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2020-12-31-accounts

Charity Registration Number: 1168098

A Charitable Incorporated Organisation

Report and Financial Statement For the period 1st January 2020 to 31st December 2020

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Executive Summary of Report and Financial Statement - 1st January 2020 to 31st December 2020 Charity Reg. No: 1168098

*We use the term ‘Dyslexia’ because it is the most common of all Sp.L.D.s (Specific Learning Differences). What we do is largely applicable to all the other conditions known to be related such as Dyscalculia, A.D.H.D., A.D.D., Autism Level 1 (Asperger’s Syndrome), Dyspraxia and Dysgraphia. Many of these conditions can overlap and often coexist.

This has been an exceptional year for us all. Even with the advent of Covid our Dyslexia Aware Counselling delivery grew by nearly 12% - our highest growth yet. Our referrals have spread from being largely centred on Greater London to encompassing most parts of the UK. We are seeing increasing client interest in the USA, Sweden and Australia. We made the transition from Face to Face work to Zoom throughout 2020 with relative ease. By the end of 2020 we had 40 new clients, 58% of which were seen via our base and 42% via our Network of Dyslexia Aware Practitioners which we established in 2018.

Our advocacy work also had to go online and we successfully worked in partnership with the Dyslexia Association of London delivering a Webinar focusing on mental wellbeing through Covid; A podcast with Dear Dyslexic New Zealand (to be delivered in 2021); An article for PESI during Dyslexia Awareness Week; another Webinar for City Lit’s Mental Wealth Festival; a contribution of a chapter for the British Dyslexia Associations new book Parenting a Dyslexic Child (due to be released in the summer of 2021) and an article published on Counselling Directory entitled ‘Things you should know if you care about someone with Dyslexia’.

As an organisation that receives no outside funding and is dependent on generating its own income all our practitioners are committed to supporting those less able to afford counselling and fulfil our charitable objectives. Nearly 12% of our sessions were delivered to pro bono or low-income clients. Testimonials reflect the positive impact our approach affords our clients and increasingly referrals are made to our Network of Dyslexia Aware Practitioners – this year delivering 42% of all sessions. Post counselling, we have seen a significant reduction in client anxiety levels further supporting the viability and need for our work.

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Our service was most hit by Covid restrictions and lockdowns requiring us to cancel all our trainings, workshops and presentations. Were it not for this we believe we would have broken even as anticipated in 2019. Unfortunately, we still have a deficit of -£5615 but this is half of what we carried through from 2018. This gives us encouragement that with the reopening of society throughout 2021 we can look forward to restarting our innovative programme of dyslexia aware therapeutic approaches.

Our gratitude to all who have supported us throughout this turbulent time especially those who provide their annual donations and those who use ‘Give as you live’ and ‘Amazon Smile’ to support our very necessary work.

PENNIE ASTON FOUNDER AND DIRECTOR

Dyslexia Aware Counselling by The GroOops Foundation

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REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS:

Charity Name: GroOops Dyslexia Aware Counselling Old Name: GroOops Working Name/s: GDAC Dyslexia Aware Counselling by GroOops The GroOops Foundation

Charity No: 1168098 Principal Address: PO Box 53287, London Post Code: N3 9AD

TRUSTEES:

Miss A. O'Shaughnessy Ms B. Kruza Miss H. Matthews Mr C. Freeman Ms R. Finegold

PATRONS:

Dr Lindsay Peer CBE

FOUNDER/DIRECTOR:

Mrs P. Aston

BANKERS:

NatWest Bank 1175 Finchley Road London NW11 OBQ

ACCOUNTANTS:

Target Accounting Services Ltd 23 Saxon Drive London W3 ONU

AIMS:

Addressing the emotional repercussions of dyslexia through counselling, coaching, groupwork, training and supervision.

VISION:

Dedicated to creating an emotionally healthy dyslexia aware world.

STRUCTURE GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT:

BRIEF HISTORY OF GroOops Dyslexia Aware Counselling:

*We use the term ‘Dyslexia’ because it is the most common of all Sp.L.D.s. What we do is largely applicable to all the other conditions known to be related such as Dyscalculia, A.D.H.D., A.D.D., Autism Level 1 (Asperger’s Syndrome), Dyspraxia and Dysgraphia. Many of these conditions can overlap and often coexist.

