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2020-08-31-accounts

Autism Angels Ltd - Year ended 31 August 2020

Contents
Foreward 1
Values, vision and mission 2
Statistics around Autism, SEN and Mental Health 3
What we offer at Autism Angels 5
Photos of our sessions 7
A word from our families 8
Case study 15
Referrals 16
Impact of our work 17
Volunteers 18
Achievements 19
Our year in photos 21
Thank you 23
The Future 24
Autism Angels Ltd Information 25
Financial Statement 28
Independent Examiner’s Report 37

71 West Cliffe Terrace

Harrogate

North Yorkshire HG2 0PU

Tel: 0113 387 3064 Email: info@autismangels.co.uk Web: www.autismangels.co.uk

Registered Charity number: 1160289. Company limited by guarantee number 08168948

As we started our Autumn season we had no idea what was just around the corner- Covid 19. Life was great down on the farm, kids clubs were running. Training two horses for our winter fundraiser, 500 miles around Yorkshire, was underway.

As things shut down for lockdown we got to work with things behind the scenes, paperwork, maintenance and licensing. This time gave us some unexpected time to catch up with things.

As we moved out of the first lockdown we were able to open again under the support group banner. We started back with small groups of families that we knew and who knew us.

Our families were struggling, frightened and grateful for our doors opening again.

We found ourselves in a unique situation as the world locked down yet again, we were able to stay open. This was a moment for us at Autism Angels. Whilst the world was closing, our doors had never been more open, our families flooded in. The farm became a haven of safety, freedom and laughter for our families, things they were struggling to find in their own worlds.

Although our year 2019-2020 was quiet on the delivery front at the farm we stepped up as a team and were able to reach our families through Zoom, social media, calls and our helpline. We got our paperwork up to date and were ready when our doors opened again in September 2020.

I know it has been a difficult year for the world but for Autism Angels it’s been a special year where we have become closer to our families and each other, we have achieved things we didn’t know we had in us.

At Autism Angels we continue to strive for best practice whilst also thinking outside of the box and using our therapeutic environment to support families and children who are struggling with the challenges life can bring.

Please enjoy our report

Sarah

Sarah and the Autism Angels Team

1

Faith… in you Hope…for the future Love…enables

Autism Angels is a nurturing community of families, made up of parents, carers, foster carers, grandparents and children, volunteers, supporters, and our dedicated team.

We specialise in empowering families’ with children with additional needs or that have been through a challenging emotional experience. The whole families mental and emotional health is a primary focus for us.

We are committed to providing a safe, nurturing and therapeutic environment that feels like a home from home. We aim to support children and adults experiencing the challenges that life can bring and all too often can begin to feel overwhelming.

Combining a therapeutic coaching approach and adding the dimension of the horse, a reactionary animal to human emotions, we can get to the root cause of the concern fast. Once the root cause is found, it is then easier to see the best way forward for each individual’s road to recovery.

When families meet other families experiencing similar difficulties, they realise they are not on their own. This helps them build new friendships. Understanding, empathy, and kindness are shared, hope is re-born, and new happier memories are made.

It is our aim to continue to build on the strength of our community to support more families.

2

3

4

Autism Angels provided support to 70 families or 256 unique individuals over the year. This number is down from the previous year by 126 but considering the circumstances we are still very pleased with this number.

Families and children with additional needs require more support than ever. Higher risks of mental health means we need to bring families together so we reduce isolation and raise the happiness of everyday life, it is therefore critical we continue to deliver our services.

We offer a wide range of services that have been tried, tested and developed over 20 years to provide the most up to date equine facilitated practice.

Although the horses don’t need to be included in the sessions, they can add a unique dimension that more traditional therapies can’t. It is the family’s choice to work with the horses or our dog, it is not a requirement.

Sessions Delivered

----- Start of picture text -----
2%
20%
54%
17%
7%
----- End of picture text -----

Family Fun Day Kids Club Family Taster Sessions 1:1 Sessions Accessible Grottos

5

How many males/females?

During our 59 sessions we have supported 108 children, 58 were males and 50 female

This year we have seen the number of girls rising with nearly an equal amount of boys and girls now attending sessions.

Children Supported

----- Start of picture text -----
Male Children
Female Children
54% 46%
----- End of picture text -----

Age Ranges of Children

We offer our services to a range of ages including children as young as 2yrs right through to adults.

Ages of Children Supported

----- Start of picture text -----
4%
Ages 0-3
10%
19%
Ages 4-7
23% Ages 13-16
Ages 17-18
44%
Ages 8-12
----- End of picture text -----

6

Private Family Sessions

Volunteer Training Sessions

Riding Therapy

Parent Support Online

Wellbeing Wednesdays

1:1 Sessions

Saturday Club

Christmas Grottos

7

“In lockdown 1 last year getting XXXXX to leave the house/garden became a huge battle - he became hysterical at the thought of leaving what had become his world. Even in just one week of this lockdown we have noticed an increasing reluctance to leave home again. Today there was real enthusiasm at going somewhere and not a second thought of leaving home which was lovely to see. XXXXX also suffers from tics when his anxiety is high leading him to repeat sounds and words and occasionally these become physical tics too. I know that when he talks to you, he is his usual articulate self and has no problem expressing himself or getting his thoughts out. Thank you for today - it was fantastic”

“It is amazing! The freedom to roam in a safe environment, spending quality time together and building confidence.”

