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2025-03-31-accounts

Charity no. 1178384

Sight Support West of England Report and Unaudited Financial Statements

31 March 2025

Sight Support West of England

Reference and administrative details

For the year ended 31 March 2025

Charity number 1178384 Registered office St Lucy's Sight Centre and operational Browfort address Bath Road Devizes Wiltshire SN10 2AT Trustees Trustees, who are also directors under company law, who served during the year and up to the date of this report were as follows: Nicholas Grinham Chair Heather Armstrong Roger Bonner Carl Hall resigned 26 July 2024 Ioan McAvoy Simon Russell Amar Shah Lauren Williams Anela Wood appointed 28 March 2025 Chief executive officer Mike Silvey Bankers CAF Bank Ltd The Co-operative Bank Kings Hill - Business West Malling PO Box 250 Kent Skelmersdale ME19 4TA WN8 6WT

1

Sight Support West of England

Reference and administrative details

For the year ended 31 March 2025
Investment Rathbones Investment Management
managers Port of Liverpool Building
Pier Head
Liverpool
L3 1NW
Independent Godfrey Wilson Limited
examiners Chartered accountants and statutory auditors
5th Floor Mariner House
62 Prince Street
Bristol
BS1 4QD

2

Sight Support West of England

Report of the trustees

For the year ended 31 March 2025

The trustees present their report and the financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2025 and also wish to express their sincere thanks to all staff and volunteers for their hard work over the past year.

Reference and administrative information set out on page 1 forms part of this report. The financial statements comply with current statutory requirements, the Constitution and the Statement of Recommended - Practice Accounting and Reporting by Charities (effective from January 2019).

About Sight Support West of England

Every 6 minutes someone in the UK is told they are losing their sight, and over 2 million people in the UK are currently estimated to be living with sight loss.

Sight loss has huge practical and emotional consequences. It can restrict social and personal interaction, and lead to isolation. It can remove a person’s independence as they have to rely on others for simple day-to-day tasks, which can lead to low self-esteem, lack of confidence and depression.

A diagnosis of sight loss can be devastating. Sight Support West of England exists to provide support at all stages of the sight loss journey, to help make sure people don’t just survive, but thrive after sight loss.

We provide services for people living with sight loss across Bristol, Bath and North-East Somerset, and in Gloucestershire, Swindon and Wiltshire through our partner charities Insight Gloucestershire and Wiltshire Sight.

There are just under 11,000 people registered as sight impaired or severely sight impaired across our region, including just over 350 children. Around 1,350 new registrations are made each year.

3

Sight Support West of England

Report of the trustees

For the year ended 31 March 2025

These numbers are just a small part of the picture, as they only show those that are officially registered. There are many more people in the area that are not yet diagnosed, undergoing treatment, don’t meet the criteria for registration but have low vision, or have chosen not to be registered.

Current figures suggest that across the region, over 79,000 people are - currently living with sight loss one in every 30 people¹. With an aging population, and the increasing incidence of conditions like diabetes (with strong links to sight loss), it is forecast that the number of people affected will increase by 25% by 2030.

Our services at Sight Support West of England are driven by the outcomes that people with sight loss have said are most important to them[2] . These are:

1 https://www.rnib.org.uk/professionals/knowledge-and-research-hub/ key-information-and-statistics/sight-loss-data-tool

2 UK Vision Strategy ‘Seeing it My Way’ survey

4

Sight Support West of England

Report of the trustees

For the year ended 31 March 2025

The West of England region is diverse covering remote rural areas, coastal towns, deprived inner city areas and everything in between. The needs of people living in our region are affected greatly by this challenging geography.

Our challenge is to ensure that all people living with sight loss in the region have access to high quality, joined-up services that deliver the identified outcomes (above) and enable people with sight loss to lead independent and fulfilling lives.

Our strategy

Our aim is to ensure that everyone newly diagnosed or living with sight loss in the West of England, including children and young people, have equal and timely access to the support and services they need, and are empowered to pursue independent lives.

We will work with people affected by sight loss to help them navigate the often complex provision of services, joining up health, social care and community services.

We will work with others to provide the best possible support. These partners include professionals in the health, social care and education sectors. They include other charities and, critically, they include people living with sight loss.

Our strategy is defined by the views and needs of people with sight loss, and our services will reflect this.

5

Sight Support West of England

Report of the trustees

For the year ended 31 March 2025

Our key strategic objectives are:

  1. To ensure everyone living with sight loss in our region knows where they can find relevant support.

  2. To improve the sight loss pathway so that everyone has equal, timely access to the services and support they need.

  3. To provide a range of good quality, high impact services guided by the views and needs of people living with sight loss.

  4. To increase awareness of the importance of eye health and the prevention of sight loss.

  5. To build a strong and sustainable organisation which adds real value, can demonstrate impact and has the confidence of the people and organisations we work with. An organisation resilient to external challenges, agile enough to exploit opportunities and able to adapt to the changing needs of our service users.

Achievements and performance

This has been a year of both consolidation and growth for Sight Support West of England. At a time when several of the large national sight loss charities have been undergoing restructuring and reducing their direct — services, we have stepped up reaching more people than ever before, strengthening our local presence, and ensuring that no one in our region has to face sight loss alone.

"I felt lost and without any hope when dealing with the hospital alone, until you stepped in. I was ready to give up. I believe it is highly unlikely I would have made it through this without your incredible support."

6

Sight Support West of England

Report of the trustees

For the year ended 31 March 2025

Our innovative partnership model with Insight Gloucestershire and Wiltshire Sight, sharing one central management, finance and admin team providing management, finance, fundraising, communications and admin support, means that we are able to provide comprehensive and high-quality services across the West of England region, whilst benefiting from shared cost and management efficiencies. The significant increases in numbers of people provided with one-to-one support and those accessing our social activities across the region are testament to the value placed on the services by the people with sight loss we exist to support.

Expanding reach and deepening impact

We currently provide services to 5,085 people with sight loss in our area. Over the past year we have provided face-to-face support to 2,266 individuals, delivering over 5,400 information, advice and - guidance interventions a 31% increase on the previous year. With several national agencies cutting their direct services this year, we are expecting demand for our services to continue to rise.

Our service reach also continues to expand. In total, we now operate 38 hubs across the region where people can access face-to-face support from one of our Community Sight Loss Advisors, ensuring that over 98% of our service users in Wiltshire, Bristol, and Bath & North-East Somerset live within five miles of a local support hub. Across the region, 676 unique individuals engaged in our local social groups and activities (a 47% rise on 2023-24), with new groups launched in Nailsworth, Trowbridge, Tisbury and Amesbury during the year.

