Autism Angels Ltd - Year ended 31 August 2021 




|Contents||
|---|---|
|Foreword|1|
|Values, vision and mission|4|
|Statistics around Autism, SEN and Mental Health|6|
|Autism Angels Survey|8|
|What we offer at Autism Angels|12|
|Photos of our sessions|14|
|A word from our families|15|
|Case study|23|
|Referrals|24|
|Impact of our work|25|
|Volunteers|26|
|Achievements|27|
|The Future|28|
|Our year in photos|30|
|Autism Angels Ltd Information|32|
|Financial Statement|35|
|Independent Examiner’s Report|45|



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 



## **We are delighted to produce our 2020-2021 annual report, we hope you enjoy reading it.** 

September 2020 our doors were able to open again and we started slowly with families that were familiar with us and small groups. To keep costs down we looked at ways to cut back and not riding the horses and only working with them on the ground greatly reduced our insurance costs, so we were able to get back to sessions, just cutting out the ridden part. 

This meant we needed to get creative with sessions and how to look at using obstacle courses and other areas on the farm to keep the children engaged without the ridden aspect. This was a great success and has opened up more doors for us to deliver sessions not just based around the horses being ridden. The families had a blast at working together to train the horses around the farm and it was a win-win which enabled us to stay open but also reduce costs until things stabilized with the Covid-19 pandemic. 

The winter months are usually a little quieter for us due to weather conditions as our activities are mostly outdoors. This year however families were so pleased to be able to access the support, be outside and see other families, in a safe environment that our sessions continued throughout the winter months regardless of the weather - including snow and torrential rain! We were both thrilled and amazed at the resilience of the children that had previously often come with sensory issues around such things. 


Due to the children engaging so wonderfully during the coldest months and not even being able to ride, one family took it upon themselves to raise funds which then enabled us to reinstate the insurance fully to cover the riding aspect. 

This was a delight for everyone and a wonderful example of what can be done when we all pull together. Thank you to the Leslie family for this enormous contribution that had a positive impact on so many families when the children could ride again. 

Spring was on it’s way and a welcome arrival. Restrictions were easing a little more and we could start to invite new families to the farm by offering our Taster sessions again. Our Taster sessions were quickly booked up and we could start to see which services were need. Children were struggling to re-engage at school and our private sessions and Well-being Wednesdays booked up very quickly as we supported families to stabilise their children back into school or settle in their home schooling. 

1 



Private sessions, Well-being Wednesdays and Saturday Clubs remain our most popular services. We were able to secure funding for both Private sessions and Well-being Wednesdays to keep the costs down for families. In return, the families agreed to support us with case studies and answering questionnaires so we could continue to gather data to help us develop our services and make sure we were meeting needs. The 6 week part funded private sessions were a great success and enabled us to get consistent weekly sessions with the families. I believe this had a deeper, longer lasting positive impact on all involved. We would like to continue to find funding that enables us to reduce the cost to our families and gives them the security of knowing they can have time with us. 

Well-being Wednesdays have had another enormous impact on the families. There was definitely a settling in period where children had even struggled to leave the home, not wanted to walk, get dirty, wet, eat in front of others, meet new people and even last a whole day outside. By the summer months the children were flying and settled into walking a 3 mile route when they first arrived in the mornings, having lunch and then engaging in activities in the afternoons with the horses, swimming in the river and cooking their own food on a BBQ. It truly was a beautiful sight to see. 


There were a few filming days for us, a chat with Prince Edward and a visit from the High Sheriff. These were wonderful opportunities for Autism Angels and the families to share the fantastic progress we are all making together. 

One of the biggest events of the year was the Wharfedale 3 Peaks Challenge, which trustees, parents and a local businessman took part in. 


This group dedicated a lot of time to their training and went on to do the National 3 Peaks Challenge with our sister organisation I Choose Life Foundation. This was a great achievement, not only for the participants but for the families watching the Facebook posts on the build up and during the event. The participants also got a great deal personally from being a part of achieving something together and one parent had what he called a ‘life changing moment’ on the side of one of the mountains. 

2 



As the summer weather came we found ourselves migrating to the bottom of the farm to be nearer to the river as the days were so warm. Our vegetables were coming along nicely, and we could even cook them on the BBQ. The families enjoyed some wonderful quality time together on the Day Camps, swimming in the river, having BBQ’s and watching their children play as they have never seen before. It was a lovely way to end the season. 

We are really pleased with how we have been able to meet our family’s needs, whilst adjusting what we could offer to make sure we could stand the test of time whilst restrictions lifted again. We have been able to share our needs with our families who in turn have supported us though their understanding and even raised extra funds for us. We feel a lot closer as a community having come through a difficult time together, through the pandemic. 


We feel that we have solid foundations in place, both behind the scenes in the office, with a strong business manager in place, a team of dedicated trustees who are committed to the future of Autism Angels and an experienced team who can deliver the services. The future looks bright and we are excited to step in to our 2022 season. 


## Sarah 

Sarah and the Autism Angels Team 

3 



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


**The values for Autism Angels were created 10 years ago. Every year I go back to them to see if they need adjusting in any way. I am yet to find 3 stronger words that can describe as quickly and deeply about what we represent at Autism Angels.** 

I understand that these words are faith based words and I don’t want them to put anyone off but sometimes in this world when life can feel a real struggle, where hope is a faint memory and in those moments all you feel is fear taking over your life, in those moments, I have found that something magical happens. Something arrives in front of you. That could be a conversation 


with someone, a post on Facebook or a random e-mail, who knows, but in that moment you see another chance, an opportunity to try something one more time. 

This is often how people arrive at our door. They have lost hope, they have no understanding of why this is all happening to them, the fear of failure, not being good enough, making mistakes and so on, have taken over every thought. It is here where we can shine a light on some dark times and begin to see them for what they really are; untruths. 

We are not a group of people that are routed in any particular faith but we believe in miracles because we see them every day. The combination of a belief in what people can overcome, a calm nurturing environment and a commitment to getting to the truth is a recipe for miracles to happen. 