“We as a family can’t thank Autism Angels enough. They have helped us more than they will ever know. My son is like a different child. So much more happy, calm and able to share his feelings more. Plus, I am so much more aware of my own behaviour when I am helping my son. I feel stronger and more confident. They really have changed our lives for the better and we are forever grateful to the whole team.”

We love being outdoors. This is a safe outdoor space with lots of room. Amazing to see my daughter’s smile get bigger as rode towards me on Paco.”

8

An amazing group who really support the whole family. We felt very alone and isolated before finding them. They have been an amazing help not only to our family to me as an individual too. It’s such a comfort to know we are not on this journey alone and we can share it with both the fantastic team and other families.

Amazing place to go too. Treated as family and so supportive in our lives. Thank you

Amazing.. it’s been life changing for me and my kids

“My son can be very anxious and resistant to going to new places and doing new things, especially with regards to organised activities. I wasn’t sure we would ever manage to get him on the horse! However, within two weeks, he was riding along on a horse, looking very confident and happy. We are not sure we have ever seen him so relaxed and concentrated as he did on the horse that second session! Sitting still and focusing are both incredibly difficult for XXXX but there is obviously something about the setting and the horses that helps him feel calm. XXXX is clearly relaxed and happy to be on the farm – he will often say he wants to stay at home even when we are going somewhere he has previously enjoyed; however, the second time we arrived at the farm, XXXX jumped out of the car with a huge smile on his face and went running over to the main area! XXXX has been more relaxed and happy at home

than usual after each session and has slept really well too, which has had a knock-on effect for the next few days. Thank you so much to all the staff for being so incredibly accommodating, welcoming, friendly and inclusive. It has also been amazing for my daughter to be able to take part in an activity alongside her brother as a lot of their interests are very different. It has been wonderful for her to be able to do something different that she is really interested in, but to have the whole family together.”

9

My son has been attending autism angels on and off for the last 3 years, since finding autism angels his confidence has flourished. It is great to have something he feels he can achieve when he usually struggles at things his peers can do. Autism angels has given him a challenge that he feels he can do and the volunteers there have been amazing at giving him the encouragement and guidance that he’s needed. We started Autism angels before our child had a diagnosis and so not only for my sons

benefit but from the first session I attended and the opportunity just to talk to other families experiencing the same lifestyle we were having and finally not feeling ‘alone’ and like our child was not the only one who behaved in these ways, hearing others stories filled us more with hopes and dreams rather than fears for what our sons future would hold. We always recommend Autism Angels to anyone we meet.

It’s amazing the freedom to roam in a safe environment spending quality time together building confidence

10

It is a place where my child feels safe, included, accepted and happy!

My daughter has benefitted greatly from attending Autism Angels. She is calmer and more confident, and has better communication skills. This in turn has improved our general family life. We would like to continue attending Autism Angels for as long as we can.

Amazing, welcoming & warm x

Engaging, inviting and supportive. This is the most understanding support I have yet accessed. They have genuine focus on both parent and child , catering to an individual child’s need rather than generic autism. My sons arthritis has also been throughly supported alongside his Autism.

Refreshing. Autism Angels is a safe space that my family can relax in an be their true selves which is a rarity.

I found it to be a place where children and families can feel comfortable, confident and empowered. The team are very welcoming and ensure that everyone can join in at their own level and feel confident when they leave.

A joyous, freeing, excepting space where my whole family is welcome to be exactly who they are. No pretending, performing or trying to fit it. It is a little bit of magic.

11

I am working busy shifts. Autism Angels have provided support to my son with autism and my wife supporting him in lockdown. He could not wait to tell me about his horse riding the first time he had a day riding. Offering core strength on the horse as well for his arthritis is an amazing addition to the support Autism Angels has given.

A good community feel with everyone getting involved and helping each other.

Autism Angels have been a shining light in our lives since first starting to go In November. We have had some really challenging times through lockdown and the opportunity to see James so happy and comfortable with the animals and people has been wonderful. The team have a way of bringing out the best in him. As a parent it is a wonderful opportunity to focus on all of his positive characteristics which is good for us all as a family.

Absolutely fantastic

We have now settled into our new home and have already seen the benefits of our new environment such as families appreciating access to nature and being away from internet access. There is space for children to move freely and safely, exploring nature with parents able to see their children and themselves relax, take a breath and become more mindful.

At Autism Angels we continue to strive for best practice whilst also thinking outside of the box and using therapeutic coaching to support families and children who are struggling with everyday life.

12

Fantastic. The snow was very special We love being outdoors This is a safe outdoor space with lots of room. Amazing to see my daughters smile get bigger as she tide towards me on Paco. She wouldn’t leave at the end - too busy with the fire.

