to the ‘Grapevine Family’ becomes an important part of their lives.

Grapevine Essex was formed to meet the need locally for adults with learning disabilities to join a club where they can experience opportunities via our extensive activity programme that would not

4

Grapevine Essex was founded in January 2012 by Jackie Holland and Vanessa Hellier and we have over 150 members. We are honoured to have Peter Turrall MBE as our President, and Lord Petre, 18th Baron Petre KCVO as our Patron.

Adults, level 3 (Higher Distinction) and Autism Awareness.

Adrian Heighes is a Support Assistant for people with complex needs. He is currently studying for a BSc Hons in Health and Social Care and holds the following qualifications: QCF/NVQ Level Two: Health & Social Care; NVQ Level Three: Employment Law; Understanding Autism, Fire Safety, Health & Safety, Nutrition & Wellbeing, Infection Control & Prevention, Safeguarding Vulnerable Adults, level 3 (Higher Distinction); Dementia Awareness, Makaton, The Autism Act 2009, Manual Handling; First Aid at Work and is qualified to administer Buccal Midazolam.

Jackie’s role as Chair of the Board of Trustees and Charity Manager includes planning and organising all the activities and events for members, managing the accounts and overseeing the general running of the charity. Jackie holds qualifications in Emergency First Aid at Work; Risk Assessment and Safeguarding Vulnerable Adults, level 3 (Higher Distinction). Jackie manages the charity from her home in St Osyth.

Simon Jones is a qualified SEN teacher and actively works teaching adults with alternative needs across a broad spectrum at a local Essex College. He holds the following qualifications, DETS / LV5 (teaching diploma), HND in Early Childhood studies and BTEC Level 3 Social Care. Simon has been working within the SEN sector for over fifteen years and is an experienced behaviour support manager, personal assistant, classroom assistant and manager and qualified teacher. In a nutshell, Simon loves his job!

Vanessa’s role as Member Support Manager involves organising the support for members and supervising the volunteer team. She also runs our two weekly clubs during term times: Club Grapevine and the Dance Group. Vanessa holds qualifications in First Aid at Work; Risk Assessment; Safeguarding Vulnerable Adults, level 3 (Higher Distinction); Epilepsy Awareness; Autism Awareness and is qualified to administer Buccal Midazolam.

Mary Schultz works alongside Vanessa in providing support for members and also organises the Art and Craft Workshops. Mary holds qualifications in Emergency First Aid At Work; Risk Assessment; Safeguarding Vulnerable

Other support staff and volunteers are offered ‘Emergency First Aid at Work’ training. All members of the Grapevine Team have Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) clearance where required.

5

Chair’s Annual Review 2023

I do love living in the beautiful village of St Osyth, where I work from home to manage

Grapevine Essex 2 days a week. Sadly, I’m not able to join as many events as before, as it’s just too far to come to Chelmsford regularly but I really enjoy it when I do see everyone. It’s brilliant when you come here too, last summer we had a day out at Clacton Pier and another day at The Curve Water Park followed by a pub lunch. In December we were lucky enough to visit the medieval St Osyth Priory for an educational guided event just for our group.

Due to the huge increase in coach costs and money being very tight for the first half of the year, we had no choice but to use the minibuses more and more.

Thankfully, we did receive some generous funding later in the year which got us back on track. We hope to have more of a balance of coaches vs minibuses in the future - and we will always use a coach for London trips.

We are extremely grateful to all our supporters who have provided us with grants, donations and attended fundraising events. Grapevine would not exist without its many generous benefactors (see page 14).

Jackie Holland Chair & Charity Manager

My favourite trips are always the residentials, which we are hoping to do more of in the future. Last year our Spring trip was to Gaveston Hall in Sussex, where we included visits to Arundel Castle and Brighton. In the summer, we returned to Bowles Rocks in Kent for rocking climbing and canoeing. Everyone has so much fun and we made some wonderful memories.

“I love going to Grapevine, they have fun filled activities and day trips to go on. The day trips are amazing” Grace Wiley

6

President’s Report

joining our well run organisation and also some of the events they attend. All in all I can honestly say we are so fortunate to have an excellent Chairman and Committee to organise all these super events for our Members.

Once again it is my pleasure to put pen to paper and comment how all our friends in Grapevine Essex have enjoyed so many well organised events throughout the last year.

Unfortunately I regret I have been unable to participate in any of them but my thoughts are always with our Members as they enjoy all that is put before them.

