Down's Syndrome Manchester Thrive with us Trustees. Annual Report I September 2024 to 31 August 2025 what will this report tell you? About the charity How the charity has spent its money this year
About the charity Charity Name: Down's Syndrome Manchester (DSM) Charity Number 1164570 Down's Syndrome Manchester Address: Unit 17. 41 Old Birley Street. Manchester. M15 5RF How DSM is ru DSM is a charity. Char We must follow charity rules. CHARITY Trustees run the charity. Trustees are chosen at Annual General Meeting or by other Trustees at other times of the year. Trustees have to be honest and reliable people.
Our Trustees: F/A Rick Cowgill Chair Steve Ashton Secretary Jitka Cowgill Treasurer Lydia Burke clare Hillyer Tina Kirwin- McGinley Sean Charlotte Farrington Todd DSM would like a Trustee with Down's syndrome. Catherine Hapriss Vacancy
Employees: The DSM Team Esther Whitoker CEO Started in May 2022 Claipe Reynolds Events & Volunteer Manager Started in Sept 202 left ln May 2025 Kayleigh Howopth Admin & Finance Assistant Started in July 2023 Amy Town Fundraising Manager started in April 2025 Suzi Lindsay Family Support Worker Susan Macdonald Programme Manager Started in July 2025 storted in JuThe 2025 Emmo Goswell Progpamme Manager started in July 2025
Employees: WorkFit Co-ordinators John Henry (Maternity Cover) Lucy Dyson (On Maternity Leave) Speech and Language Therapists Adelisa Yon IPre-school and cover) Alison Calow Helen Adkins Judith Patel (Last conversglion group in Jurke 2025. corttinuiAg ad hot 8upport) Rachel Stevens Jen Chan (Stard ift Septembep 20241 Rhoda Badge (Started IA September 2024. went moternlty leave lft Applll (Started in September 20241
Occupational Therapist Makaton Tutor Anita Bartlett Jen Ellison What does DSM do? Down's Syndrome Manchester Thrive with us Our vision is an inclusive world. where every person with Down's syThdrome is visible. suppopted and celebpoted We help individuals with Down's syndrome and their families to thrive through emotional and practical support, education and a warm welcome. Because we believe everyone deserves to be included. Have_IUn- with What kind of charity is DSM? We respect everyone We work together We are ambitious We are caring We are positive
what does the Treasurer say. The increase shows we were successful in fundraising and new ideas this has helped us reach more families. We are strong because we have more spare money called reserves. Overall the progress shows we are making good financial decisions and also how hard everyone is working to support our mission Financial Overview Money i £187.651 Money spent. £163.240 'Figures subject to slight adjustments as the occounts are finalised
where the Charity's money has come from this year Grants T7.50% Fundralslng & Donatlons 18.60% Events & Merchandise Sales How the Charity has spent its money this year Overheads 83.7186 Chatterbox 9.1016 Rebrandlng 8.94% Hollday Club 2 4.0546 AIIGroup Actlvftles 3.93Y• Bulldlng Hlre 19116 SubscrlptlonsllT Software 3.e096 Memberlstafftrrustee Tralnlng 1.7346 Legal & Professlonal Expenses 1.16Yo Fundralslngcosts 0.879b Overheads is a word we use to describe the costs of running the charity
what does the Chair of Trustees say. Rick is proud of DSM and its members Rick is thankful to the DSM team (frustees and StafD for all the hard work Our success is thanks to our members. trustees. staff, and volunteers. This year has been a really good year for our charity We have grown stronger and made big ploThs for the future. Helped more people and made a bigger difference. Change We are looking for an experienced Chair to help the charity grow. when we find the best person I am going to stop being a Trustee Looking Back with Pride I feel very proud of whot we have achieved together. I know our community is strong. It has been amazing to be your Trustee and Chair during this exciting time. I look forward to seeing the charity continue to grow. create new ideas, and make a lasting difference.
