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← New Opportunities For Community And Support (Nocs)

2025-03-28-accounts

Annual Report and Accounts

NOCS For the year ended 27 March 2025

Prepared by CBA Services Limited

Contents

NOCS Page 2 of 11

Annual Report and Accounts

Reference and Administrative Details

NOCS For the year ended 27 March 2025

Registered Charity Number

1174878

Company Registration Number

CEO12364

Trustees

Neil Kernon, Chair

Jennie Fellowes, Secretary

Sharon Cripps

Byron Quayle Anna Maria Walter (appointed 20 February 2025)

Angela Potter, Treasurer (resigned 31 August 2024)

Principal Address

27 Salisbury Street, Blandford Forum, Dorset, GBR, DT11 7AU

Bankers

Lloyds Bank Plc

7 Carter Street, Uttoxeter, Staffordshire, ST14 8HD

Independent Examiners

CBA Services Limited

45 East Street, Blandford Forum, Dorset, DT11 7DX

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Annual Report and Accounts

Trustees' Report

NOCS

For the year ended 27 March 2025

1. Objectives and Activities

a. Structured opportunities to develop and gain social and communication skills through the medium of games in a range of weekly clubs open to all.

b. A drop-in centre with facilities to socialise and develop friendships, and from which to access information on local services and support with job seeking.

c. Volunteering and employment opportunities.

2. Statement

The trustees have had regard to the guidance issued by the Charity Commission on public benefit. Nothing in our constitution shall authorise an application of the property of the CIO for the purposes which are not charitable in accordance with section 7 of the Charities and Trustee Investment (Scotland) Act 2005 and section 2 of the Charities Act (Northern Ireland) 2008.

3. Public Benefit

The promotion of social inclusion for the public benefit of people in Dorset who are socially and economically excluded on grounds of their autism spectrum condition (ASC), including Asperger syndrome; or mental ill-health, who experience high levels of social anxiety and difficulties with social interaction, by providing the objectives and activities. In this context ‘socially excluded’ means being excluded from society, or parts of society, including access to employment, as a result of disability (autism spectrum condition) or mental ill-health.

4. Contribution made by volunteers

a. Volunteers continue to make a significant contribution to the charity’s ability to meet Objective 1.a as the clubs rely upon the support and contribution of our volunteers. They also all agree and partake in specialised training. A special mention needs to be given to Byron Staddon for his dedication and work for the charity. In addition to his main employment, Byron dedicates his free time to sessions.

b. All clubs require at least 2 adults who have successfully completed enhanced DBS checks, have been certified in Health and Safety at Work, First Aid and Safeguarding Level 2. All volunteers complete the training ahead of volunteering.

c. Online support continues to be important for the community to start taking first steps to independence whilst still having some support from us. A huge thank you to Neil Guest and Francoise Henon-Lees for their ongoing time and efforts to support and lead our various projects.The clubs continue to be the main setting for development and maintenance of social skills. This is done through the playing of games that require cooperation, competition, paired, small group or role playing rules. The rules ensure that everyone is clear about what is acceptable. During this financial period the clubs continued to run 4 times a week, including at the weekend and drop in, more one to one work has taken place throughout the remaining opening hours. d. Our links with local groups such as Blandford School and Treads have proved greatly beneficial for all parties and enabled collaborative working. We continue to have a high level of NEET engagement.

e. Volunteers also supported the drop in sessions for Objective 1.b. Drop ins took place from Monday to Saturday inclusive throughout the day. Drop ins were an opportunity for new members to find a quiet time to start interacting safely with other people and for other members to come in, to talk, meet new people and develop new friendships increasing their social skills. Several members became volunteers through the development programme which led to employment and developed confidence, helping those NEETs move into employment, satisfying Objective 1.c.

f. Outreach in the community, Objective 1.d., continued during this period with Francoise Henon-Lees playing a significant part in her role as coordinator for volunteers. We are pleased to have recruited six new volunteers during the course of this second year of the 'Rolling With the NOCS' project. All are from our membership including one female. All are keen and committed with only one still completing his training. Volunteering is essential to what we are all about.

