4114 , Impact Report i April 2024 to 31 March 2025 GATESHEAD ## A word from our **Chief Executive** ~ -@r»> FF. € xiv we mom ly ie) fe) ew a Ae a ees oe et le , Vom 2 a I am delighted to present our Impact Report for 2024/25, which clearly demonstrates the invaluable role Gateshead 50+ continues to play within our community. Our core mission is to offer affordable, age-appropriate activities to help older people stay active and socially connected, preventing isolation and challenging ageing stereotypes. The necessity of our work is evident. Our data shows that 45% of our beneficiaries live alone, 67% have a long-term health condition, and 60% use our community pantry. The activities and projects we oversee at Gateshead 50+ are co-created with support and input from our beneficiaries. This not only allows us to ensure we are providing appropriate opportunities to socialise, exercise, and learn, but also to be certain that what we do is created FOR older people BY older people. We are certainly not out of the woods in relation to the cost-of-living crisis in the UK, particularly here in Gateshead, and we will endeavour to continue making as much of what we offer free at the point of use as possible so that no older person, regardless of their financial situation, is left out. **Craig Bankhead** Chief Executive ## About **Gateshead 50+** Gateshead 50+ is an independent charity dedicated to helping make Gateshead a great place to grow older. We offer a wide range of affordable, age-appropriate activities designed to help older people stay active, socially connected, and engaged in their community. We believe that it’s never too early to start preparing for later life and by lowering barriers to participation, we can help prevent isolation, support older people’s mental and physical wellbeing, and make ageing in Gateshead a more fulfilling experience. Each year, we offer over 1,000 activities for older people at our Deckham wellness hub. Since 2018, we have also set up hundreds of classes for over 50s in community venues across Gateshead, contributing to a thriving network of local opportunities for older people to socialise, exercise, and learn. We aren’t interested in reinforcing the stereotypes of ageing. Our programme of activities is designed to challenge those stereotypes and build a community where older people feel valued as contributors, not just recipients of support. ## **Our Trustees** ## **Our Staff Team** Bill Dick, Chair Marion McMahon, Treasurer Margaret Barrett Joice Ndambona (retired October 2024) Sue Renforth (retired October 2024) Craig Bankhead, Chief Executive Nicola Bruce, Health & Wellbeing Manager Lola McPartland, Project Manager As a charity, we work hard to ensure that the activities we offer our beneficiaries are making a difference to their lives. We evaluate our work by compiling case studies and asking beneficiaries to complete functional assessments and/or surveys. Case studies are available on our website and functional assessment results can be found in our project reports. Every year, we survey the beneficiaries who visit our Deckham hub to ensure the opportunities we offer are meeting their needs. We are pleased to share the highlights from our October 2024 survey. Firstly, about our beneficiaries: **Our beneficiaries range in age from 49 to 91. Our average beneficiary age is 72.2. 67% of our beneficiaries have a long term health condition** **74% of our beneficiaries are female 26% of our beneficiaries are male** **18% of our beneficiaries have caring responsibilities** **60% of our beneficiaries use our 45% of our beneficiaries no-questions-asked community live alone pantry** a ~~EE~~ **17% of our 65% of our 18% of our beneficiaries are beneficiaries are beneficiaries are aged 49 to 64 aged 65 to 79 aged 80+** **Our average beneficiary visits us 2.25 times per week.** **Our most active beneficiaries take part in 9 of our activities per week.** - **52% take part in at least two activities per week 36% take part in at least three activities per week 19% take part in at least four activities per week 10% take part in at least five activities per week** Here’s what our beneficiaries had to say about the impact taking part in our activities has on their lives: **89% have made friends with whom they now socialise** **68% have learned new skills** **77% feel happier** **50% visit their GP less frequently since joining us** **89% feel their physical health has improved** **91% feel their mental health has improved** **100% say we offer newcomers a warm welcome** **100% say they would recommend our activities to family and friends** We are delighted to share the highlights of our 2024/25 activities programme. This year, we focused on expanding the programme of activities on offer at our