7

Sight Support West of England

Report of the trustees

For the year ended 31 March 2025

To cater for some specific groups who may not be able to attend — weekday socials, we also introduced four new virtual hubs providing regular Zoom-based peer support for university students, working-age adults, parents of children with VI, and young carers. We have also introduced telephone consultations for those who cannot travel easily, so we can respond quicker and reduce anxiety following new diagnoses.

Our peer support and befriending services continue to make a profound difference to people's wellbeing:

“The Sight Support befriending service is brilliant. I always feel happier after speaking to my befriender. Even though I — am 90 and she is in her 30s, it doesn’t matter we can talk for ages. A befriender is a beautiful thing, and that’s what she is to me.”

With Insight Gloucestershire now fully part of our partnership model¹, having joined in July 2023, support in the county has grown dramatically. We have seen an increase of more than 500% in the number of unique individuals provided with support in Gloucestershire compared to before the charity joined with Sight Support and Wiltshire Sight. In addition, with the opening of new hubs and social groups across the county, the number of individuals accessing social groups rose from 48 last year, to 181 this year, thanks to the hard work of our revitalised staff and volunteer team.

  1. Although our three charities are working in partnership, differences in the governance configuration of the charities mean that only Sight Support West of England and Wiltshire Sight are formally joined in legal terms. As a result, the consolidated accounts presented here only include these two charities.

8

Sight Support West of England

Report of the trustees

For the year ended 31 March 2025

Over the year, our team of volunteers contacted 332 service users at random, to ask for feedback on their experience with us. 97% rated the service they had received as good, with 77% rating it as excellent. We are incredibly proud that over 93% of service users contacted reported feeling more able to cope with day-to-day life after receiving support from us, and 91% of those who were suffering from isolation reported feeling less isolated.

Strengthening local access and inclusion

With an increase to the team of Community Sight Loss Advisors in Bristol, we’re now making progress in reaching underserved communities. A new advice hub is set to launch in Easton — an area of cultural richness and significant unmet need — and work is underway to open a second hub in Avonmouth.

While access in some rural parts of Gloucestershire remains more limited, a clear plan is now in place to improve coverage in in the county in 2025–26.

Promoting awareness and connection

Over 400 people attended our Eye Can exhibitions in Gloucestershire and Bristol this year, with 100% of attendees rating the events as Good or Excellent. These exhibitions continue to be a powerful tool in providing a one-stop shop for people with sight loss to see the breadth of support available, and provide an opportunity to connect with others and to hear talks on issues around sight loss.

9

Sight Support West of England

Report of the trustees

For the year ended 31 March 2025

We also stepped up our public awareness work in 2024-25. During National Eye Health Week in September, we ran a coordinated campaign across social media and in all our charity shops, providing information on the importance of regular eye checks. Our social media platforms have been reinvigorated, and we have started sharing video testimonies and case studies more widely. We have also installed new — — information stations featuring key messages and resources in all of our shops, providing eye health information and informing the general public about support available.

Digital inclusion and innovation

Our focus on digital inclusion continued this year, with over 130 people accessing one-to-one digital support in the Bristol and Bath area. The project focussed on bringing people from Discovery to Beginners to Improvers in using modern technology that most of us take for granted in daily life.

“I wish I’d learnt it years ago. I’m now able to text my friends without having to ask my family to do it for me!”

“It’s so great to have somewhere to go to get help and ask questions with people who understand, people just don’t seem to have the time these days, so this was great. Thank you, I am now using Google to call my friends and family!”

In March, we welcomed a new Digital Inclusion Lead in Wiltshire, whose role will be to replicate the success of our Bristol programme, running smartphone and tablet training courses, alongside providing one-to-one IT support through a team of digital volunteers. We have also secured funding for a similar roll-out in Gloucestershire later in 2025.

10

Sight Support West of England

Report of the trustees

For the year ended 31 March 2025

Involving our community

Volunteers remain the backbone of our organisation. Over the course of the year, 243 volunteers gave their time, energy and lived experience to support others, contributing over 7,900 hours of their time. In our most recent volunteer survey, 95% told us that they felt positive and happy in their roles. 28% of our current active volunteers have direct experience of sight loss themselves.

Our Lived Experience Advisory Panel (previously named the Client Advisory Group) continues to provide critical insights that shape our services, communications and strategy. This self-managing group of local people with sight loss are drawn from across the region and have a wide range of personal experience to share.

Governance

In late 2024 we started on the process of formalising the governance structure between our three charities, to clarify management reporting lines and put in place a procedure for disputes. We now have a draft Partnership Agreement which has been agreed by all three Boards and will be finalised in the first half of the new financial year.

Our joint working involves the voluntary collaboration of all three charities to make a greater impact than acting alone, by sharing working practices, resources and staff. However, differences in the governance configuration of the charities mean that only Sight Support West of England and Wiltshire Sight are formally joined in legal terms. As a result, the consolidated accounts presented here only include these two charities.

The Board is also taking professional VAT advice on the implications of governance structure, and are working to ensure that the new partnership arrangements remain VAT compliant and optimal.

11

Sight Support West of England

Report of the trustees

For the year ended 31 March 2025

In March 2025 the Sight Support Board conducted a full review of our internal financial controls, undertaking several actions to ensure our procedures and policies are in line with recommended best practice.

Plans for the future

Our operational Plan for 2025-26 was signed off by the Board at their March meeting and contains key objectives, actions and indicators for the year. Our key development priorities for the year include:

Financial review

Fundraising income for the year came in on budget. As always, we are very grateful for all the support we receive from our valued donors and supporters. We will continue to review and refine our approach for community and corporate fundraising, to ensure these grow in-line with our strategic objectives.

12

Sight Support West of England

Report of the trustees

For the year ended 31 March 2025

Our retail income continues to grow and provide a good profit for the charity. This year we recruited a part-time staff member to manage a new eBay shop, taking donations from the physical shops to maximise profit through online sales. Our aim remains that the retail operation will grow to replace the tapering core grant we receive from the Thomas Pocklington Trust.

Overall, year-end accounts for the charity show a small deficit for the year of £15,000, which is in line with the budget approved at the start of the year by the Board.

