**Charity Number 1169900**
## **2025 TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT**
## **AND RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS ACCOUNTS**
## **FOR**
## **WARRINGTON VISUALLY IMPAIRED PEOPLE**
**For the period**
**1[st] APRIL 2024 TO 31[st] MARCH 2025**
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_**TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE PERIOD 1[st] APRIL 2024 TO 31[ st] MARCH 2025**_
## **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. Geoff Settle Cllr Mr. Peter Walker Ms. Linda Welding Mr. Frederick Parkinson Mr. David Latham Mrs. Janet Bates Mrs. Nicola Hartley Mrs. Lisa Wong Mr Neil Johnson
## **Position**
## **Notes**
Appointed September 2021 Resigned May 2025 Appointed January 2022 Appointed January 2023 Appointed September 2023 Deceased September 2025 Appointed May 2025 Appointed September 2025 Appointed September 2025
## **Senior Staff**
**Name Position Notes** Mrs. Fiona Patterson Centre Manager
## **2. Structure, Governance and Management**
## _**Governing Document**_
Warrington Visually Impaired People (WVIP) was established in 2016 and is registered with the Charity Commission as a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO). The charity is governed by a constitution adopted on 10 July 2016.
Prior to this, the organisation operated as the _Warrington, Widnes and District Society for the Blind_ , which was founded in 1923 and registered as a charity with the Charity Commission.
## _**Appointment of trustees**_
At the launch of the CIO in 2016, trustees were appointed for an initial term of one year by resolution at a properly convened meeting of the charity trustees.
- The charity must have a minimum of five trustees. If the number falls below this, the remaining trustee(s) may act only to call a meeting or appoint new trustees.
- The maximum number of trustees is seven. No further appointments may be made if this maximum would be exceeded.
- A trustee may serve for a maximum of three consecutive terms. After stepping down for at least one year, they may be eligible for reappointment.
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_**TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE PERIOD 1[st] APRIL 2024 TO 31[ st] MARCH 2025**_
## _**Trustee induction and training**_
New trustees take part in an induction programme designed to ensure they are aware of their legal obligations under charity law, the Charity Commission’s guidance on public benefit, and the charity’s constitution. They are provided with copies of the constitution, the latest trustees’ report, and the annual accounts.
The induction includes:
- Meetings with key staff and trustees.
- A briefing on governance, financial management, and operational processes.
- An introduction to current services and activities.
Trustees are also encouraged to attend relevant external training events to support them in carrying out their roles effectively.
## _**Organisation**_
The charity is governed by an Executive Committee made up of a minimum of five and a maximum of seven trustees. The Committee meets regularly throughout the year and may establish sub-committees as required to support specific areas of work.
Day-to-day operations are managed by a Centre Manager, who is appointed by and accountable to the Executive Committee. The Centre Manager has delegated authority for operational matters, including finance, staffing, and service delivery, within the scope set by the trustees.
In planning and delivering services, the trustees have regard to the Charity Commission’s guidance on public benefit. WVIP provides support to all visually impaired people in Warrington, irrespective of age, gender, faith, or personal circumstances.
## **3. Objectives and Activities**
## _**Objects of the charity**_
The charity’s objectives are to support blind and visually impaired people, their families, and carers in Warrington, in particular but not exclusively, through the following activities:
- Providing financial or other assistance to visually impaired individuals experiencing age-related challenges, sickness, hardship, or distress, with the aim of improving their quality of life.
- Organising social, educational, and recreational activities to enhance wellbeing and reduce isolation.
- Supporting and collaborating with official visitors and other organisations working with visually impaired people.
- Maintaining a Resource Centre that offers equipment, advice, and information.
- Delivering a caring, supportive, and confidential service to all visually impaired people across Warrington and the surrounding district.
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_**TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE PERIOD 1[st] APRIL 2024 TO 31[ st] MARCH 2025**_
## **4. Main Activities and Achievements**
## **Chair-Based Exercise – Fitness Meets Fun!**
In partnership with the **Warrington Wolves Foundation** , we reintroduced **chair-based exercise** classes. These monthly sessions are joyful and energising, featuring beachballs, dance routines, coloured scarves, boxing gloves and a lively ABBA soundtrack.
Attendees have grown from 5 to a steady 10, with all members leaving feeling revitalised and waiting for the next session.
## **Macular Society Support Group**
This vital group supports people with age-related macular degeneration, offering both peer guidance and friendship along with a brew, soup and a sandwich. The group has expanded steadily and remains a key service, with many attendees forming friendships outside of the group. As with all our services this advice for welfare, aids and devices is available throughout.