We as a family can’t thank Autism Angels enough, they have helped us more than they will ever know. My son is like a different child, so much more happy, calm and able to share his feels more. Plus I am so much more ware of my own behavior when helping my son, I feel stronger and more confident. They really have changed are live for the better and we are forever great ful to the whole team. Just a shame we still can’t do anything with them still.

As a parent I love going, whilst my child has been struggling so much with his anxiety it has meant we’ve not left the house for more than 10 minutes and some days not at all. So it really helps to know that he feels safe enough to battle with his anxiety to come and see everybody. Even when he’s having a tough day and feels as though the challenge is too much the no pressure approach means that he can try in his own time and build his confidence. In a short time he has achieved so much. The fact he overcomes so much to even leave the house and then be able to get in the car and meet new people, yes he has found it incredibly tough but the fact he has perserveres shows how much it means to him too.

13

Autism Angels is absolutely fantastic. Every experience we have had with the team has been positive. Our son lights up when we are on our way there and is overjoyed to be there. Having found somewhere that makes him so happy and relieves him of his everyday anxieties provides stress relief for the whole family. We recently had our first trip there as a family of four - it was just wonderful to spend such a happy afternoon there together without any need to worry. The team are so supportive and understanding of the everyday issues that our son and we face and there is zero judgement from them. They take time to explain the thought process behind everything that they do and in doing so help us to see how we can adapt our behaviour to help our son. We are so thankful to have found this wonderful charity, they make such a positive difference to our lives and they work so hard to do so. thank you!

George and I have been attending Autism Angels since February of this year. We have attended the taster session, six 1:1 sessions and we have been attending the Wellbeing Wednesday sessions weekly for the past couple of months.

There are so many benefits for us attending Autism Angels, it really has been invaluable for both of us.

My son has Autism with challenging behaviour. He really struggles to attend school 5 days a week due to the school environment. Since going to Autism Angels Wellbeing day he is able to regulate himself more at school and is happier on the days he does attend. Without Autism Angels I am not sure he would be able to cope with being in a school environment at all. The Wednesdays allow him to have respite from school, to re charge, be in the outdoor environment, have some exercise, connect with nature, learn different skills, such as setting boundaries and social skills with the children and have fun! He has also been able to establish and maintain friendships, something that he struggles with a lot.

George has worked as part of a team with the staff and children to care for the horses. He has showed real empathy for the horses and has a real bond with Blackjack. He talks to Blackjack and tells him how he is feeling and takes a soft toy Blackjack around with him everywhere which brings him comfort in times that he needs it.

With Sarah’s guidance he is also understanding his feelings and behaviour and the reduction in his challenging behaviour, especially at home has been huge. His self-esteem and confidence has also improved dramatically. He trusts Sarah and sees her as an adult he can talk to about his feelings and who he can express how life is for him.

For myself as a part time social worker and carer the sessions have been vital for my wellbeing also. The 1:1 sessions were fantastic for improving my mental health, which really was at a low point when I started due to the enormity of my caring role. The Wellbeing sessions have given me the opportunity to spend time with parents on the same wavelength, who understand and are going through similar journeys to mine and my sons. I have also found the support from the staff and volunteers at Autism Angels to be invaluable to my wellbeing and maintaining good mental health and physical health. The sessions have also given me an opportunity to reconnect with horses which is something I have missed for a long time.

Autism Angels has given us a sense of worth, belonging, acceptance and a community where we can thrive and be the best we can be. I feel I am not alone anymore in my parenting journey and am forever grateful for crossing paths with Autism Angels.

Felicity Hubbard

Social Worker and Parent

15

Schools NHS Private social Word of Media mouth

Eating-Disorders

Depression Stress Trauma Self esteem Fear Socialising Isolation as a family Attachment issues

Autism

Nowhere else to turn mental health Abuse Shame Neglect Anger issues Struggling at School Bullying Marriage breakdown Nothing else has worked

mental health

Not coping Loneliness Sexuality Insecurity Nature Animals

Confidence building

16

Impact of sessions on people

Adults Improved increase happiness confidence Improved improved resilience medical conditions reduce medication less stressed Improve family dynamics Remove self from abusive Back to work relationships

Children

More empathetic

More Compassionate Improved Less aggressive medical conditions reduce medication

Stopped self harming

Improved speech

Improved communication with family peers Increased self esteem

Reduced anxiety Stopped physical violence

Returned to school

Won awards in school

Increased self Engaged in school awareness

17

Recruitment was down in this year and we made the decision to not take on any more new volunteers until we knew what was happening with the pandemic. However, our regular volunteers were as committed as ever and found the volunteering gave them a sense of normality and were grateful to see people and be able to support others.

Here’s what one volunteer had to say………

I volunteer for autism angels to be part of a team of passionate people who I can learn from and be supported by, while working alongside horses. Autism angels has helped me during the pandemic by creating a space where you can take a break and get in touch with yourself through nature and meet others to ultimately gain a supportive and loving community.