Charitable funders and supporters

Sight Support West of England wishes to thank the following funders and supporters for their generous support during the year:

159th Beavers Group National Lottery Reaching Annett Charitable Trust Communities Arnold Clarke New Medica Awards for All Quartet Foundation Clothworkers Foundation Radstock Town Council Dixie Rose Findley Trust Richard Davies Charitable Trust Fight for Sight St Monica’s Trust Inspecs Storm Force 10 Shanty Group Keynsham Town Council St Monica / St Augustine Chapel Midsomer Norton Lions Club Thomas Pocklington Trust

13

Sight Support West of England

Report of the trustees

For the year ended 31 March 2025

Reserves policy

Sight Support West of England aims to maintain a level of financial reserves that will enable the charity to meet future commitments and unforeseen expenses without a negative impact on our ability to deliver core services or develop the business in the manner planned.

In consideration of the above, the Board of Trustees has decided that the charity should keep available as reserves an amount that would cover the equivalent of four months' operating cost. In doing so, the Board aims to ensure that the charity is able to continue to provide our core services.

The agreed target level of unrestricted general reserves has therefore been set at £230,000, which the Board believes would provide them with the safeguards needed to be able to guarantee continuity of services for a period of at least twelve months regardless of funding uncertainty.

The trustees have also set aside the amount of £28,000 as a designated fund to cover the TUPE redundancy liability for staff delivering the South Gloucestershire Rehabilitation Service.

The trustees have agreed that any reserves accrued above the target amount will be used for the following purposes:

As at 31 March 2025 our unrestricted general reserves are £241,899, which is slightly above the desired level set by the trustees as outlined above.

14

Sight Support West of England

Report of the trustees

For the year ended 31 March 2025

The Board also commit to holding sufficient restricted reserves to cover the cost of our contractual commitments, as agreed with each contracting agency.

Structure, governance and management

The charity was registered as a Charitable Incorporated Organisation with the Charities Commission in England & Wales and Companies House on 15 May 2018. The original name of the charity was Vision South West, and it is governed by its Constitution.

The charity passed a special resolution on 29 March 2019 changing its name to Vision West of England. A further resolution was passed on 25 September 2020 to change the name to Sight Support West of England.

Sight Support West of England’s board of trustees is currently made up of 8 people, with a range of backgrounds, skills and professions. Currently we have three members of the board who are registered severely sight impaired.

The charity is staffed by a small team of dedicated staff, headed up by the Chief Executive and a small management team. Staff are based either at one of our offices in Bristol and Devizes, at one of our charity shop premises, or work remotely providing services across our geographic area of remit. Staff pay and benefits are reviewed annually by the trustees at their September meeting.

In July 2023, the Board conducted a review of its effectiveness to identify areas for strengthening. We also work through the Charity Commission and NCVO finance and governance checklists on an annual basis to identify areas of concern and to ensure our policies, procedures and systems were fit for purpose and of a high standard.

15

Sight Support West of England

Report of the trustees

For the year ended 31 March 2025

Risk management and delegation

The trustees have a duty to identify and review the risks to which the charity is exposed and to ensure appropriate systems and controls are in place in order to mitigate those risks and to provide reasonable assurance against fraud and error. During the year the trustees have considered the major risks and systems have been put in place to mitigate their impact. The risk analysis is discussed at every other Board meeting, and a full review takes place annually.

The charity has a Schedule of Delegation in place which defines which decisions are taken by the Board of Trustees and which are delegated to staff. The Schedule is reviewed annually and covers areas of strategy, risk management, legal obligations, organisational policies and procedures, variations to agreed budget and strategic use of reserves.

Public benefit

The Board of Trustees have given due consideration to Charity Commission published guidance on the operation of the public benefit requirement and confirm that these requirements are met by the charity.

Statement of responsibilities of the trustees

The trustees are responsible for preparing the trustees' report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards, including Financial Reporting Standard 102: The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).

16

Sight Support West of England

Report of the trustees

For the year ended 31 March 2025

The law applicable to charities in England and Wales requires the trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year, which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charity and the incoming resources and application of resources, including the net income or expenditure, of the charity for the year. In preparing those financial statements the trustees are required to:

The trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records which disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity and which enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Charities Act 2011, the Charity (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 and the provisions of the constitution. 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 United Kingdom governing the preparation and dissemination of financial statements may differ from legislation in other jurisdictions.

17

Sight Support West of England

Report of the trustees

For the year ended 31 March 2025

Members of the charity have no liability to contribute to the assets of the charity in the event of winding up. The trustees are members of the charity but this entitles them only to voting rights. The trustees have no beneficial interest in the charity.

Independent examiners

Godfrey Wilson Limited were re-appointed as independent examiners to the group and parent charity during the year and have expressed their willingness to continue in that capacity.

Approved by the trustees on 29 July 2025 and signed on their behalf by

Nick Grinham - Chair

18

Independent examiner's report

To the trustees of

Sight Support West of England

I report to the charity trustees on my examination of the consolidated accounts of the Group comprising Sight Support West of England ('the Charity') and its subsidiary undertakings for the year ended 31 March 2025, which are set out on pages 22 to 50.

Responsibilities and basis of report

As the trustees of the Charity you are responsible for the preparation of the consolidated accounts of the Group in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 ('the Act') and you have chosen to prepare consolidated accounts for the Group. You are satisfied that the accounts of both the Charity and the Group are not required by Charity law to be audited and have chosen instead to have an independent examination.

I report in respect of my examination of the consolidated accounts as carried out under section 145 of the Charities Act 2011 (‘the 2011 Act’). In carrying out my examination I have followed the Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5) (b) of the 2011 Act.

An independent examination does not involve gathering all the evidence that would be required in an audit and consequently does not cover all the matters that an auditor considers in giving their opinion on the accounts. The planning and conduct of an audit goes beyond the limited assurance that an independent examination can provide. Consequently I express no opinion as to whether the consolidated accounts present a 'true and fair' view and my report is limited to those specific matters set out in the independent examiner's statement.

Independent examiner’s statement

Since the Charity’s gross income exceeded £250,000 your examiner must be a member of a body listed in section 145 of the 2011 Act. I confirm that I am qualified to undertake the examination because I am a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW), which is one of the listed bodies.

19

Independent examiner's report

To the trustees of

Sight Support West of England

Godfrey Wilson Limited also provides bookkeeping services to the Charity. I confirm that as a member of the ICAEW I am subject to the FRC’s Revised Ethical Standard 2016, which I have applied with respect to this engagement.