## **Lunch Club – Food, Friendship and Community**
Our Tuesday and Thursday lunch clubs continue to thrive headed up by Abi as the kitchen assistant. In summer, we welcomed Chef Steve, a professionally trained chef whose links to the Food Alliance Network have reduced food costs and introduced a fresh, nutritious, and varied menu.
Lunch is served alongside social events including:
- Guest speakers (e.g. ECLO, WBC Sensory team, Healthwatch, Warrington Disability Partnership)
- Pamper days - nail painting and facials from Trophic & Activity Angels
- Music and entertainment – Rock Choir, Centenary Theatre, Warrington U3a Ukulele group, Boos Mobile Zoo and Owls
- Quizzes and bingo – Delivered by Adrian and the volunteering team
- Special occasions or themed lunches such as the south Indian cuisine cooked by Pam from the U3a group which included homemade poppadom’s, chicken tikka and vegetable curry.
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_**TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE PERIOD 1[st] APRIL 2024 TO 31[ st] MARCH 2025**_
We actively seek member feedback and tailor activities formally through an annual survey, through the committee meetings and by speaking to members each week.
## **Day trips and Holidays**
Following a member request for a new destination, after we travelled to Lytham St Annes in September 2024 and Llandudno in March 2025 for a 5-day stay at the Merrion Hotel. Highlights included:
- Afternoon tea by the sea
- Fish and chips
- Shopping excursions
- Dancing and evening entertainment
- And of course—ice cream on the prom!
This much-loved trip organised by **Centre Manager Fiona** and our volunteer team was filled with fun and smiles all round.
We had many trips out locally to the London Inn, afternoon tea at the Town Hall with the Mayor and….
## **Transport – Combating Isolation**
We operate three accessible minibuses, which are essential to reducing isolation. Over 60% of lunch club attendees use this service, with a further 30% driven by family members. Regular fundraising ensures we can maintain and eventually replace these vehicles, one vehicle was replaced.
## **Home Visiting Service**
Funded by a renewed Service Level Agreement with Warrington Borough Council, our team of five trained Home Visitors continues to support individuals in their own homes—particularly in the period following diagnosis. The service has expanded, and referrals are growing with case studies showing the positive impact of helping someone to read their mail, attend an appointment, link them up with community services, advocate on their behalf or simply having someone to talk to.
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_**TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE PERIOD 1[st] APRIL 2024 TO 31[ st] MARCH 2025**_
## **5. Community Engagement and Partnerships**
## **Website & Media Support**
A **local media company Mutacio** maintains and updates our website **free of charge** , ensuring accessible information is always available.
## **Centre Renovation and Sensory Garden**
Thanks to an **Absolute Radio grant** , plus support from:
- The **VIP Garden Gang**
- **Fujitsu volunteers**
- Family members of the VIP team
- A full building repaint by **Waines Estates**
...our centre has been **refreshed, repainted, and replanted** , becoming an even more welcoming, accessible space. The small kitchen which needed a freshen up is now a purposeful larder for chefs fresh produce, and his freezers.
A grant from **Morrisons** funded a **commercial cooker** , making our kitchen more efficient. Trustee Dave a retired electrician installed the cooker following the conversion of the electrical supply to triple Phase with a former colleague to certify the work.
The centre now proudly features a **smart blue interior** (reflecting the VIP logo), and **portraits and group pictures of our members** decorate the walls—celebrating the people at the heart of what we do.
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_**TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE PERIOD 1[st] APRIL 2024 TO 31[ st] MARCH 2025**_
## **6. Volunteers – The Heart of VIP**
Our **volunteer programme** continues to grow. Roles include:
- Driving and passenger assistance
- Helping in the kitchen and dining areas
- Social support and friendly listening
- Supporting events and holiday logistics
Many have been with us for years and are integral to daily operations. Volunteers receive **training** and are recognised at our annual **Volunteer Appreciation Evening** , is a night where they are served a three-course meal by staff and trustees in gratitude for their service. It’s a great opportunity for all volunteers to get together to chat, laugh and have a lovely time. We are partner with Warrington Vale Royal and Willow Green to offer work experience and supported internships with the annual trip to WVR Buckleys restaurant a firm favourite of our VIPs. The Willow Green Internship has led to a permanent volunteering position for Aleshia who was prompted to be passenger assistant alongside her centre assistant role early 2025.
