Charity Number 1169900
2024 TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT
AND RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS ACCOUNTS
FOR
WARRINGTON VISUALLY IMPAIRED PEOPLE
For the period
1[st] APRIL 2023 TO 31[st] MARCH 2024
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TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE PERIOD 1[st] APRIL 2023 TO 31[ st] MARCH 2024
1. Reference and Administration
Charity Name:
Warrington Visually Impaired People
Registered Charity No:
1169900
Address:
Fairfield and Howley Centre Fairfield Street Warrington WA13AJ
Trustees
Name
Mr. Steven Andrews Mr. Geoff Settle Cllr Mr. Peter Walker Ms. Linda Welding Mr. Frederick Parkinson Mr. David Latham Mrs. Janet Bates
Position
Notes
Resigned March 2024 Appointed September 2021 Appointed September 2021 Appointed January 2022 Appointed January 2023 Appointed September 2023 Appointed February 2023
Senior Staff
Name Position Notes Mrs. Fiona Patterson Centre Manager
2. Structure, Governance and Management
Governing Document
Warrington Visually Impaired People was founded in 2016 and is registered as a Charitable Incorporated Organization with the Charity Commission and is governed by a constitution dated 10[th ] July 2016.
Previously it was known as Warrington, Widnes and District Society for the Blind which was founded in 1923 and was registered as a charity with the Charity Commission.
Appointment of trustees
Trustees were appointed for a term of one year at the launch of the new Charitable Incorporated Organisation, by resolution passed at a properly convened meeting of the charity trustees.
There must be at least five charity trustees. If the number falls below this minimum, the remaining trustee or trustees may act only to call a meeting of the charity trustees or appoint a new charity trustee.
The maximum number of charity trustees is seven. The charity trustees may not appoint any charity trustee if as the number of charity trustees would exceed the maximum.
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TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE PERIOD 1[st] APRIL 2023 TO 31[ st] MARCH 2024
A charity trustee who has served for three consecutive terms may not be reappointed for a fourth consecutive term but may be reappointed after an interval of at least one year.
Trustee induction and training
New trustees undergo an orientation day to brief them on their legal obligations under charity law, the Charity Commission guidance on public benefit, and inform them of the content of the Constitution, the committee and decision-making processes, and recent financial performance of the charity. They all have a copy of the constitution and latest trustees’ report and accounts. During the induction day they meet key employees and other trustees. Trustees are encouraged to attend appropriate external training events where these will facilitate the undertaking of their role.
Organisation
The Society is governed by an Executive Committee comprised of a minimum of five trustees and a maximum of seven. The Executive Committee meets regularly during the year and appoints sub- committees as and when operationally necessary.
A Centre Manager has been appointed by the Executive Committee to manage the day-to-day operations of the charity. The Centre Manager has delegated authority, within terms of delegation approved by the Executive Committee, for operational matters including finance, employment and center activities.
The Trustees in planning activities for the visually impaired in Warrington keep in mind the Charity Commission’s guidance on public benefit and we welcome all visually impaired people regardless of faith, age, gender, or personal circumstances.
3. Objectives and Activities
Objects of the charity
The relief of Blind and Visually Impaired people, their families, and carers in Warrington in particular but not exclusively by:
-
Giving assistance financial, and other wise to cases of visually impaired persons who, by reason of age, sickness, hardship or distress have need of such help with the object of improving their quality of life.
-
Arranging suitable activities for visually impaired, with the object of improving their quality of life.
-
Co-operating in and supporting the work of the official visitors of the visually impaired.
-
Providing a suitable Resource Centre, offering equipment, advice, and information.
-
Offering a listening, caring, supportive, service for all visually Impaired in the Warrington and District area.
Main Activities
The Trustees in planning activities forthe visually impaired in Warrington keeping mind the Charity Commission’s guidance on public benefit and we welcome all visually impaired people regardless of faith, age, gender and personal circumstances.
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TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE PERIOD 1[st] APRIL 2023 TO 31[ st] MARCH 2024
Home Visiting Service
-
To provide practical and emotional support to visually impaired adult residents in Warrington.
-
To provide assistance with simple daily living tasks, such as reading correspondence, making phone calls, and escorting to appointments, to enable visually impaired to live a more fulfilling and independent life.
-
To provide appropriate support in the immediate period following diagnosis of a visually impairment if required.
