OpenCharities

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

2023-07-31-accounts

Charity Registration Number: 1154861

Real Lives Real Choices

Financial Statements For the Year Ending 31 July 2023

JANE ASCROFT ACCOUNTANCY LIMITED

Chartered Accountants Enterprise House Harmire Enterprise Park Barnard Castle County Durham DL12 8XT

Real Lives Real Choices

Financial Statements

Year Ended 31 July 2023

Page
Trustees' Annual Report 1
Independent Examiner's Report to the Trustees 5
Statement of Financial Activities 6
Statement of Financial Position 7
Notes to the Financial Statements 8
The Following Pages Do Not Form Part of the Financial Statements
Detailed Statement of Financial Activities 18

Real Lives Real Choices

Trustees' Annual Report

Year Ended 31 July 2023

The trustees present their report and the unaudited financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31 July 2023.

Objectives and Activities

Objectives

To relieve the needs of people with learning disabilities, learning difficulties, autism/autism related conditions who live in the Northeast of England by assisting such persons to develop their full potential and obtain their rights and privileges, particularly, but not exclusively by providing, or assisting in the provision of, independent advocacy, support, advice, information, education and training, arts, paid and unpaid (volunteer) work, social enterprise/s.

Public Benefit

The trustees have paid due regard to guidance issued by the Charity Commission in deciding what activities the charity should undertake.

We believe the charity � s work to be in compliance with the duty in the section of the Charity � s Act 2006 to have regard to the public benefit guidance published by the Charity Commission.

This is reviewed at appropriate intervals.

Contribution by volunteers

We continue to be supported by a small group of long-term volunteers who are essential to our work.

1

Real Lives Real Choices

Trustees' Annual Report (continued)

Year Ended 31 July 2023

Achievements During the Year

The Charity continues to support adults with learning disabilities. Our programmes and projects provide essential stability and consistency during times where people are experiencing reductions in services.

We continue to prioritise supporting those people who have low or no access to other services to address issues of social exclusion and isolation. We have many examples from our work of the positive benefits of inclusion and group membership in addressing isolation, loneliness, supporting resilience and mental health.

Beneficiary story: L

The group helps with my confidence. Being part of the group has helped me with my skills working in a team and helping other people. The sessions get me out the house; 'it's good craic" I get to meet and talk to different people. I enjoy what I do at RLRC because its creative and makes use of furniture instead of it going to the tip.

It means a lot to be able to bring my dog (retired assistance dog). The group makes me feel like I'm not alone, it makes me feel happy because I can come and have a chat and feels like a safe space for me.

The session leader - "she's alright !!"

Session leader comments - L attends the session with assistance from their care coordinator for transport costs. L lives independently but is socially isolated by their circumstances, needs and challenges that has made other groups and group membership problematic. The session and group membership is supported by grant funding that enables L to attend without cost and is an essential part of L's life providing focus and human contact. L is a complex character but we know greatly benefits from the group, its activities and opportunities. This has been especially important during some times of change such as a recent divorce and gender transition.

Our arts timetable has continued to gain momentum and is an important aspect of our work in supporting people with learning disabilities to experience full lives with cultural experiences and high quality creative content. Working in small groups supports the quality of the participation and the depth of learning people can experience. As a small charity with the specific focus of supporting people with learning disabilities we are able to maintain strong core values and person centred approaches. The beneficiaries we support are creating art that is exceptional and individual. Moving forward we aim to expand this area of work, support people to create exhibits and enter arts competitions.

2

Real Lives Real Choices

Trustees' Annual Report (continued)

Year Ended 31 July 2023

Partnership based approaches continue to be central to our approach and enable us to provide safe community based spaces and opportunities for adults with learning disabilities and complex needs.

Partnerships during this period have included NHS Services, Specialist Care Homes, Independent Sector Support provider services and individual Social Workers from adult social care teams.

Joint working arrangements; particularly in relation to support and travel enable people to overcome the barriers that may restrict their access to arts and creative spaces.

