TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT & FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Year ending 31st March 2021 Charity Number: 1159184
TABLE OF CONTENTS
| Reference & administrative details | 1 |
|---|---|
| Trustee report | 3 |
| Activities & achievements | 6 |
| Statements | 7 |
| Independent examiners report | 9 |
| Receipts and payments of accounts | 12 |
| Statement of assets & liabilities | 13 |
| Balance sheet | 14 |
| Income & expenditure | 15 |
For the year ending 31[st] March 2021 Name of charity: North Somerset People First Charity registration number: 1159184
Reference and administrative details – Year ending 31[st] March 2021
Name of charity: North Somerset People First
Charity registration number: 1159184
Governing Document: CIO – Foundation registered 12[th] November 2014
Trustees:
Susan Hogarth (Chairperson) Christopher Bird (Treasurer) Anne Kilpin (Secretary) Stephen Campling Kyle Hannan
No trustee has beneficial interest in the charity.
Principle Address:
North Somerset People First The Campus Highlands Lane Weston Super Mare BS24 7DX
Website: www.nspf.co.uk
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For the year ending 31[st] March 2021 Name of charity: North Somerset People First Charity registration number: 1159184
Independent Examiner: Kirsty Beechey 19 Boulevard Weston Super Mare BS23 1NR
Bankers
HSBC bank 174 High Street Worle Weston Super Mare BS22 6JD
Cambridge & Counties Bank Limited Charnwood Court 58 New Walk Leicester LE1 6TE
Nationwide Building Society Kings Park Road Moulton Park Industrial Estate Northhampton NN3 6NW
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For the year ending 31[st] March 2021 Name of charity: North Somerset People First Charity registration number: 1159184
Trustees’ report
The trustees of North Somerset People First present their annual report and independently examined accounts for the year ending 31[st] March 2021 and confirm that they comply with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011.
The trustees have referred to the guidance contained in the Charity Commission’s general guidance on public benefit when reviewing their aims and objectives and in planning future activities.
Objectives & Activities
North Somerset People First (NSPF) is a self-advocacy charity working for and led by the voices of people with a learning disability in North Somerset. NSPF promotes and encourages people with a learning disability to speak up for themselves, empowering them to be in control of their own lives, now and in the future. We provide speaking up forums across the county, facilitate training opportunities and services to improve the lives of people with learning disabilities and provide activities that reduce the social isolation that many people with learning disabilities experience. We have clear access links to all statutory services locally and ensure the views and opinions of people with a learning disability in North Somerset are used to influence and develop these services.
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For the year ending 31[st] March 2021 Name of charity: North Somerset People First Charity registration number: 1159184
NSPF provides paid employment and opportunities for meaningful work experience programs for people with learning disabilities within North Somerset.
Structure, Governance and Management:
The trustees are responsible for the overall management and control of North Somerset People First and meet as a minimum six times per year. All trustees give their time freely, remuneration for expenses have to date not been claimed.
Organisational & Operational Management:
The day to day running of the charity is delegated to the Chief Executive Officer.
Advisory Committee:
North Somerset People First’s Advisory Committee is made up of a group of people with a Learning disability. The Advisory Committee is responsible for finding out what services there are in North Somerset and if they meet the needs and expectations of their peers. It is a group of people who meet every 3 months, where they advise and inform our trustees what is important to the people who use our services. Committee members stand for one year and new Advisory Committee members are elected annually at our AGM.
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For the year ending 31[st] March 2021 Name of charity: North Somerset People First Charity registration number: 1159184
Risk Management:
The trustees are responsible for the overseeing of the risks faced by the charity. Risks are identified and assessed and controls established throughout the year. A formal review of the charities risk management is carried out annually. The charity has taken out suitable insurance in order to cover any unforeseen problems.
Reserves Policy :
Reserve funds (hereafter referred to as The Reserve Fund) will be maintained at a level equivalent to six months operational expenditure and will provide the charity with adequate financial stability for the foreseeable future. The reserves fund will be invested in deposit accounts agreed by the Board of Trustees. The amount of the reserves fund will be calculated as follows:
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Six months of all employees’ salaries plus national insurance contributions.
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The amount of redundancy payment and any payment in lieu of notice to which each employee would be entitled if the charity were dissolved.
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Six months of normal expenditure for the charity.
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An amount to cover unforeseen costs.
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Solicitors costs for winding up.
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Expenditure for planned projects.
The reserves fund will be reviewed ½ yearly and the figures adjusted accordingly. A report will be submitted to the Board of Trustees by the Business & Finance Manager.
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For the year ending 31[st] March 2021 Name of charity: North Somerset People First Charity registration number: 1159184
All withdrawals from the reserve accounts will be authorised by nominated persons from the Board of Trustees.
As of the 31[st ] of March 2021, the amount of restricted reserves: £137,068.67
Activities and Achievements: Please see full charity annual report containing activities and achievements for 20202021at the end of this document.
Future Plans
Our current key funding comes from range of sources which includes: The local authority, educational bodies, The National Lottery Community Fund and Lloyds Bank Foundation. We remain aware that there is always potential for further government cuts, which could affect our core funding from the local authority. We continue to identify new ways to secure future funding that will enable us to carry out our aims and objectives.
NSPF continues to invest some of its unrestricted reserves to support additional office space as our current accommodation does not allow for our current needs.
It has made an investment into the development of our Communication and Marketing strategy, which has seen major improvement in our digital communications.
