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2024-03-31-accounts

LEGS ANNUAL REPORT & ACCOUNTS

2023-2024

Registered charity: 1177659 Report for year ended 31 March 2024

CONTENTS

I N T R O D U C T I O N F R O M C H A I R 0 3
O B J E C T I V E S & A C T IV I T IE S 0 4 -1 7
F I N A N C I A L R EV I E W I N C L U D I N G NO T ES TO T H E
18 - 2 2
A C C O U N T S & IN D E P E N D E N T E X A M I N E R' S R EP OR T
S T R U C T U R E , G O V E R N A N C E A N D M A N A G E M EN T 2 3- 2 4
R E F E R E N C E A N D A D M I N D E TA I L S 2 5

LEGS ANNUAL REPORT | 03

INTRODUCTION FROM CHAIR

I am delighted to present the LEGS Annual Report for April 2023 – March 2024, a year marked by significant growth and meaningful progress toward our mission of providing accessible rehabilitation for people with neurological conditions.

This year, LEGS expanded its reach like never before. We supported 240 participants (and their families and carers) —a 45% increase from the previous year—and we built a timetable of 28 weekly classes, including innovative online offerings such as Seated Pilates and Reach classes. These additions ensure that individuals with varying levels of mobility can access tailored exercise and support, either in person or online.

Notably, our presence in Greater London deepened with the opening of new face-to-face classes, supported by grants from the National Lottery, London Catalyst and other generous donors. These efforts have been pivotal in addressing the gaps in rehabilitation services for underrepresented communities, particularly in areas like Croydon, where socio-economic challenges often limit access to care.

Our Neuro Café continued to flourish, offering 777 instances of attendance this year. These weekly sessions have proven invaluable, fostering connections among participants while providing education on topics ranging from stress management to accessible sports. This initiative exemplifies our commitment to holistic support, empowering participants beyond the physical benefits of rehabilitation.

The LEGS team also grew in expertise and diversity, with the addition of new trustees and physiotherapists who bring a wealth of experience and fresh perspectives.

I am deeply grateful to our staff, volunteers, and participants who embody our values of kindness, inclusivity, and excellence.

Special thanks go to Sarah Sparkes and Victoria Bailey-King for their exceptional leadership and unwavering dedication.

As we look ahead, I am inspired by the resilience and enthusiasm of our community. Together, we are shaping a future where no one faces the challenges of neurological conditions alone. Thank you for being part of this journey.

Annys Fairweather Chair, LEGS, May 2024

LEGS ANNUAL REPORT | 04

OBJECTIVE AND ACTIVITIES IN 2023-2024

VISION

Equal access to physical activity for people with neurological conditions, enabling them to live active, healthy lives.

MISSION

To provide affordable and accessible rehabilitation to people living with neurological conditions.

VALUES

Our values express who we are. They form the basis for all we do.

LEGS ANNUAL REPORT | 05

OBJECTIVE AND ACTIVITIES IN 2023-2024

LEGS was founded to provide high quality, longerterm, affordable rehabilitation, alongside or after NHS rehabilitation has come to an end.

NHS rehabilitation is often time-limited and underresourced for people following a stroke or living with a long term neurological condition in the community. People report feeling lost after NHS services have finished, resulting in them becoming or remaining physically inactive and socially isolated. Meaningful improvement for people with neurological conditions can happen over many years and LEGS recognises the need for a programme which sustains increased physical activity and social participation over months and years, rather than weeks, and takes a holistic approach by providing participants with both professional and peer support and advice.

By providing our award-winning, weekly exercise sessions, LEGS can help people improve their physical activity and social participation, which can make a huge impact on their quality of life and also reduce health and social care costs.

The LEGS programme enables participants to improve their physical function, independence and confidence, whilst reducing their reliance on carers and family.

LEGS helps people access and engage in lifelong physical and social activity within their communities. We support people back into previous activities and enable the confidence to take up new opportunities.

LEGS ANNUAL REPORT | 06

OBJECTIVE AND ACTIVITIES IN 2023-2024

Our outcomes include:

We enable people to enjoy activities that are meaningful to them and assist them to fulfil their personal and societal roles.

Our aims are consistent with our founding object which is:

“ the relief of disability and the preservation of health by providing physiotherapy led group rehabilitation and support sessions to people who have had a stroke and other neurological conditions .”