4 



## **Vision** 

Autism Angels was founded 10 years ago. It started out by delivering summer camps to families so they had somewhere to go that was more understanding and in keeping with what their children needed. It was simple - nature, animals, a lot of love and a tent! 

I had no idea then how it would develop and change shape to meet the needs of so many families. A few things have remained the same - nature, animals and a lot of love. 


Whether we deliver a private session, a group session, call it Well-being Wednesday or Day Camp, the way we support our families is the same. They are accepted for exactly where they are when they arrive, we believe wholeheartedly that they can overcome whatever challenges they are going through and they can stay with us for as long as they need. 


Our vision has grown significantly from where it started. We now have access to a 60 acre farm with a naturally therapeutic environment, including woods, rolling grassland, hills, a river and specialised equine facilities. It is important that we continue to grown organically, focussing on the quality of the sessions, not quantity, small groups that are able to adapt to the needs and ages of the children. With this in mind, this is our vision for Autism Angels... 


‘To be there for any family going through a tough time’ 

5 




1 in 6 children aged five to 16 were identified as having a probable mental health problem in July 2021, a huge increase from 1 in 9 in 2017. That’s 5 children in every classroom. 

83% of young people with mental health needs agreed that the coronavirus pandemic had made their mental health worse. 

_www.youngminds.org.uk_ 

10.6% of 6 to 16 year olds missed more than 15 days of school during the 2020 Autumn term. 


_NHS Surveys Mental Health of Children and Young People in England February 2021_ 

Over the pandemic, girls and young women, older young people (16 to 24 year olds), disadvantaged children and young people, and those with SEND were more likely to report difficulties with mental health and well-being. 

_www.childrenscommissioner.gov.uk The Big Ask Report September 2021_ 

COVID-19 has had a significant impact on the mental health and well-being of many children and young people. 

Data shows that the pandemic has impacted on many people’s relationships, financial situations, and their physical and mental health. This has placed many families under heightened pressure. 

Professionals, who would normally be providing children and their families with support and advice as well as identifying and referring child protection concerns, have not been seeing children and families as regularly as usual. 

_NSPCC_ 


6 




Around one in 57 (1.76%) children in the UK is on the autistic spectrum, significantly higher than previously reported, according to a study of more than 7 million children carried out by researchers from Newcastle University in collaboration with the University of Cambridge’s Department of Psychiatry and Maastricht University. _Newcastle University March 2021_ 


Children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) have been adversely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and associated lockdowns. 

Many suffered isolation and had their access to education, health services and social, emotional and mental health support disrupted or withdrawn. 

_National Institute for Health Research‘s (NIHR) Policy Research Programme May 2021_ 



7 



A survey examining the charity’s impact was distributed to families who access the service via social media (Facebook) and on the charity’s well-being whatsApp groups. In total 27 people responded, all of whom were parents. Of these, 8 identified as male and 19 identified as female, 3 were in the age bracket of 25-34 (11%) and 24 (89%) were in the age bracket 35-64. Of those who responded, 40.74% *(N=11) first heard about the service via social media, 22.22% (N=6) from the website, 14.81% (N=4) via word of mouth and 3.7% (N=1) from NHS packs. 18.52% (N=5) heard from other sources, citing ‘Google search’, ‘My wife came across Autism Angels’, ‘Sons school’ and ‘Co-op’. The 27 respondents accessed a total of 63 services across the charity, the most popular being Saturday Kids Club accessed by 77.8% (N=21). The table below demonstrates the areas of the service accessed by respondents of the survey. 

|**Service Area**|**Number who access**|
|---|---|
|Private 1:1 Sessions|5|
|Private Family Sessions|3|
|Saturday Kids Club|21|
|Family Fun Days|4|
|Summer Camps|2|
|WhatsApp Support Group|5|
|Support Phone Line|2|
|Wednesday Well-being|8|
|Monday Zoom Calls|4|
|Riding Therapy|3|
|Couples Coaching|2|
|Taster|4|
|Other|0|
|**Total**|**63**|



*(N= )  Number of people 



8 



The 5 point likert scale was used to ascertain how much respondents agreed or disagreed with statements about the impact of the services they access. The results are outlined in the table below. 


They highlight that 100% (N=27) agree that inclusion is important at Autism Angels, of which 96.3% (N=26) strongly agree, 100% (N=27) also agree that Autism Angels benefits the whole family, of which 74.04% (N=22) strongly agree with the statement. 88.89% (N=24) agree or strongly agree that Autism Angels has made a positive influence to their own life. 81.5% (N=22) agree or strongly agree that Autism Angels have given them more skills to improve their/their families well-being. 59.26% (N=16) agree or strongly agree that school engagement of their child(ren) has improved since accessing the service, 34.04% (N=10) neither agree or disagree with the statement and 3.7% (N=1) strongly disagreed with the statement. On reversed questions 96.3% (N=26) disagree with the statement that ‘The team at Autism Angels aren’t very helpful’, implying the helpfulness of the team and 92.59% strongly disagree with the statement that they did not feel they belonged at Autism Angels, implying the sense of belonging felt within those accessing the service. 66.7% (N=18) agree or strongly agree that Autism Angels has had a positive impact on their physical wellbeing. 

100% of families who responded to the survey agree or strongly agree with the statement ‘I would recommend Autism Angels to someone else in the same position as me.’ 

9 



Respondents were also asked to tick from a list areas ‘Autism Angels has a positive impact on’. Results are demonstrated in the table below. 


family well-being, was the top scorer 


10 



Within the survey, it was also asked what Autism Angels could do/offer to improve the experience of those accessing the survey. Responses are detailed below: 

## **What could Autism Angels do/offer to improve your experience with us?** 

_Fantastic organisation . Sadly distance to sessions is a barrier and cost . Some sessions I think would be beneficial however cant afford them_ 

_More information via social media of weekly events and availability of these. More live Facebook feed from the farm. End of Saturday club bbq? Family fun days, small groups where people can connect. After Covid has gone. Dads mental health day at farm, working with horses, beer, bbq and talking and building a fire!_ 

_We are very new but so far we couldn’t ask for more_ 

_I’ve only attended once so far everything seems great so far from what I already know and seen but I’ve not yet experienced it enough._ 

_I am brand new to it all. However my experience over the last month has already greatly supported my son with autism and I_ 

_More newsletter/ monthly email with what’s on and how to access/ apply_ 

_Slightly better toilet/hand washing facilities but appreciate it is a farm._ 

_Keep doing what you do do well. Providing a calm non judgemental environment._ 

Dad’s mental health day at the farm needed 


11 



**Between 1st September 2020 and 31st August 2021 Autism Angels have supported 146 families, supporting 452 unique individuals across the family and support unit. This is an increase of 76% from the previous year.** 

We have delivered 316 therapeutic sessions (an increase of 435% from the previous year) with Private Riding Therapy and Family Sessions being our most popular, followed by Saturday Kids Clubs. 