Woodshed Workshop CIC an organisation who is based within the Coop Buildings has provided both practical support and added value to our work with beneficiaries.

Also supporting the creation of additional space for sessions via an art room that increases our capacity and flexibility of timetable.

Financial Review

Sources of funds are grants via grant makers seeking to support health, wellbeing and opportunities focused on outcomes for people with learning disabilities. Significant support for our work was accessed via the County Durham Community Foundation whose organisation oversee and administer community grants from a number of sources.

Reserves Policy

Reserves held to meet fluctuations or problems in receipt of payments.

Reserves held to respond to contingencies and risks.

Structure, Governance and Management

The charity is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) with charity number 1154861. It was registered with the Charity Commission on 4th December 2013 and on 1st July 2015 took over the assets and activities from the old unincorporated charity of the same name. It is controlled by its governing document.

Recruitment and appointment of new trustees

The RLRC Trustee Board has between 3 and 12 members. Trustees are elected from the membership.

Induction and training of new trustees

New trustees meet with the board /allocated board representatives for an induction meeting prior to attending their first board meeting and are provided with an induction pack containing all of the key information about the work of RLRC. Trustees are encouraged to visit the projects we host to better understand the work of the organisation.

External trainers and training are sourced to support trustees on specific areas, duties and compliance. Charity commission guidance and other materials are circulated to trustees.

Trustees undertake a DBS Enhanced Check

3

Real Lives Real Choices

Trustees' Annual Report (continued)

Year Ended 31 July 2023

Organisational Structure

The Board takes all strategic decisions relating to RLRC including:

An enterprise and primary purpose trading sub-committee is going to be established to provide emphasis on the area and report back to the Board.

Risk Management

Trustees review risks on an ongoing basis and in response to new areas of activity. Specific projects require their own risk sub-committee with special emphasis and duties.

Reference and Administrative Details

Registered charity name Real Lives Real Choices
Charity registration number 1154861
Principal office Unit D, The Old Haberdashery Shop
Sacriston Enterprise Workshops
Old Coop Buildings, Plawsworth Road
Sacriston
Durham
The Trustees
B Smith (Co-Chairperson)
P McMahon (Co-Chairperson)
M Franklin
A Ratcliffe
Independent Examiner Jane Ascroft FCA MA (Cantab)
Enterprise House
Harmire Enterprise Park
Barnard Castle
County Durham
DL12 8XT

The trustees' annual report was approved on .............................. and signed on behalf of the board of 21/05/2024 trustees by:

B Smith (Co-Chairperson) Trustee

4

Real Lives Real Choices

Independent Examiner's Report to the Trustees of Real Lives Real Choices

Year Ended 31 July 2023

I report to the trustees on my examination of the financial statements of Real Lives Real Choices ('the charity') for the year ended 31 July 2023.

Responsibilities and Basis of Report

As the trustees of the charity you are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 ( ‘ the Act � ).

I report in respect of my examination of the charity's financial statements carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination I have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Act.

Independent Examiner's Statement

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

  1. accounting records were not kept in respect of the charity as required by section 130 of the Act; or

  2. the financial statements do not accord with those records; or

  3. the financial statements do not comply with the applicable requirements concerning the form and content of accounts set out in the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 other than any requirement that the accounts give a ‘ true and fair' view which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination.

I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.

