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← Basingstoke And District Disability Forum

2024-03-31-accounts

Basingstoke and District Disability Forum CIO

Basingstoke & District Disability Forum

BDDF Impact Report

(Annual Review & Accounts) for the year ended 31st March 2024

Registered Charity in England & Wales: 1155660

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Basingstoke and District Disability Forum CIO

Table of Contents

Welcome from our Chair ........................................................................................................................ 3 Who we are: ........................................................................................................................................... 5 Ways that people can volunteering with BDDF .................................................................................... 6 Our Staff Members: ................................................................................................................................ 7 BDDF Trustee Board: .............................................................................................................................. 7 Our Services: ........................................................................................................................................... 8 Our Reach: .............................................................................................................................................. 9 Digital Divide and Paper-based Resources .......................................................................................... 10 Our Survey - Giving Disabled people a Voice ...................................................................................... 11 Our Awareness Events & Community Collaboration: ......................................................................... 11 Independent Examiner’s Report to the Trustees of Basingstoke and District Disability Forum CIO 13 STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES for the year ended 31 March 2024 ...................................... 15 BALANCE SHEET as at 31 March 2024 .................................................................................................. 16 NOTES to the accounts ......................................................................................................................... 17 Grants & Fundraising ............................................................................................................................ 21 Ways that people can Donate to BDDF ............................................................................................... 21 Contact us - How to get in touch & keep up to date ........................................................................... 21

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Welcome from our Chair

Impact statement for the financial year ending 31st March 2023 for Basingstoke & District Disability Forum (BDDF).

Our funds have been spent supporting Disabled people directly through our services and hundreds more indirectly via BDDF hosting events and groups that bring together our members and the wider disabled community with local charities and groups who also support Disabled people. The Report and Accounts have been prepared on an accrual's basis.

The Trustees met 10 times over this financial period. The Trustees alongside our staff and regular volunteers come together to make the financial position of the charity stronger as well as getting involved with the operating activities of the charity. There was major change to the trustees' board during this time. At the end of this financial period the charity sadly lost the founder, Julian Thomas who served as a trustee up until his death on 31[st] March 2024. He will be sadly miss by the charity and the wider community of Basingstoke and Deane. There was change to the chair of trustees in this financial year, as Ani Spalding stepped down in January 2024 after 4 years of service as Chair to the Charity. Hannah Reilly became Chair after only being appointed as a trustee 6 months prior to this.

There remains an ever-increasing demand for support and services that provide support for a growing number of Disabled people. Coupled with an ageing society, a difficult economic situation and continued pressure on charities. It really is a very challenging environment to survive in let alone thrive. Nevertheless, our goals remain to listen to our members, enhance the impact we have and increase our membership base. The latter is to ensure we are reaching and supporting more members of the Disabled community from across all parts of Basingstoke.

The Digital Divide remains a key barrier for many of our members; so BDDF continues to focus on digital inclusivity. Our main donations were given to us for printing a booklet of information, advice and services in the local community. This is for people who find it difficult researching information online.

For several months of this financial year; we did not employ a dedicated fundraising staff member, the income we have been able to secure this year is lower than in recent years. The second half of the year saw some grant successes with our new Fundraising Coordinator however the economic climate undoubtedly remains challenging, with ‘cost of giving’ crisis reducing public donations to charities, thus making our fundraising events less successful, however we continue to work to secure funding.

Our Annual Fundraiser for 2023 was in December which raised approximately £2,000. We did a Christmas raffle and trail map of all the houses that had Christmas lights on display, in the communities of Chineham and Sherfield Park. It wasn’t a great success as we expected this to bring in vital funds like we had in the previous years. However, it raised awareness of our charity in the community. Thank you to all involved – it takes a real team of volunteers to coordinate, we couldn’t host a trail without the people willing to display Christmas lights, and we thank all the local venues and businesses that so generously support us. BDDF want to thank the communities of Chineham and Sherfield Park for continuing to welcome the trail walkers.

Our annual Christmas party that we hold for all our members was funded by Ewe Move in December 2023. They were also the official sponsor of BDDF for the calendar year of 2024. They have kindly

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made us their charity of the year 2024. Ewe Move Sales & Lettings Ltd, Company Reg. Number: 07191403. BDDF developed a relationship with the local branch in Chineham during trails in previous years that the charity held in Chineham and Sherfield Park. Generously, they offered to fund the core expense of holding the Christmas Party in December 2023 giving £500. BDDF want to thank Ewe Move Basingstoke Branch for their financial contributions to the charity so far this year.