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

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

20

Independent examiner's report

To the trustees of

Sight Support West of England

Date: 30 July 2025

Robert Wilson FCA Member of the ICAEW For and on behalf of:

Godfrey Wilson Limited Chartered accountants and statutory auditors 5th Floor Mariner House 62 Prince Street Bristol BS1 4QD

21

Sight Support West of England

Consolidated statement of financial activities

For the year ended 31 March 2025

Note
Income from:
3
4
5
Investments
Total income
Expenditure on:
Raising funds
7
12
8
Donations
and legacies
Charitable
activities
Other trading
activities
Charitable
activities
Net income /
(expenditure)
and net
movement in
funds
Total
expenditure
Net gains /
(losses) on
investments		 The group
2025
2024
Restricted Unrestricted
Total
Total
£
£
£
£
-
290,904
290,904
220,848
117,105
256,061
373,166
380,628
-
302,192
302,192
260,948
-
12,230
12,230
10,892
117,105
861,387
978,492
873,316
-
74,396
74,396
117,556
133,500
817,392
950,892
814,486
133,500
891,788
1,025,288
932,042
-
(10,480)
(10,480)
32,656
(16,395)
(40,881)
(57,276)
(26,070)
The group

22

Sight Support West of England

Consolidated statement of financial activities

For the year ended 31 March 2025

Note
8
Total funds carried
forward
Total funds brought
forward
Reconciliation of
funds:
Net income /
(expenditure)
and net
movement in
funds
(continued)		 The group
2025
Restricted Unrestricted
Total
£
£
£
(16,395)
(40,881)
(57,276)
40,440
848,788
889,228
24,045
807,907
831,952		 2024
Total
£
(26,070)
915,298
The group
889,228

All of the above results are derived from continuing activities. There were no other recognised gains or losses other than those stated above. Movements in funds are disclosed in note 19 to the accounts.

23

Sight Support West of England

Charity only statement of financial activities

For the year ended 31 March 2025

Note
Income from:
3
4
5
Investments
Total income
Expenditure on:
Raising funds
Total expenditure
7
12
8
Charitable
activities
Other trading
activities
Donations and
legacies
Net income /
(expenditure) and
net movement in
funds
Charitable
activities
Net gains / (losses)
on investments		 The charity The charity
2025
2024
Restricted Unrestricted
Total
Total
£
£
£
£
-
126,063
126,063
139,533
259,337
233,636
492,973
474,429
-
301,400
301,400
260,948
-
2,043
2,043
876
259,337
663,142
922,479
875,786
-
74,396
74,396
109,530
295,732
567,442
863,174
729,966
295,732
641,838
937,570
839,496
-
91
91
-
(36,395)
21,395
(15,000)
36,290

24

Sight Support West of England

Charity only statement of financial activities

For the year ended 31 March 2025

Note
8
Total funds
carried forward
Reconciliation of
funds:
Total funds brought
forward
Net income /
(expenditure) and
net movement in
funds (continued)		 The charity The charity
2025
2024
Restricted Unrestricted
Total
Total
£
£
£
£
(36,395)
21,395
(15,000)
36,290
40,440
248,504
288,944
252,654
4,045
269,899
273,944
288,944

25

Sight Support West of England

Consolidated balance sheets

As at 31 March 2025

The group
2025
£
Fixed assets
Tangible assets
129,465
Investments
512,449
641,914
Current assets
Stocks
7,557
Debtors
56,032
162,899
226,488
Liabilities
(36,450)
190,038
Net assets
831,952
Cash at bank
and in hand
Creditors:
amounts falling
due within 1
Net current
assets
17
18
Note
11
12
15
16		 The group The charity The charity
2024
2025
2024
£
£
£
135,068
322
1,339
515,917
169,592
-
650,985
169,914
1,339
7,654
7,557
7,654
122,244
117,733
201,972
132,600
12,490
99,894
262,498
137,780
309,520
(24,255)
(33,750)
(21,915)
238,243
104,030
287,605
889,228
273,944
288,944		 The group The charity The charity
2024
2025
2024
£
£
£
135,068
322
1,339
515,917
169,592
-
650,985
169,914
1,339
7,654
7,557
7,654
122,244
117,733
201,972
132,600
12,490
99,894
262,498
137,780
309,520
(24,255)
(33,750)
(21,915)
238,243
104,030
287,605
889,228
273,944
288,944
1,339
7,654
201,972
99,894
309,520
(21,915)
287,605
288,944

26

Sight Support West of England

Consolidated balance sheets

As at 31 March 2025

The group
2025
£
Funds
Restricted funds
24,045
Unrestricted funds
307,465
General funds
500,442
Total charity funds
831,952
Designated
funds
Note
19		 The group The charity The charity
2024
2025
2024
£
£
£
40,440
4,045
40,440
461,730
28,000
28,000
387,058
241,899
220,504
889,228
273,944
288,944		 The group The charity The charity
2024
2025
2024
£
£
£
40,440
4,045
40,440
461,730
28,000
28,000
387,058
241,899
220,504
889,228
273,944
288,944
288,944

Approved by the trustees on 29 July 2025 and signed on their behalf by

Nick Grinham - Chair

27

Sight Support West of England

Consolidated statement of cash flows

For the year ended 31 March 2025

Cash used in operating activities:
Net movement in funds
Adjustments for:
Depreciation charges
Losses / (gains) on investments
Income from investments
Decrease / (increase) in stock
Decrease / (increase) in debtors
Decrease / (increase) in creditors
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchase of tangible fixed assets
Proceeds from the sale of investments
Purchase of investments
Income from investments
Net cash provided by / (used in) operating
activities
Net cash provided by investing activities
Increase / (decrease) in cash and cash
equivalents in the year		 The group
The group
2025
2024
£
£
(57,276)
(26,070)
5,603
5,785
10,480
(32,656)
(12,230)
(10,892)
97
(4,095)
66,212
(52,848)
12,195
(903)
25,081
(121,679)
-
(620)
366,068
59,876
(365,965)
(86,053)
12,230
10,892
12,333
(15,905)
37,414
(137,584)

28

Sight Support West of England

Consolidated statement of cash flows

For the year ended 31 March 2025
Analysis of cash and cash equivalents:
Cash held in current accounts
Cash held in investment portfolio
Cash and cash equivalents at the end of
the year
Increase / (decrease) in cash and cash
equivalents in the year (continued)
Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning
of the year		 The group
2025
£
37,414
140,499
177,913
162,899
15,014
177,913		 The group
2024
£
(137,584)
278,083
140,499
132,600
7,899
140,499

The charity has not provided an analysis of changes in net debt as it does not have any long term financing arrangements.

29

Sight Support West of England

Notes to the financial statements

For the year ended 31 March 2025

1. Accounting policies a) General information and basis of preparation

Sight support West of England is an unincorporated charity registered in England and Wales. The registered office address is St. Lucy's Sight Centre, Browfort, Bath Road, Devizes, Wiltshire, SN10 2AT.