Through my Grandson Thomas I hear about new people

I hope all of you have a great Summer. Remember to enjoy yourselves and keep safe in any of the activities you undertake.

With very best wishes for the coming year.

Peter A.T. Turrall MBE President

7

Club Grapevine

Tuesdays 6:30pm-8:30pm, term time only Moulsham School, Brian Close, Chelmsford CM2 9ES Contact: [e-mail] / 07976 578868

I would like to show my appreciation to all the Club Grapevine volunteers and staff: Jane, Sarah B, Adrian, Sarah W, Grace, Emma, Mary and Simon for all their support and help. I would also like to thank Mary for organising and preparing the arts and crafts evenings and Eileen and Cathy for assisting on the night. Thanks to Tom for taking on our quiz nights and preparing the questions each time. Thanks to DJ JoJo, Jan and Denis for doing the discos. A big, big thank you to all the carers that bring the members to club and help us out.

I’d like to thank all the members that are able to pay up front for the activities, as this makes it much easier for us in collecting fees.

Club Grapevine continues to carry on growing with new members each year. We now have an average of 60-65 members most weeks. Bowling and Disco will always be the most popular activities. We are so glad that City Bowl in Chelmsford is now up and running again.

I hope everyone enjoys all the club nights and if you have any suggestions for other activities we can offer on a Tuesday evening, then please let me know.

In memory of Colin Gooday who was a very big part of Club Grapevine and Grapevine Essex, we decided to award a kindness award each year to someone who we thought deserved it. So, this year the Colin Gooday Kindness Award was presented to Grace Walker our youngest member of the volunteer team for all the help she gives to members each week.

In memory of Ian Roberts who was a member of Grapevine Essex we decided to present an art and craft award, as Ian really enjoyed joining in with this activity. So, in memory of Ian Roberts the Art and Craft Award this year goes to Ellen Schultz for her achievements. Well done, Ellen.

Vanessa Hellier, Club Grapevine Manager

8

Dance Group

Mondays 7:00pm-8:00pm, term time only The Boswells School, Burnham Road, Chelmsford CM1 6LY Contact: Vanessa Hellier - [e-mail] / 07976 578868

Where does the time go..? I would like to give a big thank you to Jean Hunter for teaching the classes and coming up with new dances when needed. I would like to thank our volunteer team Lynn, Lesley, Gail and Katherine for coming every week.

I am the dance tutor and choreographer for the Dance Group. We meet on Monday evenings at the Boswells School who kindly let us use their dance studio.

We have been together for 29 years now and we continue to thrive as a large boisterous group with a few new members, and the huge help and organisation from Vanessa and our devoted Volunteers.

This year, The Katie Whalley Dance Achievement Award was presented to Anna Morgan for the help she gives to other members at the dance classes. Well done, Anna!

Our brilliant Dancers performed at four public events in 2023: Boswells Community Dance School Show in April; Columbus College summer fair in June; Chelmsford Carnival in July and the Boswells Show in July.

We are hoping that next year our dancers will be appearing at more public performances to showcase our Dance Group.

I am pleased that 75% of our members are paying in advance for the whole term, as it makes so much easier when collecting fees.

Vanessa Hellier, Dance Group Manager

We are very lucky to have the continuing backing and support of Paul Butler and his staff and pupils, who supply the lighting and music for every show and help to make our performances go smoothly.

Jean Hunter, Dance Tutor

9

Performance Overview 2023

that costs for activities have had to increase. However, we are adept at cutting our cloth to fit the budget, so were still able to offer 36 outings and events over the year including two short-breaks away. Regrettably the increase in fuel costs has meant fewer London trips and West End shows.

Grapevine Essex provides educational and recreational activities for adults with learning disabilities living in Essex. Our priority is to support our members’ mental well-being by widening their social circle and increasing their confidence with funfilled activities. This results in members feeling valued, able to contribute meaningfully to society and live more fulfilled lives.

A review of the type of events offered shows the varied split of activities available: Life Enhancing - e.g. theatres, restaurants Educational - e.g. historic venues Creative - e.g. art and craft Fitness and Exercise - e.g. dance, swimming Life Skills - e.g. cooking and residentials (see Fig.2).

Comparing our attendance figures with pre-pandemic levels show we are still playing catch-up (see Fig.1). We have put this down to a change of habits for members, together with the huge impact of the cost of living crisis. Funding has also been more difficult to come by, meaning

Fig 1

Fig 2

10

What People Say...