We continue to focus on raising income through a variety of funding streams. This includes grants, sponsors, events, raffles, and individual donors and we thank all of those who have helped BDDF to continue.

On behalf of Basingstoke & District Disability Forum, I would like to express our extreme thanks to our staff old and new who make BDDF the wonderful charity it is. Extending gratitude also to our network of charity partners, supporters, volunteers, those who have supported events through donations and time and also of course our growing family of members – BDDF wouldn’t exist without the local community of Basingstoke and Deane.

Hannah Reilly

Chair of trustees from January 2024

What BDDF achieved in 2023-2024

Ongoing Signposting Service

Chronic Pain Support Groups

Community Cafes

Christmas Party and Christmas Light Trail Map Event Disability Awareness Day Camera Club (in partnership with Wavelly House)

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Basingstoke and District Disability Forum CIO

Who we are:

BDDF formed in 2008 to support the local disabled community. When BDDF formed there was no clear organisation representing the general disability community of Basingstoke. There was a gap in the accessibility of services available as well as a lack of inclusion or opportunities for Disabled people. BDDF was founded by a group of residents with lived experience of disabilities with the aim of supporting the community, giving a voice and addressing the stigma. We achieved registered Charity status in 2014. We celebrated our 10[th] Birthday as a registered charity on 6[th] February 2024.

Our Vision:

To create a community that sees the person, values the difference, and embraces awareness.

Our Mission:

To facilitate increased awareness, active involvement and healthy promotion of Disabled people and their impairments and health conditions.

Our Aim:

To promote both visible and nonvisible disability. By increasing awareness, providing information and bringing people together. BDDF partner and collaborate with fellow disability charities/groups and provide guidance to local businesses who are striving to be accessible and inclusive.

Strategic Objectives:

  1. Involvement - to improve the involvement and representation of Disabled people and their families/carers within Basingstoke.

  2. Promotion - to promote greater awareness of disability through initiatives and activities that champion inclusivity, understanding and reduce barriers.

  3. Partnerships - To improve partnership working between agencies, both voluntary sector and statutory, who are involved in supporting disability.

Operational Objectives:

  1. Improve the mental and physical wellbeing of people with Disabilities in Basingstoke.

  2. Tackle feelings of loneliness and reduce social isolation within the disabled community.

  3. Increase knowledge amongst people with disabilities and the wider disabled community about support services available, both directly through BDDF and signposting to other local charities and organisations.

Our Strategy:

BDDF set a clear strategy and structure to help everyone understand who BDDF are and what we do.

We have split ourselves into 4 key focus areas as follows:

  1. Access – digital and physical (tackling the digital divide and escalating physical barriers)

  2. Financial Inclusion – benefits, debt, job and employment advice

  3. Diversity & Inclusion – appreciating intersectionality and pro-actively interacting with groups representing other minority groups such as via the local Hate Crime Network

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  1. Mental & Physical health – this includes our direct services such as Chronic Pain and helping people to find information and advice to support their needs and reduce barriers.

All of which help us to better reflect the voice of the local disabled community .

Increasing Demand in Local Area:

BDDF follows the definition consistent with the Equality Act 2010. A person is considered disabled if they have a self-reported long-standing illness, condition, or impairment, which causes difficulty with day-to-day activities.

BDDF are committed to offering a programme of core services that are relevant, impactful, and empowering to support those individuals and their families, carers and employers.

From 2021 census:

Source: Office for National Statistics – 2011 Census and Census 2021 - https://www.ons.gov.uk/visualisations/censusareachanges/E07000084/

Membership:

BDDF is a free to join, membership-based organization. BDDF is for all Disabled adults, offering support for those over 18 with visible and non-invisible impairments. We are open to everyone, and our members include people that have sensory, physical, learning, mental-health or chronic conditions.

Members receive access to all our free services, newsletter and activities. Our services are created based on feedback from our members.

Ways that people can volunteer with BDDF

BDDF need volunteers who can donate time, energy and skills to support our work. Most of all volunteers are needed to help:

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Our Staff Members:

Our employees each play a vital role in helping BDDF to provide support and services to Disabled people and their families. We are so very proud of their achievements.

Staff: on 1[st] April 2023:

Staff changes:

Staff on 31[st] March 2024:

BDDF Trustee Board:

BDDF Board members on 1st April 2023:

We thank you all for the time and dedication you have continued to show BDDF.