Jane Ascroft FCA MA (Cantab) Independent Examiner

Enterprise House Harmire Enterprise Park Barnard Castle County Durham DL12 8XT

5

Real Lives Real Choices

Statement of Financial Activities

Year Ended 31 July 2023

2023 2022
Unrestricted Restricted
funds funds Total funds Total funds
Note £ £ £ £
Income and endowments
Donations and legacies 4 13,220 47,500 60,720 46,112
Charitable activities 5 – – – 1,641
──────── ──────── ──────── ────────
Total income 13,220 47,500 60,720 47,753
════════ ════════ ════════ ════════
Expenditure
Expenditure on charitable activities 6,7 11,132 49,649 60,781 61,390
──────── ──────── ──────── ────────
Total expenditure 11,132 49,649 60,781 61,390
════════ ════════ ════════ ════════
──────── ──────── ──────── ────────
Net expenditure and net movement in
funds 2,088 (2,149) (61) (13,637)
════════ ════════ ════════ ════════
Reconciliation of funds
Total funds brought forward 17,196 47,722 64,918 78,555
──────── ──────── ──────── ────────
Total funds carried forward 19,284 45,573 64,857 64,918
════════ ════════ ════════ ════════

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

The notes on pages 8 to 16 form part of these financial statements.

6

Real Lives Real Choices

Statement of Financial Position

31 July 2023

2023 2022
Note £ £
Current Assets
Debtors 12 136 134
Cash at bank and in hand 65,381 67,264
──────── ────────
65,517 67,398
Creditors: amounts falling due within one year 13 660 2,480
──────── ────────
Net Current Assets 64,857 64,918
──────── ────────
Total Assets Less Current Liabilities 64,857 64,918
──────── ────────
Net Assets 64,857 64,918
════════ ════════
Funds of the Charity
Restricted funds 45,573 47,722
Unrestricted funds 19,284 17,196
──────── ────────
Total charity funds 15 64,857
════════		 64,918
════════

These financial statements were approved by the board of trustees and authorised for issue on ........................, and are signed on behalf of the board by: 21/05/2024

B Smith (Co-Chairperson) Trustee

The notes on pages 8 to 16 form part of these financial statements.

7

Real Lives Real Choices

Notes to the Financial Statements

Year Ended 31 July 2023

1. General Information

The charity is a public benefit entity and a registered charity in England and Wales and is unincorporated. The address of the principal office is Unit D, Sacriston Enterprise Workshops, Plawsworth Road, Sacriston, Durham, DH7 6PD.

2. Statement of Compliance

These financial statements have been prepared in compliance with FRS 102, 'The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and the Republic of Ireland', the Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (Charities SORP (FRS 102)) and the Charities Act 2011.

3. Accounting Policies

Basis of Preparation

The financial statements have been prepared on the historical cost basis, as modified by the revaluation of certain financial assets and liabilities and investment properties measured at fair value through income or expenditure.

The financial statements are prepared in sterling, which is the functional currency of the entity.

Going Concern

There are no material uncertainties about the charity � s ability to continue.

Judgements and Key Sources of Estimation Uncertainty

The preparation of the financial statements requires management to make judgements, estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported. These estimates and judgements are continually reviewed and are based on experience and other factors, including expectations of future events that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. The trustees consider that there are no significant estimates or judgements affecting these financial statements.

Fund Accounting

Unrestricted funds are available for use at the discretion of the trustees to further any of the charity's purposes.

Designated funds are unrestricted funds earmarked by the trustees for particular future project or commitment.

Restricted funds are subjected to restrictions on their expenditure declared by the donor or through the terms of an appeal, and fall into one of two sub-classes: restricted income funds or endowment funds.

8

Real Lives Real Choices

Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)

Year Ended 31 July 2023

3. Accounting Policies (continued)

Income

All incoming resources are included in the statement of financial activities when entitlement has passed to the charity; it is probable that the economic benefits associated with the transaction will flow to the charity and the amount can be reliably measured. The following specific policies are applied to particular categories of income:

Expenditure

Expenditure is recognised on an accruals basis as a liability is incurred. Expenditure includes any VAT which cannot be fully recovered, and is classified under headings of the statement of financial activities to which it relates:

All costs are allocated to expenditure categories reflecting the use of the resource. Direct costs attributable to a single activity are allocated directly to that activity. Shared costs are apportioned between the activities they contribute to on a reasonable, justifiable and consistent basis.

Tangible Assets

Tangible assets are initially recorded at cost, and subsequently stated at cost less any accumulated depreciation and impairment losses.