I love going to Grapevine Club, they have fun filled activities and day trips to go on. The day trips are amazing. A day trip I went on in the Easter break was pottery painting at Barleylands, I really enjoyed this activity. I

joined the residential stay at Gaveston Hall and I loved the steam train ride at Bluebell Railway. Grace Wiley

I really enjoyed the City of London walking tour, East Anglian Railway, Southend Sealife Adventure; Chislehurst Caves; Bowles Rocks, fishing, river trip and the Curve aqua park. I'm happy being a member, I feel that I'm looked after well and my confidence has grown. I am looking forward to the next lot of outings and activities. I'm hoping to come to the Isle of Wight in the summer and I'm looking forward to the Stansted raceway and especially Butlins in February 2025. It would be lovely to have these kinds of holidays in the near future.

Mark Morrison

Lianne looks forward to seeing everyone on the trips, she love the theatre and going to new places. Lianne also has enjoyed going to Club Grapevine; without these activities, she would be very bored. She is looking forward to seeing Mrs Doubtfire and enjoying some more activities this year. Thanks to all the staff and volunteers for all they do for the members.

Clare Nice (Lianne’s mum)

Over Summer, I enjoyed going to Clacton Pier & Jurassic Experience because I am very interested in Dinosaurs and at Xmas I loved going to Theatre productions, seeing Peter Pan and The Wizard of Oz. Really love the Grapevine trips, thank you Jackie and Vanessa and all the other Staff.

Ellen Schultz

I really enjoyed Conjuring at the Court and Go Ape and can't wait for the Isle of Wight and hopefully the Curve Sports in St Osyth because that's always been very popular.

Thanks again Jackie and Vanessa and all the team for the wonderful trips.

Andrew Brooks

Another great selection of Grapevine trips, going to some historical places and revisiting some firm favourites. Over Summer last year, we had 17 trips, all brilliant in their own way but my favourites were the residential at Bowles Rock where people overcame fears and were brave to try out new things. Also Fishing at Puddledock Farm for a relaxing morning and afternoon; Theatre performances of Billy Joel Collection and Back into Hell and Audley End, steeped in History.

At Xmas, St Osyth Priory and The Wizard of Oz at Cliffs Pavillion were definitely my favourites. At the Priory, we went on a tractor ride around the grounds and saw

11

some white deer, learnt a lot of history and it was amazing to see the wall graffiti in the Abbot’s Tower going back many years. We even made some medieval medicines with herbs from their Physic garden. It is lovely to see that they are restoring many parts of the Priory.

Mary Schultz (Trustee)

My favourite trip so far is Conjuring at the Court, it was a fabulous show and I enjoyed it.

Conor Hickey

I am pleased to

offer my continued support to the future of Grapevine Essex. It’s lovely to see the enjoyment on everyone’s faces as they join in with all the activities. The staff and volunteers are marvellous, working hard to ensure the success of everything that they do.

Jane Crossman (Trustee)

Louan is talking about the summer trips already, he absolutely loves Grapevine!

David Moore (Louan Elsdon’s carer)

Jessica feels very well looked after. She has been reunited with many of the people she attended school and College with. Without Club Grapevine she would not be able to socialise with them.

She is working on her confidence; with each attendance I feel her confidence growing (i.e. she will now ask to be dropped off and is willing to walk in alone) She is only able to attend Tuesday evenings on a regular basis, with the odd trip during the

holidays; the trips that she has attended have been thoroughly enjoyed. Jessica is not a dancer, but she does enjoy watching her peers enjoying themselves.

Michele Sullivan (Jessica’s mum)

My sister, Suzanne Adams has been a member of Grapevine for a number of years and I know how much Sue gets from all the events she attends. The staff at Grapevine, (without exception) have provided not just Sue, but myself with support that goes above and beyond what would be expected.

I attended the most recent overnight stay at Gaveston Hall, to support Sue with her personal care. I didn't expect to have such a fun time with a group of adults with a diverse range of disabilities. All members are treated with the utmost respect and I honestly had the best time.… Such a great bunch of people. I learnt so much from so many and it gave me a real insight into the importance of Grapevine's existence. I strongly believe that without Grapevine, members would miss out opportunities to "get out there and be themselves". I am looking forward to supporting Sue on the Isle of Wight trip......I'll remember my earplugs this time. The level of commitment extended by staff to help enrich and fulfil the lives of these individuals is totally amazing. I'm in awe! Thank you for everything you do.