The main activities undertaken in relation to those purposes are:

We produced a three year business plan (20232026) which sets out our aims for the next stages in LEGS’ development. We defined our three main aims:

For each aim we have a series of key objectives which will shape the services we deliver. These outcomes will help us to create compelling evidence for potential funders and commissioners and reinforce the success of our intervention in improving the lives of people with disabilities.

LEGS ANNUAL REPORT | 07

ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE

EXERCISE CLASSES

We ran 1,123 LEGS classes this year (862 in 2023 and 658 in 2022).

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1200
1000
800
600
400
200 2022 2023 2024
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Number of classes
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We provided 8,992 spaces (6,970 in 2023 and 5,011 in 2022). A space = a place for 1 person in a 45 or 60 minute class.

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10000
8000
6000
4000
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2022 2023 2024
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Number of spaces
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By the end of the year we were running 28 classes per week (26 in 2023 and 18 in 2022).

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30
25
20
15
10
5
2022 2023 2024
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Classes per week
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96% of all spaces provided were booked (an increase from 87% last year) and 69% were attended (an increase from 62% last year). These increases improve our financial efficiency as we minimised the number of “empty” spaces.

BOOKED SPACES

ATTENDED SPACES

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Unbooked 11%
Unattended 34%
2022 2022
Booked 89% Attended 66%
Unbooked 13%
Unattended 38%
2023 2023
Booked 87% Attended 62%
Unbooked 4% Unattended 31%
2024 2024
Booked 96 % Attended 69%
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438 of the 1,123 classes we ran this year were face to face (39%). Last year it was 38%.

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Online Face:face Online Face:face Online Face:face
2022 2023 2024
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LEGS ANNUAL REPORT | 08

ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE

REFERRALS & BENEFICIARIES

We received 177 referrals (147 last year).

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200
150
100
50
2023 2024
0
Referrals
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We completed 119 individual assessments with a specialist physiotherapist for new participants (92 in 2023, 73 in 2022). A 28% increase from last year.

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120
100
80
60
40
20 2022 2023 2024
0
Assessments
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We delivered 25 re-assessments for existing participants (20 in 2023, 56 in 2022). The 25% decrease is due to participants declining the offer of a re-assessment because they felt satisfied with their progress in classes and did not require further support.

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60
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40
30
20
10 2022 2023 2024
0
Re-Assessments
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We provided services (a class, an assessment or a club/café) to 240 people and their families/carers (a 45% increase from the previous year).

For every person who attends our service, we estimate that at least 1 other member of that household directly benefits, through attending one of our carer support groups, or through support/advice from our physiotherapists.

On average, 1 additional person indirectly benefits as a result of their loved one receiving additional support, for example a friend or family member or carer.

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800
INDIRECT
600
BENEFICIAIRES
400
OTHER DIRECT
BENEFICIARIES
200
PARTCIPANTS
0
2022 2023 2024
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34 onward referrals were made for participants (17 last year) meaning we supported people with blue badge and benefit applications. This is help they might not easily have received without our aid.

LEGS ANNUAL REPORT | 09

ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE

NEURO CAFÉ

The number of times people attended a Neuro Café session in 2024 was 777 (641 in 2023,414 in 2022), a 22% increase from last year.

LEGS ANNUAL REPORT | 10

ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE

OUR PARTICIPANTS

97 people joined LEGS (66 in 2023, 59 in 2022).

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Joiners
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Of the 97 joiners, 14 stopped attending within 12 weeks of starting, meaning our drop out rate was 14% (9% in 2023, 2% in 2022). We could not find any published reports from comparable services but we have verbal reports of drop out rates between 30-50% so we consider 14% a very good outcome.

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2022 2023 2024
Drop out rate
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The ratio of people who attended a service this year, who identified as male compared to female was 23:25 (1:1 in 2023, 4:3 in 2022).

2022

The age range of our participants was 19-94 (last year, 25-96) with an average age of 61 (last year, 64) and mode age of 57 (last year. 78).

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Average age Mode age
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The age group with the greatest increase was 5160 (a 5% increase from last year). We had more under 50s and fewer above 60, reflecting our aim to broaden our reach to younger people affected by neurological conditions.