9

Real Lives Real Choices

Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)

Year Ended 31 July 2023

3. Accounting Policies (continued)

Depreciation

Depreciation is calculated so as to write off the cost or valuation of an asset, less its residual value, over the useful economic life of that asset as follows:

Plant and machinery - 25% straight line Office Equipment - 25% straight line

Impairment of Fixed Assets

A review for indicators of impairment is carried out at each reporting date, with the recoverable amount being estimated where such indicators exist. Where the carrying value exceeds the recoverable amount, the asset is impaired accordingly. Prior impairments are also reviewed for possible reversal at each reporting date.

Financial Instruments

A financial asset or a financial liability is recognised only when the entity becomes a party to the contractual provisions of the instrument.

Basic financial instruments are initially recognised at the amount receivable or paable including any related transaction costs, unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where it is recognised at the present value of the future payments discounted at a market rate of interest for a similar debt instrument.

Current assets and current liabilities are subsequently measured at the cash or other consideration expected to be paid or received and not discounted.

Debt instruments are subsequently measured at amortised cost.

Defined Contribution Plans

Contributions to defined contribution plans are recognised as an expense in the period in which the related service is provided. Prepaid contributions are recognised as an asset to the extent that the prepayment will lead to a reduction in future payments or a cash refund.

When contributions are not expected to be settled wholly within 12 months of the end of the reporting date in which the employees render the related service, the liability is measured on a discounted present value basis. The unwinding of the discount is recognised as an expense in the period in which it arises.

10

Real Lives Real Choices

Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)

Year Ended 31 July 2023

Debtors

Trade and other debtors are recognised at the settlement amount due after any trade discount offered. Prepayments are valued at the amount prepaid net of any trade discounts due.

Accrued income and tax recoverable is included at the best estimate of the amounts receivable at the balance sheet date.

Cash at Bank and in Hand

Cash at bank and cash in hand includes cash and short term highly liquid investments with a short maturity of three months or less from the date of acquisition or opening of the deposit or similar account.

Creditors

Creditors are recognised where the charity has a present obligation resulting from a past event that will probably result in the transfer of funds to a third party and the amount due to settle the obligation can be measured or estimated reliably. Creditors are normally recognised at their settlement amount after allowing for any trade discounts due.

Taxation

The company is considered to pass the tests set out in Paragraph 1 Schedule 6 of the Finance Act 2010 and therefore it meets the definition of a charitable company for UK corporation tax purposes. Accordingly, the company is potentially exempt from taxation in respect of income or capital gains received within categories covered by Chapter 3 Part 11 of the Corporation Tax Act 2010 or Section 256 of the taxation of Chargeable Gains Act 1992, to the extent that such income or gains are applied exclusively to charitable purposes.

4. Donations and Legacies

Unrestricted Restricted Total Funds
Funds Funds 2023
£ £ £
Donations
General donations 1,280 – 1,280
Donations - St Cuthberts Charity of the year 11,940 – 11,940
Grants
Baily Thomas – 15,000 15,000
Durham County council – – –
County Durham Community Foundation – 20,000 20,000
Sir James Knott Foundation – 5,000 5,000
Pioneering Care Partnership – 7,500 7,500
──────── ──────── ────────
13,220 47,500 60,720
════════ ════════ ════════

11

Real Lives Real Choices

Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)