We offer a course of 6 basic sessions of training that have to be completed by everyone. Areas such as the following are covered:

We have a core volunteer team that are consistently reliable, but we are aiming to recruit more to ease the pressure from the few. Every volunteer is required to complete an online safeguarding programme and complete a DBS application. Our core team complete first aid training every three years, where volunteers are also invited to attend.

Our volunteers continue to be instrumental in our team bringing varying skills such as:

Teachers

University students studying Autism

Care workers

Parents who want to support other families

18

We have provided love and support to 70 families in a safe, non-judgemental environment. Our high expectations of what is possible, alongside raising parents’ awareness and support ethos have enabled families to find their own ways and to achieve more than they believed possible. Children who were at risk of exclusion from school have learned to communicate their needs and express their emotions in a healthy way. For some this has led to the children staying in school or moving to a different school in which they could flourish. In other cases, parents have chosen to home educate. Whatever decision the families have made, they have our ongoing support and acceptance.

Kindness of others

Other donations:

The team are, as always, working tirelessly to raise much need awareness and funds for Autism Angels. 2020 was challenging with having to shut our doors for 6 months of the year. We were lucky to be able to cut expenses down and be gifted 3 months half rent from our landlords and a generous donation from the founders father to cover a further 3 months rent. This all supported Autism Angels to survive the pandemic lockdown.

Other achievements

Completing 500 mile challenge with 2 horses

Produced a new film promoting AA

Attended Autism Awareness Conference Sheffield and Leeds

Features in

Setting up Zoom and WhatsApp support groups

Santa Grottos

Corporate Volunteer Days

2.6 Challenge

19

2020 was not the year anyone had expected or hoped for, however there have been some real blessings from the lockdown situation and ones that have added value and resources to our community.

We were able to create a helpline almost immediately where families could call just to have a chat or seek wisdom on how to manage the changes happening around them. This line still remains open to this day.

We were able to set up a wellbeing WhatsApp group where our families could all communicate on a daily basis, sharing their ups and downs and get the support they needed.

Zoom weekly calls were set up so parents could come together to talk to each other about the week and learn new skills from each other.

Parents were able to arrange private zoom calls to speak to a facilitator if they were struggling and need more time to work through their worries.

During the first lockdown we

had over 5000 interactions with our families. This was an incredible influx of interactions from our families and we are so proud to have been able to be there to support them during such an unknown time.

We were also able to give local families a safe place to go to have their daily exercise. The change in routines was hard enough for the families and when we offered allocated slots for their daily exercise the families were so pleased to be able to go somewhere where the children felt safe and everyone could relax.

As soon as we got the go ahead to re-open in September, having spoken to the council and police to confirm we were classed as a support service, our email was flooded with enquiries.

We understand that it has been a hugely challenging year for most people and we have been thrilled that we could be there to support our families. Our team is very proud of this achievement.

We were also able to put a new accounting system in place and go through NYCC licencing process.

20

September

Kids Club

October

November

Corporate volunteer days

Training for 500 mile walk

December

Santa grottos

February

Tasters

January

Doing and completing 500 with horses

21

March

Kids club/family sessions

April

Fundraising including 2.6 challenge

May

June

Lockdown helpline, zoom calls, well-being Monday nights

Looking after the horses

August

July

Preparing the centre for more families coming in September

The Farm was available as a safe space for our families to get outdoors

22

We’d like to thank the exceptional Autism Angels Team including the volunteers and horses. Our dedicated team are second to none with the work they do to support families and children. We can’t thank you all enough for your continued dedication and commitment with particular mentions to Amanda W, Yvonne W, Jess DN and Tina H for your extra hard work and dedication.

Autism Angels Supporters – We would like to thank all our supporters from those of you who raise funds for us, host collection tins, help us spread the word and who help us at the farm. You are all incredible and we couldn’t do it without you.

Two Ridings

HSE

The Fuse Creative Marketing

Country Store

Fundraisers

Families

Volunteers

To all you amazing people who get out there and run, climb mountains, jump out of perfectly good planes and bake cakes. You guys rock and we can’t wait to see what you will be up to next.

For their continued support – We are equally supported by our families as we support them. Thank you for your continued love, encouragement and hugs.

Thank you to our awesome volunteers. They make our jobs so much easier and are highly valued members of our team.

Corporate Sponsors

Thank you to all our fabulous corporates who donate their time and money to support our families. We certainly got the place cleaned up faster when you all got involved.

ASDA

WMG Digital Marketing

Waitrose

Financial Force

Betty’s & Taylors

Inson Harrison Persimmons

There are so many people to thank and it’s hard to capture them all on here but thank you all from the bottom of our hearts for all your continued support and encouragement. We are so blessed to have you supporting our community.

23

Currently we have an influx of families needing support with mental health issues going through the roof. We have particularly seen an increase in teenage girls struggling.

We have never been so busy and were recently awarded funding to secure a bid writer to find much needed funds to support the demand.

We have a solid team of facilitators, trustees and volunteers that have been consistent during this turbulent time. We have established quality services that meet the current needs of our families and are delivering to 80% capacity with waiting lists on two of the services we are currently offering and at 80% capacity on other services.