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<40 6 <40 13 <40 23
50 12 50 15 50 25
60 15 60 23 60 48
70 32 70 49 70 68
80 29 80 39 80 55
90 5 90 10 90 16
100 1 100 1 100 1
2022 2023 2024
Age
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As we opened more face to face groups in London, the proportion of London-based participants increased from 75% to 85%.

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40
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% of participants in Greater London
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As in previous years, the other participants were spread throughout the UK from Northern Ireland to Cornwall to Lincolnshire.

2024

LEGS ANNUAL REPORT | 11

ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE

SUMMARY

Classes delivered

Attendance efficiency

Referrals and beneficiaries:

Neuro Café attendance:

Demographics:

Retention:

Physiotherapy assessments

LEGS ANNUAL REPORT | 12

ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE

OTHER KEY ACHIEVEMENTS & MILESTONES

LEGS ANNUAL REPORT | 13

ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE

PARTICIPANT FEEDBACK

Thank you for being open to all. Living with multiple system atrophy I find it hard to access groups as they are normally for stroke or Parkinson’s only and it is so refreshing for me to be able to access this amazing community and the physio lead has just been so so kind.

Collaboration at its best.

I do not what I would have done without the LEGS class.

You have been simply amazing and supported me through some very dark days and led me to the light and the belief that I can live well with this condition.

A million thanks.

I have never been as strong, thank you.

My confidence has skyrocketed, and my class is the highlight of my week.

LEGS ANNUAL REPORT | 14

ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE

PARTICIPANT FEEDBACK

My uncle has not been out of the house engaging in any social activity for over a year and half, in hospital he used to refuse all groups, I do not know how you have done it, but he loves it.

We frequently find him waiting for us at the door on a Wednesday ready to go the gym. The group has been so important to him. Thank you for everything you do for him and all the support you have given us. It is simply invaluable and we need more classes as he would come every day if he could.

“ I can now deadlift and get up from the floor on my own, never ever did I think I would say that living with a progressive condition”

Great session yesterday. I can walk !!!

LEGS ANNUAL REPORT | 15

ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE

PARTICIPANT FEEDBACK

It is also so inspiring for me to meet people like yourself and services like LEGS who are trying to improve the lives of those living with neurological illness.

My attendance has been 100% as I love it so much.

My knee pain has completely disappeared since I started these groups and I have made friends in an environment I never would have stepped foot in prior to my stroke, but desperate times called for desperate measures and I am so glad I did.

Thanks so much to you and the team for another wonderful year. I am so appreciative of everything you do and I know I would be quite a different person without LEGS!

What a superb mix of physio and information sessions. And we have had some good fun together as well.

LEGS ANNUAL REPORT | 16

ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE

PARTNERSHIPS AND COLLABORATIONS

We spoke at the UK Stroke Forum.

LEGS ANNUAL REPORT | 17

ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE

FUNDRAISING

STAFFING AND VOLUNTEERS

LEGS ANNUAL REPORT | 18

FINANCIAL REVIEW

REVIEW OF FINANCIAL RESULTS

For the year ended 31st March 2024, there was a deficit us of £13,678 (2022-2023: deficit of £41,858).

The income for the year was £151,580 (2022-2023: £97,808). The nearly 55% increase was due to increased participant numbers (meaning an increase in membership fees income), diversifying our income with successful grant applications and the generosity of major donors.

Donations provided the largest income stream, amounting to £82,163 (2022-2023: £59,147).

Income from charitable activities (membership fees and commissioned exercise classes with Headway) was £52,889 (2022-2023: £34,832).

LEGS received no statutory revenue funding and relied for its income entirely on its own fundraising activities, on donations from external sources and on the membership fees paid by participants.

RESERVES

The Trustees calculate the reserves as the part of the charity’s unrestricted income funds that is freely available, after taking account of designated funds that have been ring fenced for specific costs.

The Trustees maintain a policy of keeping at least 3-6 months’ running costs (based on the average of the forecast expenditure for the current and next year) as designated funds within the free reserves, to protect against the possibility that one or all of our current funders is unable to continue their current level of commitment. This policy is reviewed frequently.

At the end of March 2024, a 3 month reserve requirement was equivalent to £47,643. The total unrestricted funds were £52,363. Therefore, we had met our reserves goal.

We are aiming to build a 6 month reserve, which we hope to have achieved by the end of March 2027.

Directly employed staff numbers remained at 1.82FTE (0.5FTE administrative staff, 1.32FTE clinical staff).