Year Ended 31 July 2023

4. Donations and Legacies (continued)

Unrestricted Restricted Total Funds
Funds Funds 2022
£ £ £
Grants
Durham County council – 25,521 25,521
County Durham Community Foundation – 9,991 9,991
Bernica Foundation – 600 600
National Lottery Community Foundation – 10,000 10,000
──── ──────── ────────
– 46,112 46,112
════ ════════ ════════
5. Charitable Activities
Unrestricted Total Funds Unrestricted Total Funds
Funds 2023 Funds 2022
£ £ £ £
Trading income – – 1,641 1,641
════ ════ ═══════ ═══════
6. Expenditure on Charitable Activities by Fund Type
Unrestricted Restricted Total Funds
Funds Funds 2023
£ £ £
Charitable activities (see page 18) 11,132 49,649 60,781
════════ ════════ ════════
Unrestricted Restricted Total Funds
Funds Funds 2022
£ £ £
Charitable activities (see page 18) – 61,390 61,390
════ ════════ ════════
7. Expenditure on Charitable Activities by Activity Type
Activities
undertaken Total funds Total fund
directly 2023 2022
£ £ £
Charitable activities (see page 18) 60,781
════════		 60,781
════════		 61,390
════════

12

Real Lives Real Choices

Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)

Year Ended 31 July 2023

8. Independent Examination Fees

2023 2022
£ £
Fees payable to the independent examiner for:
Independent examination of the financial statements 660
════		 600
════

9. Staff Costs

The total staff costs and employee benefits for the reporting period are analysed as follows:

2023 2022
£ £
Wages and salaries 38,691 38,518
Employer contributions to pension plans 491 181
──────── ────────
39,182 38,699
════════ ════════
The average head count of employees during the year was 2 (2022: 2). The average The average head count of employees during the year was 2 (2022: 2). The average number of
full-time equivalent employees during the year is analysed as follows:
2023 2022
No. No.
Number of project staff 2
════		 2
════

No employee received employee benefits of more than £60,000 during the year (2022: Nil).

10. Trustee Remuneration and Expenses

No trustees received any remuneration or expenses during the year (2022 - Nil).

11. Tangible Fixed Assets

Plant and Office
machinery Equipment Total
£ £ £
Cost
At 1 August 2022 and 31 July 2023 3,999 11,796 15,795
═══════ ════════ ════════
Depreciation
At 1 August 2022 and 31 July 2023 3,999 11,796 15,795
═══════ ════════ ════════
Carrying amount
At 31 July 2023 – – –
═══════ ════════ ════════
At 31 July 2022 – – –
═══════ ════════ ════════
Debtors
2023 2022
£ £
Prepayments and accrued income 136
════		 134
════

12. Debtors

13

Real Lives Real Choices

Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)

Year Ended 31 July 2023

13. Creditors: amounts falling due within one year

2023 2022
£ £
Accruals and deferred income 660 1,200
Social security and other taxes – 1,231
Other creditors – 49
──── ───────
660 2,480
════ ═══════

14. Pensions and Other Post Retirement Benefits

Defined contribution plans

The amount recognised in income or expenditure as an expense in relation to defined contribution plans was £491 (2022: £181).

15. Analysis of Charitable Funds

Unrestricted funds

Unrestricted funds
At 1 August At
2022 Income Expenditure 31 July 2023
£ £ £ £
General funds 7,196 13,220 (11,132) 9,284
Working capital fund 10,000 – – 10,000
──────── ──────── ──────── ────────
17,196 13,220 (11,132) 19,284
════════ ════════ ════════ ════════
At 1 August At
2021 Income Expenditure 31 July 2022
£ £ £ £
General funds 5,555 1,641 – 7,196
Working capital fund 10,000 – – 10,000
──────── ─────── ──── ────────
15,555 1,641 – 17,196
════════ ═══════ ════ ════════

A separate fund has been designated to cover the costs of redundancies (redundancy fund).