Originally constituted in 2007, in 2014 the original GroOops unincorporated charity undertook a turnkey process to provide all our recognised services under the umbrella of Creative Dyslexia Aware Counselling incorporating Coaching, Groupwork, Training and Supervision, to acknowledge and serve this specialised area of need. In 2016 we became a CIO - GroOops Dyslexia Aware Counselling (GDAC).

GroOops Dyslexia Aware Counselling (GDAC) is a charitable incorporated foundation charity (CIO) having gained The Charity Commission's agreement to the dissolution of the unincorporated charity established in 2007 - GroOops (Reg. Charity No: 1124036) and the transfer of all assets of GroOops (Reg. Charity No: 1124036) to the new incorporated charity, GroOops Dyslexia Aware Counselling (GDAC) (Reg. Charity No: 1168098), in an order dated the 26th August 2016.

The Trustees meet approximately every four months and 3 times in the period 1st January to 31st December 2020:

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The appointment of Trustees is through an election at general meetings, and a chair is chosen for each meeting. Management supervision meetings are held as appropriate between the appointed trustee/s and Founder/Director. Day to day administrative decisions concerning the running of the charity are dealt with in consultation with the Founder/Director and the Office Management Team (OMT), appointed Project Managers for events and some volunteers. GDAC also benefits from a number of experienced consultants whose advice they can draw on as required. Clinical supervision is provided monthly to the Founder/Director and management supervision is provided by the appropriate trustee to the Founder/Director as necessary.

AREA OF OPERATION:

The Foundation’s base is in Finchley, London N3. We deliver face to face counselling, Skype/Zoom counselling, trainings and workshops from this base and, by arrangement, throughout the UK, Europe and the USA. Our Network of Dyslexia Aware Counsellors and Coaches provide their services from their bases face to face and via Skype/Zoom worldwide as appropriate. Our Founder/ Director delivers key-

note speeches, tutorials and presentations, globally, by arrangement and writes on the emotional repercussions of dyslexia.

STAFFING:

Our staff throughout this period consisted of several independent network members, three part-time administrative support workers plus a number of professionals volunteering their time. Our Founder/Director is self-employed and advises on an ad hoc basis in a variety of areas of expertise and delivery. Many of our personnel dedicate some or all their time voluntarily to support the growth and development of the charity. Others are on self-employed/freelance contracts, and none are employed directly by the charity. All work together in a holistic approach to benefit the charity as a whole. All personnel are interviewed in depth, provide two references and have contracts outlining their duties. Enhanced DBS checks are conducted on all staff and volunteers at a minimum of 3 yearly intervals.

RISK MANAGEMENT:

GDAC Board of Trustees, along with the OMT is responsible for the management of the risks faced by GDAC. Risks are identified, assessed and controls established continuously throughout the year. A formal review of the charity's risk management processes is undertaken on an annual basis.

The charity uses the following controls for limitation of risks:

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It is also the responsibility of the Trustees to identify and mitigate against any major risks to which the delivery of the charity's objects are exposed:

Such risks include:

If any of these risks were to continue over some time it would prevent the work from expanding, but the charity could continue to function for the time being. The Trustees would review policies and reduce expenditure where appropriate. The Board of Trustees is satisfied that the significant risks identified have been adequately diminished where necessary. However, it is recognised that systems can only provide reasonable and not absolute assurance that major risks have been adequately administered.

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OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES:

*We use the term ‘Dyslexia’ because it is the most common of all Sp.L.D.s. What we do is largely applicable to all the other conditions known to be related such as Dyscalculia, A.D.H.D., A.D.D., Autism Level 1 (Asperger’s Syndrome), Dyspraxia and Dysgraphia. Many of these conditions can overlap and often coexist.

The Objects of the Charity are as stated in its constitution and how we fulfil them are as follows:-

1. To promote and protect the good health of children, young people and families experiencing difficulties in life-changing transitions such as divorce, domestic violence, aspects of loss, learning difficulties, school, college, family and work issues, behavioural and relationship challenges by the creation and maintenance of a voluntary programme of facilitated, multi-cultural, social interaction psycho-therapeutic group workshops.