-
Each Visitor does maintain written records in respect of the individual subject to conform to the Data Protection Act 2018.
If the service is not suitable for the needs of the individual, the person is referred to the appropriate service.
Centre Activities and Social Events
Our holds 2 lunch clubs a week, where we offer a home cooked three course lunch for our members. They get the opportunity to meet up with friends and make new ones. We hold weekly raffles, quizzes have guest speakers, pamper days and many more activities. We encourage all our members to get involved and to give feed back as to what they would like is to provide. Our center is a comfortable relaxed friendly atmosphere where all visually impaired people can come and enjoy a day out.
Holidays are always on the agenda for our members as for some this is the only break they get, we try to go to a hotel that will accommodate there visual impairment. Our main aim is to ensure they have a great time and we take them out an about so that they fully enjoy their time away.
Outings and holidays are arranged several times throughout the year thus preventing and reducing isolation and loneliness enabling individuals to engage in experiences they thought impossible due to their visual impairment.
Transport
We have three minibuses which can provide transport for all the Visually Impaired involved with the center. This enables the Charity to reduce the fact that Visually Impaired People find themselves isolated and lonely. The minibuses are an extremely essential part of our Charity. We are mindful that they need to be replaced on a regular basis. This can be difficult at times and we are always fundraising to enable us to update and replace them where necessary
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TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE PERIOD 1[st] APRIL 2023 TO 31[ st ] MARCH 2024
Aims and Objectives
Our aims and objectives are similar to previous years. To foster a supportive and inclusive community where members feel valued and connected. To raise awareness of the challenges faced by visually impaired individuals and advocate for their rights and accessibility needs. To ensure that members have access to essential resources, services, and emotional support.
Develop resources such as audio papers and magazines to help members stay informed and engaged. Work with local authorities, healthcare providers, and businesses to improve accessibility and services to VIPs.
We would like to get more public awareness and educate the wider community about visually impairment and the importance of inclusion, by hosting family days to showcase what we are about and what we are trying to achieve within the charity and community.
Host and social occasions within the center by inviting community speakers to come and chat to our members from various places, ECLO (eye clinic Liaison Officer), ROVI (rehabilitation officer for visually impaired, Utility Warehouse to offer help and support which members bills. We have pamper days for our members, musicians and singers that come to entertain. The team also run quizzes, bingo. Take our members on holiday within the UK and organise days out for them.
4. Achievements and Performance
Trustees
Successfully guided the charity’s strategic goals to align with the needs of the visually impaired community. Established clear policies ensuring compliance with legal, ethical, and governance standards.
We welcomed two new Trustees, Janet Bates who is also one of our members, who is able to speak for the members and feeds back decisions that are made within trustee group. David Latham is one of Volunteer drivers so speaks for the volunteer team within the charity. We lost one of our Trustees this year Steve Andrews who passed away.
Grants and fundraising
We continued to receive our grant from WBC towards the cost of running the Home Visitors Service and also our members continued to contribute £5 a month. We are also part of a local lottery to which we receive a percentage and “give as you live” which we also receive a percentage. We have received funding from Torus of £1000 which was to be used updating our community sensory garden. Omega gave us £3000 to update our centre. We have done a bucket collection at Warrington Wolves and will continue to find other avenues.
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TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE PERIOD 1[st] APRIL 2023 TO 31[ st ] MARCH 2024
Centre Activities and Social Events
Our lunch clubs are well attended by our members, we offer a three course lunch on both days, from a qualified chef which they all thoroughly enjoy. Holidays are all ways signed up quickly as this could be there only holiday for the year. We offer days out and lots of entertainment within our center. We discuss with our members what they would like to see or do, and try our best to arrange it.
Our center is for our members and we do our upmost to make there days with us worthwhile.
Contribution made by volunteers
Without our volunteers our charity wouldn't survive they give there time. Support our members, sometimes even when not on there days in. They offer there services to do DIY around our center which then lets us focus on funding awareness our achievements. We held a volunteer award evening where we invited them and there partner in and cooked a 3 course meal and celebrated all the contributions they have made over the year.
Home Visiting
The service level agreement for our Home Visiting service with WBC was renewed for one years with extension for two more years. The funds have also increased due to the amount of service users now receiving visits from ourselves. We are very proud of all of our Home Visitors as they always go above and beyond what is expected of them. We now have 5 home visitors in place. All our home visitors are able to offer support and knowledge with sight loss, also to suggest adaptations and aids that will support the user.
