## **Difference North East Annual Report 2024/25** Introduction.............................................................................................. 3 Projects and campaigns .......................................................................... 4 Telecare in Hartlepool .......................................................................... 4 Members make the difference ............................................................ 4 Disability History Month, 2024............................................................. 4 North East Mayoral Combined Authority (NEMCA) Transport Plan.. 5 ‘Claiming the normal!’ Photography Project. ..................................... 5 Welfare reform; representing members in the North East ................ 5 Launching ‘Members Make the Difference’ ........................................... 7 Online member event: A history of Disability Activism ..................... 7 Online member event: Employment and Work ................................. 7 Online member event: Housing .......................................................... 7 ‘On the table’ event: How can life be better for Disabled People? .. 8 ‘Voices across the North East’: In person listening events ................ 8 Representing and advocating for disabled people .............................. 9 Discussion Panel: Reasonable Adjustments ....................................... 9 Discussion Panel: Is a healthy life a better life? .................................. 9 Presentation: Developing inclusive boards and governance ........... 9 Presentation: Making your climate messages accessible................ 10 Presentation: ‘Eco-ableism’ and planning for disabled people in climate emergencies .......................................................................... 10 Training and development ................................................................... 10 Table 1.0 Training And Development Figures .................................. 11 Developing free to use disability resources ..................................... 11 National Lottery Key Metrics: Representing our members and growing our networks ........................................................................... 12 Our social media and online reach ...................................................... 12 Difference North East Website .......................................................... 12 Our social media and online reach ................................................... 12 National Lottery Key Metrics: Representing our members and growing our networks ........................................................................... 13 Table 1. Data Table: Agreed Metrics [in bold] .................................. 13 Glossary .................................................................................................. 14 ## **Introduction** This report and its links present the detail to this year's work, but in summary, 2024/25 has been a year of: - Listening and representing, getting close to disabled people across the North East, hearing what people have to say and producing evidence to influence change. - Increasing equality, reducing discrimination and increasing service access through training organisations in equality and etiquette, and digital accessibility; challenging decisions and bad practice; and working with the regions politicians to ensure they represent our voice in Westminster - Increasing our organisational sustainability through, building skills, capacity and developing networks and relationships. The project Driving Difference was intended to spread our influence across the North East, and to that end we had planned a headline event for this year. Our initial plan was to deliver one large headline event in Stockton at the end of this first year. But we felt a better way to engage with disabled people across the region was through a number of smaller, local events and working with local disability organisations to increase their own capacity and knowledge. We have also run a number of ’Members Make the Difference’ online meetings on a range of topics from transport to climate justice, allowing disabled people the time and space to contribute to a broad range of thematic areas. We felt that using a mix of online and in-person events provided a decentralised, participatory and inclusive approach, which we also felt was a better fit for our collective advocacy approach. We hope you enjoy reading about some of our work in the following pages. Christopher Hartworth, Development Director ## Projects and campaigns ## **Telecare in Hartlepool** In July 2024 Difference North East, working in partnership with seven other DDPOs and VCSE organisations in Hartlepool, campaigned against the introduction of Telecare charges. We collectively wrote a letter to the Director of Adult and Community Based Services and the Leader of the council to