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2024-07-31-accounts

Charity Registration Number: 1154861

Real Lives Real Choices Financial Statements For the Year Ending 31 July 2024

JANE ASCROFT ACCOUNTANCY LIMITED

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

Real Lives Real Choices

Financial Statements

Year Ended 31 July 2024

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 17

Real Lives Real Choices

Trustees' Annual Report

Year Ended 31 July 2024

The trustees present their report and the unaudited financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31 July 2024.

Objectives and Activities

Objectives

To relieve the needs of people with learning disabilities, learning difficulties, autism/autism related conditions who live in the North East 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.

Achievements During the Year

Art Groups:

The arts groups have continued to be a supportive and creative environment where people can explore their skills, gain confidence and enjoy creativity on their terms. The group members have participated in both individual and group activities; expanding their creative outputs to banners, window dressings, backdrops, props, themed pieces for our spaces and commissions for neighbouring community groups.

The group members have visited galleries and exhibits for inspiration, ideas for genres and methods; also products, product ranges, merchandise and enterprise based activity.

Participation in the arts and culture is significantly associated with good health and high life satisfaction; studies show that arts and cultural activities can have a positive impact on the symptoms of conditions, for example improved cognition, physical stability, self- esteem, resilience, well-being and the ability of people to manage them, for example through changes in behaviour and increased social contact.

An advanced art group has been established supporting individuals to advance their personal practice towards exhibits of work and submission of works to arts competitions and calls for submissions.

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Real Lives Real Choices

Trustees' Annual Report (continued)

Year Ended 31 July 2024

Upcycling Groups:

The upcycling workshops are multi-facetted; they incorporate a diverse range of skills development opportunities, transferable skills and a safe environment in which personal progress and progression can be achieved. Participants have undertaken group and individual projects within themes and for specific purposes such as window displays at the coop buildings and within the courtyard spaces for events. Donated and other locally sourced furniture items are given a new life using paint and decorative finishes with a creative twist and individual style. Some participants have developed particular skills in traditional upholstery techniques; renewing pieces and bringing them back into both use and fashion.

Work Experience & Employability Skills:

Work experience and employability skills are embedded into all our timetabling and planning supporting the development of a broad range of transferrable skills. All learning activities are planned to maximise learning, personal development opportunities, independence skills and personal growth. Going forward we aim to reuse a previous workshop space as a space for trading and selling the works created and repurposed by the creative groups. This trading space will also be an opportunity for customer service skills development and involvement in engaging with the community.

Development Work:

During this year we achieved the important milestone of securing funding for the repairs and renovations to a fully ground floor unit at our base to bring this space back into use as a workshop space for our programmes and timetable. Unit 'A1' sits in the top courtyard of the old coop buildings and provides a versatile space for workshop type activity and a separate room for breaks and time between sessions to allow for arrival via public and other transport and a quieter area for when needed on busier days. The old coop buildings base is an important resource and allows the workshops to be held in a safe and welcoming space that can meet the needs of the beneficiaries and participants.

Partnerships & Partnership Work:

Partnerships 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 has continued to be an important partner in numerous projects and our day to day operations via sharing of resources, skills and support.

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Real Lives Real Choices

Trustees' Annual Report (continued)

Year Ended 31 July 2024

Financial Review

Main sources of funds are grants via funders seeking to support health, wellbeing and opportunities focused on outcomes for people with learning disabilities.

Reserves Policy

Reserves are held to meet fluctuations or problems in receipt of payments and to respond to contingencies and risks. At 31st July 2024 reserves totalled £10,052.

A separate fund of £10,000 has been designated to cover working capital requirements.

Sources of funds

Sources of funds are grants via grant makers seeking to support health, wellbeing and opportunities focused on outcomes for people with learning disabilities. Capital and revenue expenditure has supported the objectives of the charity via the repair works in this year to provide additional spaces for timetabled activity, equipment and high quality resources/materials for use in sessions.

Staffing has been used in efficient ways with a focus on the continuation of consistent weekly sessions for participants. Funds are applied for from a number of sources in an extremely challenging funding environment. The charity receives no core funding for its services and is constantly monitoring the funding position whilst meeting the needs of beneficiaries via face to face support and sessions.