Debbie MartinSmith (Sue Adam’s sister)

12

With special thanks to all our benefactors

Amazon Fundraising Beaumont, Mrs. J. Chelmer Bridge Rotary Chelmsford Lions Chelmsford Newsagents’ Customers Corrigan, Mr. J. Easy Fundraising Endeavour customers, Chelmsford Essex Association of Local Councils Essex Community Foundation Greig, Mr. J Hector, Mrs. B. Hellier, Mrs. V. Holland, Mrs. C.M.

Holland, Mrs. J.A. John Lewis, Chelmsford Lodge of Integrity Magic Little Grant (Local Giving) Monk-Smith, Mrs. A. Old Chelmsfordian Lodge Paypal Giving Fund Provincial Grand Conclave of Essex Red Lion customers, St Osyth Rivermead Rotary Club Schultz, Mrs. M. St Cedd Chapter Rose Croix 287 Turrall, Mr. P. Zwink, Mrs. L.

“I absolutely love volunteering for Grapevine and find it incredibly rewarding” Emma Wyatt, Trustee

13

Treasurer’s Report

increases, which affect transport costs and entrance fees.

At the end of 2023, Grapevine Essex is in a sound financial position. There is a bank balance of £18,988 and cash-in-hand of £133.

We were delighted to receive grants and donations of £8,186, the Benefactors are listed on Page 14. Gift Aid of £568 was recovered on donations received in the 2022-2023 period.

Charities with an annual income of less than £1million are not required to have their accounts audited but must be inspected by an Independent Examiner.

Our fundraising activities - namely the Barn Dance, Charity Bingo, a Fashion Show and the Quiz Night raised a total of £2652 after costs. We are very pleased that these events continue to be well supported in the local community. If you would like to discuss any potential grants or donations, fundraising or sponsorship opportunities, please get in touch.

Mr. Robert Andrews is registered with the Association of Charity Independent Examiners (ACIE) and has inspected the Annual Accounts. A report on his findings is provided on page 16.

Grapevine is not in receipt of any government funding; the income is composed of fundraising, grants, donations and members’ fees.

Reserves Policy: Grapevine Essex plans to retain a minimum of £7,000 as free reserves, representing the average expenditure for one series of events.

The principal on-going risk to the future of the charity is a reduction in the income required to pay the staff that manage the charity and organise the events, as well as the rising energy and cost of living

Monika Kelly, Treasurer

14

Independent Examiner's Report Indwndent Examkwsiiewfw thepareThded 31 Detembu2013 I reporton the accountsof GtapevinE Essexthatityno 1151261 which are set outon page17 Re5￿tIVe respon￿￿lit￿￿vftn￿tee5 and ewarn￿r The charity's truStees3re responsib￿ for the preparat￿n of iheaccountsin accoldan￿W the re4uirÈmentsofthe Charrt￿$ ArtIOlll-thÈ Art-l. The ch3ritl5ttU5tees considerthat an audit ￿ ￿t rEquiredforthi5yearun&r5erth]n 144 of the Act and that an Inde￿ndent eAaminatiDn 15 examinethe accouN5 under5ectr)n Id5 0ftheCharrt￿ 4cL tofollow ihe app11rab￿ DrecM05ENen ty thecharny Commts￿oTr (under 5ectlon 14515llbl of the Act. and tostatewheihef PartKularm3ttershaYecometo myattent Ba515 Df iThdEpendeThteAarnTherf5 5taterneTht My exèminationwa5 C3m&d aut In accordancewith general Directpans given bythe Charity Commission. An examinatson includ95 a rev￿w01th￿ accounting rocord5 k￿Ptbyth charrty acompanson olthe accounts presented those record5. rtalso Includes consideration of an¥ unu5uèI rtems or dsch)suie5 In theaccounts. èn45eeklngexplanat￿ftS fiom the truSteÈsttsntÈmingany 5Uth mattÈr5. The pnxÈduFÈSunOErtaken do not prtsYidÈ Ilthe evidencE thatwould be requKed in an3￿rt,and (￿equentIY no opinion 15gNen a5 to Whetherthe￿co￿ntspr￿￿e￿ta.tr￿P5￿dfairf¥w andthe reportislimtted totho&e matter5 5etout Inthe Statsmentbe￿w. 1fftdependentexamin￿.S staterneTrt In connertion wrth my￿￿￿1nattt)n, no mater&41 matters have cometomyattentb)n B￿￿5 me iau5etobehevE tha¢ in anytnaterial re5pert". counting recordswere notkept in a(cord3fice *ith Section laOofthetharitlE5Art or the a(Co￿￿t5 do not ac¢vrdwiththe Jcwunting rerords I have noconcem5 have ciyne acr055 Dootberrnatre￿ IDCODneLtsn ¥vtth the exarnination to whicb allention￿1d be diawn In0rdertoenab￿ a proper understanding olthe attountsto be reached. RobertAndrewS 3 Sewards End, WickfDtd, 55129PB l June 2024 Re￿aTrI Pro1e55hinalQ￿J1m￿aIknTr'. Fello4Y ofthe ASSOCOtion of Charrty independent Examiners 15