BDDF Board members stepped down during this period:

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BDDF Board members that were appointed during this period:

BDDF Board Members Trustees On 31[st] March 2024:

We had only 4 trustees at the end of the period. We did advertise for trustees across our membership who will bring both action and passion to the board through lived experience as a Disabled person, diversity and skills.

Founder Trustee, Julian Paul Thomas –appointed February 2014 sadly passed away on 31[st] March 2024. Our charity and our wider local disability community owes him a great deal. Thank you to his hard work and dedication as a trustee of BDDF Since 2014.

Ani Spalding stood down as chair in January 2024 who was then replaced by Hannah Reilly. However, Ani Spalding didn’t leave as trustee until the end of March 2024. The reason for this was to make the transit and handover as smooth as possible as Hannah Reilly had only been trustee for 6 months before becoming the Chair.

BDDF Patrons:

We give thanks to our Patrons who actively support BDDF within the community:

Our Services:

Activities that BDDF undertake are to improve the lives of our beneficiaries and make a difference. All are free to attend

Signposting Service
(SPS)		 Our Signpost Service remains a central aspect of BDDF. Receiving
queries in person, via email, telephone, and messenger on Facebook.
This is a tailored service where our volunteers support the member

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----- Start of picture text -----
with bespoke responses signposting them to services we offer that may
help or onto organisations who can support their specific needs,
working with them throughout the journey often for multiple issues
over lengthy periods of time.
Chronic Pain Our monthly free to join CPSG sessions have continued and are well
Support Group supported by our regular attendees and some newcomers. These
sessions provide a warm and welcoming environment for individuals
with chronic pain conditions to come together to share their
experiences. Featuring guest speakers and practitioners providing
information and demos including:
- Seated exercise
- Tai Chi
-
Hitting the Cold Spots
-
Easy meal ideas
Photography Group We received a grant from No Wrong Door AMHE to purchase cameras
and equipment to run a photography club. This began In February 2024
and is being run in partnership with Wavelly House (Together for
Mental Wellbeing). It is a monthly group, and we have already held
sessions on nature, wildlife, transport (aeroplanes), architecture. The
group will run until February 2025 with an exhibition planned to
showcase some of the best photographs.
Community Cafe Our quarterly networking meetings have continued online and are open
to charities and organisations giving the chance to discuss challenges
and successes. It is being discussed within the charity whether to hold
an in-person Community Cafe event at The Orchard where we are
based.
----- End of picture text -----

Our Reach:

Website: https://www.bddf.org.uk/

The BDDF website at bddf.org.uk continues to provide vital information to members, with updated dedicated signposting page full of information split into easy-to-understand subcategories. We received around 7200 visitors to our website between March 2023 and March 2024, a 17% increase on the previous year. We continue to develop approaches to improve our website and make it as useful to members as possible.

Social Media Reach Between April 2023 and March 2024:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bddforum/

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Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/basingstokedisabilityforum/

LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/company/basingstoke-district-disability-forum

Twitter: https://x.com/bddforum

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@bddfbasingstokedistrictdis1060

The Channel was created in November 2015 since then it has got 3,328 Views on 31 Videos and 29 Subscribers.

The Channel most popular video is:

Digital Divide and Paper-based Resources

Digital exclusion is affecting our communities and the move to technology triggered by the pandemic is deepening the divide.

Independence is heavily reliant on access to information and with more information than ever before being online we must break down the barriers and reduce the digital gap

BDDF swiftly moved services online where possible, created a more accessible website and established IT support sessions to help our members get online. However, there are still a vast proportion of membership who are not able to access the internet or have the knowledge to be able to research information on the internet.

This is why paper based resources are important to our members, this is why BDDF created a quarterly signposting and information magazine called “Be Included Basingstoke” which contains written information about local support services in Hampshire regarding disabilities and mental health. The first and second issues were printing and distributed in 2023. The third edition was printed in March 2024. We received funding for printing 1,000 copies on each edition from Basingstoke and Deane Rotary Club.

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Our Survey - Giving Disabled people a Voice

The 2024 edition of the BDDF survey is due to launch in April 2024, the responses to which will help to guide our work going forward.

Our Awareness Events & Community Collaboration:

Supporting our community through partnerships that deliver innovative projects that focus upon improving health and well-being.

Disability Awareness Day (DAD)

On Friday 28[th] April 2023, BDDF hosted its annual Disability Awareness Day. Open to the public from 9am to 4pm in The Malls Shopping Centre. With our key aims being to provide information, offer advice and raise awareness.

Around 40 local organisations joined BDDF each of whom provide services for Disabled people. Volunteers and staff were on hand to answer questions on a wide range of topics including benefits, transport, health, housing, education, sports and more!