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Annual Report and Accounts

Trustees' Report

5. Achievements and Performance

a. This year we are again thrilled to announce that we have achieved the Charity Quality Mark, working with Charity Excellence. This has helped us to identify our strengths and those areas that need further development. We have had a fair amount of input from the Scottish Technical Army on the website and social media and expect to be able to build on this in this coming year. We were also awarded Charity of the Year at the Blandford Business awards which demonstrated our successful links with the broader community.

b. This year our leaders have completed mental health training; a trustee has earned the Gaming City & Guilds, volunteers have completed high quality training and members have developed some impressive skills.

c. Thanks to the hugely appreciated funding from UK Youth Pears, the Valentine Trust and the National Lottery Community Fund we have been able to ensure that the charity is open 6 days a week with the rent, Council Tax and utility bills paid. This means that members can come in whenever they need or want to, assured of a warm, safe and comfortable place with leaders and volunteers ready to listen, play and help.

d. The generosity of Tesco's Stronger Starts Groundworks, Hays Travel and the National Lottery Community Fund enabled us to complete a second set of successful social skill development workshops, where the overall measurements demonstrated that all members made some progress and most made 45% progress, meaning that they improved on approximately half the skills involved in the progression and are now able to have significantly more effective and successful social interactions. Interestingly the same developmental aspects were found, with some becoming able to carry out a cooperative activity in a pair for the first time whereas others are now able to play an active role in a small group activity.

e. The National Lottery Community Fund and Dorset Children's Services Youth Fund have enabled us to secure staff time to fully engage in carrying out development sessions for anxiety, self esteem, social interaction and mental health strategies. These still represent the hub of our work and whilst presented through non-threatening informal media and activities, develop vital and life-changing skills. We used development records we designed and trialled last year with confidence knowing they were based on secure evidential research and were also effective in being able to establish progress for our members. Additionally we designed a volunteer survey to pull out the benefits and challenges of volunteering with NOCS. The survey showed that in this year's cohort along with the already established volunteers, 2/3 had not been in full time education or employment prior to volunteering and that 100% are now in part/full time employment or education. The vast majority cite the reason for the change as being due to the development they experienced in the volunteer role. Every single one said they would recommend volunteering for NOCS with reasons ranging from "Yes the training helped me get a job" through "Yes, nice environment. Helped me grow" to "Yes it really helped me when I was in a dark place". Challenges included fearing talking to people, not being organised, being angry and lacking confidence. All could cite something they had gained and it was often confidence, learning leadership skills and being able to interact with other people.

f. There has been a marked increase in the number of new female members, which is great news. According to our attendance records we have had over 3000 unique visits in the last year and supported 127 different people in year two of our main project Rolling With the NOCS. Last year we were thrilled to have 1/5 of our visitors classing themselves as female, and this year the proportion has risen to 1/4, with 1/12 who do not identify as either male or female. This is another positive step forward, and one that we intend to maintain and grow.

g. The Noc's Box element continues to be an essential key gateway and route to ensure a good mix of both beneficiaries and the wider community. It has continued to enable development experience of punctuality, patience, clarity and general employment skills. Organisationally, the funding from the National Lottery Community Fund has enabled us to progress plans to incorporate our shop under the charity umbrella.

h. Throughout, Noc, NOCS and NOC's Box have continued to engage with and signpost may other charities and facilities in the local community and they continued to return the favour. This ensures our beneficiaries can start developing interactions with the broader community, feeling more confident. For some this continues to be an opportunity to experience positive interaction with e.g. the police and felt safe enough to take part in activities in local pubs/restaurants and to include their family in their friendship group.

i. We started the year with the continued and very welcome help of the National Lottery Community Fund and the support of Children in Need. These 2 funders have been particularly important in enabling us to use our premises, to employ our general manager, special needs facilitator hours and volunteer coordinator. Funding this year has been very different with a significant drop in income due to the change of funding focus both locally and nationally. Our charitable objectives, linking to emotional wellbeing and positive mental health, have not met the criteria for the majority of funders which has proved to be very difficult, especially considering the increased needs of our membership and other drop-in visitors.

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Annual Report and Accounts

Trustees' Report

6. Financial Review

Please refer to the End of Year Accounts to see our financial position and list of assets. We are not in deficit and all allocated funds will be/are in the process of being spent on the allocations specified.