## **Sessions Delivered** 


**----- Start of picture text -----**<br>
1%<br>1%<br>8%<br>20%<br>16%<br>52%<br>2%<br>**----- End of picture text -----**<br>


Well-being Wednesday 

Parent Programme 

Private Sessions 

Santa’s Grottos 

Taster Sessions 

Saturday Kids Club 

Summer Day Camps 

families who attended a taster returned on one or more sessions/programmes 

12 



## **How many males/females?** 

During our sessions this year we have supported 204 individual children (an increase of 88% from the previous year). There has continued to be an equal amount of both male and female children accessing our sessions. 

## **Children Supported** 


**----- Start of picture text -----**<br>
Male Children<br>Female Children<br>54% 46%<br>**----- End of picture text -----**<br>


## **Age Ranges of Children** 

Children across all ages have been supported from children as young as 2 years old up to 18. 

## **Ages of Children Supported** 


**----- Start of picture text -----**<br>
Ages 0-3<br>7% 5%<br>4%<br>Ages 4-7<br>18%<br>Ages 13-16<br>21%<br>Ages 17-18<br>45% Ages 8-12<br>18+<br>**----- End of picture text -----**<br>


13 



## Private Family Sessions 


Volunteer Training Sessions 


Riding Therapy 


Parent Support Online 


## Well-being Wednesdays 


## 1:1 Sessions 


Saturday Club 


Christmas Events 


14 




“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.” 


## **Absolutely fantastic** 

Sessions have definitely increased mine and my sons confidence. He really enjoyed riding Blackjack, and has asked to go back to the farm. He was struggling with anxiety at bedtime, and not wanting us to be away from him, but that has now stopped. I feel more confident in treading the fine line between when to challenge him and when not too, to encourage him to lead a big life, as doing new things and going out and about to places can be really difficult for him at times. 

## **Engaging, inviting and supportive.** 


**“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 rode towards me on Paco. She wouldn’t leave at the end - too busy with the fire.”** 

15 




My daughter has benefited 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. 

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


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

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. 


16 



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. 

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 XXX 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. 



Autism Angels provides a safe happy place where my daughter can be herself and feels 

accepted without any judgement. I’ve never seen her interact with new people so easily. 

17 




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

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. 


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 thoroughly supported alongside his Autism. 

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

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! 

18 




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 aware of my own behaviour when 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. 


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

Thanks so much for the sessions  and support. It has really helped with exploring some of our challenges and finding ways forward, especially having support to approach things differently and in ways that are right for our family. It has definitely given me more confidence to follow what’s right for us. My son definitely got a big sense of calm from the riding, and being with Blackjack. 


## Inspiring. Great ethos. Friendly knowledgeable 

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 perseveres shows how much it means to him too. 

19 




Sarah and the Autism Angels team have really changed both mine and my son’s lives. I think we are on a much better and healthier path now and I will be forever grateful for our paths crossing. 

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 

A huge thank you to the wonderful team and horses at Autism Angels. I truly believe they saved us from going down a very different path. Just even knowing we are part of a community who understands and supports us is such a comfort. 


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 perseveres shows how much it means to him too. 

The team are very welcoming and ensure that everyone can join in at their own level and feel confident when they leave. 

20 



It has been great to see XXX develop her social skills over the last few months and her self confidence and self belief increase. Before she started attending Autism Angels her self esteem and confidence had plummeted. She was feeling overwhelmed by the pressures of remote schooling and the forced change to her routines brought about by lockdowns and the pandemic. However Wellbeing Wednesdays have taught her skills for life that can’t be taught in a classroom or a playground filled with judgement. At Autism Angels she has found a safe space filled with acceptance where she is free to be herself and not judged for it. It’s a place where she can drop the mask which is exhausting to keep up for 6 hours a day at school and make friends with others who are unique and accepting of each other. 


Autism Angels has given myself and my son a community. A safe space were we can just be ourselves. We are accepted and understood. We were so isolated before, hidden away, ashamed and very unhappy. Now both myself and my son feel part of something magical and when we leave Autism Angels we have a glow about us. My son will say ‘ mum that’s been a great day, it’s my favourite day of the week. I feel happy, I love Autism Angels.’ 

On a Wednesday I have seen my son play and talk to other children, improving his social skills, his confidence, his well-being. I get the opportunity to talk to other parents who understand and support each other….Autism Angels has been THE ONLY service that has supported us and actually helped both me and my son. For that I am forever grateful. Thank you for all your wonderful work :) 

Since my session, my life has changed so much for the better.  Sarah has a very practical way of looking at things which is exactly what I needed.  Looking back now I can honestly say I had lost myself.  I was too focused on being mum, wife etc.  Some very direct (but kind) words from Sarah during my session have changed my outlook.  You can now find me making time to sit and read a book, or relaxing with a face mask on too even painting my nails.  Not to mention I now spend more time outdoors in the garden or going for a walk.  I had forgotten to make time for these things and now that I am doing them again I feel like a different person. 





21 



The confidence and self-reflections XXXX has gained from the horses is mind blowing, our family has changed so much for the better and is unrecognisable from when we started. 