The Disability Awareness Day is our flagship event to healthily promote both visible and non-visible disability. By increasing awareness, providing information and bringing people together.

We gave out many of our ‘Be Included Basingstoke’ magazines and bags with our BDDF logo on.

Ani Spalding Chair (2020 – 2024) of BDDF said ‘It was fantastic to be back out there in person, the Digital divide has a huge impact on our members and the wider Disabled community. Getting the right information at the right time helps to make informed choices and by having the many different groups and charities in one place, together, the event allowed us all to provide direct face to face support as well as forging many new connections and deepening the local Disabled community network. Thank you to all who came.’

Be Included Basingstoke

BDDF is proud to announce that we are now on our 3[rd] version of our printed magazine, ‘Be Included Basingstoke’. Thousands have been distributed in the Basingstoke area. Our aim is to help reduce the digital divide and get the information out there to anyone who needs it. The next version should be printed in Autumn/Winter 2024.

Community café

BDDF host quarterly networking sessions where local organisations and groups who support Disabled people are all welcome to attend to share what services and events they have on and to also problem solve issues with one another.

Our Newsletter

BDDF continues to regularly share information from member organisations regarding their activities and services via our website, social media and our newsletters. Each featured organisation is added

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to our website and invited to have a stall at DAD, they are also welcome to attend the Community Cafe.

Chronic Pain support Group

Free support group, held monthly at Proteus Creation Space.

Films to Schools

Prior to Covid, our ‘Films to Schools’ programme took these films BDDF created into local primary schools to teach children a little more about disability and provide an interactive workshop. The children were given the opportunity to write a letter to a fictional child with a disability who would be joining their school. The winning letter would show empathy and inclusion. BDDF visited: 14 Primary Schools, 3 Cub Packs and reached over 3,000 local children mainly at Key Stage 2. BDDF endeavour to return to this project in November 2024.

The Awareness Films that were used and future videos can be viewed on YouTube:

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Independent Examiner’s Report to the Trustees of Basingstoke and District Disability Forum CIO

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Basingstoke and District Disability Forum CIO

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES for the year ended 31 March 2024

Notes
Incoming resources
Donations received
3.1
Fundraising events
3.2
Grant income
3.3
Bank interest
Total income resources
Resources expended
Costs of charitable activities
4
Total resources expended
Net (expenditure) / income
Gross transfers between funds
Net movements in funds
Fund balances brought forward
Funds balances carried forward		 Unrestricted
funds
2024
£
Restricted
funds
2024
£
Total
2024
£
Total
2023
£
3,498
-
3,498
3,228
3,079
-
3,079
7,118
-
17,448
17,448
22,717
2
-
2
1
6,579
17,448
24,027
33,064
15,297
18,952
34,249
34,852
15,297
18,952
34,249
34,852
(8,718)
(1,504)
(10,222)
(1,788)
(1,504)
1,504
-
-
(10,222)
-
(10,222)
(1,788)
16,698
-
16,698
18,486
6,476
-
6,476
16,698

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BALANCE SHEET as at 31 March 2024

Notes Unrestricted Restricted Total funds Total funds
funds funds 2023
2024 2024 2024 £
£ £ £
Current assets
Accounts receivable 200 - 200 155
Cash at bank and in 7,542 15,164 22,706 26,390
hand
Total current assets 7,742 15,164 22,906 26,545
Creditors
Deferred income 7.1 - 15,164 15,164 9,280
Other creditors – 1,266 - 1,266 567
sundry creditors
Creditors: amounts
falling due within 1,266 15,164 16,430 9,847
one year
Net current assets - - - 16,698
Net assets 6,476 - 6,476 16,698
Unrestricted funds 6,476 - 6,476 16,698
Total charity funds 6,476 - 6.476 16,698

Approved by the Trustees on 23rd January 2025 and signed on its behalf by

Hannah Reilly – Chair of Trustees Trustee

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NOTES to the accounts

  1. Basis of accounting

These accounts have been prepared in accordance with Accounting and Reporting by Charities – Statement of Recommended Practice (applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard (FRS102) issued in October 2019).

  1. Accounting policies

  2. 2.1. Recognition of incoming resources: these are included in the Statement of Financial Activities (SofA) when the charity becomes entitled to the resources and when Trustees are confident that income will be received and the monetary value can be reasonably measured.

  3. 2.2. Costs of charitable activities included in the Statement of Financial Activities are on an accruals basis, inclusive of any VAT which cannot be recovered. Expenditure is directly attributable to specific activities and has been included in those cost categories.