highlight the impact this would have on disabled people. We asked that they pause implementation until a full consultation could be undertaken. The telecare charges did go ahead, but our partnership working meant communication about these changes were improved, particularly for the d/Deaf community in Hartlepool. This campaign was reported on by Disability news service (which you can read be clicking here), Hartlepool Mail (available to read here) and on TV by BBC look North You can read more about this campaign and read our open letter on our website here ## **Members make the difference** As part of our ‘Driving Difference’ project, we are committed to centring member voices and lived experiences, to ensure disabled people in the North East are not only at the heart of all our work, but are actually driving our work. ## **Disability History Month, 2024** DHM is an increasingly important annual member event for both organisations wishing to become more equal and accessible and disable people’s experience and understanding of their own heritage. It takes place over one month, which means a number of smaller accessible events and activities can take place, encouraging a diversity of disabled people to participate. This last year, we run a number of activities to celebrate this, which included: - Disability equality, awareness, and etiquette talks to organisations including the police and the NHS. - Film and book clubs to celebrate notable campaigns and narratives from different disabled people. - Talks about notable disabled people from history, such as Mary Greaves (click here for a short video of this talk) - Exhibitions in libraries across the region This year we plan to expand and increase our range of activities on offer. ## **North East Mayoral Combined Authority (NEMCA) Transport Plan** In Autumn 2024 the North East Mayoral Combined Authority (NEMCA) released its plan for the future of transport in the region (covering from the Borders to South County Durham) for consultation. We wrote a 17page submission in response to the proposals, highlighting the barriers that disabled people face travelling every day, and urging NEMCA to centre disabled people in more of their plans. The report used direct quotes from members that we gathered from two member events in November and December. The NEMCA transport plan can be found here ## **‘Claiming the normal!’ Photography Project.** We believe in accurate and authentic representation of disabled people; moving beyond harmful stereotypes like ‘superhuman Paralympians,’ ‘helpless charity cases,’ or ‘benefit scroungers.’ We want to claim the everyday space for disabled people and showcase real disabled lives in a positive and empowering way. This project highlighted disabled people simply _being themselves,_ going to work, doing the shopping, enjoying hobbies, or getting ready in the morning. We embedded these images into our website and will use them as part of our ongoing work. ## **Welfare reform; representing members in the North East** In March 2025, Central Government released a Green Paper detailing proposed changes to PIP and Universal Credit. These changes would be devastating, leading to more disabled people in poverty, and would disproportionately effect disabled people in the North East. When these reforms were announced, we sent a letter (click here to read) to all North East MPs detailing the potential impact. We also appeared on Smooth Radio discussing the impact of welfare reform. . You can listen to this interview by clicking here We worked alongside colleagues at Citizen’s Advice Newcastle and Disability North, as well as the UK wide DPO Forum. We attended a workshop hosted by Chi Onwurah (MP for Newcastle Central and West) to share our concerns with green paper. Onwurah then wrote to the Secretary of State, Stephen Timms to urgently seek clarity around the work support, changes in PIP criteria, employment support and the use of assistive technology. Colleagues from Citizens Advice and Disability North attended a meeting with Mary Glindon (MP for Newcastle East and Wallsend) who as a result also sent a letter to the Secretary of State, Liz Kendall to urgently state the damage that the bill would cause to disabled people in her constituency. On 19[th] June 2025 we co-hosted a workshop with Citizens Advice and Disability North which was attended by 8 disabled people and their carers, to gather the views of disabled people on the proposed reforms. This workshop formed the basis for Citizen’s Advice and Disability North’s responses to the consultation. We used thee voices from this event, and things members had said at our other Member Events, to ensure our submission had the real words from disabled people in the centre. The North East was not included in the government’s in person consultation locations, meaning disabled people and their carers did not have an equitable