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For the year ending 31[st] March 2021 Name of charity: North Somerset People First Charity registration number: 1159184
Statement of Trustees’ responsibilities
The trustees are responsible for preparing the Annual report and the Financial Statements in accordance with applicable law and regulations. Law applicable to charities in England and Wales requires the trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year. The financial statements are required by law to give a true and fair view of the state of the affairs of the charity and of the financial activities for that year. In preparing these financial statements, the trustees are required to:
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Select suitable accounting policies and apply them consistently.
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Make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent.
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Prepare financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the charity will continue its operation.
The trustees are responsible for keeping accounting records which disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity and to enable
them to ensure that the financial statements comply with Charities Act. They have general responsibility for taking such steps as are reasonably open to them to safeguard the assets of the charity and to prevent and detect fraud and other irregularities. Laws applicable to charities in
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For the year ending 31[st] March 2021 Name of charity: North Somerset People First Charity registration number: 1159184
England and Wales require the trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year. The trustees have elected to prepare the financial statements with the Financial Reporting Standard for smaller entities (effective Jan 2015)
Statement of disclosure to independent examiner
In so far as the trustees are aware:
There is no relevant information of which the charity’s independent examiner is unaware; and the trustees have taken all steps that they ought to have taken to make themselves aware of any relevant information and to establish that the independent examiner is aware of the information.
By order of the Board,
Christopher Bird (Treasurer / Trustee
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For the year ending 31st March 2021 Name of charity: North Somerset People First Charity registration number: 1159184
I
Independent examiner's report on the accounts
Report to the Trustees of North Somerset People First on accounts for the year ended 31[st ] March 2021. Charity Number 1159184.
Set out on pages 9,10 and 11
Respective responsibilities of trustees and examiner
The charity's trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. The charity's trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year under section 144 of the Charities Act 2011 (the Charities Act) and that an independent examination is needed. It is my responsibility to:
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examine the accounts under section 145 of the Charities Act,
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to follow the procedures laid down in the general Directions given by the Charity Commission (under section 145(5) (b) of the Charities Act, and
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to state whether particular matters have come to my attention.
Basis of independent examiner's statement
My examination was carried out in accordance with general Directions given by the Charity Commission. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts, 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 matters set out in the statement below.
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For the year ending 31st March 2021 Name of charity: North Somerset People First Charity registration number: 1159184
Independent examiner's statement
In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention
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which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in, any material respect, the requirements:
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to keep accounting records in accordance with section 130 of the Charities Act; and
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to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and comply with the accounting requirements of the Charities Act
have not been met; or
- to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
Independent Examiner Signed: .¼J) :e ,LQ.-o_
Name: Kirsty Fowler
Address: 19 Boulevard, Weston-super-Mare, North Somerset, 8S23 1 NR
Relevant professional body: Member of the Association of Accounting Technicians (MAAT) & Association of Tax Technicians(ATT)
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For the year ending 31st March 2021 Name of charity: North Somerset People First Charity registration number: 1159184
Disclosure
Brief details of any items that the examiner wishes to disclose.
The organisation is still located in the smaller accommodation based at The Campus; provided by the Local Authority.
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Receipts and payments accounts
North Somerset People First
Charity Number 1159184
For the period 01/04/2020 to 31/03/2021
----- Start of picture text -----
Unrestricted Restricted Total funds Total Funds
funds funds 2021 2020
Receipts
Grant funded projects 8,334 168,856 177,190 158,051
Service provision 51,692 38,265 89,957 84,149
Community Social fund - - - 302
Miscellaneous sale income 1,400 - 1,400 1,550
Bank interest received 1,530 - 1,530 1,981
Sub total 62,956 207,121 270,076 246,033
Investment income
- - - -
Total receipts 62,956 207,121 270,076 246,033
Payments
Staff costs 36,927 141,713 178,640.05 183,733
Purchases 12,957 60,048 73,005.70 54,180
Overheads 1,118 5,453 6,571.40 8,219
Accrued costs - 38,000 38,000.00 -
Bank charges 116 - 116.30 135
Sub total 51,119 245,214 296,333 246,267
Asset and investment purchases
- - - -
Total payments 51,119 245,214 296,333 246,267
Net of receipts/
11,836 - 38,093 - 26,257 - 234
(payments)
Transfers between
- 17,823 17,823 - -
funds
Cash funds last year