14

Real Lives Real Choices

Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)

Year Ended 31 July 2023

15. Analysis of Charitable Funds (continued)

Restricted funds

Restricted funds
At 1 August At
2022 Income Expenditure 31 July 2023
£ £ £ £
Screwfix Foundation 5,000 – – 5,000
Bailey Thomas 5,000 – – 5,000
National Lottery Community
Foundation 10,000 – (864)
9,136
Durham County Council - Courtyard
Workshop 22,722 – (2,785)
19,937
CDCF (Core) 5,000 – (5,000)
–
CDCF (ESF) – 20,000 (20,000)
–
Baily Thomas – 15,000 (15,000)
–
Pioneering Care Partnership – 7,500 (1,000)
6,500
Sir James Knott Foundation – 5,000 (5,000)
–
──────── ──────── ──────── ────────
47,722 47,500 (49,649)
45,573
════════ ════════ ════════ ════════
At 1 August At
2021 Income Expenditure 31 July 2022
£ £ £ £
Screwfix Foundation 5,000 – – 5,000
Bailey Thomas 5,000 – – 5,000
National Lottery Community
Foundation – 10,000 – 10,000
Durham County Council - Heating
grant – 2,074 (2,074)
–
Durham County Council - Courtyard
Workshop – 23,447 (725)
22,722
Bernica Foundation (Individual
Support) – 600 (600)
–
Bernica Foundation (Positive Choices) 10,000 – (10,000)
–
CDCF (NHS Community Connector) 25,000 – (25,000)
–
CDCF (Winter resilience) 13,500 – (13,500)
–
CDCF (Employability) 4,500 – (4,500)
–
CDCF (Core) – 5,000 – 5,000
CDCF (Arts & Culture) – 4,991 (4,991)
–
──────── ──────── ──────── ────────
63,000
════════		 46,112
════════		 (61,390)
════════
47,722
════════

The restricted grants are for the following purposes:

County Durham Community Foundation - Courses to support the personal progression; and skills building of adults with learning disabilities

Bailey Thomas - project costs The Co-operative Creatives;

Pioneering Care Partnership - project costs Happiness Hub;

Sir James Knott - Core Costs ;

15

Real Lives Real Choices

Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)

Year Ended 31 July 2023

16. Analysis of Net Assets Between Funds

Unrestricted Restricted Total Funds
Funds Funds 2023
£ £ £
Current assets 19,944 45,573 65,517
Creditors less than 1 year (660) – (660)
──────── ──────── ────────
Net assets 19,284 45,573 64,857
════════ ════════ ════════
Unrestricted Restricted Total Funds
Funds Funds 2022
£ £ £
Current assets 19,676 47,722 67,398
Creditors less than 1 year (2,480) – (2,480)
──────── ──────── ────────
Net assets 17,196 47,722 64,918
════════ ════════ ════════

16

Real Lives Real Choices

Management Information

Year Ended 31 July 2023

The Following Pages Do Not Form Part of the Financial Statements.

17

Real Lives Real Choices

Detailed Statement of Financial Activities

Year Ended 31 July 2023

2023 2022
£ £
Income and endowments
Donations and legacies
General donations 1,280 –
Donations - St Cuthberts Charity of the year 11,940 –
Baily Thomas 15,000 –
Durham County council – 25,521
County Durham Community Foundation 20,000 9,991
Sir James Knott Foundation 5,000 –
Bernica Foundation – 600
National Lottery Community Foundation – 10,000
Pioneering Care Partnership 7,500 –
──────── ────────
60,720 46,112
──────── ────────
Charitable activities
Trading income – 1,641
──── ───────
──────── ────────
Total income 60,720 47,753
════════ ════════
Expenditure
Wages & salaries 38,691 38,518
Pension costs 491 181
Premises costs 10,375 9,280
Insurance 886 478
Accountancy and professional fees 966 2,967
Office costs 2,246 1,746
Materials and equipment 4,176 5,734
Travel and training 2,342 2,066
Other costs 608 420
──────── ────────
Total expenditure 60,781 61,390
════════ ════════
──────── ────────
Net expenditure (61) (13,637)
════════ ════════

18

----- Start of picture text -----
of (aa
& = pa
— - . . - m * ' - , 7 .
~~ . - _ y~ py 4 | ae ; iw Ley a _J yea f — oS
“ ~ - “a sy
" .. |
F “peg $
----- End of picture text -----