They will refer into different organisations for any other support needed by the client.
5. Financial Review
We haven't received any legacies over the last year, we receive regular payments from Brick in the Wall scheme where our members pay £5 a month and also Give as You Live, and the local Lottery.
Although the income has remained constant over the last few years the trustees are aware that we haven't received any large donations or legacies. We have however received funding for different projects Over the next financial year more emphasis will need to be put on different methods of generating funds and the trustees and staff will discuss how to ensure a more even income stream.
Reserves Policy
It is the Trustees’ policy to try to maintain a balance on unrestricted cash which equates to at least one year unrestricted payments. It is held to smooth out fluctuations in cash flow and to meet emergencies.
6. Declaration
The Trustees declare that they have approved the trustees report above.
Signed on behalf of the charity’s trustees
Signed: …………………………………………………. Name: Names …………………………………………………. veered, POE pe cc Position …………………………………………………. Date: ………………………………………………….
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TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE PERIOD 1[st] APRIL 2023 TO 31[ st] MARCH 2024
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER’S REPORT
TO THE MEMBERS/TRUSTEES OF WARRINGTON VISUALLY IMPAIRED PEOPLE CHARITY NUMBER: 1169900
I report on the accounts for the period 1[st] April 2023 to 31[st] March 2024, which is set out on pages 11-17
Respective responsibilities of the Trustees and Independent Examiner
The trustees of the charity are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. They consider that an audit is not required for this year under section 144 of the Charities Act 2011 (the Charities Act) and that an independent examination is needed.
It is my responsibility to
-
examine the accounts under section 145 of the Charities Act;
-
follow the procedures laid down in the General Directions given by the Charity Commission (under section 145(5)(b) of the Charities Act); and
-
state whether particular matters have come to my attention.
Basis of Independent Examiner’s Statement
My examination was carried out in accordance with the General Directions given by the Charity Commission An examination includes are view of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts and seeking explanations from the management committee concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit, and consequently no opinion is given as to whetherthe accounts present a ‘true and fair’ view and the report is limited to those matters set out in the statement below.
Independent Examiner’s Statement
In connection with my examination, no matters have come to my attention:
-
Which give me reasonable cause to believe that, in any material respect, the requirements
-
To keep accounting records in accordance with section 130 of the Charities Act or
-
To prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and comply with the accounting requirements of the Charities Act have, not been met; or
-
To which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
Signed: …………………………………… Date: ………………………… Signed: WON pe ccc pate: S/o[/] zee, Address: ……………………………………. Address: Morey h ool... ……………………………………. ……………………………………. ANDi fen. Mel Att Soo.
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TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE PERIOD 1[st] APRIL 2023 TO 31[ st] MARCH 2024
ANNUAL ACCOUNTS FOR WARRINGTON VISUALLY IMPAIRED PEOPLE PERIOD: 1[st] APRIL 2023 TO 31[st] MARCH 2024
Receipts and Payments
a) Receipts
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Unrestricted
Unrestricted Restricted Total Funds
Note funds Designated Funds 2024 Total Funds
Funds 2023
£ £ £
£ £
Donations & Legacies 3a 38,250 - - 38,250 64,617
Income from charitable
3b 29 - 36,472 36,501 41,395
activities
Fundraising 3c - - - - 1,552
Investment Income 3d 3,501 - - 3,501 2,174
Sub Total 41,780 - 36,472 78,252 109,738
Asset and Investment Sales 44,100 - - 44,100 -
-
Total Receipts 85,880 36,472 122,352 109,738
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b) Payments
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Unrestricted
Unrestricted Total
Note funds Designated Restricted Funds Total Funds
Funds Funds 2023
£ 2024
£ £ £ £
Expenditure on raising
funds 3e - - - - -
Expenditure on
3f -
123,975 31,518 155,493 129,719
charitable activities
Sub Total 123,975 - 31,518 155,493 129,719
Asset and Investment
533 - - 533 26,995
Purchases
-
Total Payments 124,508 31,518 156,026 156,714
Excess Payments over
-
(38,628) 4,954 (33,674) (46,976)
Receipts
Transfers between funds 61,496 (52,661) (8,835) - -
- - - - -
Cash at bank 1 [st ] April 19,580 73,005 31,181 123,766 170,742
Cash at bank 31 [st ] March 42,448 20,344 27,300 90,092 123,766
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TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE PERIOD 1[st] APRIL 2023 TO 31[ st] MARCH 2024
ANNUAL ACCOUNTS FOR WARRINGTON VISUALLY IMPAIRED PEOPLE PERIOD: 1[st] APRIL 2023 TO 31[st] MARCH 2024 (cont’d….)
STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES
c) Cash Funds
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Unrestricted Designated Restricted
£ £ £
HSBC Current Account 1,319 - -
- -
HSBC Home Visiting Account 27,300
HSBC Hospital Desk Account 122 - -
- -
HSBC Fundraising Deposit Account 18,837
HSBC 2 [nd ] Reserve Account - 1,507 -
NatWest No1 Account 41,007 - -
- - -
Petty Cash
Total Cash Funds 42,448 20,344 27,300
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d) Other Monetary Assets due
| Unrestricted £ |
Restricted £ |
|
|---|---|---|
| Gift Aid Recoverable | - | - |
| Total Monetary Assets | - | - |
e) Investment Assets
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Fund Value
£ £
2,499 units M&G Chari fund Unrestricted 36,387
54 Royal Bank of Scotland Ordinary Shares Unrestricted 144
CCLA Ethical Investment Fund Unrestricted 389,259
CCLA Property Fund Unrestricted 94,270
Total Investment Assets 520,060
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TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE PERIOD 1[st] APRIL 2023 TO 31[ st] MARCH 2024
ANNUAL ACCOUNTS FOR WARRINGTON VISUALLY IMPAIRED PEOPLE
PERIOD: 1[st ] APRIL 2023 TO 31[st] MARCH 2024 (CONT’D….)
STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES (CONT’D)
- f) Assets Retained for charity’s own use
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Fund Value
£
Minibuses Unrestricted 26,795
IT Equipment Unrestricted 476
Furniture and Fixtures Unrestricted 3,176
Stock of Aids and Adaptations Unrestricted -
Total Assets 30,447
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g) Liabilities
| Liabilities | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fund | Value £ |
|
| Pension Liability | Unrestricted | 700 |
| P.A.Y.E. Liability | Unrestricted | 1,372 |
| Total Liabilities | 2,072 |
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TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE PERIOD 1[st] APRIL 2023 TO 31[ st] MARCH 2024
ANNUAL ACCOUNTS FOR WARRINGTON VISUALLY IMPAIRED PEOPLE
PERIOD: 1[st] APRIL 2023 TO 31[st] MARCH 2024 (CONT’D….)
NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS
1. Accounting Policies
The trustees have agreed that as the charity is not a company and has an annual gross income of less than £250,000 then it can prepare Receipts and Payments accounts.
2. Restricted Funds
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B/Fwd Receipts Payments Transfers C/Fwd
Fund
£ £ £ £ £
Home Visiting 31,181 36,472 (31,518) (8,835) 27,300
Garden - - - - -
Total Funds 31,181 37,094 (31,518) (8,835) 27,300
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Home Visiting fund is a service agreement from Warrington Borough Council which supports visually impaired people who have just been diagnosed with a sight loss. This includes visiting clients in their homes and providing help and assistance where necessary.
Garden this fund provides for ongoing maintenance of the sensory garden at the Fairfield Center which visually impaired people use on a regular basis. The trustees have confirmed the project is now complete and the balance has been transferred to the unrestricted fund.
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TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE PERIOD 1[st] APRIL 2023 TO 31[ st] MARCH 2024
ANNUAL ACCOUNTS FOR WARRINGTON VISUALLY IMPAIRED PEOPLE
PERIOD: 1[ST] APRIL 2023 TO 31[st] MARCH 2024 (CONT’D….)
NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS (CONT’D)
Designated Funds
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B/Fwd Receipts Payments Transfers C/Fwd
Fund
£ £ £ £ £
Minibus Fund 73,005 - - (52,661) 20,344
Garden - - - - -
Total Funds 73,005 - - (52,661) 20,344
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Minibus Fund – The trustees have decided to use a legacy given in 2018/19 to fund a new minibus in the next year or so.