119,036 67,703 186,739 186,973
end
Cash funds this
year end 113,049 47,433 160,482 186,739
----- End of picture text -----
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Statement of assets and liabilities at 31st March 2021
| Other monetary assets Cash funds Assets retained for the charity’s own use Liabilities |
Debtors Details Bank Accounts Building Society Accounts Cash held Total cash funds Net Debtors/Current Liabilities (agree balances with receipts and payments account(s)) Details Details Furniture, fixtures and fittings Computers and Accessories Other office equipment Details Business Charge card PAYE, Nat Ins, Pension Creditors Deferred Income Accruals |
Unrestricted funds to nearest £ 119,316 150 - 6,418 |
Restricted funds to nearest £ 160,069 - 112,636 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 113,049 | 47,433 | ||
| ok | ok | ||
| Restricted funds to nearest £ |
|||
| - | |||
| 2,850 3,425 |
|||
| 4,240 | |||
| - 4,773 74,636 38,000 Amount due 1,645 |
29/11/2021 Approved by the board of Trustees on ……………………
Chair person ……………………………………………….. pp Sue Hogarth
Treasurer……………………………………………………. Christopher Bird
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North Somerset People First Income and Expenditure Account Year Ended 31st Morch 2021
| Sales Supporing People NHS Clinical Commissioning Group NSC Community Team for LO NSC Childrens Centers NS Community Partnership CIC Employability Services PCPs/ Advocacy Community Socialisation Fund Miscellaneous Soles Income Fundraising Support Programs Lloyds Bonk Foundalion for England 8 Wales Supporing Grants The National lottery Community Fund. ABL COVID-19 Response Fund NSC Infection Control lolfery Community Fund Covid-19 Transition support Bonk Interest received Stoff Costs Supporting People NHS Clinical Commissioning Group NSC Community Team for to NSC Chlfdrens Centers NS Community Partnership CIC Employability Services PCPs/ Advocacy Suppor Programs Miscellaneous Stoff costs Lloyds Bonk Foundation for England 8 Wales Supporting Grants The National lottery Community Fund. ABl COVID-19 Response Fund lolfery Community fund Covld-19 Transition support Purchases Supporting People NHS Clinical Commissioning Group NSC Community Team lor LO NSC Childrens Centers NS Community Partnership CIC Employability Services PCPs/Advocacy Training Provision External Fundroislng Support Programs Community Socialisation fund Miscellaneous Purchases Marketing Volunteesing Lloyds Bonk foundolion for England & Wales The Notional lottery Community Fund. ABL COVID-19 Response Fund NSC Infection Control Gross profit/(loss) 2020-2021 2019-2020 Income Expenditure 38,265.00 35.10 7,918.00 26,996.00 1,589.33 3,200.00 4,147.50 1,400.00 380.93 15,759.18 21,723.50 103,983.02 18,994.00 6,575.32 17,580.00 l.529,61 270,076.49 35,681.64 7,741.31 25,562.29 1,501.40 36.39 2,086.00 19,890.54 62,927.22 5,867.00 17,346.26 178,640.05 2,213.07 160.14 780.12 36.80 40.90 250.00 366.00 10,623.49 700.00 1.450.22 37,102.20 12,671.15 6,611.61 73,005.70 18,430.74 Income 38.265.00 7,918.00 26,995.00 2.223 97 12,664.00 2,909.00 302.21 1,550.00 1.307.89 1,092.00 25,914.46 5.000.00 117,910.81 1.980.74 246,033.08 Expenditure 31,489.55 7,664.76 26.676.01 2.169.19 14.210.50 25.88 2,812.50 20.369.70 5,000.00 73,314.56 183.732.65 5.198.45 248.41 378.42 75.68 229.35 57.0 399.46 78.0 700.00 2.360.00 3.985.61 40.469.91 54.180.29 8,120 14 |
Change 35.l0 1.00 634.64 9,464.00 1,238.50 302.21 150.00 926.96 14.667 18 4,190.96 5,00.00 13,927.79 18,994.00 6,575.32 17,580.00 451,13 |
Change 35.l0 1.00 634.64 9,464.00 1,238.50 302.21 150.00 926.96 14.667 18 4,190.96 5,00.00 13,927.79 18,994.00 6,575.32 17,580.00 451,13 |
|---|---|---|
| 24.043.41 4,192.09 76.55 1.113.72 667.79 14. 174.11 25.88 726.50 479.16 5.000.00 10.387.34 5,867.00 17,346.26 5.092.60 2.985.38 88.27 401.70 38.88 188.45 193.00 33.46 10.545.49 2.360 00 2.535.39 3.367.71 12.671.15 6,611.61 18,825.41 |
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Overheads
Supportlng Peop
NHS Ctinlcol Comrnls4onln9 Group
NSC Comftwnlty Teom LD
NSC Cl4ldieThs Cenlt
EmployalY Serylces
PCf/Avocacy
Cot)ynvrwty Soclali5aNon Fuhd
Fvrtdrrdy
Support Progrom5
Uoyds 6onk Fom
For the year ending 31[st] March 2021 Name of charity: North Somerset People First Charity registration number: 1159184
Notes to the accounts:
Note 1. Deferred income consists of; £51,849.28 National Lottery Community Fund ABL, £20,321.46 Lloyds Bank Foundation for England & Wales, £2464.90 NHS Clinical Commissioning Group.
Note 2. Accruals as approved by the board; ringfenced funds of £5000 for website creation, £10,000 for the rental costs and establishment of second office, £3,000 delapidations of current office, £5000 for the production and development of new branding materials and £15,000 post COVID-19 recovery. >Note 3. Ringfenced reserves for wind-up costs £137,068.67
Funds which need the balance to be carried forward for deferred income, as payments made are for ongoing projects.
| ongoing projects. | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fund | Sales | Purchases | Direct Expenses |
0/Hs | Balance to carry forward |
Amended Sales Figure |
| Lloyds Bank Foundation | 42,044.96 | 1,450.22 | 19,890.54 | 382.74 | 20,321.46 | 21,723.50 |
| Big Lottery Fund. A Better Life |
155,832.30 | 37,102.20 | 62,927.22 | 3,953.60 | 51,849.28 | 103,983.02 |
| NHS Clinical Commissioning Group |
2,500.00 | - | - | 35.10 | 2,464.90 | 35.10 |
| 74,635.64 | - |
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North Somerset People First Suppor+ing people 1+h (earning c4isabi(i+ies +0 have a voice STAY KEEP ro Annual Report 2020 - 2021
Contents
Introduction………..….…………………...……………………………….….4 Mission Statement……...……………………………………………………..5 Board of Trustees’ report…………..……... . ………………………………....6 Chief Executive Officer’s report………..……………..……………......…...7 Our Year in Numbers……………………..……………..……………......…...9 Parent Advocacy..………………………….……….…….………………….10 Our Covid response…………………………………………………………..12 Covid Transition…...…………………………………………………………..29 Special Thank Yous …………………………………………………………..31 Thank you to our Funders and Donors…………………………………….37 Financial Information…………………………………………………………38
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Introduction to North Somerset People First
Who are we?