7. Structure, Governance and Management

NOCS Charity is a CIO and is governed by its constitution which is available to read on the Charity Commission website. Trustees are selected by matching potential new trustees to the needs of the Charity. No one person is entitled to appoint one or more trustees. All undergo interview by a designated selection of current trustees, undergo a DBS check and the take up of references before being formally invited to the role if successful by resolution. This process is legal and outlined in our constitution. This year we lost one trustee to full time employment but gained another one who has settled into the role of Secretary brilliantly.

8. Names of the Charity Trustees Who Manage the Charity

Trustee name Office Dates acted if not for whole
year		 Name of person entitled to appoint
trustee
Neil Kernon Chairman Jennie Fellowes, Neil Scott and Leslie
Cleverton
Sharon Cripps Bid Writer Lead Jennie Fellowes, Neil Scott and Lesley
Cleverton
Bryon Quayle Social Media Profile
Lead		 Jennie Fellowes, Neil Scott and Lesley
Cleverton
Angela Potter Treasurer resigned 31 August 2024
Anne Maria
Walter		 Secretary appointed 20 February 2025 Neil Kernon and Jennie Fellowes
Jennie Fellowes Trustee N/A

9. Statement of Trustees' Responsibilities

The trustees are responsible for preparing the trustees' report and accounts in accordance with applicable laws and regulations. In addition the trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records which are sufficient to show and explain the charity's transactions and to disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity. The are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charity and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.

10. Reference and Administrative Details

The Charity name is New Opportunities in Community and Support (NOCS) and is registered with the Charity Commission as such with the number 1174878. We also go by the name NOCS Charity. Our principal address is 27 Salisbury Street, Blandford Forum, Dorset DT11 7AU.

11. Corporate Trustees

None.

12. Name of Trustees Holding Title to Property Belonging to the Charity

None.

13. Funds Held as Custodian Trustees on Behalf of Others

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Annual Report and Accounts

Trustees' Report

None.

14. Declaration

The trustees declare that they have approved the trustees' report above.

Signed on behalf of the charity's trustees

.......................................................................

Neil Kernon

Chair

Date..............................................................

NOCS Page 7 of 11

Annual Report and Accounts

Independent Examiner's Report to the trustees of

NOCS For the year ended 27 March 2025

I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of the above charity ("the Charity") for the year ended 27 March 2025 which are set out on pages 9 to 11.

Responsibilities and basis of report

As the Charity's trustees, you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 ("the Act").

I report in respect of my examination of the Charity's accounts carried out under section 145 of 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination, I have followed all applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Act.

Independent examiner's statement

I have completed my examination. I confirm no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination which gives me cause to believe that in, any material respect:

Signature.........................................

Catherine Chapman, ATT, MIAB

CBA Services Limited

45 East Street, Blandford Forum, Dorset, DT11 7DX

Date.................................................

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Annual Report and Accounts

Receipts and Payments

NOCS

For the year ended 27 March 2025

NOCS
For the year ended 27 March 2025		 For the year ended 27 March 2025
NOTES 2025
UNRESTRICTED
FUNDS		 2025 RESTRICTED
FUNDS		 2025 TOTAL
FUNDS		 2024 TOTAL
FUNDS
Receipts
Local Project Bids 16,388 36,506 52,894 39,135
Other Donations 3,904 - 3,904 2,144
Sub Total 20,292 36,506 56,798 41,279
Total Receipts 20,292 36,506 56,798 41,279
Payments
Cost of Fundraising 216 - 216 216
Audit & Accountancy fees 1,008 - 1,008 932
Bookkeeping 734 - 734 547
Cleaning - 610 610 363
Consulting - 3,000 3,000 -
Employers National Insurance - (4) (4) 128
General Expenses 43 - 43 -
Insurance - 505 505 505
IT Software and Consumables 180 - 180 476
Legal Expenses 600 150 750 -
Light, Power, Heating - 1,148 1,148 1,215
Pensions Costs - 263 263 263
Printing & Stationery 15 83 98 39
Rates - 541 541 557
Rent - 10,000 10,000 10,000
Repairs & Maintenance - 605 605 3,100
Resources 2 - 2 821
Salaries - 23,962 23,962 25,281
Staff Training - 300 300 -
Subscriptions - - - 30
Telephone & Internet 1,127 - 1,127 919
Fund Transfer - - - -
Sub Total 3,926 41,162 45,089 45,393
Total Payments 3,926 41,162 45,089 45,393
Net of Receipts/(Payments) 16,366 (4,656) 11,710 (4,114)
NOTES 2025
UNRESTRICTED
FUNDS		 2025 RESTRICTED
FUNDS		 2025 TOTAL
FUNDS		 2024 TOTAL
FUNDS
Funds of The Charity
Cash Funds Last Period End 1,776 10,194 11,970 16,084
Cash Funds This Period End 18,143 5,537 23,680 11,970