Deckham wellness hub and increasing our beneficiaries’ awareness of ways to improve their financial resilience. ## **April through June 2024** - supported MHA Communities Gateshead West in the set up of Singing for the Brain and Love to Move (two new activities suitable for those living with dementia) - due to high demand, our bi-monthly art group began meeting weekly - support from Pargiter Trust ensured that three of our Deckham fitness classes would remain free for another year - our craft group welcomed Steph Capewell, chief executive of the Love, Amelia charity, to which the group donates hundreds of handmade items for babies and children each year - support from Persimmon Homes ensured our no-questions-asked community pantry would be available to those who take part in our Deckham activities for another year our Super Quiz winners enjoyed day trips to Ambleside and Grasmere and Stokesley, Helmsley, and Brymor Dairy ## **July through September 2024** - BBC Radio Newcastle visited our walking football team to do a feature focusing on the benefits of exercise in later life - after a successful trial period, we added curling to our Deckham schedule permanently Community Foundation North East featured our popular Never Too Old to Rock project launched summer financial awareness campaign which included an energy advice and support session, Pension Credit checks, and information about doorstep sellers **October through December 2024** - support from the Ringtons Fund (Community Foundation North East) ensured two of our fitness classes would remain free for an additional year and secured an instructor for our art group for a year - Gateshead Talking Therapies delivery of a three-week sleep quality course at our Deckham hub launch of our Christmas Connections programme, which included a trip to see the pantomime at Little Theatre Gateshead, a Christmas crafts session, our Christmas quiz and ukulele concert, a Christmas raffle, gingerbread decorating, Santa’s Workshop gift wrapping sessions, a trip to the cinema, several Christmas meals, and a Never Too Old to Rock peformance night at The Three Tuns **January through March 2025** **----- Start of picture text -----**
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## **Why we’re here** To understand why it is so important for over 50s in Gateshead to have opportunities to improve their health and maintain their independence, we need to consider the realities of ageing in our borough. Factors such as deprivation, falls, and loneliness significantly affect the wellbeing of older residents. ## **Deprivation** Gateshead ranks 47th out of 317 local authorities in England for deprivation, with income deprivation among older people 36.4% higher than the national average. Our wellness hub is located in Deckham, one of the 4% most deprived areas in the country. Deprivation can drastically affect life expectancy. On average, someone born in one of Gateshead’s most deprived areas can expect to live over a decade less than someone born in the most affluent parts of England (15.1 years less for men and 13.9 years less for women). For many older people, activities that support wellbeing such as fitness classes, cultural events, or short courses are out of reach due to cost. To address this, we provide free or low-cost opportunities for older residents to exercise, socialise, and learn. ## **Falls** Emergency admissions due to falls in people aged 65+ are 15% higher in Gateshead than the national average. By 2040, falls among this age group are projected to rise by 25%, with hospital admissions increasing by 34%. In some Gateshead wards, rates of hip fracture admissions are particularly high when compared to the English average – 64% higher in Bridges, 59% higher in High Fell, and 47% higher in Lobley Hill and Bensham. Hip fractures can have devastating consequences. More than 30% of older people die within a year, 20% move into a care home, and only 46% return to their previous level of independence. Research from the University of Bristol (2020) suggests that reducing healthcare inequalities in deprived areas could save up to £28.8 million annually in hip fracture treatment costs. It is therefore essential that evidence-based falls-prevention activities are embedded in the work of organisations supporting older people. Gateshead 50+ is commissioned by Gateshead Council to deliver our Staying Steady falls-prevention programme and we support the delivery of evidence-based Tai Chi and Strength & Balance classes across the borough. ## **Loneliness** Loneliness is another major challenge. According to a 2020 Brunel University London report, people aged 50+ living in the poorest areas of the country are more likely to experience loneliness. In Gateshead, 34% of people aged 65+ live