North Somerset People First is a self advocacy organisation run for and led by people with a learning disability. Anyone with a learning disability or autism who lives, works or attends college or day services in North Somerset can become a member of the organisation.
Self Advocacy means speaking up for yourself about important things in your life. It also means doing things for yourself, making changes happen, talking about problems, knowing your rights and responsibilities, making friends and having fun.
Self-advocacy supports us to:us to:
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Have more control over our lives
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Share news and discuss things that are important
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Make friends and have fun
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Do things we want and in our way
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Become independent and responsible
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Respect and trust each other
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Share feelings
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Talk about problems and be listened to
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Help make big decisions to change things for ourselves and other people
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Mission Statement
North Somerset People First promotes and encourages people with a learning disability to speak up for themselves, empowering them to be in control of their own lives now and in the future.
Our Aims:
To promote self-advocacy and support people with a learning disability to have a voice in North Somerset.
Make sure people are aware of their rights.
Support people to have a greater choice and control over their lives.
Make sure all of our members have an opportunity to contribute to all the work we do.
Support people to be included in their community.
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Board of Trustees’ Report
This year has been especially challenging for us all, having to cope with an unprecedented situation courtesy of the Pandemic. The Charity's operational team, including our volunteers, have had to respond by being flexible, working in new ways and prioritising those activities which would best support our members.
Financially the Charity has been fortunate in not being partly or wholly reliant on a retail-based funding model, as is the case with many charities. Our ongoing corporate financial support, specifically from the National Lottery and Lloyds Banking Group, has enabled project-based services to continue. Support services have also continued to be delivered thanks to the hard work of the whole team under the leadership provided by the Senior Management Team and using remote working practices and tools.
Board meetings and governance requirements have also continued without interruption facilitated by using online tools such as Zoom. Similar tools have also been employed to support communication with our membership.
In summary a very challenging year but thanks to a dedicated and flexible team our membership has continued to receive the best possible service.
North Somerset People First Board of Trustees
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Chief Executive Report
The past year has been both remarkable and challenging for North Somerset People First. The pandemic transformed the landscape of our work, and, as with many organisations it has tested us in ways that could never have been anticipated. The situation we all found ourselves in was an evolving one, and as weeks and months went by, we had to collectively remain flexible, creative, and resilient in the face of many emerging new challenges.
Michelle Burnett
It is in times of crisis that you find and appreciate the true value of your team and the resilience of the culture within the organisation generally. This is reflected in the team’s efforts, ranging from colleagues delivering front line support in exceptionally demanding conditions; to those providing vital communication, information and mental health, and emotional well-being services, as well as continuing our statutory advocacy provision, and coping with multiple challenges such as virtual working, the use of PPE, and rapidly changing government requirements in the face of unrelenting pressures.
I have seen colleagues demonstrate remarkable care and compassion for the members they support. They displayed incredible creativity and I am delighted to say that the response has been immense; there has been impressive agility at all levels and the way in which we were able to reach out to our members and their families and carers has had a marked positive impact on their mental health and general wellbeing.
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I cannot stress enough, my immense gratitude to my amazing team of staff and volunteers who are an absolute credit to the
organisation. They have responded to the challenge of the pandemic magnificently and tirelessly to ensure that our members received the vital support that they needed.
Year after year we promote the successes achieved by our members and we are often overwhelmed by the challenges they overcome to reach these successes. Throughout the last year we have witnessed the inner strength and determination of many of our members as they have adapted to a very different way of life. Throughout this report you will read some positive stories, however, despite the positives, we also clearly recognise the significant impact that the pandemic has had and continues to have on our members. Physical health, mental health and emotional well-being has greatly declined, social lives being restricted has created increased isolation and the lack of opportunity to practice daily independence skills and routines has reduced confidence and some members have reported an inability to do tasks they used to before the pandemic.
Things are still a long way from returning to normal, however, despite the continued uncertainty and the likelihood of more tough times ahead, we plan with enthusiasm and creativity to address the continued challenges and most importantly to ensure our services and activities fully support the issues that the pandemic has created for our members. Looking ahead with hope of a brighter horizon, we have also embarked on developing plans for new services for the future and beyond.
I am mindful that whilst we have reflected on what has been a very difficult year, it is important to remind ourselves that there are so many people who have experienced complete devastation. Our thoughts and sympathies are of course with all those people we support, carers, colleagues, volunteers, and family members who have lost loved ones and friends because of the virus or have suffered from it themselves.
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OUR YEAR IN NUMBERS 2,407 01,560 0 Psy J 20,Sq2 540 826 268 ••• 2,340 £36,574 254 01 1,532
Parent Advocacy
This year has again seen a number of referrals for parent advocacy, providing support for parents with learning disabilities who are involved in child protection cases. The concerns in these cases can range from neglect due to poor parenting skills, physical abuse, chaotic lifestyles, domestic abuse within the relationship, substance misuse, lifestyle and previous concerns.
“Delivering this service during the pandemic has been a real challenge for our advocates and our clients.”