NOCS Page 9 of 11

Annual Report and Accounts

Statement of Assets and Liabilities

NOCS

As at 27 March 2025

Statement of Assets and Liabilities
NOCS
As at 27 March 2025		 Statement of Assets and Liabilities
NOTES 27 MAR 2025 27 MAR 2024
Cash Funds
Treasurers Account 23,604 11,894
Petty Cash 76 76
Total Cash Funds 23,680 11,970
Total Net Assets/(Liabilities) 23,680 11,970
Funds of the Charity
Funds Last Period End 11,970 16,084
Net of Receipts/(Payments) 11,710 (4,114)
Total Funds of the Charity 23,680 11,970

These accounts have been prepared on the receipts and payments basis in accordance with the Charities Act 2011. The Receipts and Payments account recognises only money received and paid in the period and excludes the value of all other assets received in kind unless, and until, converted into money.

Fixed assets are expensed if they can be used for more than one year, are valued at cost and cost at least £500.

The CIO is registered for Gift Aid and is not registered for VAT.

NOTES 27 MAR 2025 27 MAR 2024
1. Assets retained for ownuse
Tables 504 504
Chairs 413 413
Fire Alarm System 845 845
Total Assets retained for own use 1,762 1,762
NOTES 27 MAR 2025 27 MAR 2024
2. Funds of the Charity
Unrestricted funds 18,143 1,776
Restricted funds 5,537 10,194
Total Funds of the Charity 23,680 11,970

Approval

The trustees confirm, in accordance with the Charitable Incorporated Organisations (General) Regulations 2012, that at the period end the CIO did not have any outstanding guarantees to third parties nor any debts secured on assets of the CIO.

Signed on behalf of all the trustees

.......................................................

Neil Kernon, Chair

Date...............................................

NOCS Page 10 of 11

Annual Report and Accounts

Analysis of funds

NOCS

For the year ended 27 March 2025

Charity funds

Balance at Receipts Receipts Payments Transfers Balance at
28 March 2024 £ £ £ 27 March 2025
£ £
Unrestrcted funds
General 1,776 20,292 20,292 3,926 - 18,143
Restricted funds
National Lottery Fund 122 - - 83 - 39
Rolling wih the NOCS 10,072 23,806 23,806 29,380 - 4,498
Childrens Services Youth - 6,700 6,700 6,700 - -
Fund
Tesco Groundworks - 1,000 1,000 - - 1,000
Valentine Trust - 5,000 5,000 5,000 - -
Total 10,194 36,506 36,506 41,163 - 5,537
Total funds 11,970 56,798 56,798 45,089 - 23,680
Balance at Receipts Payments Transfers Balance at
28 March 2023 £ £ £ 27 March 2024
£ £
Unrestricted funds
General 171 4,774 (3,169) - 1,776
Restricted funds
Children in Need 2,672 - (2,672) - -
Groundwork UK 500 - (500) - -
National Lottery Fund 5,604 - (4,679) (803) 122
Dorset Youth Fund 2,137 - (2,137) - -
Alice Ellen Cooper-Dean 5,000 - (5,000) - -
Rolling with the NOCS - 36,505 (27,236) - 10,072
Total 15,913 36,505 (42,224) - 10,194
Total funds 16,084 41,279 (45,393) - 11,970

This page does not form part of the financial statements.

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Annual Report and Accounts