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities in preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2019) - (Charities SORP (FRS 102)), the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102).

Sight Support West of England 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.

b) Group accounts

These financial statements consolidate the results of the charity and its wholly-owned (controlled) subsidiary on a line by line basis. Transactions and balances between the charity and its subsidiary have been eliminated from the consolidated financial statements. Balances between the two charities are disclosed in the notes of the charity's balance sheet. A separate statement of financial activities, or income and expenditure account, for the charity itself is presented in addition to that of the group by choice.

c) Going concern basis of accounting

The accounts have been prepared on the assumption that the charity is able to continue as a going concern, which the trustees consider appropriate having regard to the current level of unrestricted reserves. The group holds unrestricted, general reserves of £350,764 (charity only: £241,899). For this reason the trustees consider that the charity has sufficient cash reserves to continue as a going concern for a period of at least 12 months from the date on which these financial statements are approved.

d) Income

Income is recognised when the charity has entitlement to the funds, any performance conditions attached to the item of income have been met, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount can be measured reliably.

Income from the government and other grants, whether 'capital' grants or 'revenue' grants, is recognised when the charity has entitlement to the funds, any performance conditions attached to the grants have been met, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount can be measured reliably and is not deferred.

For legacies, entitlement is taken as the earlier of the date on which either: the charity is aware that probate has been granted, the estate has been finalised and notification has been made by the executor(s) to the Trust that a distribution will be made, or when a distribution is received from the estate. Receipt of a legacy, in whole or in part, is only considered probable when the amount can be measured reliably and the charity has been notified of the executor's intention to make a distribution. Where legacies have been notified to the charity, or the charity is aware of the granting of probate, and the criteria for income recognition have been met, then the legacy is treated as a contingent asset and disclosed if material.

30

Sight Support West of England

Notes to the financial statements

For the year ended 31 March 2025

1. Accounting policies (continued)

e) Donated services and facilities

Donated professional services and donated facilities are recognised as income when the charity has control over the item, any conditions associated with the donated item have been met, the receipt of economic benefit from the use by the charity of the item, is probable and the economic benefit can be measured reliably. In accordance with the Charities SORP (FRS 102), general volunteer time is not recognised.

On receipt, donated professional services and donated facilities are recognised on the basis of the value of the gift to the charity which is the amount the charity would have been willing to pay to obtain services or facilities of equivalent economic benefit on the open market; a corresponding amount is then recognised in expenditure in the period of receipt.

f) Interest receivable

Interest on funds held on deposit is included when receivable and the amount can be measured reliably by the charity: this is normally upon notification of the interest paid or payable by the bank.

g) Funds accounting

Unrestricted funds are available to spend on activities that further any of the purposes of the charity. Designated funds are unrestricted of the charity which the trustees have decided at their discretion to set aside to use for a specific purpose. Restricted funds are donations which the donor has specified are to be solely used for particularly areas of the charity's work or for specific projects being undertaken by the charity.

h) Expenditure and irrecoverable VAT

Expenditure is recognised once there is a legal or constructive obligation to make a payment to a third party, it is probable that settlement will be required and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably.

Irrecoverable VAT is charged as a cost against the activity for which the expenditure was incurred.

i) Allocation of support costs

Support costs are those functions that assist the work of the charity but do not directly undertake charitable activities. Governance costs are the costs associated with the governance arrangements of the charity, including the costs of complying with constitutional and statutory requirements and any costs associated with the strategic management of the charity’s activities. These costs have been allocated between cost of raising funds and expenditure on charitable activities based on the proportion of staff time as follows:

The group The charity
2025 2024 2025 2024
Raising funds 7.9% 7.9% 8.1% 8.2%
Charitable activities 92.1% 92.1% 91.9% 91.8%

j) Tangible fixed assets

Depreciation is provided at rates calculated to write down the cost of each asset to its estimated residual value over its expected useful life. The depreciation rates in use are as follows:

31

Sight Support West of England

Notes to the financial statements

For the year ended 31 March 2025

1. Accounting policies (continued) j) Tangible fixed assets (continued)

Computer equipment 3 years straight line Long leasehold 50 years straight line Fixtures and fittings 15% reducing balance

Items of equipment are capitalised where the purchase price exceeds £500.

k) Investments

Investments held at the year end are valued at the current market value at that date. Investment income from dividends is included in incoming resources while realised and unrealised losses and gains on investments are shown separately on the statement of financial activities (SOFA). Realised gains and losses are calculated on investment disposals during the year as the difference between the opening market value and the proceeds received on sale. Unrealised gains and losses are calculated on investment holdings at the year end as the difference between the closing market value and the opening market value or purchase value during the year.

l) Stock

Stock is included at the lower of cost or net realisable value. Donated items of stock are recognised at fair value which is the amount the charity would have been willing to pay for the items on the open market.

m) Debtors

Trade and other debtors are recognised at the settlement amount due after any trade discount offered. Prepayments are valued at the amount prepaid net of any trade discounts due.

n) Cash at bank and in hand

Cash at bank and cash in hand includes cash and short term highly liquid investments with a short maturity of three months or less from the date of acquisition or opening of the deposit or similar account.

o) Creditors

Creditors and provisions are recognised where there is a present obligation resulting from a past event that will probably result in the transfer of funds to a third party and the amount due to settle the obligation can be measured or estimated reliably. Creditors and provisions are normally recognised at their settlement amount after allowing for any trade discounts due.

p) Financial instruments

The charity only has financial assets and financial liabilities of a kind that qualify as basic financial instruments. Basic financial instruments are initially recognised at transaction value and subsequently measured at their settlement value with the exception of bank loans which are subsequently recognised at amortised cost using the effective interest method.

q) Pension costs

The charity operates a defined contribution pension scheme for its employees. There are no further liabilities other than that already recognised in the SoFA.

32

Sight Support West of England

Notes to the financial statements

For the year ended 31 March 2025

1. Accounting policies (continued)

r) Foreign currency transactions

Transactions in foreign currencies are translated at rates prevailing at the date of the transaction. Balances denominated in foreign currencies are translated at the rate of exchange prevailing at the year end.

s) Accounting estimates and key judgements

In the application of the charity's accounting policies, the trustees are required to make judgements, estimates and assumptions about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. The estimates and underlying assumptions are based on historical experience and other factors that are considered to be relevant. Actual results may differ from these estimates.

The estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognised in the period in which the estimate is revised if the revision affects only that period, or in the period of the revision and future periods if the revision affects both current and future periods.