alone, and in our most recent survey, 45% of our beneficiaries reported living alone. Loneliness can make people feel vulnerable, increasing their risk of depression and physical health decline. The English Longitudinal Study of Ageing shows that people aged 50+ in poor health are 3.7 times more likely to be often lonely, and those with financial barriers to participation are 2.3 times more likely to experience frequent loneliness. Our programme creates a sustainable network of local classes and activities for people over 50, helping them form lasting friendships within their communities. By hosting activities in accessible community venues, we reduce travel barriers and enable older residents to attend independently, fostering meaningful social connections that extend beyond the sessions themselves. ## **The Big Picture** Our programme is designed to tackle deprivation, prevent falls, and reduce loneliness, helping older residents feel connected and supported. By engaging fully with what we offer, people over 50 can improve their physical health, boost their confidence, reduce depression and anxiety, and ultimately increase their lifespan – all while strengthening their ties to the local community. ## **Our Investors** Gateshead 50+ is delighted to have the support of some of the UK’s most forward-thinking investors. Thanks to them, we are in a position to be able to respond to our beneficiaries’ needs quickly, making an immediate and measurable difference to their quality of life. **----- Start of picture text -----**
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178 Split Crow Road Deckham NE8 3UB 0191 438 1721 www.gatesheadopa.org.uk Registered Charity Number 1155832 _Gateshead 50+ is the working name of Gateshead Older People’s Assembly._ GATESHEAD OLDER PEOPLE'S ASSEMBLY REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 Charity No I l 55832 GATESHEAD OLDER PEOPLE'S ASSEMBLY Contenls Page Legal and administrative information Reserves policy and going concern structure, governance, and management Financial review Report of the Independent Examiner statement of financial Activities Balance Sheet Notes to the financial statements 7- 11 GATESHEAD OLDER PEOPLE'S ASSEMBLY Report of the Trustees Year ended 31 March 2025 Legal and admlnlstratlve Informalion Board ol Trvstees: W. Dick (chairl M. Mcmahon (treasurer) J. Ndambona (retired October 20241 S. Renforth (retired October 20241 M. Borreft Reglslered Offlce: 178 Split Crow Road Galeshead Tyne & Wear NE8 3UB Accounlants: TIG Accountants Metropolitan House Longrigg Road Swalwell Gateshead NE16 3AS Bankers: Unity Trust Bank PO Box 7193 Planetary Road Willenhall WVI 9DG GATESHEAD OLDER PEOPLE'S ASSEMBLY Report of Ihe Trustees Year ended 31 March 2025 The trustees of Gateshead Older People's Assembly are delighted to present our annual report for 2024/2025. We are on independent chority dedicated to making Gateshead a great place to grow older. Our core mission is to offer a wide range of affordable, age- appropriate activilies designed to help our community members stay active, socially connecled. and engaged. We believe it is never too early to prepare for later life, and by lowering barriers to participation, we help prevent isolation and support mental and physical wellbeing. During the financial year April 1, 2024, to March 31, 2025, we focused on expanding our activities at the Deckham wellness hub and increasing our beneficiaries, awareness of ways to improve financial resilience, Each year, we offer over 1,000 activities at our Deckhom hub and have set up hundreds of classes in community venues across Goteshead since 2018. Our October 2024 survey showed the positive difference we are making. Our beneficiaries range in age from 49 to 91, with an average age of 72.2. We are aware that 6710 of participants have a long-term health condition, and 451. live alone. Furthermore. 6010 Utilise our no-questions-asked community pantryl On average. our members visit us 2.25 times per week, with 52% taking part in at least two activities per week. The feedback from our beneficiaries highlights the success of our programme: 91 Y. feel Iheir mental health ha5 improved. 89f, feel Iheir physical health has improved, 891 have made friends with whom they now socialise. 