opportunity to contribute to policy changes. We campaigned hard to ensure a consultation for disabled people was provided in the North East. This was raised in parliament using data we provided (you can read this by clicking here), and subsequently a date was arranged on 26[th] June 2025. We researched and developed an organisational response to the Pathways to work Green paper consultation, which was signed by 64 members and allies. [Click here to read full letter] ## Launching ‘Members Make the Difference’ In 2024, we launched online discussion events, each was held on an evening via Zoom and focused on a different theme as chosen by our members. Each session was accessible with BSL and live captions. ## Online member event: A history of Disability Activism This online event was held in November 2024 and was attended by 8 disabled people. Members of Difference North East gathered to discuss the thought-provoking film, _“Then Barbara Met Alan_ “ - click here to read more about this film. Learning lessons from a History of Disability Activism & Community. The film, portraying the groundbreaking activism of Barbara Lisicki (you can read more here) and Alan Holdsworth (click here to read more), offers a reminder of the power of community, the importance, and function of direct action, and the need for an ongoing fight for equality. A full summary of A history of Disability Activism event can be found on our website here. ## Online member event: Employment and Work This online event held in January 2025 and was attended by 12 disabled people. Members shared the inequality and discrimination they faced in gaining and retaining suitable employment. Our members had excellent ideas on how employment and welfare systems could be improved; this feedback was later used in our welfare reform green paper consultation response in June 2025 A full summary of the Employment and Work event can be found on our website here. ## Online member event: Housing This online event held in February 2025 was attended by 6 disabled . people Members shared the difficulties of finding and keeping accessible housing. Key issues raised were the lack of accessible homes being built, poor planning, the barriers to adaptations and the disabled facilities grant. A full summary of the Housing event can be found on our website here. **Member Feedback** _“Hope to see more events like these as they can be invaluable to the wellbeing of its audience, providing a safe space to share lived experience to inform reports to that will hopefully affect change! This forum serves as a lifeline for those often most vulnerable, who have no choice but to continue their daily battles and challenges. Keep up the good work!”_ ## ‘On the table’ event: How can life be better for Disabled People? This event brought disabled people together in person to share their experiences and talk about ways to make life fairer and more accessible. These local experiences were shared with the Community Foundation as part of its Vital Signs report. A full summary of the 'On the table' event can be found on our website here ## ‘Voices across the North East’: In person listening events As previously explained in the introduction, these engagement events were a replacement for our larger proposed event. In May 2025 Difference North East hosted a series of events across the North East region. We also ran an online survey. This work will inform a report, scheduled for November 2025, about what everyday barriers still exist for disabled people and how we can address these. AMBLE Thursday 22 May 2023 Attendees: 3 GATESHEAD Wednesday 21 May 2025 Attendees: 5 STOCKTON Wednesday 14 May 2025 Attendees: 8 HARTLEPOOL Tuesday 13 May 2025 Attendees: 11 DARLINGTON Friday 21 May 2025 Attendees: 3 Ongoing digital survey. Current responses: 6 Quotes from the events: “Understand what it's like to be disabled. There's so much ableism...make those adjustments without making a fuss, because half the time the adjustments aren't Massive” Member in Darlington “I shudder to think how people would treat me if I was more physically Disabled” Member in Amble “Sign language has regional signs. The sign for purple has 27 different signs depending on where you live. AI can’t handle that complexity.” Member in Hartlepool “Whenever I go anywhere new I'll be on Google Street View trying to see what the parking looks like” Member in Gateshead We want clear pavements. We want no street furniture out. No more cars on pavements! Member in Stockton. ## **Representing and advocating for disabled people** ## **Discussion Panel: Reasonable Adjustments** In January 2025, Difference hosted a lunchtime talk with VONNE for the VCSE sector. It was an hour-long free to attend facilitated conversation to allow organisations to think creatively about meeting reasonable adjustments. It was attended by a wide range of representatives from roughly 12 VCSE organisations. Event feedback: _“One of my main takeaways from the session was the importance of empathy and a reminder that anyone could require a reasonable adjustment during their working life.”