The key sources of estimation uncertainty that have a significant effect on the amounts recognised in the financial statements are depreciation as described in note 1j above.

2. Prior period comparatives: statement of financial activities

Income from:
Donations and legacies
Charitable activities
Other trading activities
Investments
Total income
Expenditure on:
Raising funds
Charitable activities
Total expenditure
Net income / (expenditure) before gains
Net gains on investments
Net income / (expenditure)
Transfers between funds
Net movement in funds		 Restricted
£
£
-
220,848
141,228
239,400
-
260,948
-
10,892
141,228
732,088
-
117,556
130,742
683,744
130,742
801,300
10,486
(69,212)
-
32,656
10,486
(36,556)
(2,400)
2,400
8,086
(34,156)
Unrestricted		 The group
2024
Total
£
220,848
380,628
260,948
10,892
873,316
117,556
814,486
932,042
(58,726)
32,656
(26,070)
-
(26,070)

33

Sight Support West of England

Notes to the financial statements

For the year ended 31 March 2025

3. Income from donations and legacies The group

Income from donations and legacies
The group
Donations
Legacies
Gifts in kind
Total income from donations and legacies
The charity
Donations
Gifts in kind
Total income from donations and legacies		 2025
Total
£
137,156
144,405
9,343
290,904
2025
Total
£
116,720
9,343
126,063		 2024
Total
£
151,973
59,425
9,450
220,848
2024
Total
£
130,083
9,450
139,533

Gifts in kind comprise the provision of office space. All income from donations and legacies in the current and prior period was unrestricted.

4. Income from charitable activities The group

The group
Grants
Statutory
Resource sales
Total income from charitable activities
The charity
Grants
Statutory
Resource sales
Total income from charitable activities		 Restricted
£
£
117,105
162,202
-
90,056
-
3,803
117,105
256,061
Restricted
£
£
259,337
139,777
-
90,056
-
3,803
259,337
233,636
Unrestricted
Unrestricted		 The group
2025
Total
£
279,307
90,056
3,803
373,166
The charity
2025
Total
£
399,114
90,056
3,803
492,973

34

Sight Support West of England

Notes to the financial statements

For the year ended 31 March 2025

4.
Income from charitable activities (continued)
Prior period comparative:
The group
Grants
Statutory
Resource sales
Total income from charitable activities
The charity
Grants
Statutory
Resource sales
Total income from charitable activities
5.
Income from other trading activities
The group
Shop sales
Sponsorship and other trading
The charity
Shop sales
Sponsorship and other trading		 Restricted
£
£
141,228
79,955
-
142,970
-
16,475
141,228
239,400
Restricted
£
£
265,625
60,150
-
142,970
-
5,684
265,625
208,804
2025
Total
£
292,571
9,621
302,192
2025
Total
£
292,571
8,829
301,400
Unrestricted
Unrestricted		 The group
2024
Total
£
221,183
142,970
16,475
380,628
The charity
2024
Total
£
325,775
142,970
5,684
474,429
2024
Total
£
253,764
7,184
260,948
2024
Total
£
253,764
7,184
260,948

All income from other trading activities in the current and prior period was unrestricted.

35

Sight Support West of England

Notes to the financial statements

For the year ended 31 March 2025

6. Government grants The group receives government funding of £90,056 (2024: £142,970) from South Gloucestershire Council to cover the contracted Visual Impairment Rehabilitation Service. These funds are not available to be used for the charity’s core activities of providing sight loss information, advice and guidance which are funded by fundraising, donations, legacies and grants. Other income recorded as government grants are discretionary awards made by local councils and administrations totalling £5,800 (2024: £7,280), and grants amounting to £64,710 (2024: £104,928) from the National Lottery Community Fund. There are no unfulfilled conditions or contingencies attached to any of these grants.

36

Sight Support West of England

Notes to the financial statements

For the year ended 31 March 2025

7. Total expenditure The group

Total expenditure
The group
Staff costs (note 9)
Other staff costs
Direct project costs
Fundraising
Bank charges
Printing, postage and stationery
Insurance
Premises costs
Communications
Accountancy
Legal fees
Depreciation
IT and computer costs
Subscriptions
Miscellaneous costs
Sub-total
Total expenditure
Allocation of support and
governance costs		 Raising
funds
£
49,466
-
-
2,967
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
52,433
21,963
74,396		 Charitable
activities
£
639,248
-
41,741
-
-
12,271
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
693,260
257,632
950,892		 £
67,556
4,466
-
-
4,385
-
2,354
138,782
5,096
11,716
4,141
5,603
32,085
3,010
401
279,595
(279,595)
-
Support and
governance
costs		 2025 Total
£
756,270
4,466
41,741
2,967
4,385
12,271
2,354
138,782
5,096
11,716
4,141
5,603
32,085
3,010
401
1,025,288
-
1,025,288

Total governance costs were £4,750 (2024: £4,050).

37

Sight Support West of England

Notes to the financial statements

For the year ended 31 March 2025

7.
Total expenditure (continued)
The group
Prior period comparative
Staff costs (note 9)
Other staff costs
Direct project costs
Fundraising
Bank charges
Printing, postage and stationery
Insurance
Premises costs
Communications
Accountancy
Legal fees
Depreciation
IT and computer costs
Subscriptions
Miscellaneous costs
Sub-total
Total expenditure
Allocation of support and
governance costs		 Raising
funds
£
49,523
-
-
50,901
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
100,424
17,132
117,556		 Charitable
activities
£
539,982
-
63,088
-
-
11,406
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
614,476
200,010
814,486		 Support and
governance
costs
£
64,154
4,589
-
-
3,781
-
4,888
94,653
5,040
9,694
3,592
5,785
15,807
3,295
1,864
217,142
(217,142)
-		 2024 Total
£
653,659
4,589
63,088
50,901
3,781
11,406
4,888
94,653
5,040
9,694
3,592
5,785
15,807
3,295
1,864
932,042
-
932,042

38

Sight Support West of England

Notes to the financial statements

For the year ended 31 March 2025

7. Total expenditure (continued) The charity

Total expenditure (continued)
The charity
Staff costs
Other staff costs
Direct project costs
Fundraising
Bank charges
Printing, postage and stationery
Insurance
Premises costs
Communications
Accountancy
Legal fees
Depreciation
IT and support costs
Subscriptions
Miscellaneous costs
Sub-total
Total expenditure
Allocation of support and
governance costs		 Raising
funds
£
49,466
-
-
2,967
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
52,433
21,963
74,396		 £
560,361
-
41,741
-
-
12,271
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
614,373
248,801
863,174
Charitable
activities		 £
67,556
4,466
-
-
3,978
-
1,891
138,782
5,096
8,676
3,841
1,017
32,085
2,975
401
270,764
(270,764)
-
Support and
governance
costs		 2025 Total
£
677,383
4,466
41,741
2,967
3,978
12,271
1,891
138,782
5,096
8,676
3,841
1,017
32,085
2,975
401
937,570
-
937,570