Our Volunteer Manager and Advocate Nic explains how this service works:
“ Our advocates undertake this work via a social care referral. This may be done whilst a lady is still pregnant or as they are about to go to court if the Judge has said an advocate is needed. It may initially seem like a simple case however due to the nature of the work, they can turn out to be very complex. It can be difficult to hear some situations, so we support each other, discuss feelings and how the case is affecting us personally.”
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Parent Advocacy
As well as working with the parents our Advocates also work with social services, Health Visitors, midwives, legal teams and other health teams. They go through court papers and explain the system to the clients. The clients are supported in the courtroom and the volunteers negotiate reasonable adjustments to ensure the court process is manageable. The adjustments could be shorter sessions, simple terminology and our volunteer being present with them if they need to give evidence in court.
The Advocate ensures that the client understands everything that is said/written and is able to give their opinion. If they do not feel listened to, the Advocate can then speak for them.
“Providing advocacy for our clients during the last year has been particularly challenging. Providing effective support is paramount to our clients and advocates, we were not going to let the pandemic stop us from doing just that. Whilst some of our work has been carried out remotely and most court hearings have been done via video link or phone-in methods, our advocates have worked tirelessly to ensure our clients were informed, supported and were able to have their views and wishes heard.”
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Our Covid response
With the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic, lockdown restrictions were introduced in March 2020. A worrying and scary time for everyone. For most members of NSPF, these concerns were exacerbated due to the fast moving and often complex information and guidance broadcast. Many statutory and voluntary providers had to immediately cease working directly with the individuals they supported. Informal community support networks and social opportunities also stopped.
The entire NSPF team swung in to action as soon as lockdown restrictions were put in place. The very first thing we felt was important was to make contact with each and every one of the members on our database — from members we were used to seeing regularly at our groups, to those who may have attended one of our courses or events a couple of years ago. It was our priority to find out how our members were managing, whether they had any specific needs or concerns, and to reassure them that NSPF would be there for them throughout the pandemic.
These welfare calls continued for the entire lockdown period, with some members benefitting from a couple of calls each week, to others with support at home receiving a call every month or so.
“I'm sure meeting people on the Zoom meetings has helped her to be more confident to meet people face-to-face. People First are a great support and have lots of great ideas during lockdown and before.” (Julie Conway, Support Worker)
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Our Covid response
Isolation, loneliness and low mood were all commonly experienced by many of NSPF’s members during the lockdown. In order to remind our members that NSPF were thinking of them, here to support and as a way of providing some entertainment as well as useful hints, we created and delivered a number of activity packs.
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Our Covid response
Resources to support our members to manage anxiety
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Our Covid response
As a result of the restrictions around Covid-19 and the cessation of NSPF in-person service delivery, 2020 saw the introduction of some NSPF groups being offered online via Zoom. This began with the ‘ Better Together ’ peer support group format being replicated online, every Wednesday afternoon.
Staff welfare calls were the primary means of making members aware of Zoom groups and also the availability of IT equipment on loan, as well as support and guidance for usage. The groups were also promoted on the NSPF website, Facebook page and Twitter account. As our Zoom offer increased, we developed a monthly “ What’s on Zoom ” poster which was publicised online and sent via email to members.
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Our Covid response
The Zoom groups offered a vital source of social interaction for all the members who attended, many of whom live alone and had not been able to meet with others due to the pandemic. Many members had been sorely missing groups and activities they were used to attending, so NSPF Zoom sessions became a highlight of their week.
The groups were also a useful mechanism for sharing vital public health advice about keeping safe during Covid-19 with members and for enabling discussion and explanation. Members were keen to offer peer support when others raised concerns or talked about issues they were facing.
Offering groups via Zoom strengthened NSPF’s reputation with members and their families/carers/support providers, at a time of considerable anxiety. We regularly promoted our online offer via our growing social media presence and highlighted where we have particularly gone ‘above and beyond’ (for example, holding Zoom groups on both Christmas and New Year’s Day).
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Our Covid response
Members’ Feedback about Zoom groups
The members who attend the groups all got involved by contributing and appeared to enjoy themselves with lots of smiles and laughter. Members said they really enjoyed the groups, seeing and socialising with others. There were also comments about how they were looking forward to the face-to-face groups but that it was nice to be able to use Zoom for the time being. The members had favourite games that they requested to play during the groups. They have all said that the length of the group was perfect for them (90 minutes with a break).
The sessions have demonstrated some positive examples of peer support. Two specific members have supported each other to access the groups online. On one occasion one of the two members went to the other members’ home and did a ‘window visit’ to help them access the zoom group. Two other members spoke about how they would like to access the group together as they would struggle to do this independently. One member would struggle with the technical side and another would feel anxious.
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Our Covid response
Members’ Feedback about Zoom groups continued
Members offered each other support during the sessions and checked in with each other. They were often heard telling each other that they can call them if they need to talk. The members showed a real interest in one another, asked to share photos and listened to each other attentively. The Friday Better Together group in particular had a small number of members who consistently attended, the members really got to know one another and showed real consideration and on some occasions, great empathy for one another. The members noticed if a regular member was not there and asked if they were ok. They also greeted new members warmly and welcomed them to the group. If one member was having a technical problem, other members would try to help by making suggestions on how they could rectify it.
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Our Covid response
With NSPF offering a range of groups and activities online, it was important to acknowledge that some of our members were digitally excluded. This was due to two main factors: lack of equipment and/ or a lack of digital skills.
In order to support members to access our online offer as well as other online opportunities, a number of iPads were made available to loan. The iPads were configured with an NSPF guest email account and loaded with data in order to make them useable without the need for internet access at the homes they would be used in.