_ ## **Discussion Panel: Is a healthy life a better life?** In February 2025 Difference North East were invited to Durham University's Van Mildert College, to sit on a panel to debate the topic of _“Is a healthy life a better life?”._ This event was attended by around 30 . students, graduates, and university staff Event feedback: _“Thank you so much for such a thought evoking conversation”_ ## **Presentation: Developing inclusive boards and** ## **governance** In March 2025, Difference presented at ‘The North East Culture Social’ co-hosted by Unfolding Theatre and Gosforth Civic Theatre. We spoke about Disability and Governance and the importance of bringing disabled people into decision-making spaces. The event was attended by roughly 25 organisations and individuals in a hybrid fashion. A Recorded Summary of the Developing inclusive boards and governance speech can be found here ## **Presentation: Making your climate messages accessible** In February 2025 Difference Presented to the Stockton-on-Tees Business Climate Coalition (reach of 80 member organisations) about how to ensure their messages were reaching disabled professionals, customers and members of the public. Event feedback: _“Thanks again for presenting this morning, really appreciate it. Definitely something I need to look into when putting together presentations etc. [The chair] also passes on her thanks, and says thank you for helping everyone understand better how they can include everyone – some great, easy to follow tips”._ ## **Presentation: ‘Eco-ableism’ and planning for disabled people in climate emergencies** In March 2025 Difference was invited to present to 30 UK council graduates about climate change impacts on Disabled people. Our presentation focused on inaccessible in climate emergencies, like fire and flooding, and how councils can better prepare to be more inclusive. Event feedback: _“Claire delivered a presentation for the Impact Disability and Inclusion Network event. The energy from the get-go was outstanding and everyone immediately wanted to listen. The passion when discussing ableism and eco-ableism was phenomenal, and I learnt so much in such a short space of time. I now feel motivated to really ensure disabled voices are at the heart of the work I do at the council”._ ## **Training and development** This year we have delivered 18 training sessions to a variety of organisations, such as Cleveland Police, Durham County Council Social Services, Connected Voice, and to our Members. ## **Table 1.0 Training And Development Figures** |Name of Training|Organisation|Dates|Attendees| |---|---|---|---| |Disability
Equality,
Awareness, and
Etiquette|Cleveland
Police|November 2024|30| |Disability
Equality,
Awareness, and
Etiquette x 9|Durham
County Council
Social Services:
Social Workers|October 2024|120| |Disability
Equality,
Awareness, and
Etiquette|Content by the
Sea|November 2024|2| |Disability
Equality,
Awareness, and
Etiquette (x 2)
Digital
Accessibility (x 4)|Connected
Voice
Gateshead
organisations|December/January
2025|32| |Neurodivergence|Members|November 2024|11| |Total|||195| We have further diversified our training offer, developing new sessions on Neurodiversity, Reasonable Adjustments and Digital Accessibility. We have also segmented our training offers into shorter, more accessible hour-long sessions. ## **Developing free to use disability resources** When we launched our website, we were committed to developing free to use resources, that were evidence based and rooted in lived experience. These resources are available to download and share and are aimed at improving the wider knowledge and skills of local businesses, organisations, community groups and our members. Some resources we created this year were; - Involvement Payments and Reimbursement: A guide for participants and organisations [link to webpage] - Reasonable Adjustments: Why we must improve accessibility at work [link to webpage] - Social Media Accessibility Checklist [Link to webpage] All our resources can be found on The Difference North East website. ## **National Lottery Key Metrics: Representing our members and growing our networks** Current members at end Year 1: 204 Current allies at end Year 1: 101 Members number in Jan 2025: 140 Allies number in Jan 2025: 70 Please note our Mailchimp account, that we use to track our registered members and allies experiences a reset in January - so this data was reset from this date. ## **Our social media and online reach** ## **Difference North East Website** - 669 unique visitors - 2500 page views - 31,000 google search impressions ## **Our social media and online reach** Social Media reach at July 2025 - Facebook - 572 likes 702 