39

Sight Support West of England

Notes to the financial statements

For the year ended 31 March 2025

7. Total expenditure (continued)
The charity
Prior period comparative
Staff costs
Other staff costs
Direct project costs
Fundraising
Bank charges
Printing, postage and stationery
Insurance
Premises costs
Communications
Accountancy
Legal fees
Depreciation
IT and support costs
Subscriptions
Miscellaneous costs
Sub-total
Total expenditure
Allocation of support and
governance costs		 Raising
funds
£
41,497
-
-
50,901
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
92,398
17,132
109,530		 £
463,972
-
63,045
-
-
11,406
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
538,423
191,543
729,966
Charitable
activities		 £
64,194
4,589
-
-
3,375
-
4,516
94,638
5,040
7,066
3,292
1,034
15,807
3,260
1,864
208,675
(208,675)
-
Support and
governance
costs		 2024 Total
£
569,663
4,589
63,045
50,901
3,375
11,406
4,516
94,638
5,040
7,066
3,292
1,034
15,807
3,260
1,864
839,496
-
839,496

40

Sight Support West of England

Notes to the financial statements

For the year ended 31 March 2025

8. Net movement in funds

This is stated after charging:

Depreciation
Operating lease payments
Trustees' remuneration
Trustees' reimbursed expenses
Independent examiner's remuneration (excluding VAT):
▪Independent examination
▪Other services		 2025
£
5,603
57,000
Nil
Nil
2,500
3,765		 2024
£
5,785
29,167
Nil
Nil
2,100
5,354

9. Staff costs and numbers

Staff costs were as follows:

Salaries and wages
Social security costs
Pension costs		 2025
£
670,836
52,494
32,940
756,270		 2024
£
583,616
42,654
27,389
653,659

1 employee earned between £60,000 and £70,000 in the year, excluding employer's pension contributions (2024: 1 employee).

The key management personnel of the charity comprise the Trustees, Chief Executive Officer, Head of Services, Head of Retail and Head of Fundraising, Marketing and Communications. The total employee benefits of the key management personnel were £197,099 (2024: £185,936).

Average number of employees
Full time equivalent number of employees		 The group
2025
No.
29
28		 The group
2024
No.
20
20

10. Taxation

The charity is exempt from corporation tax as all its income is charitable and is applied for charitable purposes.

41

Sight Support West of England

Notes to the financial statements

For the year ended 31 March 2025

11.
Tangible fixed assets
Group
Cost
At 1 April 2024 and at 31 March 2025
Depreciation
At 1 April 2024
Charge for the year
At 31 March 2025
Net book value
At 31 March 2025
At 31 March 2024
Charity
Cost
At 1 April 2024 and at 31 March 2025
Depreciation
At 1 April 2024
Charge for the year
At 31 March 2025
Net book value
At 31 March 2025
At 31 March 2024		 Long
leasehold
£
161,424
32,280
3,228
35,508
125,916
129,144		 £
£
40,891
34,070
37,021
32,016
1,865
510
38,886
32,526
2,005
1,544
3,870
2,054
£
6,329
4,990
1,017
6,007
322
1,339
Fixtures and
fittings
Computer
equipment
Computer
equipment		 Total
£
236,385
101,317
5,603
106,920
129,465
135,068
Total
£
6,329
4,990
1,017
6,007
322
1,339

42

Sight Support West of England

Notes to the financial statements

For the year ended 31 March 2025

12. Investments

Market value at 1 April 2024
Additions
Disposals proceeds
Historical cost update
Realised gains / (losses)
Unrealised gains / (losses)
Market value at 31 March 2025
Cash held pending reinvestment
Total investments
Represented by:
Listed equities
Cash
Total investments		 2025
2024
£
£
508,018
449,185
365,965
86,053
(366,068)
(59,876)
36
-
3,522
(1,205)
(14,038)
33,861
497,435
508,018
15,014
7,899
512,449
515,917
497,435
508,018
15,014
7,899
512,449
515,917
The group		 2025
2024
£
£
-
-
339,838
-
(170,911)
-
-
-
1,846
-
(1,755)
-
169,018
-
574
-
169,592
-
169,018
-
574
-
169,592
-
The charity		 2025
2024
£
£
-
-
339,838
-
(170,911)
-
-
-
1,846
-
(1,755)
-
169,018
-
574
-
169,592
-
169,018
-
574
-
169,592
-
The charity
-
-
-
-
-
-

Investments comprise listed investments held by the group via Rathbones.

43

Sight Support West of England

Notes to the financial statements

For the year ended 31 March 2025

13. Subsidiary undertakings

Wiltshire Blind Association

Wiltshire Blind Association, CIO (number: 1119462), is a wholly controlled subsidiary of Sight Support West of England. It promotes the welfare of blind and partially sighted persons living in Wiltshire and Swindon.

Restricted
£
Income from:
Donations and legacies
-
Charitable activities
24,050
Investments
-
Total income
24,050
Expenditure on:
Raising funds
-
Charitable activities
4,050
Total expenditure
4,050
Net income / (expenditure) before gains
20,000
Net gains / (losses) on investments
-
20,000
The aggregate of the assets, liabilities and funds was:
Assets
Liabilities
Funds
Net income / (expenditure) and net
movement in funds		 Unrestricted
£
164,841
23,217
10,186
198,244
31,408
218,542
249,950
(51,706)
(10,571)
(62,277)		 2025
Total
£
164,841
47,267
10,186
222,294
31,408
222,592
254,000
(31,706)
(10,571)
(42,277)
2025
£
622,406
(64,401)
558,005		 2024
Total
£
81,314
42,154
10,014
133,482
10,630
217,870
228,500
(95,018)
32,655
(62,363)
2024
£
770,905
(170,623)
600,282

44

Sight Support West of England

Notes to the financial statements

For the year ended 31 March 2025

14. Parent charity

The parent charity's gross income and results for the year are disclosed in the charity only Statement of Financial Activities.