Accounts for the Year 2023

Grapevine Essex Registered charity no: 1151261

16

Spot the Difference

There are 7 differences between the pictures below - see if you can find them all.

17

Membership Application

Your details

Membership is available to anyone with a learning disability and aged 18 or over

Membership Fee

Annual Membership Fee: £15

Payment options:

Cheques/postal orders payable to Grapevine Essex

Members have the opportunity to participate in approximately 35 specially organised and supported recreational and educational events per year at subsidised prices. Members are also entitled to participate in the weekly term time groups: Grapevine Essex Dance Team * (Monday evenings at The Boswells School, Chelmsford) and Club Grapevine * (Tuesday evenings at Moulsham School, Chelmsford). *Weekly subscription fees apply

Please return this form with your payment to: Grapevine Essex • c/o Tulip Hall • 31 Clacton Road • St Osyth • Essex • CO16 8PA [e-mail] • www.grapevineessex.org.uk

18

riends of Grapevine Essex Fiiends of Grape￿e Essex membership is avalable to anyone who ¥Y%hes to help 5UPPOrt the valuable work of our (harrty. a Friend of Grapevine E5￿ you w be emailéd iègulai updates on progress and events. If you do not ￿7$h to recerve emads from u5. please lick here ra neesse￿Or .uk Registered Chaity Number 1151261 Your details Title {Mr, Mrs, Miss} Name Address Postcodè Tel No l mobi￿ No Email Address £10 £15 E] £20D Ots anK)unt £ Please treat as Gift Aid donations a¥ qualfy.ng gifts of rnoney made Today Ei In the past 4 years E] In the future El I I htre pad pay •) anx￿ trfIrKth7 TaK Garts Tax each taKy 16 tD 5 Wl thatTS atlea5t tothe al the thaitbE5 w CASC5 that I donate to ￿ redam on gfts yeAr. l underthd thatlther 11￿e5 as VAT and Qwnol Thx do nrt qufy. Signature Date prease return this form wfth your p￿ent to: Graw¥ine Essex • clo Tubp Hall • 31 Uarton Road • St 0s￿h C016 8PA 19

- Charity Gift Aid Declaration multiple donation

Boost your donation by 25p of Gift Aid for every £1 you donate

Gift Aid is reclaimed by the charity from the tax you pay for the current tax year. Your address is needed to identify you as a current UK taxpayer.

In order to Gift Aid your donation, you must tick the box below:

I want to Gift Aid my donation of £..………………..and any donations I make in the future or have made in the past 4 years to:

Name of Charity: GRAPEVINE ESSEX

I am a UK tax payer and understand that if I pay less Income Tax and/or Capital Gains Tax than the amount claimed on all my donations in that tax year, it is my responsibility to pay any difference.

My Details

Title.….….….….….… First name or initial(s).……….…………..…..……..…..…..……………. Surname………………..….….….….…..….…….…….…….………..….…………..……………………… Home Address …….….….….…….….….…….…….……….…….………….………………………..……

…..........................................................................................................................................................

Postcode .….….….…….….….…….…….….… Date .….…….……..….……..………….

Please notify the charity if you:

• want to cancel this declaration

• change your name or home address

• no longer pay sufficient tax on your income and/or capital gains

If you pay Income Tax at the higher or additional rate and want to receive the additional tax relief due to you, you must include all your Gift Aid donations on your Self Assessment tax return or ask HM Revenue and Customs to adjust your tax code.

20

Grapevine Essex

Registered address: c/o Tulip Hall 31 Clacton Road St Osyth Essex CO16 8PA

Registered Charity Number 1151261

www.grapevineessex.org.uk www.facebook.com/GrapevineEssex www.twitter.com/GrapevineEssex www.instagram.com/grapevine_essex/

Jackie Holland, Chair & Charity Manager Tel: [phone] Email: [e-mail]