followers - Instagram - 768 followers - X -1348 followers - TikTok - 232 followers - Our most popular Facebook post during the 24/25 period was the invite to our member events throughout the North East. This post received 1,555 views. ## **National Lottery Key Metrics: Representing our members and growing our networks** Difference North East currently attends numerous National, regional and local forums and groups to ensure our member voices are represented. National Groups: Disability Poverty Campaign Group (DPCG), the Disabled People’s Organisation Forum (DPO forum). Routes to Power Disabled Women forum. Regional Groups: North Tees Patient Experience Panel, South Tees Patient Experience Panel, North East Regional Stakeholder Network (until June 2025), ‘Our Voice Our Agenda’ forum (Since June 2025), North East Refugee forum, Business Climate Coalition Forum. We engage regularly with local councils and MP. ## National Lottery Outputs The following table presents our outputs which are part of our contract with National Lottery. As can be seen, we have achieved and in most cases surpassed our annual targets. This variance is not surprising as a result of the pilot nature of this work. Subsequent projects will be able to be more specific for the expected outputs ||12 Month
Actual|12 Month
Target|Progress on
Targets| |---|---|---|---| |Increased Membership|50|25|+25| |Increased Allies|35|25|+10| |Increased VisibilityandGrowth|631|50|+581| |Increased and strengthened
representation|260|100|+160| |Changed Perceptions of
Disability|821|250|+571| |Increased Accessibility|543|500|+43| ## Glossary BSL British Sign Language DDPO Deaf and Disabled People’s Organisation DPO Disabled Peoples Organisation NEMCA North East Mayoral Combined Authority NE-RSN North East Regional Stakeholders Network OVOA Our Voice Our Agenda Forum PIP Personal Independence Payment TVCA Tees Valley Combined Authority UC Universal Credit VCSE Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise VONNE Voluntary Organisations Network North East This is a plain text version of the Difference North East Report. If you need an alternative format please email . hello@differencenortheast.org.uk Thank you to all of our members, allies and local partners. Thank you to the National Lottery Community Fund for supporting our work. Registered number.. CE009407 DIFFERENCE DIRECTOR'S REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024 Ko simoson •rt4f i•0 p¥blir a¢fount•Ati Difference Contents Page Company Information Director's Report Accountsnt's Report Profit and Loss Account Balance Sheet Notes to the Financial Ststements The following pages do not fonn part of the statutory accounts: Trading Profit and Loss Account Difference Company Information For The Year Ended 31 December 2024 Company Number CE009407 Accountants KP Simpson Ltd Certified Public Accountants 172-174 Albert Road Jarrow NE32 5JA Page I Difference Company No. CE009407 Director's Report For The Year Ended 31 December 2024 The director presents his report and the financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2024. Director5 The director who held office during the year were as follows- Statement of Director's Responsibilities The director is responsible for preparing the Director's Report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and regulations. Company law requires the director to prepare financial statements for each financial year. Under that law the dirertor has elected to prepare the financial statements in accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice (United Kingdom Accounting Standards and applicable lawl- Under company law the director must not approve the financial statements unless they are satisfied that they give a true ar)d fair view of the state of affairs of the company and of the profit or loss of the company for that period. In p￿parIng the financial ststements the director is required to= selert suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently; make judgments and accounting estimates that are reasonable and prudent,. prepare the financial ststements on the going concem basis unless it is inappropriate to p￿SuMe that the company will continue in business. The direttor is responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that are sufficient to show and explain the company's transactions and disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the company and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006. He is also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the company and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities. The director is responsible for the maintenance and integrity of the corporate and financial information included on the company's website. Legislation in the United Kingdom goveming the preparation and dissemination of financial statements may differ from legislation in other