The future looks bright for Autism Angels. The team are set to deliver services into the foreseeable future, new trustees are in place and dedicated to the sustainability of the charity and our volunteers are young and growing with the learning they are receiving from the experience.

Our future plans are to build on these solid foundations to be able to reach even more families whilst keeping our relaxed atmosphere and natural environment.

We have just taken on an extra room at the farm that provides more warmth, electric and running water for the cooler months of the year. We aim to grow our own vegetables, have a fire pit and be able to cook healthy foods.

We will continue to grow by word of mouth and use our Facebook and WhatsApp groups to let people know what we have on offer.

Right now our main priority is to secure funds to reduce costs for our families so they can continue to access the support they need. New research shows that there is a high link between Autism and mental health and we aim to support children at a young age so this pandemic doesn’t continue to escalate.

We will continue to develop our teams skills and work towards delivering to full capacity as and when funds and the current situation enables us.

We look forward to 2021-2022 and welcoming more families to the farm.

24

Directors and trustees

The directors of the charitable company (the charity) are its Trustees for the purpose of charity law. The trustees and officers who served during the year were as follows:

Key Management Personnel for 2019 - 2020

Trustees/Directors

Treasurer

Joanne Lynn Richardson (resigned 16 March 2020) Elizabeth Maw (resigned 3 March 2020) Howard Whittaker (appointed 3 March 2020) Elizabeth Maw (resigned 3 March 2020) Sarah Kekoa Secretary Joanne Lynn Richardson (resigned 16 March 2020) Howard Whittaker (appointed 3 March 2020) Amanda Whittaker (appointed 3 March 2020) Amanda Whittaker (appointed 3 March 2020)

Joanne Lynn Richardson (resigned 16 March 2020) Amanda Whittaker (appointed 3 March 2020)

Note: Due to the current situation with the pandemic we did not take on any new trustees to enlarge the board for this time period. However we did advertise that we were looking to take on new trustees in 2021

Chair

Sarah Kekoa

Structure, governance and management

Governing Documents

The charity is governed by its articles of association, which are based on the model articles for a charitable company. These were initially approved on 06 August 2012 and subsequently amended 10 October 2014.

Appointment of trustees

Trustees are appointed by the members in accordance with the provisions contained in the Articles of Association.

Trustee training and induction

New trustees are briefed on their obligations under charity law, the constitution of the charity and on the Charity Commission Guidance on public benefit. Trustees attend external training events to facilitate the undertaking of their role, where appropriate.

Organisational structure

The Board of Trustees administers the charity and appointed Sarah Kekoa (Shearman) (a Trustee) to act as Chair on 13 February 2015. She also deals with the day to day operational matters and manages the Centre.

Risk management

The trustees have a risk management strategy which comprises:

This work has identified that financial sustainability is the major financial risk. Attention has also been focused on non-financial risks arising from child protection issues, fire, health and safety of employees, associated members and members of the public. A key element of the management of financial risk is the retention of adequate working capital.

The trustees are satisfied that systems and procedures are in use to adequately manage the risks to which the charity is exposed.

25

The free reserves of the charity as at 31 August 2020 were £17,836 (2019 - £42,369) which is a fall from the prior year due to the impact of COVID-19. This is the equivalent of 3 months expenditure of the charity

Risk management

The trustees have a risk management strategy which comprises:

This work has identified that financial sustainability is the major financial risk. Attention has also been focused on non-financial risks arising from child protection issues, fire, health and safety of employees, associated members and members of the public. A key element of the management of financial risk is the retention of adequate working capital.

The trustees are satisfied that systems and procedures are in use to adequately manage the risks to which the charity is exposed.

Reference and administrative details

Charity number 1160289

Company number 8168948

Principal / registered office 71 West Cliffe Terrace, Harrogate, HG2 0PU

Advisors

Independent Examiner:

Sarah Wearing, Partner: HPH Chartered Accountants 13 Hornbeam Square South, Harrogate HG2 8NB

Bankers

Barclays, 15 James Street, Harrogate HG1 1QX

Related parties

Related party transactions are set out at note 8 to the financial statements.

Trustees responsibilities in relation to the financial statements

The trustees (who are also directors of Autism Angels Ltd for the purposes of company law) are responsible for preparing the Trustees’ Annual Report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).

Company and charity law requires the trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charitable company and of the incoming resources and application of resources for that year. In preparing these financial statements, the trustees are required to:

26

The trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records that disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charitable company and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charitable company and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.

In preparing this report advantage has been taken of the small companies exemption within Part 15 of the Companies Act 2006.

Approved by the Board of Trustees and signed on behalf of the Board of Trustees on 30 June 2021.