## **I found it to be a place where children and families can feel comfortable, confident and empowered.** 



It has been great to see XXX develop her social skills over the last few months and her self confidence and self belief increase. Before she started attending Autism Angels her self esteem and confidence had plummeted. She was feeling overwhelmed by the pressures of remote schooling and the forced change to her routines brought about by lockdowns and the pandemic. However Well-being Wednesdays have taught her skills for life that can’t be taught in a classroom or a playground filled with judgement. At Autism Angels she has found a safe space filled with acceptance where she is free to be herself and not judged for it. It’s a place where she can drop the mask which is exhausting to keep up for 6 hours a day at school and make friends with others who are unique and accepting of each other. 

Why do I love coming to Kids Club with Autism Angels? The title may suggest it’s for Kids but the support it gives us parents is invaluable too. To the untrained eye it may look like we stand and chat and ignore our children. I try to make the most of the time to speak openly with other parents. 

They are happy to listen to the ongoing traumas of why hair brushing is so difficult, the dilemma when the ingredients of a favourite food are changed and it’s no longer liked, why so many items of school uniform have to be bought to find one that’s OK. Our children are all very different but as parents we all share a similar journey, working out what’s needed to help our children on a day to day basis. 

No judgement just kindness. 🙂 Sarah and the volunteers work very hard to provide this environment for us. 

22 



## Gabriella 

In May 2021 Gabriella had been unable to access education since 2019, she has a complete mental breakdown in 2020 and refused to come out of her room or speak to anyone for several months. During this time she would not bath, talk a single word, leave her room or communicate with anyone in anyway. In the Spring of 2021, she was starting to talk again to her immediate family but was still unable to participate in any group activities or even know what support she needed to access anything. She started self-harming and attempted suicide, saying she was weird and would never have a life. We managed to convince Gabriella to come “look at some horses” for a trial session, she reluctantly agreed. As soon as she arrived at the farm, she felt safe. The low demand nature and beautiful scenery showed her she could be outside, around other people and still feel safe. 

We have been attending the well-being Wednesdays now for a year and in that time Gabriella’s mental health has massively improved, she started accessing medical needs education for 5 hours a week and is in the process of starting a full-time education package and studying for her GCSEs. Thanks to Sarah and the team she is now able (and very vocal about) to identify if her needs are not being met. She has joined groups and because of the support for AA she sets healthy boundaries so is developing healthy friendships with peer (something we never felt was possible). Being at the well-being Wednesday taught her she could “fit in” and make friends when the environment was right. She started to realise that there wasn’t something wrong with her, it was the situation she was in that wasn’t suitable. She now attends her own EHCP to ensure her needs are met by provisions. Autism angels gave her the determination and self awareness to do this. 

We recently were involved in the Coast-to-Coast challenge which developed Gabriella’s self-worth and confidence even more making her realise you can put things in place, so other activities are possible, as a family we put this into practise a fortnight later where Gabriella got to attend a concert she had been wanting to go to for years! When I tell people Autism Angels saved Gabriella’s life people think I am exaggerating, but it gave her the safe space to discover who she was and start to visualise what a future could look like. Gabriella still has a tough journey ahead in many spaces that are not suitable for autistic people, but we know that every Wednesday she will receive the support and acceptance she needs to start to cope. When things go wrong, stuff gets stressful or she achieves something she didn’t think possible the first thing she always says is “I’ll have to tell Sarah about that on Wednesday” 

23 



Schools NHS Private social Word of Media mouth 


guilt addictions Depression Stress Trauma Self esteem Fear Socialising 

Isolation as a family 

Attachment issues 

Autism Nowhere else to turn mental health Abuse Neglect Shame 

## Bullying 

Anger issues 

Struggling at School Marriage breakdown Animals Nothing else has worked 

Not coping Loneliness Sexuality Insecurity 

Confidence building Nature 

Eating-Disorders 

24 



## 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 

Returned to school 

Stopped physical violence 

Won awards in school 

Increased self awareness 

## Engaged in school 

25 



We would like to say a special thank you to our volunteer team. They have been extremely committed, attending every week to support our families no matter what the weather during the winter months which can be especially hard. 

We have had some young volunteers join us and they have been great at engaging with the younger children. They have also worked really hard to develop not only their horses skills but also built their confidence with meeting new families, adapting to changes and supporting the core team to deliver services. They have attended all training sessions and make a real contribution to the charity. 

Our volunteers have to attend 6 sessions of training, covering areas such as: 

- Horse behaviour 

- Horse care 

- Health and safety 

- Environment and equipment management 

- Safeguarding 

- Personal development 

- Traits of Autism 

- Autism Angels Philosophy 

Weekly feedback sheets are done so they can reflect on their learning and facilitators can give feedback. Mostly the learning is done on the job and each volunteer is supported by a team member or more experienced volunteer. They work within their team, being given a role to support the delivery of services. 

The volunteers are an integral part of our team. They add enormous value bringing their unique skills and personalities whilst also helping us to reduce costs to the families. We see the relationships we have with our volunteers as a win-win where by we get extra support and they get to develop their skills in an area that is of interest to them. 

People come to us with all sorts of skills and from different background such as teachers, care workers, business, school children, students and retirement. Volunteers have to go through a Taster and DBS checks and an interview to make sure we both feel that we are the best fit. 

## **We couldn’t manage as well without our volunteers and we wouldn’t want to.** 


26 



We have provided love and support to 146 families in a safe, accepting 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 an authentic 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 

The team are, as always, working tirelessly to raise much need awareness and funds for Autism Angels. 2020-21  was still challenging after being closed from the pandemic. However our amazing supporters have been there for us raising money, giving their time and raising our profile. 