Supporting members who had not been online before or those with limited digital skills was an important element. Some members had ‘window visits’ from staff members or telephone calls to guide them through using their loaned iPads. Each iPad was issued with EasyRead instructions:
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Our Covid response
NSPF used ‘Zoom’ as a platform for running social and other groups online during the Covid-19 lockdown period. This was a new application for most staff and members. An EasyRead guide to using Zoom was produced for members with loaded iPads and those with their own equipment. Here are some pages from the guide:
We are particularly grateful to the Clothworkers Foundation for providing funds to support us to buy iPads and data for members. Without this vital funding it would have been impossible to meet the needs of members who were otherwise isolated and experiencing deteriorating mental health.
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Our Covid response
E’s story
E is a young woman with learning disabilities, a long standing history of depression and anxiety, who also displays Autistic traits. She is extremely shy and finds it difficult to speak to people. She was referred to NSPF as she was really struggling with her mental health and this was having a big impact on her family life. Her living situation was at risk of breaking down due to her parents and siblings finding it hard to support her during the pandemic.
Issues and Goals
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Isolation – E was feeling extremely isolated and lonely. This was magnified by the lockdown restrictions put in place for everyone;
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Self-confidence – E was extremely shy, finding it really difficult to communicate with others;
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Anxiety and Depression – E often felt low and did not feel she had a lot to look forward to or focus on.
The following goals were identified to help E to address the presenting issues:
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Isolation – help to build friendships and create opportunities to socialise with peers;
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Self-confidence –develop confidence and the ability to communicate thoughts and feelings with others;
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Anxiety and Depression –build coping mechanisms and look at causes of low feelings. Help to provide opportunities and goals to look forward to and focus on.
Our Journey with E so far
Our fist introduction to E was at the beginning of Lockdown when she commenced attending our weekly Wednesday Better Together Zoom groups. E was accompanied by her support worker to our groups who set up the laptop on her behalf and placed the camera in her direction so she could see us and the group could see her. To begin with E did not like to participate at all, and her support had previously asked that we do not ask her questions, and simply allow her to speak up when she felt comfortable. The support worker provided early feedback that E was enjoying observing and listening to the members converse in this social Zoom.
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Our Covid response
E’s story continued
Three months later and nearing the end of the lockdown, the difference in E was wonderful to witness - lots of smiles and laughter throughout the Better Together Zooms and active participation in the weekly game/quiz, writing her answers down and sharing her scores and answers with the group. E also felt comfortable answering some questions in front of the group. She happily answered simple yes or no answer questions by herself verbally or with a thumbs up or nod, no longer always relying on her support worker to respond on her behalf.
The growing bond between E and other members attending the Zoom groups was also wonderful to watch, with them often directly conversing with one another, asking how E is and just saying “Hi”, welcoming her to the group. E independently replies accordingly and although a seemingly small step to many, a huge development for her growth and confidence, in addition to building relationships with others. E has also began talking to another member outside of the groups over the telephone and arranged and met for a walk and coffee.
Looking to the Future
NSPF aim to continue growing E’s confidence in attending Zoom groups, with her becoming more involved in conversations. We will also support E with the transition to physical face-to-face groups when Covid restrictions allow, as we will with all our members.
A further aim is to help E to continue to grow her existing friendships and build new ones with other NSPF members and beyond. We will also seek to signpost her to other NSPF services (e.g. A Better Life psycho-educational courses) and wider opportunities as appropriate.
Further, we will help and support E to plan for her future, potentially looking at volunteering opportunities and other hobbies and activities she may be interested in to help keep her feeling positive and occupied.
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Our Covid response
Information Videos
As well as being a worrying time for everyone, the Covid pandemic also brought the challenge of fast-moving and often complicated public health guidance. Many members turn to NSPF to help them understand complex information and this time was no different.
In order to offer certainty and reassurance, the team devised a series of information videos, conveying crucial health advice and explaining lockdown restrictions. These videos were shared at the Zoom groups and posted online via our website and social media channels. The topics covered included:
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Vaccine information
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Hands—Face—Space guidance
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Face coverings
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Exemptions
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Coronavirus scams
Many members were spending more time online (some for the first time) and wanted specific advice about internet safety, including spotting scams, identifying trustworthy sources of information, passwords and cyber bullying. NSPF’s Mental Health Project Officer designed a ‘ Keeping Safe Online ’ psycho-educational course which he delivered via Zoom.
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Our Covid response
Ben’s story
Ben joined NSPF in 2019 when he completed a psycho-educational course as part of the ‘A Better Life’ service. He hadn’t been regularly involved with NSPF services and activities since that time but when lockdown restrictions were introduced as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, Ben was contacted along with every other NSPF member. Following a welfare call to Ben at this time, we introduced him to our Zoom Groups and talked through what they involved. His support worker’s feedback was, “ This sounds just like what Ben needs. ”
Ben joined in with some Zoom groups in February 2021 and from the start was a sociable character in the group. He was clearly missing his friends and interaction with others. Using the NSPS Zoom groups, Ben was able to instantly connect with others. Ben was also successfully connected via these groups with some old school friends that he hadn’t seen in a very long time.
Ben was already attending ‘Slimming World’ on Zoom when he joined NSPF Zoom groups and was familiar with the functionality but needed reminders as to when the groups were happening. NSPF responded to this need by circulating monthly calendars using Photo Symbols, a weekly activities planner including links to online groups and a special EasyRead email invite prior to each session.