Howard Whittaker

27

AUTISM ANGELS LTD

(A company limited by guarantee)

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES (INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT) YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2020

Note
INCOME
Donations and legacies
3
Charitable activities
4
Other trading activities
Fundraising
TOTAL INCOME
EXPENDITURE
Raising Funds
6
Charitable activities
7
TOTAL EXPENDITURE
Transfers between funds
Net movement in funds
Reconciliation of funds
Total funds brought forward
12,13
Total funds carried forward
12,13
Net (expenditure)/ income before transfers		 Unrestricted
funds
£
41,509
4,536
943
46,988
7,925
64,390
72,315
(25,327)
1,600
(23,727)
50,843
£ 27,116		 Restricted
funds
£
5,400
-
-
5,400
-
2,000
2,000
3,400
(1,600)
1,800
3,000
£ 4,800		 2020
£
46,909
4,536
943
52,388
7,925
66,390
74,315
(21,927)
-
(21,927)
53,843
£ 31,916		 2019
£
150,687
21,182
3,487
175,356
19,933
112,489
132,422
42,934
-
42,934
10,909
£ 53,843

All activities derive from continuing operations.

The notes on pages 30 to 36 form part of the accounts.

28

AUTISM ANGELS LTD

(A company limited by guarantee)

BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31 AUGUST 2020

Company registration number: 08168948

Note
FIXED ASSETS
Tangible Assets
9
CURRENT ASSETS
Debtors
10
Cash at Bank and in hand
LIABILITIES: amounts falling due
within one year
11
NET CURRENT ASSETS
TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT LIABILITIES
NET ASSETS
THE FUNDS OF THE CHARITY
Restricted Funds
12
Unrestricted Funds
- Undesignated
13,14
- Designated
13,14
TOTAL FUNDS		 £
£
9,280
6,143
20,777
26,920
(4,284)
22,636
31,916
£ 31,916
4,800
17,836
9,280
£ 31,916
2020		 £
£
8,474
-
48,451
48,451
(3,082)
45,369
53,843
£ 53,843
3,000
42,369
8,474
£ 53,843
2019		 £
£
8,474
-
48,451
48,451
(3,082)
45,369
53,843
£ 53,843
3,000
42,369
8,474
£ 53,843
2019
53,843
£ 53,843
3,000
42,369
8,474
£ 53,843

For the financial year ended 31 August 2020, the Charity was entitled to exemption from audit under section 477 of the Companies Act 2006 relating to small companies. The Members have not required the Charitable Company to obtain an audit of its accounts for the year in question in accordance with section 476. The Directors acknowledge their responsibilities for complying with the requirements of the Act with respect to accounting records and the preparation of accounts.

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the special provisions of Part VII of the Companies Act 2006 relating to small companies.

The notes on pages 30 to 36 form part of the accounts.

These financial statements were approved by the trustees on 30 June 2021 and signed on its behalf by:

Sarah Kekoa - Trustee

29

AUTISM ANGELS LTD

(A company limited by guarantee)

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS

FOR YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2020

1 GENERAL INFORMATION

The Charitable Company is a private company limited by guarantee, which is incorporated and registered in England and Wales (no.08168948). The Charity number is 1160289. In the event of the company being wound up or dissolved the members are required to contribute an amount not exceeding £10.

The address of its registered office is 71 West Cliffe Terrace, Harrogate, England, HG2 0PU.

2 ACCOUNTING POLICIES

2.1 Basis of preparation of accounts

The financial statements 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 applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2019) - (Charities SORP (FRS 102)), the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) and the Companies Act 2006.

Autism Angels Ltd meets the definition of a public benefit entity under FRS 102. Assets and liabilities are initially recognised at historical cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant accounting policy note(s).

2.2 Going Concern policy

During the year COVID-19 had a large impact on the charities ability to raise funds and provide sessions in person.

The Trustees have a reasonable expectation that the Charitable Company has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. They continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting in preparing the annual financial statements.

2.3 Fund accounting

The trustees have a defined policy for identification of different types of income:

2.4 Income

All income is recognised in the statement of financial activities when the conditions for receipt have been met and there is reasonable assurance of receipt. Except for the following:

Grants receivable

Grants for immediate expenditure are accounted for when they become receivable. Grants received for specific purposes are treated as restricted funds. Grants which are received for a future accounting period are deferred and recognised in those periods.

Capital Grants for specific fixed assets are included in restricted income when received. Once the asset is purchased these monies are transferred to unrestricted funds unless there is a restriction on the disposal of the asset. If so, the net book value of the asset is shown as a restricted fund.

30

AUTISM ANGELS LTD

(A company limited by guarantee)

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS

FOR YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2020

2 ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)

2.5 Expenditure

Expenditure is recognised on a accruals basis. Expenditure includes any VAT which cannot be recovered and is reported as part of the expenditure to which it relates.

2.6 Tangible fixed assets and depreciation

Fixed assets for the Charitable Company to use are capitalised at cost. Donated assets are valued at market value on donation. They are stated in the accounts at cost/original value less depreciation.

Depreciation is calculated to write off the cost or valuation of fixed assets, less their estimated residual value, over their expected useful lives on the following bases:

Equipment, fixtures and tools 10% to 33.3% straight line basis per annum

2.7 Debtors

Trade and other debtors are recognised at the settlement amount due after any trade discount offered. Prepayments are valued at the amount prepaid after taking account of any trade discounts due.