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 2024

Organisational Structure

The Board takes all strategic decisions relating to RLRC including:

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 (Chairperson) P McMahon M Franklin A Ratcliffe Independent Examiner Jane Ascroft FCA MA (Cantab) Enterprise House Harmire Enterprise Park Barnard Castle County Durham DL12 8XP

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

B Smith (Chairperson) Trustee

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Real Lives Real Choices

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

Year Ended 31 July 2024

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 2024.

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 8XP

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Real Lives Real Choices

Statement of Financial Activities

Year Ended 31 July 2024

2024 2023
Unrestricted Restricted
funds funds Total funds Total funds
Note £ £ £ £
Income and endowments
Donations and legacies 4 1,230 40,000 41,230 60,720
─────── ──────── ──────── ────────
Total income 1,230 40,000 41,230 60,720
═══════ ════════ ════════ ════════
Expenditure
Expenditure on charitable activities 5,6 462 62,876 63,338 60,781
─────── ──────── ──────── ────────
Total expenditure 462 62,876 63,338 60,781
═══════ ════════ ════════ ════════
─────── ──────── ──────── ────────
Net expenditure and net movement in
funds 768 (22,876) (22,108) (61)
═══════ ════════ ════════ ════════
Reconciliation of funds
Total funds brought forward 19,284 45,573 64,857 64,918
──────── ──────── ──────── ────────
Total funds carried forward 20,052 22,697 42,749 64,857
════════ ════════ ════════ ════════

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 15 form part of these financial statements.

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Real Lives Real Choices

Statement of Financial Position

31 July 2024

2024 2023
Note £ £
Current Assets
Debtors 11 78 136
Cash at bank and in hand 43,331 65,381
──────── ────────
43,409 65,517
Creditors: amounts falling due within one year 12 660 660
──────── ────────
Net Current Assets 42,749 64,857
──────── ────────
Total Assets Less Current Liabilities 42,749 64,857
──────── ────────
Net Assets 42,749 64,857
════════ ════════
Funds of the Charity
Restricted funds 22,697 45,573
Unrestricted funds 20,052 19,284
──────── ────────
Total charity funds 14 42,749
════════
64,857
════════

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

B Smith (Chairperson) Trustee

The notes on pages 8 to 15 form part of these financial statements.

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Real Lives Real Choices

Notes to the Financial Statements

Year Ended 31 July 2024

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.

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Real Lives Real Choices

Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)

Year Ended 31 July 2024

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.

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Real Lives Real Choices

Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)

Year Ended 31 July 2024

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.

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Real Lives Real Choices

Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)

Year Ended 31 July 2024

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 2024
£ £ £
Donations
Donations 1,230 1,230
Grants
Durham County council 2,500 2,500
County Durham Community Foundation 15,000 15,000
PCP 7,500 7,500
The Fore 15,000 15,000
─────── ──────── ────────
1,230 40,000 41,230
═══════ ════════ ════════

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Real Lives Real Choices

Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)

Year Ended 31 July 2024

4. Donations and Legacies (continued)

Unrestricted Restricted Total Funds
Funds Funds 2023
£ £ £
Donations
Donations 1,280 1,280
St Cuthberts Charity of the Year 11,940 11,940
Grants
Bailey Thomas 15,000 15,000
County Durham Community Foundation 20,000 20,000
Sir James Knott Foundation 5,000 5,000
PCP 7,500 7,500
──────── ──────── ────────
13,220 47,500 60,720
════════ ════════ ════════
5. Expenditure on Charitable Activities by Fund Type
Unrestricted Restricted Total Funds
Funds Funds 2024
£ £ £
Expenditure on charitable activities (see page 17) 462 62,876 63,338
════ ════════ ════════
Unrestricted Restricted Total Funds
Funds Funds 2023
£ £ £
Expenditure on charitable activities (see page 17) 11,132 49,649 60,781
════════ ════════ ════════
6. Expenditure on Charitable Activities by Activity Type
Activities
undertaken Total funds Total fund
directly 2024 2023
£ £ £
Expenditure on charitable activities (see page 17) 63,338 63,338 60,781
════════ ════════ ════════
7. Independent Examination Fees
2024 2023
£ £
Fees payable to the independent examiner for:
Independent examination of the financial statements 660 660
════ ════

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Real Lives Real Choices

Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)

Year Ended 31 July 2024

8. Staff Costs

The total staff costs and employee benefits for the reporting period are analysed as The total staff costs and employee benefits for the reporting period are analysed as follows:
2024 2023
£ £
Wages and salaries 23,192 38,691
Employer contributions to pension plans 491
──────── ────────
23,192 39,182
════════ ════════
The average head count of employees during the year was 2 (2023: 2). The average The average head count of employees during the year was 2 (2023: 2). The average number of
full-time equivalent employees during the year is analysed as follows:
2024 2023
No. No.
Number of project staff 2 2
════ ════

No employee received employee benefits of more than £60,000 during the year (2023: Nil).