3. Notes to the Accounts
3a) Donations &Legacies
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Unrestricted Restricted Total Funds Total Funds
funds Funds 2024 2023
£ £ £ £
Donations 38,250 - 38,250 16,031
- - -
Legacies 48,056
In Memory - - - 530
Gift Aid - - - -
Total 38,250 - 38,250 64,617
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TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE PERIOD 1[st] APRIL 2023 TO 31[ st] MARCH 2024
ANNUAL ACCOUNTS FOR WARRINGTON VISUALLY IMPAIRED PEOPLE
PERIOD: 1[ST] APRIL 2023 TO 31[st] MARCH 2024 (CONT’D….)
NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS (CONT’D)
3b) Income from charitable activities
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Unrestricted Restricted Total Funds Total Funds
funds Funds 2024 2023
£ £ £ £
Grants - 36,472 36,472 36,471
Luncheon club sales - - - 4,320
Aids and adaptation sales 29 - 29 604
Total 29 36,472 36,501 41,395
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3c) Fundraising
| 3c) Fundraising | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Unrestricted funds £ |
Restricted Funds £ |
Total Funds 2024 £ |
Total Funds 2023 £ |
|
| Raffles | - | - | - | 1,552 |
| Total | - | - | - | 1,552 |
3d) Investment Income
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Unrestricted Restricted Total Funds Total Funds
funds Funds 2024 2023
£ £ £ £
Bank interest 1,352 - 1,352 401
Investment interest 2,149 - 2,149 1,773
Rental income - - - -
Total 3,501 - 3,501 2,174
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3e) Expenditure on raising funds
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Restricted Total Total
Unrestricted Designated
Funds Funds Funds
funds Funds
£ 2024 2023
£ £
£ £
- - - - -
Disability Day
- - - - -
Property Utilities
- - - - -
Property repairs
- - - - -
Legal Fees
- - - - -
Equip Hire
Total - - - - -
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TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE PERIOD 1[st] APRIL 2023 TO 31[ st] MARCH 2024
ANNUAL ACCOUNTS FOR WARRINGTON VISUALLY IMPAIRED PEOPLE
PERIOD: 1[st ] APRIL 2023TO 31[st] MARCH 2024 (CONT’D….)
NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS (CONT’D)
3f) Expenditure on charitable activities
| Unrestricted funds £ Designated Funds £ Restricted Funds £ Total Funds 2024 £ Total Funds 2023 £ |
Unrestricted funds £ Designated Funds £ Restricted Funds £ Total Funds 2024 £ Total Funds 2023 £ |
Unrestricted funds £ Designated Funds £ Restricted Funds £ Total Funds 2024 £ Total Funds 2023 £ |
Unrestricted funds £ Designated Funds £ Restricted Funds £ Total Funds 2024 £ Total Funds 2023 £ |
Unrestricted funds £ Designated Funds £ Restricted Funds £ Total Funds 2024 £ Total Funds 2023 £ |
Unrestricted funds £ Designated Funds £ Restricted Funds £ Total Funds 2024 £ Total Funds 2023 £ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Staff costs 68,614 - 30,909 99,523 79,103 |
|||||
| Staff &Volunteer expenses 1,967 - - 1,967 4,175 |
|||||
| Staff &Volunteer training 14 - 609 623 1,063 |
|||||
| Rent and Insurance 22,762 - - 22,762 16,039 |
|||||
| Phone, Zoom, broadband &IT Support &Software 2,333 - - 2,333 1,896 |
|||||
| Stationery, postage & office costs 1,493 - - 1,493 913 |
|||||
| Holidays 4,702 - - 4,702 - |
|||||
| Minibus costs 6,537 - - 6,537 10,852 |
|||||
| Fees 184 - - 184 1,262 |
|||||
| Accountancy fees 144 - - 144 900 |
|||||
| Repairs and refurbishment 2,962 - - 2,962 1,004 |
|||||
| Activities &Entertainment 1,288 - - 1,288 580 |
|||||
| Catering costs 9,414 - - 9,414 8,980 |
|||||
| Cost of aids and adaptations 1,292 - - 1,292 814 |
|||||
| Bank Charges 203 - - 203 152 |
|||||
| IT Equip 66 - - 66 1,054 |
|||||
| Small purchases - - - - 932 |
|||||
| Total | 123,975 | - | 31,518 | 155,493 | 129,719 |
Signed on behalf of the charity’s trustees
Signed: …………………………………………… Signed: CTL”... Name: …………………………………………… Name: AEE, Pate wend Position: Position: cn …………………………………………… ee Date: Date: wel …………………………………………… ee eee ve Be ey
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