what does the Chair of Trustees say. This year showed strong finoncial growth and stability. Income and spending both increased by about 25%. matching our goals for steady. sustainable growth. The increase reflects successful fundraising and new initiatives that helped us reach more families. We strengthened our Pinancial security by increasing our reserves. This helps us manage a larger budget and meet future commitments confidently. Overall. the progress shows strong financial management and the dedication of everyone supporting our mission. Together, we've built a solid foundation for even greater impact in the future. 10
What does the CEO say. Esther has loved seeing members thrive Esther is excited to see the learning for life project continue to develop Holiday club was amazing. The socials have been fun and important for members Members DSM has more than 400 members Members can: Vote at charity meetings Become Trustees Vote Attend DSM events and training
How we communicate with our members Downs Syndrome Monchester Emoil newsletter each month Social rnedia Email Who dre WhatsApp WhatsApp Our website - www.dsmanchester.org.uk Important things that have happened this year Chatterbox Preschool 12
10- 16s Socials Over 17s Socials Singing Hands Training Project Smile Parent Socials 13
tht Week, Speak Up User Group Volunteer Programme J•LJ+ Holiday Club DSM Dad's Football Team New things that have happened this year Re-bran(L. We became Down's A><Y Syndrome Manchester Down's Syndrome Manchester New logo and identity 14
Family Support Worker Learn Thrive and LeEtNnylLYLife-RSEqducatioTrlOr!5tywIthknrng{ItIq* Learn and Thrive: Lessons for Life Sessions 5 - 9s Socials 4 new members of staff 15
Friends. Funders. and Supporters we have worked with this year GREGGS. GREYSTONE team HCB Solicltor8 nq.legacy cmac. tX)UN SYWDROKE CHISHIRI Venture Arts COMMUNITY FUND ELECTRIC. SHUFFLE The Shears FLIGHT CLU8 CHILDREN IN NEED Garfield Weston FOUNDATION OUNP DOWN'S SYNDROME ASSOCIATION GJ Oe3p the Charity Service FOREVER MANCHESTER 16
Friends. Funders. and Supporters we have worked with this year THE CRH Charitable Trust Tochonis CHARITABLE TRUST ThE CLOTHWORKEKS, FOUNDATioht Manchester Community Central The Sir Jules Thorn Supporting our voluntary ond communily seclor POYNTON ROUND TABLE TILiIL m•n¢h•ster Our members who have raised moThey or donated HSF The Hospital Saturday Fund. orrisons UKH FOUNDATION FOUND TION 17
plans for the future We will try to: l.make sure everyone in Greater Manchester knows about us 2. Make sure the Charity is stable 3. Provide some childcare 4. Offer events for everyone We would like feedback from our rnembers on our plons 18
Acknowledgements The Trustees would like to thank staff and volunteers for their hard work and dedication. TIHA You Thrive with Work with US Lear with BS Have lun: with Grow. with US 19
Glossary - what some words mean An employee who helps with administration and looking after the charity's money. Admin & Finance Assistant A meeting of Trustees and members that happens once a year. Annuol General Meeting The person responsible for running the charity. CEO The leader of the Trustees Chair An orqanisation set up to provide help and support to a particular group of people. Charity Employee Someone who works for the charity. An employee who organises events and looks after the volunteers. Events & Volunteer Manager The Trustee responsible for keeping charity records. Secretary The Trustee who looks after the charity's money. Treasurer The people responsible for making decisions about the charity and ensurinq it is meetlng the needs of its members. Trustees WorkFit A programme helping people with Down's syndrome findjobs.
Declaration The Trustees declare that they have approved this Trustees. report. Signed on their behalf Signe(L. R.Cowgill Full name: Rick Cowgill PositiorL Chair of trustees Date: 23.10.2025 Down's Syndrome MarLchester Thrive with us 21
Appendix - Further detail Chair's Statement We hope you've enjoyed readinq this this new format reporL The followinq pages contain some additional infopmation for those who would like to get to know our charit in just o little more detail. This year has been one of remarkable progress for our charity - a year defined by growth, stobility, and bold strateqic development. Together, we have strengthened our foundations, extended our impact, and set a clear and corLfident course for the future. As a proud member-led organisation, our achievements are a true reflection of the passion. dedication. and collective spirit of our members. tpustees, staff, and volunteers, whose commitment continues to inspire and drive everythinq we do. This year, I made the difficult decision to Step down as a trustee, work is now underway to appoint a new and experienced Chair who will help guide the charity into its next exciting chapter. As I prepare to hand over this role, I do so with immense pride in all that we hove achieved together, and with deep confidence in the strength, vision, and resilience of our incredible community. It has been both an honour and a joy to serve as Trustee and Chair during such a transformative period and I look forward to watching the charity continue to thrive, innovate, and make a lasting difference in the years ahead. The Charity We are an inclusive. member-led charity for individuals with Down's syrndrome. parents. caregivers. and professionals. from diagnosis through to adulthoo( We are an AssociatiorL CIO (Charitable Incorporated OrgarLisationl established on 26 Auqust 2015 and previously known as South Manchester Down's Syndrome Support Group. Chority number 1164570 Down's Syndrome Manchester Thrive with us 22