Total expenditure for the year was £165,258 (2022-2023: £139,666). This 18% growth reflects the expansion of our programme of services.

Total cash funds at this year end were £62,677 (2022-2023: £76,355).

LEGS ANNUAL REPORT | 19

FINANCIAL REVIEW

RESPONSIBILITIES OF BOARD OF TRUSTEES

The Trustees are responsible for preparing the Trustees' annual report and financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).

The law applicable to charities in England and Wales requires the Trustees to prepare accounts for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charity and of the incoming resources and application of resources of the charity for that year.

The Trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records which disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Charities Act 2011.

The Trustees 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.

The Trustees are responsible for the maintenance and integrity of the corporate and financial information included on the charity’s website. Legislation in the UK governing the preparation and dissemination of financial statements may differ from legislation in other jurisdictions.

Insofar as the Trustees are aware:

These accounts have been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to CIOs subject to the requirements of the Charity Commission.

For the year in question, the charity was entitled to exemption from an audit under section 144 of the Charities Act 2011. The Charity Commission has not ordered an audit to be carried out under Section 146 of the Charities Act 2011.

The notes below form part of these accounts.

The Trustees’ annual report has been approved by the board of Trustees on 14 January 2025 and signed on its behalf by:

Annys Fairweather Chair, LEGS

LEGS ANNUAL REPORT | 20

FINANCIAL REVIEW

NOTES TO THE LEGS ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2024

  1. The accounts presented here have been prepared on a receipts and payments basis for the year ended 31 March 2024.

  2. In accordance with the Charities Commission guidance, and at the request of the Trustees, these accounts have been independently examined. The independent examiner’s report follows these notes.

  3. The Trustees confirm, in accordance with the Charitable Incorporated Organisations (General) Regulations 2013, that at year end the CIO did not have any outstanding guarantees to third parties nor any debts secured on assets of the CIO.

INDEPENDENT EXAMINER’S REPORT ON THE ACCOUNTS OF LEGS

Report to the Trustees of LEGS. Charity no 1177659 .

I report to the Trustees on my examination of the accounts of the above charity (“the Trust”) for the year ended 31 March 2024.

Responsibilities and basis of report

As the charity Trustees of the Trust, you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 (the 2006 Act).

I report in respect of my examinations of the Trust’s accounts as carried out under section 145 of the Act 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination, I have followed the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(4)(b) of the Act.

Independent examiner’s statement

I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.

Mark Middleton, Director (FCA) LB Group, 1 Vicarage Lane, London, E15 4HF 14 January 2025

FINANCIAL REVIEW LEGS ANNUAL REPORT 121 CHARITY COMMISSION LEGS ILfy Ex•rdw Grwyj k¢•tr¢• and n•urokn￿ rx•JlW•l FOR ENGIAND ANO WALES CW 117T859 Receipts and payments accounts CC16a Fortho podod 1st April 2023 31st Mar¢h 2024 To S8Ctlon A Receipts and payments Unr88Md&J fvnd8 Restrklod Endowrnenl Total fun(18 La&t t+th•n•w••te n1￿1 £ rw••t£ rw••t£ A1 Re￿1 Donaiiolls F••$ •ThJ $ub¥¢ 82.183 51Jeg 82.183 51289 59.141 TruBIB &nd Giants Commissk)ned Ml$¢dlAn•ous 1&E 13A 2.141 r￿p (Gmss Income ARJ 1&t< 161X 800 labh). Sub to 101A¥I 8,702 P<oltss¥)r￿I mmb8rshi SlaffiDg & R0CtUilm￿I 127 10 Slarf IrAvg1 And $ubw$l•rK• Injurar￿￿ Venu& hite & equipment upport CQ818 & rnlf rubt• Tr•lning & Ew•ns• 027 8257 8,427 8257 Sub total Pu￿888￿. Isoo t8blo1 Sub total 182 072 Netofrocalptsl{pawts) A5 Trarffjfern between fuTh18 A6 C88h fund8 L98t year 23.W2 3.871 10.314 13.678 41 76.355 62.677 12 10.314

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LEGS ANNUAL REPORT | 23

STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT

OUR ORGANISATION

LEGS (Local Exercise Groups for stroke and neurological conditions) was registered as a Charitable Incorporated Organisation in March 2018 with the Charity Commission. The charity was established under a constitution which describes

the objects and powers of the charitable organisation and the rules by which the charity is governed. The charity number is 1177659.