2. To advance the education and training of members in order to increase their personal and professional development.

Members in this context are both those who are clients and those who are professionals. We fulfil this through our training programmes i.e. Intro To: and Skills Training Days. Our volunteer counsellors receive dyslexia aware specific supervision and learn dyslexia aware specific strategies for use in their counselling.

3. To encourage parent/carer involvement in the social, emotional and educational growth of their participant children.

We provide a unique service of psycho-social, psycho-educational therapeutic sessions for parents of dyslexic family members that are specifically dyslexia aware to equip them to understand dyslexia and how best to support their family members.

4. To provide 1:1 counselling and psychosocial interventions for children, young people & their families to further support their social and emotional growth.

5. To provide 1:1 counselling, group work and psychosocial intervention for adults, children, young people and their families in addressing the emotional repercussions of dyslexia.

We provide counselling sessions for individuals, group work for professionals and clients and psychosocial sessions for interested parties.

6. To advance the education and training of those working with dyslexic students and those who are affected by dyslexia, in educational settings and in the workplace by offering dyslexia awareness courses and dyslexia focused learning opportunities.

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THE CONTENT AND FOCUS OF OUR WORK THIS YEAR - 1st January to 31st December 2020:

This has been a peculiar year for all of us and has inevitably impacted on what we could do and where. Nevertheless, we have been able to pull together some constructive and enlightening opportunities to embrace the dyslexic community as follows:

WEBINAR DYSLEXIA LONDON – 6[th] April 2020

https://dyslexialondon.org/webinars/grooops-webinar-monday-6th-april/

PESI ARTICLE – DYSLEXIA AWARENESS WEEK – 5[th] October 2020 https://www.pesi.co.uk/Blog/2020/October/Counselling-Clients-With-Dyslexia PODCAST – DEAR DYSLEXIC – March 2020

CITY LIT – MENTAL HEALTH AND DYSLEXIA EVENT – 7[th] October 2020 UNBOXED: Creativity beyond Dyslexia https://www.movebeyondwords.co.uk/film

MOVE BEYOND WORDS BOARD – December 2020

https://www.movebeyondwords.co.uk/about

PARENTING A DYSLEXIC CHILD – BDA – Chapter contribution. Book to be published Summer of 2021.

= = = parenting+a+dyslexic+child&qid 1620984944&sprefix parenting+the+dyslexic+chil d%2Caps%2C150&sr=8-3

THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW IF YOU CARE ABOUT SOMEONE WITH DYSLEXIA – Counselling Directory Article

https://www.counselling-directory.org.uk/memberarticles/what-you-need-to-know-ifyou-care-about-someone-with-dyslexia

“I just read your article and had an epiphany. I have shared it with my whole family of twenty-nine who are all dyslexic apart from two. I will be having children soon and this will help dramatically. I have hidden away for most of my twenty’s ………. Once I moved out of the environment where I thought everyone thought I was a waste of space, and I did as well - a great weight was lifted of my shoulders. I have an IQ of 128 but a reading and writing age of an 11yr old. I gave up on life and fell into smoking weed and other drugs to escape. I just wanted to say thank you for writing this and you’re amazing.”

Linked In follower

CANCELLED EVENTS

Dyslexia Show – 25[th] /26[th] September 2020 - - https://www.thenec.co.uk/whats on/dyslexia show/

Parents Day – 16[th] May 2020 https://www.grooops.org/portfolio/parents-partners-day-16th-may-2020/

Network Members Day – 14.6.20 https://www.grooops.org/portfolio/dyslexia-aware-network-members-day/

Trainings – April and October 2020 https://www.grooops.org/portfolio/three-day-intensive-workshop-april-2020/

GROWING SUPPORT FOR OUR WORK

British Dyslexia Association - - - - https://www.bdadyslexia.org.uk/dyslexia/neurodiversity and co occurring - - - differences/anxiety and mental health https://cdn.bdadyslexia.org.uk/documents/About/Reports/Minutes-24-April-2019APPG-for-Dyslexia-and-other-SpLDs.pdf?mtime=20190709142428&focal=none

Access to Work

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We have seen a significant rise in clients who have received funding from Access to Work to support their understanding of their dyslexia and develop life skills to cope. - - https://www.gov.uk/access to work

Kathleen Dunbar – You are amazing. https://dyslexicselfesteem.com/books-and-articles