## Other donations: 

Shirley Haywood (riding challenge through Patagonia) £1557 

Chrisi and Ian Leslie Marathon £2500 

TKMaxx £500 

The Loriners’ Charitable Trust £900 for new mounting block 

W.L.Pratt Charitable Trust £1000 

Co-op Community Fund £2861.55 

## Other achievements 


Two Ridings/ Bettys and Taylors Group £5000.00 

Asda and Waitrose Easter Egg Donations 

Year 3 at Archbishop of York’s Church of England Junior School £135 

Neighbourly Grants £400 

Magic Little Grants £500 

Albert Hunt Trust £1000 

Arnold Clark £1000 

Yvonne and Colin Brookes £1000.00 

Stonebridge Homes £500 

ITV News Filming for World Autism Day Virtual Visit from HRH Prince Edward and Lord Lieutenant of North Yorkshire 

Wharfedale Three Peaks challenge Friday 2nd April 

Corporate Volunteer Days HSE 

High Sheriff of North Yorkshire visit to farm 

Online Suicidal and Mental Health Training 

Santa’s Grottos at Stockeld Park 

New Well-being Days 

Expanding Environment- new room, new mounting block 

Two Ridings Community Foundation £3000 

Gemma Ager Marathon £190 

Lucy Hammond/Cestria Primary School Non Uniform Day £407 

Facebook Birthday Fundraisers 

Amelia Vance Easter Challenge £379 

Thomason Family Charity event £293 

Jake Durant Minecraft Build £280 

Catherine Flynn-Cartwright Virtual Walk £205 

George Cragg 5 Mile bike ride £533 

Sponsor a Pony 

Dawn Sherbert £500 

Local Lotto 

The Old Man’s Parliament £370 

27 



With the impact of the Covid Pandemic subsiding, Autism Angels has been able to build back up to offering most of its previous services, we are really pleased with the statistics showing the increase in delivery and aim to keep reaching more families. 


Our team remains solid and consistent made up of our facilitators, volunteers and trustees. We have two new trustees in place with skills that are adding value to the governances needed. We will aim to recruit another trustee who will support us even more with governance and trustee duties. 

We also have a new business manager who manages the office enabling us to plan more strategically and ensure Autism Angels runs as efficiently as possible whilst delivering the highest standard of services. 

We can see where we can develop more with a business model where costs are being covered and extra funding bids, donations and fundraisers can help us reduce direct costs to the families. 

Our business manager has introduced more efficient systems for 


booking sessions, getting disclaimers and paperwork in place to be able to pull statistics and accounts off more easily for team and trustee meetings. This will continue to develop so we can monitor progress more efficiently. 

Our recruitment of a bid writer to support us with grant applications did not go as well as hoped, even though rigorous interviews and follow up references were carried out by trustees. Numerous meetings were held with Autism Angels and the bid writer to establish clear outcomes and the approach in the bids but in the end it was agreed Autism Angels had a different approach to the way it wanted to be represented in bids and we agreed to go our separate ways. 

We now have our business manager Katharine dedicating one day per week to bid writing and this is working well. The founder will continue to work closely together with the business manager to raise funds and to keep costs down for families. 

Our foundations are solid now with an ideal location for our families and horses. There is still room for growth at the farm and with the quantity of sessions that can be delivered across the week we still have capacity to deliver during the holidays and evenings which we haven’t gone back to since Covid 19. 

Our new room at the bottom of the farm has not yet fully found its purpose. We thought it would be used during the colder months, but families still loved to be outside no matter the weather. The room ended up being used more in the summer for BBQ’s and the Christmas party. We aim to continue to improve our facilities to include a kitchen area, fire and UPVC windows so we can use it to introduce new services such as a Feel Good Friday sessions. 

The vegetable patches grew well, and the children enjoyed trying a variety of fruits and vegetables. We learnt that not all vegetables were to everyone’s liking so next year we will choose more carefully and consider peoples preferences. 

28 




We have done small amounts in the woodland areas such as campfires and feel this area has real scope for development with the children who may not want to ride as much, or struggle during the hotter months. These sessions can be delivered with more groundbased activities around the farm. 

Social media remains our best marketing tool with nearly 7000 followers we are able to keep reaching new families. Certain posts have reached over 35,000 people. We find it to be the fastest and fairest way to advertise to all our families at the same time to ensure everyone gets the chance to book our services. 

Taster sessions remain very popular and fill up quickly. We will continue to ask each family to attend a taster session first to make sure we are the best fit and the family are able to see the way we work before committing to any bookings. 


Overall, we are really 

pleased with the progress of Autism Angels this year. The feedback from our families tells us that we are meeting needs and often excelling people’s expectations which is wonderful to hear. 

We are thrilled with the progress of our team, volunteers and trustees who dedicate an enormous amount of time and resources to enable the business and sessions to run as effectively as they do, all leading to great statistics and a higher licensing star rating from North Yorkshire County Council. 

We are really looking forward to our 2022 season and building on our solid foundations of 2021. 

We hope you enjoyed our annual report 

## Sarah 

Founder and Director of Autism Angels 

29 



## September 

Dentist visited the horses 


## November 

Tasters 


## January 

Delivering sessions whatever the weather 


## October 

Gifts from the kids 


## December 


Ian and Chrisi Leslie fundraising, running everyday in December 


## February 

Family Riding Therapy Sessions 

30 



## March 

Asda and Waitrose donate Easter Eggs 


## May 

New mounting block installed 

## April 

Wharfedale Three Peak Challenge 


## June 

Veg patch produce 



## July 

Corporate Volunteer Day 


## August 

Private sessions 


31 



## **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 2020 - 2021 

## Trustees/Directors 

## Chair 

Sarah Kekoa Sarah Kekoa Howard Whittaker Treasurer Amanda Whittaker (resigned 27th April 2021) Howard Whittaker Paddy Hammond  (appointed 11th January 2021) Secretary Helen Chapman (appointed 3rd March 2021) Patrick Hammond 

## During 2020-2021 Autism Angels appointed two new trustee members. 

Patrick Hammond is a serving police sergeant and also has knowledge and experience in accounting and finance. Patrick also has an autistic daughter and brings valuable and lived experience. Helen Chapman is a probation officer and brings safeguarding knowledge and experience. 

Our two new trustees are adding value to the charity foundations. We also aim to recruit another trustee in the near future who will support us on governance and trustee duties. 

## 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: 

- Periodic reviews of the risks the charity. 

- The establishment of systems and procedures to mitigate the identified risks. 

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. 

32 



## **Financial review and reserves** 

Income has increased by £21,396 during the year as the charity recovers from the impact of COVID-19. The free reserves of the charity as at 31 August 2021 were £6,505 (2020 - £17,836). This is the equivalent to 2 months of unrestricted expenditure. 