Apart from the first charity Trustees, every trustee must be appointed for a term of three years by a resolution passed at a properly convened meeting of the charity Trustees. In selecting individuals for appointment as Trustees, the Trustees must have regard to the skills, knowledge and experience needed for the effective administration of the charity. The Trustees may, by and from their number and from time to time, elect such officers (Chair, Secretary, Treasurer) as they see fit.

All Trustees give their time voluntary. Any expenses reclaimed from the charity are set out in the accounts.

TRUSTEE BOARD STRUCTURE

We want our board to reflect the diverse communities we serve and for LEGS' leadership structure to represent the equality, diversity and inclusion that we strive to create through our charity's aims.

All of our nine Trustees have personal and lived experience of living with or caring for somebody with a neurological condition. And they each bring a wealth of professional experience which strengthens our governance and leadership.

PREMISES

We continue to benefit from the generous support of Barrecore whom offer us accessible studio space at a subsidised rate so that we can run our face to face classes affordably in Notting Hill, Islington and Wandsworth.

The William Hobbayne Hall in Hanwell, home to our Tai Chi classes generously provide their venue at a charity rate meaning we can offer face to face Tai Chi classes affordably. The John Trotter Trust also provide us with generously subsidised rates for our Barnet class.

The board meets four times a year and is responsible for LEGS’ strategic direction and policies.

Additionally, we have four sub committees: Finance, Marketing & Fundraising, Participant Voice, Business Planning, which meet at least twice a year, or as required to work on focused projects.

This year we started a hire agreement with a second GLL Better Gym (in Thornton Heath). Hiring such accessible spaces on a weekly basis ensures we reach more participants and reduces our charity costs.

The ability of our team to work remotely and from home means we have no need for a dedicated office space, which again is a cost saving.

LEGS ANNUAL REPORT | 24

STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT

TRUSTEE INDUCTION & TRAINING

New Trustees receive induction through 1:1 meetings with the Chair and the Director of Operations, training courses, attending board meetings and self-directed reading. Induction is an ongoing process. We recognise that it needs to be tailored to the individual and lasts many months.

On or prior to appointment, Trustees are provided with a copy of the charity constitution, latest copy of the annual report as well as Charity Commission publications on the roles and obligations of Trustees, as well as relevant or topical publications relating to trusteeship from organisations such as NCVO, the Charity Commission and Getting On Board.

POLICIES, PROCEDURES, STANDARDS & RISK MANAGEMENT

We work to all relevant professional standards and our clinicians are registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and are members of the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP) or have their own independently arranged insurance.

We have a comprehensive set of policies and procedures which are regularly reviewed by Trustees. There is a risk register which is kept under at least quarterly review by the Leadership Team and is formally approved by the board of Trustees at least annually.

We encourage Trustees to attend services and social events with participants to familiarise themselves with the day to day running of LEGS and the context within which it operates.

We have a dedicated Trustee training budget and Trustees are directed to undertake training.

Our Chair and Director of Operations lead on Trustee induction but it is the collective responsibility of the board to support one another, welcome new Trustees and work together collaboratively.

LEGS ANNUAL REPORT | 25

REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS

CHARITY NAME

LEADERSHIP TEAM

LEGS (Local Exercise Groups for stroke and neurological conditions)

Annys Fairweather, Chair of Trustees and Founding Physiotherapist

Victoria Bailey-King, Operational Director

REGISTERED ADDRESS

LEGS c/o LB Group 1 Vicarage Lane London E15 4HF

CONTACT DETAILS

Sarah Sparkes, Clinical Director & Lead Physiotherapist

BANKERS

Barclays Bank 35 Notting Hill Gate London W11 3JR

Telephone: 07377 259 778 Email: info@legs.org.uk Website: www.legs.org.uk

INDEPENDENT EXAMINER

TRUSTEES

Annys Fairweather, Chair of Trustees Esther Kufrin, Deputy Chair of Trustees Hugh Baxter, Treasurer Caroline Appel Rupert Cockcroft Frederick Baidoo Stuart Davies Sophia Forrest Anthony (Paul) Mylrea

Mark Middleton Director

LB Group 1 Vicarage Lane London E15 4HF