## **7. Member Feedback**
A **survey conducted in June 2024** highlighted:
- **30%** of lunch club members joined in the last 12 months
- **32%** have been with us 5–15 years
- Several have attended for **20+ years** , demonstrating strong loyalty
Members say they value:
- **Friendship and connection**
- **Getting out of the house**
- **Hot, nutritious meals**
- **Fun and purpose-filled days**
**Referrals** come primarily from:
- **The NHS**
- **Social care teams**
- **Family and friends**
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_**TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE PERIOD 1[st] APRIL 2024 TO 31[ st] MARCH 2025**_
## **8. Financial Review**
## **Grants & Income Sources:**
- Ongoing support from **WBC**
- Member contributions (£5/month via **"Brick in the Wall"** scheme)
- Local **lottery shares** and **Give as You Live**
- Grants from **EET Fuels (£1,000), Torus (£1,500)** , **Omega (£3,000)** , **Morrisons** , and others
Although income has remained steady, the trustees acknowledge the need to develop **new funding streams** to build long-term resilience.
## **Reserves policy**
The Trustees have reviewed the reserves policy for Warrington VIP and have decided to aim to retain three months running costs in unrestricted cash reserves as this should ensure the Chairty can continue to operate effectively.
The Trustees also decided that the Investment Assets that were created when the Chairty sold their previous property on Museum Street in Warrington should be treated as Designated reserves which are held for the future purchase of a property. The timing of this expenditure is unknown but the Trustees believe that it is prudent to hold these funds in reserve to secure the future of the Chairty if a relocation is required.
## **9. Declaration**
The Trustees declare that they have approved the trustees report above.
Signed on behalf of the charity’s trustees
## **Signed:** _Geoffrey F Settle_
**Name: Geoffrey F Settle**
**Position Chair WVIP**
## **Date: 07/01/2026**
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TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPOR T
FOR THE PERIOD J" APRIL 21124 TO 31°, MARCH 2025
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT
TO THE MEMBERsfTRUSTEES OF WARRINGTON VISUALLY IMPAIRED PEOPLE
CHARITY IYUMBER: 1169900
I report on the accounts for the period I" April 2024 to 31, March 2025, which is sel out on pages 11-17
Respective responsibilities of the Trustees and Independent Ex8miner
The trustees of the charity are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. They consider that an audit is
nol required for this year under section 144 of the Charities Act 2011 (the Charities Act) and that an
independent examination is needed.
11 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 th¢ Charities Act). and
state whether particular matters have come to my attention.
Basis of Independent Examiner'5 Statement
My examination was catTi¢d out in accordance with the G¢neral Direclions given by the Charity Coinmission
An examination incllides are view of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the
accounts presenlcd wilh those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the
accounts and seeking explanalion5 from the manageinent committee concerning any such matters. The
procedures undei'taken do nol provide dll ihe evidence that would be required in an audit, and consequently no
opinion is given as to whether the accounts present a 'true and fair, view and the report is limit¢d to those
matters set out in the statement below.
Independent Examiner's Statement
In connection with my exainination, no matters have come to rny attention:
Which give rne reasonable cause to believe that, in any material respect, the requirements
To keep accounting records in accordance with section130 of the Charities Act or
To prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and comply with the
accounting requir¢ments of the Charities Act have, not been rnel. or
2. To which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the
accounts to be reached.
Signed,.