2.8 Cash at bank and in hand

Cash and cash equivalents comprise cash on hand and call deposits, and other short-term highly liquid investments that are readily convertible to a known amount of cash and are subject to an insignificant risk of change in value.

2.9 Creditors

Creditors are recognised where the Charitable Company has a present obligation resulting from a past event that will probably result in the transfer of funds to a third party and the amount due to settle the obligation can be measured or estimated reliably. Creditors are normally recognised at their settlement amount after allowing for any trade discounts due.

2.10 Financial Instruments

The Charitable Company only has financial assets and financial liabilities of a kind that qualify as basic financial instruments. Basic financial instruments are initially recognised at transaction value and subsequently measured at their settlement value.

31

AUTISM ANGELS LTD

(A company limited by guarantee)

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2020

3
DONATIONS AND LEGACIES
Donations and gifts
Grant income		 Unrestricted
Funds
2020
£
25,048
16,461
£ 41,509		 Restricted
Funds
2020
£
-
5,400
£ 5,400		 Total
Funds
2020
£
25,048
21,861
£ 46,909		 Total
Funds
2019
£
144,687
6,000
£ 150,687

Restricted donations and legacies in 2019 was £5,000.

The Charitable Company also benefits greatly from the involvement and enthusiastic support of its many volunteers. In accordance with Charities SORP, the economic contribution of general volunteers is not recognised in the accounts.

4 INCOME FROM CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES

Session fees £ 4,536 £ - £ 4,536 £ 21,182

5 TOTAL STAFF COSTS

The key management personnel of the Charitable Charity comprise the trustees, see note 8 for details of transactions. No staff are directly employed by the charity.

6 FUNDRAISING EXPENDITURE

FUNDRAISING EXPENDITURE
Fundraising and event costs
Advertising and promotion		 2,600
5,325
£ 7,925		 -
-
£ -		 2,600
5,325
£ 7,925		 18,894
1,039
£ 19,933

32

AUTISM ANGELS LTD

(A company limited by guarantee)

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS

FOR YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2020

7 ANALYSIS OF TOTAL EXPENDITURE

7.1 Charitable activities
Horse and animal expenses
Faciliators
Food and refreshments
Equipment
Training
Management fee
Support costs (below)
Governance costs (below)
7.2 Support costs
Rent and facilities costs
Office costs
Computer costs
Telephone
Printing and stationery
Repairs and maintenance
Insurance costs
Travel costs
Sundry costs
Depreciation
7.3 Governance costs
Independent examiner's fee
Professional fees		 Funds
2020
£
6,836
5,220
539
2,925
639
15,900
30,058
2,273
£ 64,390
7,706
9,343
610
1,402
209
3,281
3,103
1,299
711
2,394
£ 30,058
1,080
1,193
£ 2,273
Unrestricted		 Restricted
Funds
2020
£
-
2,000
-
-
-
-
-
-
£ 2,000
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
£ -
-
-
£ -		 Total
Funds
2020
£
6,836
7,220
539
2,925
639
15,900
30,058
2,273
£ 66,390
7,706
9,343
610
1,402
209
3,281
3,103
1,299
711
2,394
£ 30,058
1,080
1,193
£ 2,273		 Total
Funds
2019
£
22,083
37,936
1,408
1,153
1,110
9,900
33,526
5,373
£ 112,489
9,737
13,452
61
1,253
70
4,339
1,877
835
1,736
166
£ 33,526
1,080
4,293
£ 5,373

33

AUTISM ANGELS LTD

(A company limited by guarantee)

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2020

8 RELATED PARTIES AND TRUSTEE TRANSACTIONS

Trustee Transactions

An amount of £18,216 (2019 - £22,506) was paid to a business operated by S Kekoa (a trustee) for time spent in management and facilitation as well as £nil (2019 - £13,337) for fundraising work. In 2019 £5,300 was paid to that business under a shared services agreement to cover of property and other costs, such as phone, utilities insurance and horse care jointly incurred by the charity and the business.

No trustees were reimbursed for expenses other than the transactions disclosed above.

Related Parties

There are no other related parties transactions other than the trustee transactions disclosed above.

9 TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS

Cost
At 1 September 2019
Additions
At 31 August 2020
Depreciation
At 1 September 2019
Charge for year
At 31 August 2020
Net Book Amounts
At 31 August 2020
At 31 August 2019
10
DEBTORS
Trade Debtors		 Fixtures
& Fittings
£
8,400
3,200
11,600
-
2,320
2,320
£ 9,280
£ 8,400		 Equipment
£
1,434
-
1,434
1,360
74
1,434
£ -
£ -
2020
£
6,143
£ 6,143		 Total
£
9,834
3,200
13,034
1,360
2,394
3,754
£ 9,280
£ 8,474
2019
£
-
£ -

34

AUTISM ANGELS LTD

(A company limited by guarantee)

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2020

11 LIABILITIES: Amounts falling due within one year
Trade Creditors
Accruals		 2020
£
2,962
1,322
£ 4,284		 2019
£
1,700
1,382
£ 3,082