jurisdictions. Small Company Rules This report has been prepared in accordan￿ with the special provisions relating to companies subject to the small companies regime within Part 15 of the Companies Act 2006. By order of the board Date Page 2 Difference Accountant's Report For The Year Ended 31 December 2024 In accordance with the engagement letter dated and in order to assist you to fulfil your duties under the Companies Art 2006, we have cornpiled the financial statements of the company frorn the accounting records and information and explanations you have given to us. This report is made to the director in accordance with the tem)s of our engagement. Our work has been undertsken to prepare for approval by the director the financial statements that we have been engaged to compile, to report to the director that we have done so, and to state those matters that we have agreed to state to them in thi5 report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law. we do not accept or assume ￿sponSIbIlIty to anyone other than the Company and the Company's director for our work or for this report. You have acknowledged on the balance sheet as at year ended 31 Decernber 2024 your duty to ensure that the company has kept proper accounting records and to prepare financial statements that give a true and fair view under the Companies Act 2006. You consider that the company is exempt from the statutory requirement for an audit for the year. We have not been instructed to carry out an audit of the financial statements. For thi5 rea50n, we have not verified the accLJracy or completeness of the accounting records or information and explanations you have given to us and we do not, therefore, express any opinion on the financial statements. Date KP Simpson Ltd Certified Public Accountants 172-174 Albert Road larrow NE32 5JA Page 3 Difference Profit and Loss Account For The Year Ended 31 December 2024 2024 2023 Notes TURNOVER 140,626 122,220 GROSS PROFIT 140,626 122,220 Administrative expenses (122,900) 194,519) OPERATING PROFrr AND PROFIT FOR THE FINANCIAL YEAR 17,726 27,701 The notes on pages 6 to 7 fom) part of these financial ststements. Page 4 Difference Balance Sheet As At 31 December 2024 2024 2023 Notes FIXED ASSETS Tangible Assets Investments 2,011 (42,830) 2,011 (42,830) (40,819) (40,819) CURRENT ASSETS Debtors Cash at bank and in hand 13,932 78,313 13,932 60,587 92.245 74,519 Creditors: Amounts Falling Due Within One Year (5,999) (5,999) NET CURRENT ASSETS (LIABILrrIES) 86.246 68,520 TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT UABILITIES 45,427 27,701 NET ASs￿s 45,427 27,701 Profit and Loss Account 45,427 27,701 SHAREHOLDERS. FUNDS 45,427 27,701 For the year ending 31 December 2024 the company was entitled to exemption from audit under section 477 of the Companies Act 2006 ￿lating to small companies. The member has not required the cornpany to obtain an audit in accordance with section 476 of the Cornpanies Act 2006. The director acknowledges his responsibilities for complying with the ￿qUirements of the Act with respett to accounting records and the preparation of accounts. These accounts have been prepared in accordan￿ with the provisions applicable to companies subject to the small companies regime. On behalf of the board Date The notes on pages 6 to 7 form part of these financial statements. Page 5 Difference Notes to the Financial Statements For The Year Ended 31 December 2024 l. General Information Difference is a private company. limited by shares, incorporated in . registered number CE009407. The registered Offi￿ is . 2. Accounting Policies 2. 1. Basis of Preparation of Financial Ststements The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention and in accordance with Financial Reporting Standard 102 section IA Srnall Entities Yhe Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland" and the Companies Art 2006. 2.2. Turnover Turnover is measured at the fair value of the consideration received or receivable. net of discounts and value added tsxes. Turnover includes revenue earned from the sale of goods and from the rendering of services. Tumover is reduced for estimated customer returns, rebates and other similar allowances. Sale of goods Turnover from the sale of goods is recognised when the significant risks and rewards of ownership of the goods has transferred to the buyer. This is usually at the point that the custorner ha5 signed for the delivery of the good5. Rendering of services Turnover from the rendering of service5 is recognised by reference to the stsge of completion of the contract. The stage of completion of a contrart is measured by comparing the costs incurred for work performed to date to the total estimated contract costs. Turnover is only recognised to the extent of recoverable expenses when the outcome of a contract cannot be estimated reliably. 