Date:
Address:
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_**TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE PERIOD 1[st] APRIL 2024 TO 31[ st] MARCH 2025**_
## **ANNUAL ACCOUNTS FOR WARRINGTON VISUALLY IMPAIRED PEOPLE PERIOD: 1[st] APRIL 2024 TO 31[st] MARCH 2025**
## **Receipts and Payments**
## **a) Receipts**
**----- Start of picture text -----**
Unrestricted
Unrestricted Restricted Total Funds
Note funds Designated Funds 2025 Total Funds
2024
Funds
£ £ £ £
£
Donations & Legacies 3a 54,101 - 1,000 55,101 38,250
Income from charitable
3b -
3,154 40,575 43,729 36,501
activities
Fundraising 3c 970 - - 970 -
Investment Income 3d 2,510 - - 2,510 3,501
Sub Total 60,735 - 41,575 102,310 78,252
Asset and Investment Sales 40,000 - - 40,000 44,100
-
Total Receipts 100,735 41,575 142,310 122,352
**----- End of picture text -----**
## **b) Payments**
**----- Start of picture text -----**
Unrestricted
Unrestricted Total
Note funds Designated Restricted Funds Total Funds
Funds Funds 2024
£ 2025
£ £ £ £
Expenditure on raising
funds 3e - - - - -
Expenditure on
3f -
136,175 34,032 170,207 155,493
charitable activities
Sub Total 136,175 - 34,032 172,207 155,493
Asset and Investment
14,118 - - 14,118 533
Purchases
-
Total Payments 150,293 34,032 184,325 156,026
Excess Payments over
-
(49,558) 7,543 (42,015) (33,674)
Receipts
Transfers between funds 28,968 (13,632) (15,336) - -
- - - - -
Cash at bank 1 [st ] April 42,448 20,344 27,300 90,092 123,766
Cash at bank 31 [st ] March 21,858 6,712 19,507 48,077 90,092
**----- End of picture text -----**
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_**TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE PERIOD 1[st] APRIL 2024 TO 31[ st] MARCH 2025**_
## **ANNUAL ACCOUNTS FOR WARRINGTON VISUALLY IMPAIRED PEOPLE PERIOD: 1[st] APRIL 2024 TO 31[st] MARCH 2025 (cont’d….)**
## **STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES**
## **c) Cash Funds**
**----- Start of picture text -----**
Unrestricted Designated Restricted
£ £ £
HSBC Current Account 4,438 - -
- -
HSBC Home Visiting Account 19,507
- -
HSBC Hospital Desk Account 16,140
- -
HSBC Fundraising Deposit Account 6,712
NatWest No1 Account 1,280 - -
Total Cash Funds 21,858 6,712 19,507
**----- End of picture text -----**
## **d) Other Monetary Assets due**
||**Unrestricted**
**£**|**Restricted**
**£**|
|---|---|---|
|**Gift Aid Recoverable**|-|-|
|**Loan to The Old School Project**|6,450||
|**Total Monetary Assets**|**6,450**|**-**|
## **e) Investment Assets**
**----- Start of picture text -----**
Fund Value
£ £
2,499 units M&G Chari fund Designated 37,942
54 Royal Bank of Scotland Ordinary Shares Designated 248
CCLA Ethical Investment Fund Designated 346,277
CCLA Property Fund Designated 102,400
Total Investment Assets 486,867
**----- End of picture text -----**
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_**TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE PERIOD 1[st] APRIL 2024 TO 31[ st] MARCH 2025**_
**ANNUAL ACCOUNTS FOR WARRINGTON VISUALLY IMPAIRED PEOPLE PERIOD: 1[st ] APRIL 2024 TO 31[st] MARCH 2025 (CONT’D….)**
**STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES (CONT’D)**
- **f) Assets Retained for charity’s own use**
**----- Start of picture text -----**
Fund Value
£
Minibuses Unrestricted 21,436
IT Equipment Unrestricted 369
Furniture and Fixtures Unrestricted 10,121
Stock of Aids and Adaptations Unrestricted -
Total Assets 31,926
**----- End of picture text -----**
## **g) Liabilities**
|**Liabilities**|||
|---|---|---|
||**Fund**|**Value**
**£**|
|**Pension Liability**|Unrestricted|761|
|**P.A.Y.E. Liability**|Unrestricted|486|
|**Total Liabilities**||**1,247**|
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_**TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE PERIOD 1[st] APRIL 2024 TO 31[ st] MARCH 2025**_
## **ANNUAL ACCOUNTS FOR WARRINGTON VISUALLY IMPAIRED PEOPLE**
## **PERIOD: 1[st] APRIL 2024 TO 31[st] MARCH 2025 (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**
|**Fund**|**B/Fwd**
**£**|**Receipts**
**£**|**Payments**
**£**|**Transfers**
**£**|**C/Fwd**
**£**|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|Home Visiting|27,300|40,575|(33,032)|(15,336)|**19,507**|
|Garden|-|1,000|(1,000)|-|**-**|
|**Total Funds**|**27,300**|**41,575**|**(34,032)**|**(17,154)**|**19,507**|
**Home Visiting** fund is a service agreement from Warrington Borough Council which supports visually impaired people who have just been diagnosed with 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 2024 TO 31[ st] MARCH 2025**_
## **ANNUAL ACCOUNTS FOR WARRINGTON VISUALLY IMPAIRED PEOPLE**
## **PERIOD: 1[ST] APRIL 2024 TO 31[st] MARCH 2025 (CONT’D….)**
**NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS (CONT’D)**
## **Designated Funds**
**----- Start of picture text -----**
B/Fwd Receipts Payments Transfers C/Fwd
Fund
£ £ £ £ £
Minibus Fund 20,344 - - (13,632) 6,712
Garden - - - - -
- - -
Property Fund – Investment 486,867 486,867
Assets
Total Funds 20,344 - - 473,244 493,579
**----- End of picture text -----**
**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.
**Property Fund –** The trustees have decided that the investment assets should be held for the potential purchase of a new property for the Charity.
