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2025-03-31-accounts

Out Of Sight

Trustees Report and Financial Statements For The Year Ended 31 March 2025

Charity No. 1178097

Legal and Administrative Information

Name: Out of Sight

Reg'd Charity No: 1178097
Trustees:
Jane Claire Power
Kath Nixon
Anna Weatheritt
Gemma Chaytor
Lisa Taylor
Leanne Wallwork
Denise Gilbert
Nicola Wilson
Address: The Community Hub
23 Weetslade Road
Dudley
Cramlington
NE23 7HT
Bankers: HSBC
Independent
Examiner: Mark Thompson MAAT
VODA
Spirit of North Tyneside Wing
2nd Floor, Wallsend Community Hub & Library
16 The Forum
Wallsend
NE28 8JR

Trustees’ Annual Report For the year ended 31 March 2025

Introduction

This report is presented by the trustees of Out of Sight, in accordance with the requirements of the Charity Commission, and outlines the activities, achievements, governance, finances, and future plans of the charity. The trustees remain committed to ensuring that the charity operates in accordance with its objectives and continues to deliver meaningful benefit to its community.

Structure, Governance and Management

Out of Sight, is a registered charity governed by its constitution, which outlines the rules and procedures for the appointment of trustees and management of the charity.

Out of Sight is governed by a Board of Trustees, each of whom brings a wealth of experience and expertise. The Board operates in accordance with a formal constitution, with clearly defined roles, responsibilities, and procedures for decision-making. Trustees are expected to act collectively and, in the charity’s, best interests at all times, upholding the principles of transparency and accountability. The Board regularly reviews its governance arrangements to ensure compliance with best practice and evolving regulatory requirements. Policies covering conflicts of interest, whistleblowing, safeguarding, and equality and diversity underpin the charity’s approach to effective and ethical management.

The board of trustees oversees the strategic direction, ensures compliance with legal obligations, and maintains high standards of governance. Trustees are appointed for a term of three years and may be reappointed for further terms upon the board’s discretion.

The Board delegates day-to-day operational management to a working committee, The Chair/Founding Trustee and Treasurer, who is supported by a dedicated staff team and volunteers. The trustees meet quarterly to review strategy, monitor performance, and address emerging risks. The Volunteers and working committee are in contact with each other on a daily basis.

Risk Management

The trustees conduct an annual review of the charity’s risk register, identifying key risks and implementing mitigation strategies. Areas of focus in 2024 included safeguarding, compliance with data protection regulations, and the financial impact of rising operational costs. We also included Food Safety Standards for Social Supermarket facilities and relevant training.

Objectivities and Activities

The charity’s primary objective is to support visually impaired children and their families by offering short-break holidays and events all free of charge who are living in North Tyneside. We also offer the same support to our community to vulnerable families, and other such support as the Trustees see fit. Activities carried out during the year were focused on achieving these aims and maximising public benefit. The board reviews objectives annually, ensuring alignment with the needs of beneficiaries and regulatory requirements.

In 2024, the charity delivered the following core activities:

Achievements and Performances

The trustees are proud to report significant progress across all strategic priorities:

Programme Impact

We have increased our support to include : Social supermarket pantry, training volunteers, improving our Community Hub with new blinds/carpets/ setting up a specific room for the Pantry, raising awareness of the support.

Improved the disability accessibility to the Community Hub.

Increasing the traffic and users of the the Community Hub by 30 percent.

Started a Dudley Youth Group with 45 members of children living in North Tyneside aged between 10 and 18 years and engaged in many outdoor activities and events.

Fundraising and Resources

Successful funding raising with GNR/Grants/Donations to the Community Hub/Food Donations. Grant Funding has been specifically from local Government UKSFP funding, who have enabled us to offer support to our community, improve the premises, and start of two new incentives (1) The Community Supermarket Pantry and (2) The Dudley Youth Group. The Ballinger Charitable Trust have continued to support us, in turn that has supported in part payment of the Events Worker, and Chloe’s Den accommodation expenses/ground rent and insurances/repairs for short-break holidays to visually impaired children.