COSCA

https://www.cosca.org.uk/application/files/5715/2119/6781/resources_on_ counselling_dyslexics_15.4.16_Copy104-19-16.pdf

Dyslexia Association of Scotland

https://www.dyslexiascotland.org.uk/sites/default/files/library/Printable_PostAssessm ent_Pack_for_Adults.pdf

Dyslexia Association of London

https://www.dyslexialondon.org/counselling/

Lindsay Peer

http://www.peergordonassociates.co.uk/lindsay_peer.html

SOCIAL MEDIA

We maintain an active presence on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

COUNSELLING

The number of client sessions in 2020 can be broken down into two parts; GroOops sessions and sessions conducted by counsellors in the GroOops Emotional Wellbeing Network. Both GroOops and the Network have continued to support clients throughout 2020. The number of sessions for both the Network and GroOops have increased this year. GroOops conducted a total of 295 sessions in 2020 (up by 37 sessions since 2019 when GroOops conducted 258 sessions). The Network had a total of 216 counselling sessions split between 6 different counsellors. This is an increase of 17 sessions since 2019.

While we have seen steady growth in the number of enquiries and new clients from 2014 to 2018, during 2019 enquiry activity dropped by 1.4%. In 2020 enquiries grew again by +11%, seeing our highest number since 2014. Referrals (returned client referral forms) have decreased in the past 2 years with a 16% drop in 2019 and a further 22% in 2020. The number of new clients dropped by 17% in 2019, but remained steady in 2020, with both years seeing 40 new clients each.

As we receive no core funding or government support clients are asked to pay what they can afford, and a transparent choice is made available to them. Each counsellor accepts a number of pro bono or low-cost clients in each year. Despite the prevailing economic disturbance of Covid, in 2020 we increased the percentage of these sessions to 12% in fulfilment of our charitable obligations.

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“Thank you so much for everything you have helped me with over the past months. Doors have been opened that I didn’t know existed. I feel so much more informed and equipped to navigate the wonderful reality of being dyslexic.”

“You "get" me. I don't need to hide "me". No more “sorries”.”

“ Everything was done really well. I can't think of anything that could be improved ”.

NEW CLIENTS AND GROWTH

SESSIONS ATTENDED IN 2020

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SESSION TYPES AND METHODS

REDUCED FEES

On page 3 of our client self-referral form is a section with various fee options available. Dependent on the expertise of the practitioner, clients may choose from a broad spectrum from assisted place (£45 and under); Qualified counsellor in training (£45 - £55) 1[st] Year Dyslexia Aware Counsellor (£65); Experienced Dyslexia Aware Counsellor (£85); through to consultant fees of £110

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DEMOGRAPHICS

In 2020 New client ages ranged from 17 years through to 67 years. The majority of new clients (53%) were aged 26 – 45 and 29% aged 36 to 45 years. When looking at the ages at referral of all active clients in 2020 we see a similar trend in the majority of clients being aged between 16 and 55 years.

GENDER

OCCUPATION

We have seen a variety of occupations in new clients during 2020. Art based/creative roles and business/admin/clerical roles see the highest client percentages.

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ETHNICITY

DIAGNOSIS/ASSESSMENT

When completing the self-referral form, clients/potential clients are asked if they have had a diagnosis/assessment. They have the option to answer Yes or No. This is followed by some tick boxes where they can confirm which specific learning difference they have.

We see that 45% - 59% of responders answer yes to this question. However, almost and equal percentage leave this question unanswered. The graphs below show the differences in responses to the Dyslexia diagnosis question between new client, active client and referrals.

CO-OCCURRENCE/CO-MORBIDITY

PRESENTING ISSUES

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ANXIETY LEVELS PRE AND POST CONSELLING

FEEDBACK

really glad GroOops exists.”

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TRAINING

In 2020 GroOops did not run any training workshops due to social distancing regulations. However, the first workshop scheduled for the year, in April, was fully booked before postponement. All of these attendees were refunded their deposit and offered a place on a waiting list for the opportunity to have first option of booking a place on the next scheduled workshop. This was tentatively booked for October but postponed shortly after because of the subsequent second lockdown. This has resulted in an existing waiting list of attendees who have been previously booked to attend.