771. feel happier, and 501¢ Vlslt their GP less frequently since joining us. We are proud that l Oolo of those surveyed said they would recommend our activities to family and friends. Highlights from the past year included the continuation of our successful community pantry, a visit from BBC Newcostle to highlighl the importance of exercising in later life, the introduction of curling to our weekly calendar of events as well as a second pickleball session each week. We also ran a frauds and scams awareness session based on beneficiary demand. Due to high demand, we increased our Art Group from fortnightly to weekly. We also ran a summer financial awareness campaign, which included an energy advice session, Pension Credit checks, and information on protecting against doorstep sellers. Reserves policy and golng concern The truslees aim to maintain free reserves in unrestricted funds at a level which equate5 to at least six monlhs of charitable expenditvre. The trustees consider that this level will provide sufficiently for any contingency planning should the need arise. The management team provides the trustees with a twelve-month rolling budget forecast which is updated every quarter. This provides sufficient foresight and time to be able to address any issues before they arise. The truslees consider the charity is currently in o financially stable position and have no concerns about the charity's continuing existence and success. GATESHEAD OLDER PEOPLE'S ASSEMBLY Report of the Trustees Year ended 31 March 2025 structure, governance, and management Gate5heod Older People's Assembly is a charitable incorporoted organisation {CIOI. The organisation was registered wilh the Charities Commission on 18 FebnJary 2014. Trustees are invited from all interested bodies and are selected by the trustees. The board of trustees would like to take this opportunify to thank all the staff, volunteers, funders, investors, and beneficiaries for another exciting year in the charity's development. Flnanclal review The financiol statements show a surplus of £29,739 with a restricted surplus of £28,451. Restricted funding is the main type of income and expenditure. Monies are received for running costs of the office, activities, ond salaries. Signed on behalf of the board of trustees, on llJecLML2025. W. Dick Chair GATESHEAD OLDER PEOPLE'S ASSEMBLY Report of the Trustees Year ended 31 March 2025 Report of the Independent Examiner to the trustees of Gateshead Older People's Assembly I report on the financial statements of Gateshead Older People's Assembly for the year ended 31 March 2025 which are set out on pages 5 to I l . Respectlve responsibility of trustees and examlner The charity's trustees are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements. The charity's trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year under section 144 of the Charitie5 Act 2011 (the 2011 Act) and that an independent examination is needed. Having satisfied myself that the charity is not subject to audit under company law and is eligible for independent examination, it is my responsibility to examine the accounts under section 145 of the 2011 Act, follow the procedures laid down in the general Directions given by the Charity Commission (under section 145151 Ib) of the 2011 Act), and state whether particular matters have come to my attention. Basls of Independent examlner's report My examination was carried out in accordance with the General Directions given by the Charity Commissioners. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of Ihe financial statements presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the financial statements, and seeking explanations from the trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit, and consequently no opinion is given as to whether the accounts present a 'true and fair, view and the report is limited to those motters set out in the statement below. Independent examlner's statement In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect the requirements to keep accounting records in accordance with section 386 of the Companies Act 2006; and to prepare financial statements which accord with the accounting records and to comply with the accounting requirements of section 396 of the Companies Act 2006 and with the methods and principles of the Statement of Recommended Practice: Accounting and Reporting by Charities have not been met: or to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the financial statements to be reached. Gill FCCA Metropolitan House Longrigg Road Swalwell Gateshead NEI 6 3AS Date: 17 December 2025 GATESHEAD OLDER PEOPLE'S ASSEMBLY statement of Financial Aclivities Year ended 31 March 2025 Notes Unreslricfed Restrlcted Tolal 2025 Total 2024 Income other income 5,032 5.032 1,155 Grants 46,550 222,697 269,247 248,042 Total Income 51,582 222,697 274,279 249.197 Expendlture Charitable activilies 50.294 194,246 244,540 255,852 Total expendlture 50.294 194,246 244.540 255, 852 Net Income 1,288 28,451 29,739 16, 655) Transfers Net movement In funds 1,288 28,451 29,739 (6,655} Total funds brought forward 50,669 169,330 219,999 226,654 Total funds carrled forward 51,957 197,781 249,738 219.999 GATESHEAD OLDER PEOPLE'S ASSEMBLY Balance Sheet as at 31 March 2025 Nofes