2.3. Tangible Fixed Assets and Depreciation Tangible fixed assets are measured at cost less accumulated depreciation and any accumulated impairment losses. Depreciation is provided at rates calculated to write off the cost of the fixed assets, less their estimated residual value, over their expetted useful lives on the following bases: 3. Average Number of Employees Average number of employees, including dirertors, during the year was.. (2023: ) 4. Tangible Assets Computer Equipment Cost As at l January 2024 4,500 As at 31 December 2024 4,500 Depreciation As at l January 2024 2,489 As at 31 December 2024 2,489 Net Book Value As at 31 December 2024 2,011 As at l January 2024 2,011 Page 6 Difference Notes to the Financial Statements (continued) For The Year Ended 31 December 2024 5. Investments Listed Vnlisted Totsl Cost or Valuation As at l January 2024 (21,237} (21,593) 142,830) As at 31 December 2024 (21,237} (21,593) 142,830) Provision As at l January 2024 As at 31 December 2024 Net Book Value As at 31 December 2024 (21,237} (21,593) 142,830) As at l January 2024 (21,237) (21,593) 142,830) Debtors 2024 2023 Due within one year Trade debtors 12,595 1,337 12,595 1,337 Other debtors 13,932 13,932 7. Creditors: Amounts Falling Due Within One Year 2024 2023 Trade creditors 541 541 Other creditors 924 924 Taxation and social security 4,534 4,534 5,999 5,999 8. Share Capital Page 7 Difference Trading Profit and Loss Account For The Year Ended 31 December 2024 2024 2023 TURNOVER Sales National lottery income Community foundation 7,229 111,197 22,200 39,573 82,647 140,626 140,626 122,220 122,220 GROSS PROFIT Administrative Expenses Wages and salaries Employers Nl Employers pensions - defined contributions scheme staff training Staff expense5 Travel expenses Computer software, consumables and maintenance Insurance 88,169 63,506 (4,557) 9,154 668 121 1,573 1,258 936 445 968 1,257 1,546 833 991 660 Access cost Event fees Printing IE fee 114 747 540 Room hire 30 90 Telecommunications 1,658 16,793 (955) 2,123 I,oii 24,442 1,108 1,402 786 Professional fees Payroll fees Other office costs Depreciation of computer equipment Sundry expenses (122,900) (94,519) OPERATING PROFIT AND PROFIT FOR THE FINANCIAL YEAR 17,726 27,701 Page 8 info@kpsimpson.co.uk kpsimpson.co.uk Ko simoson Independent Examiner's Report to the Trustees of Difference North East I report on the accounts ofthe charityforthe year ended 31 December 2024 Respective responsibilities of trustees and examiner The charity's trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements ofthe Charities Act 2011. The trustees consider that an audit is not required forthis year under section 144 ofthe Charities Act 2011 and that an independent examination is needed. It is my responsibility to: examine the accounts under section 145 of the Charities Act 2011; folLowthe procedures laid down in the Charity Commission's guidance ICC32. Independent Examination of CharityAccountsl; and state whether particular matters have come to my attention. Basis of independent examiner's report My examination was carried out in accordance with the general directions given bythe Charity Commission under section 14515llbl of thecharities Act 2011. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept bythe charity and a comparison ofthe accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts, and seeking explanations from the trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit and, consequently, I do not express an audit opinion on the accounts. Independent examiner's statement In the course of my examination, no matter has come to my attention: which gives me reasonable cause to believe that, in any material respect, the requirements: to keep accounting records in accordance with section 130 ofthe Charities Act 2011.and to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and comply with the accounting requirements of the Charities Act 2011. have not been met. or to which. in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understandingofthe accounts to be reacl¥MI. 172-174 Albert Road Jarrow Tyne & Wear NE32 5JA Tel No: 0191420 0550 info@kpsimpson.co.uk kpsimpson.co.uk Ko simoson Additional observations Total income forthe year was £140,626 (including National Lottery income of £111,197 and Community Foundation grants of £22.2001, compared with £122,219 in 2023. Total expenditurewas £121,715, primarily comprising staffcosts1£88,169 wages. £9.154 pension contributions) and professional fees1£16.7931. The charity's unrestricted funds remain stable at £21,237, with a closing bank balance of £78,313. demonstrating sound financial management. No significant accounting issues or material discrepancies were noted duringthe examination. Signed". Name.. Ale nder Hudson Professional designation lif anyl: ACCA Firm lif applicable): KP Simpson Ltd Date: 18" September 2025 172-174 Albert Road Jarrow Tyne & Wear NE32 5JA Tel No: 0191420 0550