The Local Carers Network 1[ST] APRIL 2023 – 31[ST] MARCH 2024
The Local Carers Network
Charitable incorporated Organisation Number 1155280
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Annual report
1[st] April 2023 – 31[st] March 2024
Status
The Local Carers Network is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) Charity Registration No. 1155280
Company registration number CE000647
Address
The Welcome Centre
43 Hamilton Street,
Birkenhead,
Merseyside,
CH41 5AA
Contact details
Email: support@tlcnetwork.co.uk Phone: 0151 647 9584
Trustees
The Trustees who held office during the year were as follows: -
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Laura Carman (Chairperson) Appointed 2016
Susan Mahoney (Trustee) Appointed 2015 - September 2024 Louise Reecejones (Secretary) Founder Trustee January 2014 Selena Chisholm Appointed 2019
There has been no change during this period, one change has been made prior to completing this report and so has been included.
Charities Bankers Barclays Bank, Liscard branch, Wallasey
Principal Activity of the Charity
The Local Carers Network (TLC Network) aims to improve the lives of individuals with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) and their families. We achieve this by:
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Promoting the knowledge and understanding of SEND: This includes raising awareness, providing information, and delivering training to families, professionals, and the wider community.
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Advancing the education and well-being of individuals with SEND: We support their development and inclusion within society through a range of services, including advocacy, support groups, and direct support.
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Supporting families of individuals with SEND: We offer practical and emotional support to families, addressing their needs and improving their quality of life.
Services Offered
The TLC Network provides a comprehensive range of services to support individuals with SEND and their families, including:
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Independent Advocacy: We provide free, independent advocacy support to families navigating complex systems such as education, legal, and social care. This includes representation at tribunals and support during police interviews and court proceedings.
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Family Support: We offer a range of support services, including:
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Information and guidance: Providing information and advice on SENDrelated issues, including accessing support services, understanding legal rights, and navigating educational systems.
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Support groups: Facilitating peer-to-peer support groups for families to connect, share experiences, and offer mutual support.
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Direct support: Providing direct support to families, such as assistance with accessing services, completing forms, and resolving practical challenges.
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Direct Payments Hub: We operate a direct payments hub, assisting families in managing their direct payments and finding suitable carers to meet their individual needs.
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Deaf Family Support: We provide specialized support to Deaf families, including advocacy, communication support, and raising awareness of the unique challenges faced by Deaf parents and their children.
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Training and Development: We deliver training programs for families, professionals, and the wider community on various SEND-related topics, including communication skills, advocacy skills, and understanding specific disabilities.
Key Principles
The TLC Network operates based on the following key principles:
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Independence: We are independent of statutory services, ensuring impartial and objective support.
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Collaboration: We work collaboratively with other organizations and professionals to ensure the best possible outcomes for individuals with SEND.
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Empowerment: We empower families to make informed decisions and advocate for their own needs and the needs of their children.
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Inclusion: We promote the inclusion of individuals with SEND in all aspects of community life.
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Respect: We treat all individuals with dignity, respect, and empathy.
“The help and support we have received as a family is professional and has really helped us. Without this support we
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would have been in crisis as a family as no other service was able to help us. We are so grateful.” Gillian (Liverpool)
Safeguarding Statement
The Local Carers Network is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all children, young people, and vulnerable adults. We recognize our duty of care to ensure that all our activities are conducted in a safe and supportive environment that protects individuals from all forms of abuse and neglect.
We have robust safeguarding policies and procedures in place, which are regularly reviewed and updated in line with best practice and statutory guidance. All staff and volunteers are required to undergo mandatory safeguarding training and adhere to our safeguarding policies at all times.
We are committed to creating a culture of openness and transparency, where concerns can be raised and addressed promptly and appropriately. We work closely with other agencies, including local authorities and the police, to ensure the safety and well-being of all individuals we support
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Chair's Report 2023-2024
A Year of Growth and Impact
On behalf of the Board of Trustees, I am delighted to present the Annual Report for the Local Carers Network (TLC Network) from April 1, 2023, to March 31, 2024. This year has been one of significant growth and impact, marked by a continued commitment to our mission of empowering individuals with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) and their families.