## **Risk management** 

The trustees have a risk management strategy which comprises: 

- Periodic reviews of the risks the charity. 

- The establishment of systems and procedures to mitigate the identified risks. 

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 LLP, Conyngham Hall Business Centre, Bond End, Knaresborough HG5 9AY 

## **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: 

- select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently; 

- observe the methods and principles in the Charities SORP; 

- make judgments and estimates that are reasonable and prudent; 

- state whether applicable UK Accounting Standards have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements; 

- prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the charity will continue in business 

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. 

33 



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 26 May 2022.** 

## _**Patrick Hammond**_ 

34 



## **AUTISM ANGELS LTD** 

(A company limited by guarantee) 

## **STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES (INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT) YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2021** 

|**Note**<br>**INCOME**<br>**Donations and legacies**<br>**_3_**<br>**Charitable activities**<br>**_4_**<br>**Other trading activities**<br>Fundraising<br>**TOTAL INCOME**<br>**EXPENDITURE**<br>**Raising Funds**<br>**_6_**<br>**Charitable activities**<br>**_7_**<br>**TOTAL EXPENDITURE**<br>**Transfers between funds**<br>**Net movement in funds**<br>**Reconciliation of funds**<br>Total funds brought forward<br>**_12,13_**<br>**Total funds carried forward**<br>**_12,13_**<br>**Net (expenditure)/ income before transfers**|**Unrestricted**<br>**funds**<br>**£**<br>28,455<br>34,429<br>-<br>62,884<br>4,248<br>72,108<br>76,356<br>(13,472)<br>701<br>(12,771)<br>27,116<br>£ 14,345|**Restricted**<br>**funds**<br>**£**<br>10,900<br>-<br>-<br>10,900<br>-<br>6,800<br>6,800<br>4,100<br>(701)<br>3,399<br>4,800<br>£ 8,199|**2021**<br>**£**<br>39,355<br>34,429<br>-<br>73,784<br>4,248<br>78,908<br>83,156<br>(9,372)<br>-<br>(9,372)<br>31,916<br>£ 22,544|**2020**<br>**£**<br>46,909<br>4,536<br>943|
|---|---|---|---|---|
|||||52,388|
|||||7,925<br>66,390|
|||||74,315|
|||||(21,927)<br>-|
|||||(21,927)<br>53,843|
|||||£ 31,916|



All activities derive from continuing operations. 

The notes on pages 37 to 44 form part of the accounts. 

35 



## **AUTISM ANGELS LTD** 

(A company limited by guarantee) 

## **BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31 AUGUST 2021** 

**Company registration number: 08168948** 

|**Note**<br>**FIXED ASSETS**<br>Tangible Assets<br>**_9_**<br>**CURRENT ASSETS**<br>Debtors<br>**_10_**<br>Cash at Bank and in hand<br>**LIABILITIES: amounts falling due**<br>**within one year**<br>**_11_**<br>**NET CURRENT ASSETS**<br>**TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT LIABILITIES**<br>**NET ASSETS**<br>**THE FUNDS OF THE CHARITY**<br>Restricted Funds<br>**_12_**<br>Unrestricted Funds<br>- Undesignated<br>**_13,14_**<br>- Designated<br>**_13,14_**<br>**TOTAL FUNDS**|**£**<br>**£**<br>7,840<br>2,300<br>15,583<br>17,883<br>(3,179)<br>14,704<br>22,544<br>£ 22,544<br>8,199<br>6,505<br>7,840<br>£ 22,544<br>**2020**|**£**<br>**£**<br>9,280<br>6,143<br>20,777<br>26,920<br>(4,284)<br>22,636<br>31,916<br>£ 31,916<br>4,800<br>17,836<br>9,280<br>£ 31,916<br>**2020**|**£**<br>**£**<br>9,280<br>6,143<br>20,777<br>26,920<br>(4,284)<br>22,636<br>31,916<br>£ 31,916<br>4,800<br>17,836<br>9,280<br>£ 31,916<br>**2020**|
|---|---|---|---|
|||||
||||31,916|
||||£ 31,916|
||||4,800<br>17,836<br>9,280|
||||£ 31,916|



For the financial year ended 31 August 2021, 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 37 to 44 form part of the accounts. 

These financial statements were approved by the trustees on 26 May 2022 and signed on its behalf by: 

Sarah Kekoa - Trustee 

36 



## **AUTISM ANGELS LTD** 

(A company limited by guarantee) 

## **NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS** 

## **FOR YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2021** 

## **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 continued to have an 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: 

- a) Designated funds are unrestricted funds but are specifically earmarked by the Trustees for a particular purpose. 

- b) Restricted funds are only to be used for the specific purpose laid down by the donor. Expenditure which meets this criteria is charged to the fund. 

- c) Unrestricted funds are the residue of income receivable or generated from the objects of the charity without further specified purposes and are available as general funds. 

## **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. 

37 



## **AUTISM ANGELS LTD** 

(A company limited by guarantee) 

## **NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS** 

## **FOR YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2021** 

## **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. 

- Costs of generating funds costs associated with attracting voluntary income. Charitable activities - costs incurred by the Charitable Company in delivering its counselling services to clients. It includes costs that can be allocated directly and those of an indirect nature necessary to support them. Support costs - allocated to charitable activities on an actual basis. Governance costs - costs associated with meeting the constitutional and statutory requirements 

## **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. 

38 



## **AUTISM ANGELS LTD** 

(A company limited by guarantee) 

## **NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2021** 

|**3**<br>**DONATIONS AND LEGACIES**<br>Donations and gifts<br>Grant income|**Unrestricted**<br>**Funds**<br>**2021**<br>**£**<br>22,491<br>5,964<br>£ 28,455|**Restricted**<br>**Funds**<br>**2021**<br>**£**<br>-<br>10,900<br>£ 10,900|**Total**<br>**Funds**<br>**2021**<br>**£**<br>22,491<br>16,864<br>£ 39,355|**Total**<br>**Funds**<br>**2020**<br>**£**<br>22,491<br>27,764|
|---|---|---|---|---|
|||||£ 50,255|



Restricted donations and legacies in 2020 was £5,400. 