Appendix - Further detail Financial Review This year has been another outstanding period of positive finarLcial growth and strengthened stability. Both income and expenditure rose by around 25Y. aligrning with our stpateqic 9oals for sustainable expansion arnd qreater impact. This growth reflects the success of our fundraising efforts and irLitiatives, enoblinq us to reach and support even more families across the region. We've also stFengtherned our financial resilience by increasinq our reserves, ernsuFinq the charity remains well-equipped to marnaqe a growing budget and meet onqoinq commitments with confidence. Overall. this year's financial progress reflects not only 5tronq stewardship but also the collective dedication of everyone who believes in our mission. Together, we've built a strong foundation for even greater impact in the years ahead Down's Syndrome Manchester Thrive with us 23
Appendix- Further detail Impact l Key Achievements Chatterbox 9 events, one cancelled due to extreme weather conditions Preschool group 2 sessions monthly with visits from Speech & Language Therapist and- Occupational Therapist Social events for all ages 3x 5-9 year olds (this was new this yearl 7x 10-16 yearolds I I x Over 17 year olds I x Over 25 year olds Annual World Down Syndrome Day Celebration concert with Singing Hands 180 attendees Tpaining We offered i o training sessions including= Literacy Behaviour Post-16 Options Wills & Trusts Ensurinq your EHCP is fit for purpose Down's Syndrome Manchester Thrive with us 24
Key Achievements continued_ Dad's footboll team played twice a month WorkFit 23 candidates 8 activejobs including roles at The Lowrg, Greene Kinq and Brewdog Project Smile A project in Jeffrey's memory to make sure people with Down's syndrome in all communities qet the riqht support- we held two outreach sessions Parent socials 3 x parents I carer social events User-group Speak Up had 10 sessions and covered member led topics includirnq travel. holidays ond health Held our yearly volunteer thank you event Holiday Club th 8 Auqust 2025 Number of children attendirnq.. 18 Aqe ranqe:S-15 4 new mernbers of staff I x Fundraising Manaqer 2 x Ppoqromme Manaqers (job share) I x Family Support Worker Started a pilot of Learn & Thrive Lessons for Life sessions carried out with members www.dsmanchester.ory.uk 25
CHARITY COMMISSION FOR ENGLAND AND WALES Independent examiner's report on the accounts Section A Independent Examiner's Report Report to the trustees Down's Syndrome Manchester On accounts for the year ended 31 August 2025 Charity no (if any) 1164570 Set out on pages 1 and 2 ofform CC16a I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of the above charity I'lhe Trust") for the year ended 3110812025. Responsibilities and basis of report As the charity's trustees, you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 ("the Act"). I report in respect of my examination of the Trust's accounts carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination, I have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(51{b) of the Act. Independent examiner's statement I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination which gives me cause to believe that in, any material respect.. the accounling records were nol kept in accordance with section 130 of the Charities Act., or the accounts did not accord with the accounting records., or the accounts did not comply with the applicable requirements onceming the form and content of accounts set out in the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 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. 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. Please delete the words in the brackets if they do not apply. Signed: A J Pickford Date: 12104126 Name: A J Pickford Relevant professional qualification{sl or body (if any): ICAEW Address: 5 Cedar Avenue IER Oct 2018
Altrincham WA14 2QR Section B Disclosure Only complete if the examiner needs to highlight material matters of conrn (see CC32, Independent examination of charity accounts.. directions and guidan for examiners). Give here brief details of any items that the examinerwishes to disclose. IER Oct 2018
Receipts and payments accounts CC16a For the period from Section A Receipts and payments Unrestricted tothB nBar@st Restricted Endowmenl Total fund5 Last yoar to thè neAregt£ tothe neaMt£ tothe The4rt£ tothe neare9t£ A1 Recei 4.872 4J,438 6,799 4.872 101,24B 6,799 25 3.2J7 96,594 3,720 Donations and grants lind. grft aid) Fe9$ lorchantsibb $eNi¢e$ 67,810 e NatsDlla Lottery West RegiQD" embeTS' Subsenptions SÈles of merchèThdiSè omtnunrty No 74285 74,283 49,401 424 424 Sub total{Gross inoome forARI 65,558 132,093 187,651 162,961 A2 Asset and investment 8ale8, (see table). Sub total Total receipts Supp BÈThk tharoe8 6,184 753 Eqjipmeni $t Fundr&iSiThO eo$ts Group activities Insuranc& IT & ts0fre 8 nSuMabS 1st expenses intl travel Pr&schocl group Le8al & Pro Relre$hmenis Imeeiin9s and Chattethxl 1,378 17,(119 10Q 5.4J6 2,088 2,320 1.09$ 2,130 14,166 R8sourcés 1.040 9,686 31,933 152 SpEe(h ÈThd12Thouaoe ther&piSts Staffin StaliOTh8ry. Printing & postage cost$ ommun West Region" 61.169 48.667 2,74S 710 240 367 Tran5a¢tion charges Ytys VdunteerexpensES Sub total A4 Asset and invesbnent purcha8e8, see table DE51t foroffice Learning resources Sub total Total paymonts Net ofre¢eipts/(payments) A5 Transfeys bett¥een funds A6 Cash fund$ la$t vear end Cash funds this vearend 18,937 5,474 24,411 20,402 45.130 54,473 79.201 124 014
Section B Statement of assets and liabilities at the end of the period atc J( ories Unrestricted Restricted lo neayesl £ Endowment to ne3re61 £ B1 Cash funds Gurrent account 64,067 59,94T Cash in hand Total cash funds 64,067 59,947 lagree bae5th receipts Unrestricted funds to nealeste Restricted funds to nearest £ Endowment fund5 to near95t£ Detai15 Fund to whlch a$*et belon Cost loptionall urrent valug ltsptionall Details Fund to whi¢h Ost loptlonall Cufr•nt v4lu• Details 84 Assets retalned for the charity's own use Detai15 Fund to whlc Amount due When de BS Liabilities za£a Signed by one ortttyo trustees on bah8W of nature Print Name Date of 1211112025