Key Achievements
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Expanded Services: The launch and successful operation of our Direct Payments Hub has been a major highlight. This innovative service provides vital support to families, enabling them to access tailored care arrangements that meet their unique needs.
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Enhanced Advocacy: Our unwavering commitment to advocacy has resulted in a 100% success rate in tribunals, securing positive outcomes for families navigating complex legal and educational challenges.
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Increased Reach: We have significantly expanded our reach, supporting a growing number of families across Merseyside and Cheshire.
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Dedicated Volunteers: The tireless efforts of our volunteers have been instrumental to our success. Their dedication and compassion have made a profound difference in the lives of countless individuals and families.
Looking Ahead
As we move forward, we remain committed to:
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Expanding our support services: We will continue to innovate and adapt our services to meet the evolving needs of the SEND community.
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Strengthening our advocacy: We will continue to advocate tirelessly for the rights and well-being of individuals with SEND.
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Building strong partnerships: We will collaborate with other organizations and stakeholders to create a more inclusive and supportive community for individuals with SEND.
A Note of Gratitude
I would like to express my sincere gratitude to our dedicated staff, volunteers, donors, and supporters. Your unwavering commitment to our mission has made a profound impact on the lives of countless individuals and families.
Looking to the Future
The challenges facing individuals with SEND and their families are complex and multifaceted. However, I am confident that by working together, we can create a brighter future for all. I am honoured to serve as Chair of the TLC Network and look forward to continuing our journey of growth and impact in the years to come.
Call to Action
The TLC Network is always seeking passionate and dedicated individuals to join our team. We are actively recruiting new Trustees and Volunteers. If you are interested in contributing your skills and experience to our mission, please visit our website at www.tlcnetwork.co.uk for more information on how to get involved.
Laura Carman
Chair, The Local Carers Network
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Financial Statement – TLC Network April 2023 March 2024
The Local Carers Network For the 12 months ended 31 March 2023 Excluding VAT
Cash Summary
The Local Carers Network
For the year ended 31 March 2024
| The Local Carers Network For the year ended 31 March 2024 |
|
|---|---|
| 2023/24 | |
| Income | |
| Contribution Cash Donation | 91.15 |
| FundraisingIncome | 67.72 |
| GrantReceived 1 | 8,000.00 |
| Interest Received | 403.57 |
| Client DP account | 8,531.60 |
| MiscellaneousIncome | 200.30 |
| Over 18 Day Provision | 25,020.48 |
| RefundReceived | 166.68 |
| Sensory Sales | 384.00 |
| StockSales | 423.80 |
| Under 18 Direct Payments Provision | 3,138.10 |
| Grant received 2 | 10,145.36 |
| Grant received 3 | 634.11 |
| Total Income | 57,206.87 |
| LessExpenses | |
| AccruedIncome | 0.08 |
| Administration Expenses | 19,127.00 |
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| Audit & Accountancy fees | 417.52 |
|---|---|
| Cleaning | 85.98 |
| Direct Wages to agency | 20,111.14 |
| Electricity | 4,780.00 |
| GeneralExpenses | 618.95 |
| Insurance | 7,653.40 |
| IT Software and Consumables | 420.91 |
| DP loss from nonepayment | 1,148.00 |
| MiscellaneousExpense | 435.24 |
| Rent | 10,000 |
| Volunteer expenses | 200.00 |
| Telephone & Internet | 1,291.29 |
| WasteDisposal | 576.19 |
| Total Expenses | 66,865.69 |
| Surplus(Deficit) | 10,341.18 |
| Net Cash Movement | 10,341.18 |
| Summary | |
| OpeningBalance | 31,591.10 |
| Plus Net Cash Movement | 10,341.18 |
| CashBalance | 21,932.28 |
This report is agreed as a true and accurate account by all trustees And checked as true and accurate by the charity accountant
Signed on behalf of trustees
Dated 31[st] January 2025
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