----- Start of picture text -----
wi
i
----- End of picture text -----

----- Start of picture text -----
.
----- End of picture text -----

----- Start of picture text -----
og Pa
. al
----- End of picture text -----

----- Start of picture text -----
PLACESi AE JA\
Ya
Z| Z| Z|
----- End of picture text -----

Real Lives: Real Choices

Registered Charity: 1154861

feel safe

Our Mission

feel included

Inclusive

----- Start of picture text -----
:
es s é . ati a Pad Pelee | Y
4
.
a a yee wie
no . a : “+
. eee“> i} a . . , >a“i .|i tNats+ aitaVY¢ |/ -7)oeo4. "e- ¢:
“ fy ial es a" a
/
‘ A
P , b ;
. Ug “eX yf > ot i> . ‘ ig # of
, ta “ 4&5 ve, - 2 ¢ ~~ Py
} \ 4 * ‘ al . .
as - nee + 3 Haat ny ,
=. ae Ceres ae
or +
Ye" fn he reer wilh. SAL ce
pd! ae 4
4 aya: Bae fi}f
----- End of picture text -----

----- Start of picture text -----
Everyone
deserves a
place to
ReeR CRRAKING — our creatinedead, Both.
designsard dekinners
> p bhemai ,
a amd ants hared content
2-7 ee ee “4 . o>
----- End of picture text -----

Real Lives: Real Choices

Am f iti :

feel creative

Sur uproycbing paject RecycLD provides lifelong Learmimg& sRilhs, development opportunities for adults from all areas of County Durham. The opportunity to continue to develop skills builds resilience and transferable skills whilst also

reducing isolation and providing important

connections.

Inclusive

Woodshe

ated new

learning

Slinfpoyyeleulisy Programmes

| The year

The pace and approach of this year has had an emphasis on rebuilding participants confidence following the previous years of lockdown with its associated isolation, loneliness and mental health challenges. The opportunity of working in small groups enables us to provide personalised confidence building and learning to help individuals become part of something bigger than just their home life, or personal circumstances at a pace they find manageable. This year saw the end of Hannah Foulds time with the charity, she has moved on to a new challenge developing her personal professional progression. This is in keeping with the charities ethos and building on the training and support she received while at the charity. We thank her for the impact she has made on the participants personal progress and wish her well for the future. Hannah left a legacy of working practice within our arts based offer that elevated the skill levels of participants by focusing on individual personal artistic strengths, developing strategies to build arts skills, technique and individual style. The artwork produced is of a quality and to an artistically recognised level with the regional art community.Continuing this approach is central to our strategy moving forward to empower participants. Beth Young made a seamless transition from a neighbouring charitable organisation bringing with her a background in textile art, costume and prop design. She hopes to build on and extend the range of creative learning activities offered by the charity. None of our work would be possible without the generous support of our funders. This included funding to develop employability training and support seventeen participants via The European Social Fund, administered by County Durham Community Foundation. Funding from the Happiness Hub via Pioneering Care Partnership allows us to continue our art offer. Funding from Sir James Knott Trust contributed to core costs. We were thrilled to be selected as charity of the year by St Cuthbert’s, Durham University Students who held a fashion show and donated the proceeds to our charity. Brian Smith Co-Chair Real Lives: Real Choices

Real Lives: Real Choices

Passinnate,

EXPENDITURE

Donations

Grants

Open

o* CONNECTIONS CONNECTIONS

----- Start of picture text -----
o CONNECTIONS CONNECTIONS |, =eal
hr ? NF “ect ‘¥ a) are
o~ COMMUNITY > Ai
«Ae
Durham ra -
County Council \iN% mati \
v3 = i:
SIR == “V e ehe UB | —— Ih ,
JAMES KNOTT TRUST = ———
4k F hail Se
European Unior t.
Social Fund =
----- End of picture text -----

o~* COMMUNITY

Real Lives: Real Choices

Qnckusine,

Small numbers = sustained impact Trauma Informed Asset Based Co-Produced

Evidence Based Practice

Real Lives: Real Choices