9. Trustee Remuneration and Expenses

No trustees received any remuneration or expenses during the year (2023 - Nil).

10. Tangible Fixed Assets

Plant and Office
machinery Equipment Total
£ £ £
Cost
At 1 August 2023 and 31 July 2024 3,999 11,796 15,795
═══════ ════════ ════════
Depreciation
At 1 August 2023 and 31 July 2024 3,999 11,796 15,795
═══════ ════════ ════════
Carrying amount
At 31 July 2024
═══════ ════════ ════════
At 31 July 2023
═══════ ════════ ════════
11. Debtors
2024 2023
£ £
Prepayments and accrued income 78 136
════ ════
12. Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
2024 2023
£ £
Accruals and deferred income 660 660
════ ════

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Real Lives Real Choices

Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)

Year Ended 31 July 2024

13. 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 £Nil (2023: £491).

14. Analysis of Charitable Funds

Unrestricted funds

Unrestricted funds
At 1 August At
2023 Income Expenditure 31 July 2024
£ £ £ £
General funds 9,284 1,230 (462)
10,052
Working capital fund 10,000 10,000
──────── ─────── ──── ────────
19,284 1,230 (462)
20,052
════════ ═══════ ════ ════════
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
════════ ════════ ════════ ════════
Restricted funds
At 1 August At
2023 Income Expenditure 31 July 2024
£ £ £ £
Screwfix Foundation 5,000 (5,000)
Bailey Thomas 5,000 (5,000)
Durham County Council 2,500 2,500
National Lottery Community
Foundation 9,136 (9,136)
Durham County Council - Courtyard
Workshop 19,937 (19,937)
CDCF (Core) 5,000 (5,000)
CDCF PCP 6,500 (6,500)
The Fore 15,000 15,000
CDCF PCP 2 7,500 (5,625)
1,875
CDCF 10,000 (6,678)
3,322
──────── ──────── ──────── ────────
45,573 40,000 (62,876)
22,697
════════ ════════ ════════ ════════

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Real Lives Real Choices

Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)

Year Ended 31 July 2024

14. Analysis of Charitable Funds (continued)

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)
Bailey Thomas 15,000 (15,000)
CDCF PCP 7,500 (1,000)
6,500
James Knott Trust 5,000 (5,000)
──────── ──────── ──────── ────────
47,722 47,500 (49,649)
45,573
════════ ════════ ════════ ════════

15. Analysis of Net Assets Between Funds

Unrestricted Restricted Total Funds
Funds Funds 2024
£ £ £
Current assets 20,712 22,697 43,409
Creditors less than 1 year (660) (660)
──────── ──────── ────────
Net assets 20,052 22,697 42,749
════════ ════════ ════════
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
════════ ════════ ════════

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Real Lives Real Choices

Management Information

Year Ended 31 July 2024

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

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Real Lives Real Choices

Detailed Statement of Financial Activities

Year Ended 31 July 2024

2024 2023
£ £
Income and endowments
Donations and legacies
Donations 1,230 1,280
St Cuthberts Charity of the Year 11,940
Bailey Thomas 15,000
Durham County council 2,500
County Durham Community Foundation 15,000 20,000
Sir James Knott Foundation 5,000
PCP 7,500 7,500
The Fore 15,000
──────── ────────
41,230 60,720
──────── ────────
──────── ────────
Total income 41,230 60,720
════════ ════════
Expenditure
Wages & salaries 23,192 38,691
Pension costs 491
Premises costs 21,987 10,375
Insurance 532 886
Accountancy and professional fees 839 966
Office costs 2,603 2,246
Materials and equipment 6,536 4,176
Travel and training 754 2,342
Other costs 6,895 608
──────── ────────
Total expenditure 63,338 60,781
════════ ════════
──────── ────────
Net expenditure (22,108) (61)
════════ ════════

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