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 £ 34,429 £ - £ 34,429 £ 4,536 

## **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<br>Advertising and promotion|-<br>4,248<br>£ 4,248|-<br>-<br>£ -|-<br>4,248<br>£ 4,248|2,600<br>5,325|
|||||£ 7,925|



39 



## **AUTISM ANGELS LTD** 

(A company limited by guarantee) 

## **NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS** 

## **FOR YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2021** 

## **7 ANALYSIS OF TOTAL EXPENDITURE** 

|**7.1 Charitable activities**<br>Horse and animal expenses<br>Facilitators<br>Food and refreshments<br>Equipment<br>Training<br>Management fee<br>Support costs (below)<br>Governance costs (below)<br>**7.2 Support costs**<br>Rent and facilities costs<br>Office costs<br>Computer costs<br>Telephone<br>Printing and stationery<br>Repairs and maintenance<br>Insurance costs<br>Travel costs<br>Sundry costs<br>Depreciation<br>**7.3 Governance costs**<br>Independent examiner's fee<br>Professional fees|**Funds**<br>**2021**<br>**£**<br>4,748<br>20,608<br>212<br>2,233<br>177<br>15,600<br>26,723<br>1,807<br>£ 72,108<br>7,846<br>8,907<br>391<br>928<br>752<br>50<br>3,489<br>956<br>778<br>2,626<br>£ 26,723<br>1,080<br>727<br>£ 1,807<br>**Unrestricted**|**Restricted**<br>**Funds**<br>**2021**<br>**£**<br>-<br>3,800<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>3,000<br>£ 6,800<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>£ -<br>-<br>3,000<br>£ 3,000|**Total**<br>**Funds**<br>**2021**<br>**£**<br>4,748<br>24,408<br>212<br>2,233<br>177<br>15,600<br>26,723<br>4,807<br>£ 78,908<br>7,846<br>8,907<br>391<br>928<br>752<br>50<br>3,489<br>956<br>778<br>2,626<br>£ 26,723<br>1,080<br>3,727<br>£ 4,807|**Total**<br>**Funds**<br>**2020**<br>**£**<br>6,836<br>7,220<br>539<br>2,925<br>639<br>15,900<br>30,058<br>2,273|
|---|---|---|---|---|
|||||£ 66,390|
|||||7,706<br>9,343<br>610<br>1,402<br>209<br>3,281<br>3,103<br>1,299<br>711<br>2,394|
|||||£ 30,058|
|||||1,080<br>1,193|
|||||£ 2,273|



40 



## **AUTISM ANGELS LTD** 

(A company limited by guarantee) 

## **NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2021** 

## **8 RELATED PARTIES AND TRUSTEE TRANSACTIONS** 

## **Trustee Transactions** 

An amount of £34,196 (2020 - £18,216) was paid to a business operated by S Kekoa (a trustee) for time spent in management and facilitation as well as £nil (2020 - £nil) for fundraising work. In 2021 £11,509 (2020 £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**<br>At 1 September 2020<br>Additions<br>At 31 August 2021<br>**Depreciation**<br>At 1 September 2020<br>Charge for year<br>At 31 August 2021<br>**Net Book Amounts**<br>At 31 August 2021<br>At 31 August 2020<br>**10**<br>**DEBTORS**<br>Trade Debtors|**Fixtures**<br>**& Fittings**<br>**£**<br>11,600<br>-<br>11,600<br>2,320<br>2,320<br>4,640<br>£ 6,960<br>£ 9,280|**Equipment**<br>**£**<br>1,434<br>1,186<br>2,620<br>1,434<br>306<br>1,740<br>£ 880<br>£ -<br>**2021**<br>**£**<br>2,300<br>£ 2,300|**Total**<br>**£**<br>13,034<br>1,186|
|---|---|---|---|
||||14,220|
||||3,754<br>2,626|
||||6,380|
||||£ 7,840|
||||£ 9,280|
||||**2020**<br>**£**<br>6,143|
||||£ 6,143|



41 



## **AUTISM ANGELS LTD** 

(A company limited by guarantee) 

## **NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2021** 

|**11 LIABILITIES: Amounts falling due within one year**<br>Trade Creditors<br>Accruals|**2021**<br>**£**<br>1,841<br>1,338<br>£ 3,179|**2020**<br>**£**<br>2,962<br>1,322|
|---|---|---|
|||£ 4,284|



## **12 RESTRICTED FUNDS** 

|**Current year**<br>Playground<br>Bid writer project<br>Recording equipment<br>Computer Equipment<br>Wellbeing days<br>**Prior year**<br>Playground<br>Helpline and support<br>Recording equipment<br>Container unit|**Balance at**<br>**1 September**<br>**2020**<br>**£**<br>3,000<br>-<br>1,800<br>-<br>-<br>£ 4,800<br>**Balance at**<br>**1 September**<br>**2019**<br>**£**<br>3,000<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>£ 3,000|**Income**<br>**£**<br>-<br>5,000<br>-<br>400<br>5,500<br>£ 10,900<br>**Income**<br>**£**<br>-<br>2,000<br>1,800<br>1,600<br>£ 5,400|**Expenditure**<br>**£**<br>-<br>(3,000)<br>-<br>-<br>(3,800)<br>£ (6,800)<br>**Expenditure**<br>**£**<br>-<br>(2,000)<br>-<br>-<br>£ (2,000)|**Transfers**<br>**£**<br>(301)<br>-<br>-<br>(400)<br>-<br>£ (701)<br>**Transfers**<br>**£**<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>(1,600)<br>£ (1,600)|**Balance at**<br>**31 August**<br>**2021**<br>**£**<br>2,699<br>2,000<br>1,800<br>-<br>1,700|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
||||||£ 8,199|
||||||**Balance at**<br>**31 August**<br>**2020**<br>**£**<br>3,000<br>-<br>1,800<br>-|
||||||£ 4,800|



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

Bid writer project - Monies received for the cost of bid writer services. 

Recording equipment - Money was received for the purchase of recording equipment. 