Community Engagement

Established 4 new volunteers over this year

Established on average 40 new people to the Community Shop on a Saturday, Engaged with 45 new young people over the year for Dudley Youth Group, an overall a significant increase of foot traffic to the Community Hub generally.

With regard to our annual Summer Fayre on average 400 people/children in the community attended

this bringing together community members/other charities/businesses making our community stronger.

Governance and Compliance

Achieved compliance.

Conducted internal audits.

Introduced an updated Code of Conduct for trustees, staff, and volunteers. Food Hygiene Certificate Standard 4 reached (we need a sink on hand to get to 5 which is being

organsied)

Financial Review

The charity’s financial position remains stable, with total income for the year amounting to £ and total expenditure at £[expenditure amount]. The Trustees have ensured that resources are invested prudently and in line with the charity’s objectives.

Income

Income was derived from a combination of grants, individual donations, fundraising events. Notable sources include:

• Grant from The Ballinger Charitable Trust: £12,500 UKSFP Funding Capital £11,000

/Community £23,500/Winter Warmer £1000/ Youth Group £11,000 National Lottery £17,750 (funded Lease costs) Fundraising £6700,

Total Income : £114,514

Expenditure

Expenditure was primarily directed towards improving the Community Hub premises, setting up a Social Supermarket and stocking that, Providing weekly Youth Group sessions and providing food and activities, programme delivery/short break holidays, staff costs, and administrative expenses.

Total Expenses : £103,448

Reserves Policy

The Trustees reviewed the reserves policy and continue to maintain a level of unrestricted reserves sufficient to cover three months’ operational expenditure. At year-end, reserves stood at £20,000 ensuring the charity can respond to unforeseen challenges.

Public Benefit Statement

In line with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011, the trustees confirm that they have referred to the guidance on public benefit issued by the Charity Commission when reviewing the charity’s aims and in planning future activities. The charity’s work continues to deliver clear public benefit, reaching underserved groups and addressing urgent community needs.

Plans for the Future

Looking ahead to 2025, the charity’s strategic priorities include:

mental health/overcome loneliness/bring our community together and stronger/support food and hygiene poverty/be spirited and make life long memories.

The Trustees will also explore opportunities to diversify funding sources and enhance volunteer

engagement to ensure long-term sustainability.

Statement of Trustees' Responsibilities

The trustees are responsible for ensuring the charity keeps proper accounting records, prepares annual financial statements, and complies with applicable laws and regulations. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charity and taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.

Conclusion

The Trustees would like to thank all staff, volunteers, supporters, and beneficiaries for their dedication and involvement over the past year. The achievements of Out of Sight would not be possible without the collective effort and generosity of our community. The board remains committed to steering the charity towards continued growth, impact, and sustainability.

Approval

This report was approved by the Board of Trustees on 9 7 2025:

INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT

Notes to the Out Of Sight accounts,

On accounts for 31 March 2025 Charity no 1178097 the year ended

Respective The charity's trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year responsibilities of (under section 43(2) of the Charities Act 1993 (the Act)) and that an trustees and independent examination is needed. examiner It is my responsibility to

Basis of My examination was carried out in accordance with General Directions independent given by the Charity Commissioners. An examination includes a review of examiner’s the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the statement 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 In the course of my examination, no matter has come to my attention: examiner's 1. which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in, any material statement respect, the trustees have not met the requirements to ensure that: • proper accounting records are kept (in accordance with section 41 of the Act); and • accounts are prepared which agree with the accounting records and comply with the accounting requirements of the Act; 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: 30th July 2025 Name: Mark Thompson MAAT Address: VODA Spirit of North Tyneside Wing 2nd Floor, Wallsend Community Hub & Library 16 The Forum Wallsend NE28 8JR