“People First have been amazing because I can speak to my friends from school and make plans to do exciting things for when lockdown ends”
(Ben, via Brandon Trust, March 2021)
Becoming such a regular on Zoom, Brandon Trust featured Ben in their March 2021 newsletter:
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Our Covid response Ben's story continued brandonlrust.org -eness Week: g connections ugh technology I have also been doing sessions with People First and Slimming World. People First have been amazing because I can speak to my friends from school and make plans to do exciting things for when lockdown ends. From: 15 Mar 2021 In Ihe first lockdown, we did the clap for carers. I was in hospital at the beginning of Ihe year and all the doctors and nurses looked after me so well, and I was really grateful to them. It felt good to clap wilh the whole street because I felt like I was Hello. My name is Ben and I live in North clapping for Ihem. Somerset. For this year's Down's Syndrome Awareness Week, I wanled to share how I've been learning to use technology to connect with people. Ben North Somerset 26
Our Covid response
Psychoeducational Support
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Our Covid response
Mental Health Project Officer Joseph providing 1:1 support to help a member manage their anxiety
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Covid Transition
Much of the psychoeducational element of the A Better Life mental health and emotional well-being service is delivered in groups and peer support networks. As such, individuals actively involved in this service and our core group activities, suffered a huge loss in interaction with their peers and with their local community during the Covid pandemic. The introduction of our remote service - including telephone calls, FaceTime, Skype and Zoom - provided some great emotional support, however, the isolation and lack of contact with the outside world resulted in many individuals having heightened anxiety and an inability to access their community independently.
The National Lottery Community Fund recognised these challenges and provided funding for Covid transition project work, via their ‘ Coronavirus Community Support Fund ’. The project provided additional capacity to offer 1-1 support to individuals experiencing very poor mental health and anxiety as a result of prolonged isolation due to Covid-19.
The support was tailored to individual need, for example; psycho-educational sessions, supporting individuals to practice strategies to overcome some of the anxieties they experience, developing specific support plans to access their local community, supporting individuals to re-develop skills, such as: cooking, cleaning, personal hygiene etc.
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Covid Transition
NSPF work with individuals who already experience huge barriers to everyday life; the Covid-19 outbreak has impacted greatly and sadly, it also created further barriers for these individuals . Through this project we provided the 'helping hand' required to firstly face and develop steps to overcome these barriers. Without this additional support, we fear that individuals’ mental health would have continued to deteriorate and many reaching crisis point, which may have resulted in hospitalisation. We also invested in a large variety and quantity of Personal Protective Equipment, to enable staff to carryout direct 1:1 work with individuals safety.
Having been in contact with most of our members during lockdown, we were well aware of the more obvious difficulties facing them. However we wanted to fully understand the extent of the difficulties/ issues that individuals were experiencing so that we could develop our services and shape the Covid transition project to meet their individual needs.
We therefore consulted 268 individuals who were either actively engaged in our services or those who had been referred but not yet begun working with us. This validated our concerns and revealed:
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204 of the individuals who took part in the consultation had developed additional mental health difficulties
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197 individuals reported reductions in their independent living skills
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201 individuals reported a lack of confidence in accessing their local community.
All work carried out with individuals was planned directly with them, as we implement a person centred approach in all our work.
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Thank you Wrington Vale Inner Wheel
“Most of us are worried
about contracting Covid- 19 and we all do everything we can to keep ourselves safe. When we were successful in a grant application to the Antonio Carluccio
Foundation to provide and deliver an easy cook food service, we wanted to make sure we were protecting our members who we were delivering to.
The protective workwear has been great to use for this service and made easy to clean ready for our next deliveries by using a bag provided to put the scrubs in and pop it straight in to the washing machine. We are extremely grateful to the lovely ladies who made our scrubs.”
Thank you to Viv and the wonderful team at Wrington Vale Inner Wheel for kindly donating our made to measure scrubs
Sarah & Michelle all set for another delivery
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Thank you to The Antonio Carluccio Foundation for funding our new Easy Read, Easy Cook service
The generous funding enabled us to develop easy read recipes, purchase ingredients and deliver easy read, easy cook packs to individuals’ doorsteps. It also enabled us to purchase cookware items for those who needed items to assist in the cooking process.
This service not only supported individuals to eat a range of healthy meals, it also enabled them to develop their independent cookery skills and provide meaningful activity to support positive mental well-being.
The funding has supported us to provide 826 packs for individuals in need of support during the Covid19 pandemic.
David & Andrew happy to receive their weekly delivery
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Sarah & Mlchelle. getling ready fof another delivery A's perf chlckeil Rlchord keeplng safe Anna's 'Aulislic' pizza Cooklng wilh a smle Shaun deep in concentration Shaun's spaghelli bolognaise A Trdy's savoury mince David's apple bran muffins 33
Received another delivery of ingredients with easy recipes to follow, I really look forward to these. This week I made chicken stew, noodles with ham and peas and jacket potato with tuna and salad, they were all yummy my favourite so far was the noodles with ham and peas. Shaun
I look forward to getting my weekly food and recipes and seeing Sarah & Michelle from People First. It is all very nice, and I enjoy cooking it, my favourite was Tuna pasta bake.
Susie
Susie enjoyed showing us her horse-riding certificates at one of our doorstep deliveries
Pleased to see my delivery, it is a surprise to open the box.
I look forward to seeing the food and it stops me worrying.
David
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“First two weeks of lockdown were difficult as I was overwhelmed by all the changes. I understand they were necessary, but my brain was struggling to process all of the changes. I had food in the cupboards (cream crackers) and I didn’t think fruit and veg were essential so didn’t do any shopping. As a result, I ended up in A & E needing treatment for dehydration.