  4. 2.3. Expenditure is recognised once there is a legal or constructive obligation to make a payment to a third party, when it is probable that settlement will be required and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably. Expenditure is classified as Restricted when Grantors have place restrictions on how and when the funds shall be spent. Other expenditure represents those items not falling into any other heading. Irrecoverable VAT is charged as a cost against the activity for which the expenditure was incurred.

  5. 2.4. Creditors and provisions 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 and provisions are normally recognised at their settlement amount after allowing for any trade discounts due.

  6. 2.5. Unrestricted funds: these comprise those funds which the Trustees are free to use in accordance with the charitable objects.

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3. Analysis of income

Analysis of income
3.1
Donations received during the year
3.2
Fundraising events
3.3
Grants income - Restricted
Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council – Strengthening
Communities
Hampshire County Council Household Support Fund
NHS Hampshire and Isle of Wight ICB
Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council – Councillor Grants
Arthur Bates Fund
Arnold Clark Community Fund
Four Lanes Trust Grant
Edward Gostling Trust
Hampshire and Isle of Wight Community Foundation
Hampshire County Council – Local Solutions Grant
Albert Hunt Trust
Magic Little Grants
Jubilee Trust
Infortrend
Basingstoke Round Table
Total Grants - Restricted		 2024
£
2023
£
3,498
3,228
3,079
7,118
9,409
6,497
1,913
-
1,596
-
1,500
-
1,500
-
1,490
510
40
30
-
5,000
-
4,988
-
2,067
-
2,000
-
500
-
500
--
159
466
17,448
22,717

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4. Costs of Charitable activities

. Costs of Charitable activities
2024 2023
Unrestricted Restricted Total Total
£ £ £ £
Advertising & Marketing 392 85 477 471
Bookkeeping 1,389 - 1,389 1,430
Bank Fees 7 57 64 83
Business Insurance - 330 330 230
Employee Training - - 0 75
Event Costs 1,128 3,308 4,436 1,292
General Expenses 515 1,584 2,099 444
Independent Examiner 100 - 100 -
IT Software, Subscriptions and Support 875 227 1,102 1,283
Legal & professional fees & licences 50 35 85 85
Printing and postage 140 1,484 1,624 1,124
Rent 2,920 - 2,920 2,920
Room Hire 190 20 210 562
Salaries 7,332 11,822 19,154 23,119
Subcontractor and Fees re Events 27 - 27 1,399
Subscriptions 180 - 180 125
Telephone line rental and calls 52 - 52 210
15,297 18,952 34,249
 34,852

5. Corporation Tax

The charity is exempt from tax on income and gains within section 505 of the Taxes Act 1988 or Section 252 of the Taxation of Chargeable Gains Act 1962 to the extent that are applied to its charitable objects.

6. Staff numbers

The Charity currently employs 4 members (2023: 3) of staff on a part-time basis.

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  1. Creditors: amounts falling due within one year

  2. 7.1. Deferred income

7.1. Deferred income
BDBC Strengthening Communities
NHS Hampshire and Isle of Wight ICB
Didymus Fund
Rotary (BIB)
Arthur Bates Fund
Arnold Clark Community Fund
Action Hampshire
Four Lanes Trust		 2024
£
2023
£
9,144
3,502
3,722
-
1,398
1,398
900
600
-
1,500
-
1,490
-
750
-
40
15,164
9,280

8. Independent examiner

Included in expenditure for the year is a a provision for £100 (2023 - £Nil) for the Independent Examiner’s Report.

  1. Related party transactions

There were no related party transactions in the year.

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Grants & Fundraising

We have been fortunate to receive several grants this year, including through the DWP Household Support Fund for vital cost of living support, salary funding for our Fundraising Coordinator from Basingstoke and Deane Borough council, and more. We have also raised over £6000 in donations and fundraising events.

We are incredibly grateful to all the individual donators, fund and grant providers that have supported BDDF. Your donations enable us to continue to provide all services and activities to our members.

Ways that people can Donate to BDDF

Contact us - How to get in touch & keep up to date

Please get in touch via:

Newsletters

Website: Information on all our free services is updated regularly on our website http://www.bddf.org.uk/

Social Media: Keep up to date by liking our page on Facebook, Instagram or tweet us!

Physical and Registered address

Basingstoke & District Disability Forum The Orchard White Hart Lane Basingstoke RG21 4AF T: 01256 423869 E: office@bddf.org.uk

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Registered Charity in England & Wales since 2014: no.1155660

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