A second waiting list has also been put together, consisting of others who have contacted us expressing their interest in joining the October workshop, or any other scheduled workshop in the future, and who have requested a place on a waiting list.

EMOTIONAL WELLBEING AND COUNSELLING NETWORK

Launched in September of 2018 membership is open only to those who have attended our Dyslexia Aware Workshops and fit our membership criteria. As we were unable to run our training modules this year our Network has remained the same as in 2019. The Network had a total of 216 counselling session split between different Network counsellors. This is an increase of 17 session since 2019. In 2020 the Network was active in 13 locations. However, introduction of Zoom sessions allowed all practitioner to work remotely increasing their availability generally.

Who can join?

Any professional who has attended at least one ‘Intro To:’ course; who is committed to supporting the dyslexic community; embodies the GroOops vision of an emotionally healthy dyslexia aware world and is willing to engage in ongoing CPD in this area of specialism and shared learning.

The Network is becoming a stable of proficient dyslexia aware practitioners to whom we can signpost clients either for 1:1 in their locality or via Skype/Zoom when this is

not possible, often at reduced costs, which is negotiable with the individual counsellor. This referral system means that clinical services are provided by the individual therapist/dyslexia professional - not by GroOops. Every member must have an up to date DBS certificate; maintain valid professional details (such as BACP/NCS/UKCP registration for counsellors); appropriate professional insurance; adequate independent regular clinical supervision as dictated by their professional body. The equivalent is required for other professions such as teachers, tutors, coaches etc.

“People have commented that they see a difference in me. More confident, calmer and not apologizing for myself.”

“The most engaging part was the psycho-educational aspect at the start. That was the springboard for everything else. It allowed me to understand me.”

PROJECTS AND PLANS FOR NEXT YEAR

(1[st] January to 31st December 2021)

We live in hope that things will return to relative normal and allow us to focus on reinstating our training programmes. We have seen a steady increase in interest in our work throughout the year evidenced in the increased delivery of counselling via both our base and the Network and have worked to our capacity. As training expands so will the Network.

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Moreover, as we continue to develop targeted trainings, workshops and presentations to highlight the emotional repercussions of Dyslexia and other neurodiverse conditions, we will research and report on what can be further done to support healthy emotional development.

In the same way, at the core of our work, is the provision of our overall service to all who are in need at reasonable costs wherever they may live. At present, and for the foreseeable future, our survival is dependent on client fees being paid by those who can afford to do so to supplement those who cannot, donations and income from trainings and presentations.

FINANCIAL REVIEW

The total fees in 2020 are £35,397 compared to £28,124 in 2019. This is an increase of £7273.00 (approximately 20%). However, due to the cancellation of trainings, workshops and presentations and the related loss of earnings (an estimated loss of approximately £7,000) we are in deficit of -£5,615. However, even in this difficult financial time we have managed to nearly half the deficit from 2019 of -£10,777 whilst not compromising our delivery throughout the year of low cost counselling to all who require it.

Our primary costs incurred are core staff and resources. We keep costs down by employing self-employed/freelance and sessional workers on an ad hoc basis and using volunteers. Income has come in via client fees, donations and Network fees. The Network brought in an additional £2,987 in 2020 (an 86% increase of 2019’s £1,381) proving the value of its existence. Total fees paid for counselling services this year reached £33,525 reflecting the increased number of sessions provided. Due to being dyslexic, our Director continues to be in receipt of an Access to Work grant in the sum of £16,260 for a support worker. Our Director continues to provide accommodation, general services and the majority of directorial services on a mostly pro bono basis.

Approved by the Trustees and signed on their instruction and behalf.

CHARLES FREEMAN TRUSTEE AND ACTING CHAIR

Date: 11/06/2021

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ASSETS AND LIABILITIES G￿00p¥ Dysbexia A￿re Coumelling ststemBnt of AsBet8 and Li)bilitie8 atthe ¢￿1 of 31$tDe¢wrt>er20W) 2020 X119 Cuntnt as>s Cash at bank and in hand 31.281 36.896 Totsl net•Sgets 31.281 Funlts 31.281 36.896 Totsl l￿d5 31 Notes to the accou nts 1 F￿d9 Xl19 2019 Unrestricted 31.281 36,896 21 Closing ￿nd 31,281