Michelle does have a reputation for giving subtle hints about eating healthy. We don’t always agree, I think that a blueberry muffin counts as 1 of your 5 a day but Michelle isn’t convinced!
The easy cook food delivery was a pleasant surprise. It has been great to have food delivered with recipes. I had no excuse for not cooking. I’ve tried new foods and feel so much better, both physically and mentally. Eating healthily and having a full stomach does make a big difference.
Not only has it helped me during lockdown, but it has definitely given me the push I needed to do more cooking and eat fruit and veg.”
Anna
“This is a photo of my experiment, apparently u can regrow spring onions in water.”
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DELIVERING OUR EASY READ-EASY COOK SERVICE TO SUSIE WAS MUCH MORE THAN A DOORSTEP DROP!!
Each week that we visited Susie to deliver her food box, she always greeted us with an enormous smile.
Like many of our members we delivered to, Susie enjoyed seeing us in person. This provided a great opportunity to have a (socially distanced) face-to-face chat, Susie enjoyed telling us about the recipes she had made the week before and what she had watched on TV.
Each week, Susie also enjoyed showing us some of her some of her new clothes, as you can see from the photos. Susie enjoyed telling us about her Ascot horse race and proudly showed off her certificate and rosette.
Thank you, Susie, for sharing your stories, showing us your lovely clothes, and bringing a smile to our faces.
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A HUGE THANK YOU TO OUR FUNDERS We would like to say a massive thank you to everyone who has provided us with new grant funding and donations to - support our covid 19 projects and services, and to our existing funders for their support and flexibility during this difficult time. Your generosity and understanding has made a huge difference to the lives of our members
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Income and Expenditure 2020-2021
| Income Supporting People NHS Clinical Commissioning Group NSC Community Team for LD NSC Children’s Centres NS Community partnership CIC Employability Services PCPs/Advocacy Community Socialisation Fund Miscellaneous Sales Income Fundraising Support Programs Lloyds Bank Foundation for England & Wales Supporting Grants The National Lottery Community Fund. ABL COVID-19 Response Fund NSC Infection Control The National Lottery. C-19 Transition support Bank Interest Received Total Income Expenditure Staff Costs Purchases Overheads Total expenditure Net Profit/(Loss) |
2020-2021 £ 38265.00 35.10 7918.00 26996.00 1589.33 3200.00 4147.50 0.00 1400.00 380.93 15759.18 21723.50 0.00 103983.02 18994.00 6575.32 17580.00 1529.61 270076.49 2020-2021 £ 178640.05 73005.70 44687.70 296333.45 (26256.96) |
2019-2020 £ 38265.00 0.00 7918.00 26995.00 2223.97 12664.00 2909.00 302.21 1550.00 1307.89 1092.00 25914.46 5000.00 117910.81 0.00 0.00 0.00 1981.74 246033.08 2019-2020 £ 183732.65 54180.29 8353.89 246266.83 (233.75) |
Variance + (-) £ 0.00 35.10 0.00 1.00 (634.64) (9464.00) 1238.50 (302.21) (150.00) (926.96) 14667.18 (4190.96) (5000.00) (13927.79) 18994.00 6575.32 17580.00 (451.13) 24043.41 Variance + (-) £ (5092.60) 18825.41 36333.81 50066.62 |
|---|---|---|---|
Income and Expenditure 2Balance Sheet as at 31[st] March 2021
| Current Assets Debtors HSBC Current account HSBC Savings account Nationwide Building Society_(note3) Cambridge & Counties(note3) Cash in hand Business Charge Card Less Accruals(note2) Less Deferred Income(note1) Less Creditors _Represented by: Balance brought forward Profit/(loss) this Period |
31st March 2021 0.00 68,371.65 50,944.78 84,700.85 75,367.82 150.14 (1,645.03) (38,000.00) (74,635.64) (4,772.66) 160,481.91 186,738.87 (26256.96) 160,481.91 |
31st March 2020 370.66 49,417.74 50,916.89 84,476.43 74,090.52 47.80 (586.11) 0.00 (67,864.26) (4,130.80) 186,738.87 186,972.62 (233.75) 186,738.87 |
|---|---|---|
>Note 1. Deferred income consists of; £51,849.28 National Lottery Community Fund ABL, £20,321.46 Lloyds Bank Foundation for England & Wales, £2464.90 NHS Clinical Commissioning Group.
>Note 2. Accruals as approved by the board; ring fenced funds of £5000 for website creation, £10000 for rental costs and establishment of second office, £3000 dilapidations of current office, £5000 for the production and development of new branding materials and £15000 post COVID-19 recovery.
>Note 3. Ring fenced reserves for wind up costs £137,068.67
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Income and Expenditure 2020 - 2021 Income Supporting People NHS Clinical Commissioning Group NSC Cotnmuntty Team for LD NSC Children's Centres NS Cornrnunity partnership CIC Employabiltry SeNces PCPs/AdvocaLy MiscellarEous Sales Income Fundra1 Support Pro8rams Lloyds Bank Foundation for England & Wales The National Lottery Community Fund. ABL COVILk19 Response Fund NSC Infection Control The National Lottery. C-19 Tration support Bank Interest Received Expenditure Staff Costs Purchases Chjerheads 39
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It’s really simple. All you have to do is head to:
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The Campus, Highlands Lane, Weston-super-Mare, BS24 7DX Tel: 01934 426086 Email: info@nspf.co.uk Website: www.nspf.co.uk Registered Charity No: 1159184
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