## **3. Notes to the Accounts**
## **3a) Donations & Legacies**
**----- Start of picture text -----**
Unrestricted Restricted Total Funds Total Funds
funds Funds 2025 2024
£ £ £ £
Donations 54,101 1,000 55,101 38,250
- - - -
Legacies
- - - -
In Memory
Gift Aid - - - -
Total 54,101 1,000 55,101 38,250
**----- End of picture text -----**
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_**TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE PERIOD 1[st] APRIL 2024 TO 31[ st] MARCH 2025**_
## **ANNUAL ACCOUNTS FOR WARRINGTON VISUALLY IMPAIRED PEOPLE**
## **PERIOD: 1[ST] APRIL 2024 TO 31[st] MARCH 2025 (CONT’D….)**
## **NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS (CONT’D)**
## **3b) Income from charitable activities**
**----- Start of picture text -----**
Unrestricted Restricted Total Funds Total Funds
funds Funds 2025 2024
£ £ £ £
Grants - 40,575 40,575 36,472
Luncheon club sales 3,120 - 3,120 -
Aids and adaptation sales 34 - 34 29
Total 3,154 40,575 43,729 36,501
**----- End of picture text -----**
## **3c) Fundraising**
|**3c) Fundraising**|||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
||**Unrestricted**
**funds**
**£**|**Restricted**
**Funds**
**£**|**Total Funds**
**2025**
**£**|**Total Funds**
**2024**
**£**|
|Raffles|970|-|**970**|**-**|
|**Total**|**970**|**-**|**970**|**-**|
## **3d) Investment Income**
**----- Start of picture text -----**
Unrestricted Restricted Total Funds Total Funds
funds Funds 2025 2024
£ £ £ £
Bank interest 245 - 245 1,352
Investment interest 2,265 - 2,265 2,149
Rental income - - - -
Total 2,510 - 2,510 3,501
**----- End of picture text -----**
## **3e) Expenditure on raising funds**
**----- Start of picture text -----**
Restricted Total Total
Unrestricted Designated
Funds Funds Funds
funds Funds
£ 2025 2024
£ £
£ £
- - - - -
Disability Day
- - - - -
Property Utilities
- - - - -
Property repairs
- - - - -
Legal Fees
- - - - -
Equip Hire
Total - - - - -
**----- End of picture text -----**
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_**TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE PERIOD 1[st] APRIL 2024 TO 31[ st] MARCH 2025**_
## **ANNUAL ACCOUNTS FOR WARRINGTON VISUALLY IMPAIRED PEOPLE**
## **PERIOD: 1[st ] APRIL 2024 TO 31[st] MARCH 2025 (CONT’D….)**
## **NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS (CONT’D)**
## **3f) Expenditure on charitable activities**
**----- Start of picture text -----**
Total Total
Unrestricted Designated Restricted
Funds Funds
funds Funds Funds
2025 2024
£ £ £
£ £
Staff costs 73,812 - 30,906 104,718 99,523
-
Staff & Volunteer expenses 2,293 1,819 4,112 1,967
Staff & Volunteer training 788 - 307 1,095 623
Rent and Insurance 23,279 - - 23,279 22,762
Phone, Zoom, broadband & IT
- -
2,228 2,228 2,333
Support &Software
Stationery, postage & office
- -
1,393 1,393 1,493
costs
- -
Holidays 7,394 7,394 4,702
Minibus costs 7,614 - - 7,614 6,537
Fees 180 - - 180 184
Accountancy fees 3,264 - - 3,264 144
Repairs and refurbishment 192 - 1,000 1,192 2,962
Activities & Entertainment 2,890 - - 2,890 1,288
- -
Catering costs 9,510 9,510 9,414
- -
Cost of aids and adaptations 1,082 1,082 1,292
Bank Charges 256 - - 256 203
IT Equip - - - - 66
Total 136,175 - 34,032 170,207 155,493
**----- End of picture text -----**
Signed on behalf of the charity’s trustees
_Signed: Geoffrey F Settle_
_Name: Geoffrey F Settle_
_Position Chair WVIP_
_Date: 07/01/2026_
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