Computer equipment - Money was received for the purchase of computer equipment during in the year. 

Wellbeing days - Monies received for the provision of Welling sessions held during the year. 

42 



## **AUTISM ANGELS LTD** 

(A company limited by guarantee) 

## **NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2021** 

|**13 UNRESTRICTED FUNDS**<br>**Current year**<br>**_Designated_**<br>Fixed Assets<br>**_Undesignated_**<br>Free reserves<br>Total Unrestricted Funds<br>**Comparative year**<br>**_Designated_**<br>Fixed Assets<br>**_Undesignated_**<br>Free reserves<br>Total Unrestricted Funds|**Balance at**<br>**1 September**<br>**2020**<br>**£**<br>9,280<br>17,836<br>£ 27,116<br>**Balance at**<br>**1 September**<br>**2019**<br>**£**<br>8,474<br>42,369<br>£ 50,843|**Income**<br>**£**<br>62,884<br>£ 62,884<br>**Income**<br>**£**<br>-<br>46,988<br>£ 46,988|**Expenditure**<br>**£**<br>(2,626)<br>(73,730)<br>£ (76,356)<br>**Expenditure**<br>**£**<br>(2,394)<br>(69,921)<br>£ (72,315)|**Transfers**<br>**£**<br>1,186<br>(485)<br>£ 701<br>**Transfers**<br>**£**<br>3,200<br>(1,600)<br>£ 1,600|**Balance at**<br>**31 August**<br>**2021**<br>**£**<br>7,840<br>6,505|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
||||||£ 14,345|
||||||**Balance at**<br>**31 August**<br>**2020**<br>**£**<br>9,280<br>17,836|
||||||£ 27,116|



## **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**<br>Tangible Fixed Assets<br>Current Assets<br>Current Liabilities<br>At 31 August 2021<br>**Comparative year**<br>Tangible Fixed Assets<br>Current Assets<br>Current Liabilities<br>At 31 August 2020|**Undesignated**<br>**Designated**<br>**Funds**<br>**Funds**<br>**£**<br>**£**<br>-<br>7,840<br>9,684<br>-<br>(3,179)<br>-<br>£ 6,505<br>£ 7,840<br>-<br>9,280<br>22,120<br>-<br>(4,284)<br>-<br>£ 17,836<br>£ 9,280<br>**Unrestricted**|**Restricted**<br>**Funds**<br>**£**<br>-<br>8,199<br>-<br>£ 8,199<br>-<br>4,800<br>-<br>£ 4,800|**Total**<br>**Funds**<br>**£**<br>7,840<br>17,883<br>(3,179)|
|---|---|---|---|
||||£ 22,544|
||||9,280<br>26,920<br>(4,284)|
||||£ 31,916|



43 



## **AUTISM ANGELS** 

## (A company limited by guarantee) **DETAILED INCOME & EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2021** 

|**INCOME**<br>Donations<br>Grants<br>Fundraising income<br>Sessions<br>**FUNDRAISING EXPENDITURE**<br>Fundraising and event costs<br>Advertising and promotion<br>**DIRECT CHARITABLE EXPENDITURE**<br>Facilitator fees<br>Horses<br>Animals<br>Licences<br>Equipment and equipment hire<br>Accommodation and meals<br>Training costs<br>**OVERHEADS**<br>Rent and rates<br>Management fee<br>Office expenses<br>Computer maintenance and Software<br>Telephone and internet costs<br>Printing, postage and stationery<br>Travel expenses<br>Sundry expenses<br>Maintenance<br>Independent examiner's fees<br>Professional fees<br>Insurance<br>Depreciation<br>**Net surplus for the year**|**£**<br>**£**<br>22,491<br>16,864<br>-<br>34,429<br>73,784<br>-<br>4,248<br>(4,248)<br>69,536<br>24,408<br>4,089<br>27<br>632<br>2,233<br>212<br>177<br>(31,778)<br>37,758<br>7,846<br>15,600<br>8,907<br>391<br>928<br>752<br>956<br>778<br>50<br>1,080<br>3,727<br>3,489<br>2,626<br>(47,130)<br>£ (9,372)<br>**2021**|**£**<br>**£**<br>25,048<br>21,861<br>943<br>4,536<br>52,388<br>2,600<br>5,325<br>(7,925)<br>44,463<br>7,220<br>6,279<br>19<br>538<br>2,925<br>539<br>639<br>(18,159)<br>26,304<br>7,706<br>15,900<br>9,343<br>610<br>1,402<br>209<br>1,299<br>711<br>3,281<br>1,080<br>1,193<br>3,103<br>2,394<br>(48,231)<br>£ (21,927)<br>**2020**|**£**<br>**£**<br>25,048<br>21,861<br>943<br>4,536<br>52,388<br>2,600<br>5,325<br>(7,925)<br>44,463<br>7,220<br>6,279<br>19<br>538<br>2,925<br>539<br>639<br>(18,159)<br>26,304<br>7,706<br>15,900<br>9,343<br>610<br>1,402<br>209<br>1,299<br>711<br>3,281<br>1,080<br>1,193<br>3,103<br>2,394<br>(48,231)<br>£ (21,927)<br>**2020**|
|---|---|---|---|
||||52,388<br>(7,925)|
||24,408<br>4,089<br>27<br>632<br>2,233<br>212<br>177|7,220<br>6,279<br>19<br>538<br>2,925<br>539<br>639||
||||44,463<br>(18,159)|
||7,846<br>15,600<br>8,907<br>391<br>928<br>752<br>956<br>778<br>50<br>1,080<br>3,727<br>3,489<br>2,626|7,706<br>15,900<br>9,343<br>610<br>1,402<br>209<br>1,299<br>711<br>3,281<br>1,080<br>1,193<br>3,103<br>2,394||
||||26,304<br>(48,231)|
|||||
||||£ (21,927)|



44 



## **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 2021, which are set out on pages 35 to 44. 

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 27th May 2022 

HPH, Chartered Accountants Conyngham Hall Business Centre Bond End Knaresborough HG5 9AY 

45 




AutismAngelsUK 

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