Unrestrlcted Restricted 2025 2024 Flxed assels Tangible assets 564 564 752 Current assels Cash at bank and in hand 78,369 178,453 256,822 227.082 78,369 178,453 256,822 227,082 Creditors amounl due wllhln one year 7,648 7,648 7,835 Net currenl assets 78,369 170,805 249,174 219,247 Net assets 78.933 170,805 249.738 219,999 Funds ol Ihe charlly 10 78.933 170,805 249,738 219.999 The finoncial statements were approved by the trustees on signed on the trustees behalf by: 11 and W Dick Chair GATESHEAD OLDER PEOPLE'S ASSEMBLY Notes to Ihe accounts Year ended 31 March 2025 Basis ot preparation of financial slalemenls The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with Accounting and Reporting by Charitie5: 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 IFRS 102) {effective l January 20151 Icharities SORP IFRS T0231, Ihe Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland IFRS 102). Bas15 of accounting The charity hos adopted the accruals bosis of accounting as required by the regulalions. Income Granls and donations are only included in the SOFA when the charity has unconditional entitlemenl lo the resources. Expendllure Costs are recognised as and when Ihere becomes a legal or constructive obligation committing the charity to pay out the resources. Funds accountlng Unrestricted funds are available for use at the discretion of the trustees in furlheraiice of the general objectives of the chority and which hove not been designated for other purposes. Restricted funds are subjected to restrictions on their expenditure imposed by the funder, donor or through the terms of an appeal. Depreclullon Depreciation is charged at 20fo reducing balance per yeor GATESHEAD OLDER PEOPLE'S ASSEMBLY Noles to the accounts Year ended 31 March 2025 Grants 2025 2024 Unreslricted Greggs Foundation Headley Trust The Tudor Trust Masonic Charitable Trust Akzo Nobel - Community Foundation The Albert Hunt Trust The Mccarthy Stone Foundation Sharegift The Schroder Charity Trust The Anton Jurgens Charitable Trust The Hadrian Trust 20,800 20,000 20,000 29,000 5,000 3,000 8,250 5.000 4,000 5.000 500 46,550 74,000 Restrlcted The Tudor Trust The Bollinger Charitable Trust ' National Lottery Community Fund Reaching Communities The Sir James Knott Trust Galeshead Council - Staying Steady Kellet Fund at the Community Foundation National Lottery Community Fund Awards For All Gateshead Council - Walking Football Gateshead Council - Heolth Walks Community Foundation Prime Fund Community Foundation Waiting Well Connected Voice Porgiter Trust- Community Foundation Postcode Community Trust Community funding - P&G Warm Space Persimmon Homes Sport England Community Foundotion - Ringlons Fund The Considered Ask Foundation 31,167 20,000 20,000 65.000 10,000 30.000 19.500 5,000 30,000 16,250 9,971 4,380 9,970 5,000 5,000 2,144 3.450 3,471 40.000 10,000 5.000 12,050 5,000 34,386 222.697 174,042 Total grants 269,247 248,042 GATESHEAD OLDER PEOPLE'S ASSEMBLY Notes to the accounts Year ended 31 March 2025 3 Expendilure Unreslrlcled Restricted 2025 2024 Charilable aclivifies Salaries and pensions Capilal and equipment Sessional instructors Filming and promotion utilities and seNices Miscellaneous Consumables and equipment Cornmunity pantry Beneficiary enrichment activities Travel, training and transport Accountancy Depreciation 25,000 130.737 155,737 145,871 5,000 3.425 35,647 8,425 35,647 10.972 35,385 7.000 1,910 13,611 20.611 1,910 27,991 3, 108 8,845 8,845 7,642 2,000 1.981 3,981 10,462 3,439 5,945 3,439 5,945 9,381 4,790 250 50.294 194,246 244,540 255.852 Trustees expenses Expenses paid to trustees during the year: £Nil12024: £Nil} Fees for examlnatlon of the occounts 2025 2024 Fee for reporting on the accounts 4,608 4,790 Wages 2025 2024 Gross wages Social security cost Pensions 131,121 9,306 15,634 128,364 8,814 8,693 Total staff costs 155,899 145,871 GATESHEAD OLDER PEOPLE'S ASSEMBLY Notes lo the accounts Year ended 31 March 2025 10 staff numbers staff numbers during the year were as follows Part tlme Full tlme Total Management arid administration Flxed assels Fvrnlture & equlpment At valvalk)n As at l April 2024 Additions 6,701 As ot 31 March 2025 6,701 Depreclallon As at l April 2024 Depreciation for year 5,949 188 As at 31 March 2025 6,137 Net book value As at 31 March 2025 564 As af 31 March 2024 752 Credltors- amounl falllng due wlthln one year 2025 2024 Creditors Taxes and accruols other creditors 768 3,530 3,350 768 3,850 3,217 7,648 7,835 GATESHEAD OLDER PEOPLE'S ASSEMBLY Notes to the accounts Year ended 31 March 2025 10 Net movemenl on funds A5al l April 2024 Asat 31 March 2025 Income Expendlture Transfer Unreslrlcled General 50,669 51,582 50.294 51,957 Restrlcted Other Funds 169.330 222,697 194,246 197,781 219,999 274,279 244,540 249,738