Out Of Sight

Statement of Financial Activities for the year ended 31 March 2025

Receipts
Grants
5
Donations
Fundraising
OOS Hub
Bank Interest
Other
Total Receipts
Payments
Activities
Hub Costs
Chloe's Den
Salary
Fundraising Expenses
Office Equipment
Print, Post & Stationery
Travel
Insurance
Fees & Charges
Others
Donations
Training
Depreciation
Total Payments
Surplus / deficit for the year
Funds at 1 April 2024
Funds at 31 March 2025		 Unrestricted
Restricted
Total
Total
Funds
Funds
Funds
Funds
2025
2025
2025
2024
£
£
77,750
77,750
30,880
1,312
1,312
6,132
6,782
6,782
11,312
25,912
25,912
24,678
2,216
2,216
1,324
542
542
342
36,764
77,750
114,514
74,668
4,647
30,420
35,067
11,715
11,336
21,705
33,041
16,889
7,073
7,073
6,189
3,238
10,397
13,635
12,182
3,048
3,048
5,157
862
862
359
299
299
366
2,398
2,398
1,730
543
543
568
3,805
1,684
5,489
1,528
833
833
601
0
0
550
0
0
0
1,160
1,160
0
32,169
71,279
103,448
57,834
4,595
6,471
11,066
16,834
82,625
16,080
98,705
81,871
87,220
22,551
109,771
98,705

Out Of Sight Balance Sheet as at 31 March 2025

Fixed Assets
7
Current Assets
Cash at Bank & in Hand
Total Cash Balances
Current Liabilities
Net Current Assets
Net Assets at 31 March 2025
Represented By:
6
Restricted Funds
Designated Funds
Unrestricted Funds
Signed …………….……………………… Position …………
Signed …………….……………………… Position …………
Date ……………………………………….		 2025
2024
£
£
4,640
5,800
105,131
92,905
105,131
92,905
0
0
105,131
92,905
109,771
92,905
22,551
16,080
19,100
19,100
68,120
63,525
109,771
98,705
………………………..
………………………..

Out Of Sight

Notes to the accounts, 2025

1. Basis of accounts

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2015) – Charities SORP (FRS 102), the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) and the Companies Act 2006

Out Of Sight meets the definition of a public benefit entity under FRS 102. Assets and liabilities are initially recognised at historical cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant accounting policy note(s).

Fixed Assets are depreciated over a useful lifeline at the following rates:

Motor Vehicles 20% reducing balance

2. Grants Received:
Ballinger Charitable Trust 12,500
NT Council - UKSPF (Community Grant) 23,500
NT Council - Hub/Social Supermarket 11,000
National Lottery Fund 17,750
North Tyneside Council - Youth Grant 11,000
NT Council - Warm Welcome 1,000
NT Council - Northern Light 1,000
Total Grants 77,750

3. Trustees and Staff The organisation employed 2 members of staff during the period of the accounts. No payments were made to Trustees’ . Total salary costs for the year £13,635

4. Costs of financial services

The cost for the Independent Examination for the financial period will be £380

5. Restricted Funds balance at 31 March 2025

5. Restricted Funds balance at 31 March 2025
Balance Income Expend Balance
01/04/24 31/03/25
Health Inequalities Fund 1,310 1,310
Ballinger Charitable Trust 770 12,500 10,758 2,512
National Lottery Fund 10,000 17,750 21,705 6,045
NT Council - Warm Welcome 0 1,000 1,000 0
North Tyneside Council - Youth Grant 4,000 11,000 8,898 6,102
NT Council - UKSPF (Community Grant) 23,500 18,516 4,984
NT Council - Hub/Social Supermarket 11,000 9,402 1,598
NT Council - Northern Light 1,000 1,000 0
Total 16,080 77,750 71,279 22,551
6. Designated Funds
Caravan Maintenance Fund 5,000
Caravan Renewal Fund 6,500
Lease Commitments 7,600
Total Designated Funds 19,100

In addition to the Designated Funds, we aim to have between three and six months running costs, as recommended by the Charity Commission.

Fixed Assets Car
Cost
As at 1 April 2024 5800
Additions
Disposals
As at 31 March 2025 5,800
Depreciation
As at 1 April 2024 0
Charge for the year 1,160
Disposals
As at 31 March 2025 1,160
Net Book Value at 31 March 2025 4,640

7. Fixed Assets