12 RESTRICTED FUNDS

Current year
Playground
Helpline and support
Recording equipment
Container unit
Prior year
Playground
Horse Sessions		 Balance at
1 September
2019
£
3,000
-
-
-
£ 3,000
Balance at
1 September
2018
£
3,000
-
£ 3,000		 Income
£
-
2,000
1,800
1,600
£ 5,400
Income
£
-
5,000
£ 5,000		 Expenditure
£
-
(2,000)
-
-
£ (2,000)
Expenditure
£
-
(5,000)
£ (5,000)		 Transfers
£
-
-
(1,600)
£ (1,600)
Transfers
£
-
-
£ -		 Balance at
31 August
2020
£
3,000
-
1,800
-
£ 4,800
Balance at
31 August
2019
£
3,000
-
£ 3,000

Playground - Monies received for the installation of a playground from the local fence club.

Helpline and support - Money received for the continuation of the helpline and support groups. Recording equipment - Money was received for the purchase of recording equipment. Container unit - Money was received for the purchase of a container unit in the year. Horse sessions - Monies received for the provision of sessions with Horses from Sport Tech.

35

AUTISM ANGELS LTD

(A company limited by guarantee)

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2020

13 UNRESTRICTED FUNDS
Current year
Designated
Fixed Assets
Undesignated
Free reserves
Total Unrestricted Funds
Comparative year
Undesignated
Designated
Fixed Assets
Undesignated
Free reserves
Total Unrestricted Funds		 Balance at
1 September
2019
£
8,474
42,369
£ 42,369
Balance at
1 September
2018
£
-
7,909
£ 7,909		 Income
£
-
46,988
£ 46,988
Income
£
-
170,356
£ 170,356		 Expenditure
£
(2,394)
(69,921)
£ (72,315)
Expenditure
£
(166)
(127,256)
£ (127,422)		 Transfers
£
3,200
(1,600)
£ 1,600
Transfers
£
8,640
(8,640)
£ -		 Balance at
31 August
2020
£
9,280
17,836
£ 27,116
Balance at
31 August
2019
£
8,474
42,369
£ 50,843

Designated Funds

The Fixed Asset Fund represents the level of money invested in fixed assets for the use of charity.

14 ANALYSIS OF NET ASSETS BETWEEN FUNDS

Current year
Tangible Fixed Assets
Current Assets
Current Liabilities
At 31 August 2020
Comparative year
Tangible Fixed Assets
Current Assets
Current Liabilities
At 31 August 2019		 Undesignated
Designated
Funds
Funds
£
£
-
9,280
22,120
-
(4,284)
-
£ 17,836
£ 9,280
-
8,474
45,451
-
(3,082)
-
£ 42,369
£ 8,474
Unrestricted		 Restricted
Funds
£
-
4,800
-
£ 4,800
-
3,000
-
£ 3,000		 Total
Funds
£
9,280
26,920
(4,284)
£ 31,916
8,474
48,451
(3,082)
£ 53,843

36

AUTISM ANGELS LTD

(A Company Limited by Guarantee)

Independent examiner’s report to the trustees

I report to the charity trustees on my examination of the accounts of the company for the year ended 31 August 2020, which are set out on pages 28 to 36.

This report is made solely to the charitable company’s trustees, as a body, in accordance with Chapter 3 of Part 16 of the Companies Act 2006 and the charitable company’s trustees as a body in accordance with section 154 of the Charities Act 2011. My independent examiner’s work has been undertaken so that I might state to the charitable company’s trustees those matters I am required to state to them in an independent examiner’s report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, I do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the charitable company, the charitable company’s members as a body and the charitable company’s trustees as a body for my independent examiner’s work, for this report, or for the opinions I have formed.

Responsibilities and basis of report

As the charity’s trustees of the Company (and also its directors for the purposes of company law) you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 (‘the 2006 Act’).

Having satisfied myself that the accounts of the Company are not required to be audited under Part 16 of the 2006 Act and are eligible for independent examination, I report in respect of my examination of your charity’s accounts as carried out under section 145 of the Charities Act 2011 (‘the 2011 Act’). In carrying out my examination I have followed the Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5) (b) of the 2011 Act.

Independent examiner’s statement

I have completed my examination. I confirm that no matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe:

  1. accounting records were not kept in respect of the Company as required by section 386 of the 2006 Act; or

  2. the accounts do not accord with those records; or

  3. the accounts do not comply with the accounting requirements of section 396 of the 2006 Act other than any requirement that the accounts give a ‘true and fair view which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination; or

  4. the accounts have not been prepared in accordance with the methods and principles of the Statement of Recommended Practice for accounting and reporting by charities.

I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.

Sarah Wearing, FCA, DChA 8 July 2021

HPH, Chartered Accountants 13 Hornbeam Square South Hornbeam Park Harrogate HG2 8NB

37

AutismAngelsUK

E: info@autismangels.co.uk w: www.autismangels.co.uk Registered Charity No. 1160289