15. Stock

Finished goods
Debtors
Trade debtors
Prepayments and accrued income
Intercharity loan (Wiltshire Blind Association)
Other debtors
VAT		 2025
2024
£
£
7,557
7,654
2025
2024
£
£
8,416
1,714
25,621
110,193
-
-
17,735
5,035
4,260
5,302
56,032
122,244
The group
The group		 2025
2024
£
£
7,557
7,654
2025
2024
£
£
8,416
1,159
25,621
22,193
61,701
168,283
17,735
5,035
4,260
5,302
117,733
201,972
The charity
The charity		 2025
2024
£
£
7,557
7,654
2025
2024
£
£
8,416
1,159
25,621
22,193
61,701
168,283
17,735
5,035
4,260
5,302
117,733
201,972
The charity
The charity
201,972

16. Debtors

17. Creditors : amounts due within 1 year

Creditors : amounts due within 1 year
Trade creditors
Accruals
Other taxation and social security
Other creditors		 2025
2024
£
£
13,093
5,733
6,500
5,440
12,348
13,032
4,509
50
36,450
24,255
The group		 2025
2024
£
£
13,093
5,733
3,800
3,100
12,348
13,032
4,509
50
33,750
21,915
The charity
21,915

45

Sight Support West of England

Notes to the financial statements

For the year ended 31 March 2025

18.
Analysis of group net assets between funds
£
Tangible fixed assets
-
Investments
-
Current assets
24,045
Current liabilities
-
Net assets at 31 March 2025
24,045
Prior year comparative
£
Tangible fixed assets
-
Investments
-
Current assets
40,440
Current liabilities
-
Net assets at 31 March 2024
40,440
Restricted
funds
Restricted
funds		 £
129,465
178,000
-
-
307,465
£
133,730
300,000
28,000
-
461,730
Designated
funds
Designated
funds		 £
-
334,449
202,443
(36,450)
500,442
£
1,338
215,917
194,058
(24,255)
387,058
General
funds
General
funds		 Total
Funds
£
129,465
512,449
226,488
(36,450)
831,952
Total
Funds
£
135,068
515,917
262,498
(24,255)
889,228

46

Sight Support West of England

Notes to the financial statements

For the year ended 31 March 2025

19. Movements in funds

Transfers At 31
At 1 April Gains and between
 March
2024 Income Expenditure losses funds 2025
£ £ £ £ £ £
Restricted funds
IT equipment - 7,300 (7,300) - - -
Digital inclusion - 51,000 (31,500) - - 19,500
The National Lottery
Community Fund 40,440 45,210 (85,650) - - -
Virtual hubs 9,045 (5,000) - - 4,045
Wiltshire community
sight loss service - 4,550 (4,050) - - 500
Total restricted funds 40,440 117,105 (133,500) - - 24,045
Unrestricted funds
Designated funds:
TUPE redundancy liability 28,000 - - - - 28,000
Development fund 300,000 - - - (300,000) -
Building maintenance fund - - - - 30,000 30,000
Collaboration fund - - - - 120,000 120,000
Fixed asset fund 133,730 - (4,587) - 322 129,465
Total designated funds 461,730 - (4,587) - (149,678) 307,465
General funds 387,058 861,387 (887,201) (10,480) 149,678 500,442
Total unrestricted funds 848,788 861,387 (891,788) (10,480) - 807,907
Total funds 889,228 978,492 (1,025,288) (10,480) - 831,952
Purposes of restricted funds
IT equipment To fund replacement of laptops.
Digital inclusion To provide technology support for older people with sight loss in Bristol,
Bath and South Gloucestershire.

The National Lottery To provide comprehensive sight loss services to people across the West Community Fund of England.

47

Sight Support West of England

Notes to the financial statements

For the year ended 31 March 2025

19. Movements in funds (continued) Purposes of restricted funds Virtual hubs For the establishment of Virtual Peer Support Hubs. Wiltshire community Funding provided for the costs of a Community Sight Loss Advisor in sight loss service Wiltshire.

Purposes of designated funds TUPE redundancy To cover the TUPE redundancy liability for staff delivering the South liability Gloucestershire Rehabilitation Service. Development fund Funding set aside by Wiltshire Blind Association to fund SSWE to provide sight loss advice and guidance services across Wiltshire and Swindon.

Building maintenance fund To provide for significant building repairs which may be required to maintain the St. Lucy’s Sight Centre in Devizes.

Collaboration fund To ensure Wiltshire Sight can fulfil its commitments under our new collaboration agreement venture with Sight Support West of England and Insight Gloucestershire.

Fixed asset fund This fund represents the carrying value of tangible fixed assets held by the subsidiary charity.

48

Sight Support West of England

Notes to the financial statements

For the year ended 31 March 2025

19. Movements in funds (continued)

Prior year comparative
Restricted funds
Get set progress internship
Digital inclusion
Gloucestershire
Thornbury services hub
Screwfix
Trowbridge Services Hub
Total restricted funds
Designated funds:
TUPE redundancy liability
Development fund
Fixed asset fund
Total designated funds
General funds
Total unrestricted funds
Total funds
Unrestricted funds
Wiltshire community
sight loss service
The National Lottery
Community Fund		 At 1 April
2023
£
2,354
30,000
-
-
-
-
32,354
28,000
300,000
138,482
466,482
416,462
882,944
915,298
-
-		 Income
£
8,242
-
10,000
6,500
2,400
6,658
141,228
-
-
-
-
732,088
732,088
873,316
2,500
104,928		 £
(10,596)
(30,000)
(10,000)
(6,500)
-
(6,658)
(130,742)
-
-
(4,752)
(4,752)
(796,548)
(801,300)
(932,042)
Expenditure
(2,500)
(64,488)		 £
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
32,656
32,656
32,656
Gains and
losses
-
-		 Transfers
between
funds
£
-
-
-
-
(2,400)
-
(2,400)
-
-
-
-
2,400
2,400
-		 £
-
-
-
-
-
-
At 31
March
2024
40,440
-
40,440
28,000
300,000
133,730
461,730
387,058
848,788
889,228

20. Financial instruments at fair value

Financial assets measured at fair value 2025
2024
£
£
497,435
508,018
The group		 2025
2024
£
£
169,018
-
The charity

Financial assets measured at fair value comprise listed investments.

49

Sight Support West of England

Notes to the financial statements

For the year ended 31 March 2025

21. Related party transactions

Wiltshire Blind Association (WBA), a CIO (number. 1119462) is a wholly controlled subsidiary of Sight Support West of England (SSWE).

Nick Grinham and Carl Hall (to 24 July 2024) are trustees of Sight Support West of England (SSWE), and also trustees of Wiltshire Blind Association (WBA). During the year ended 31 March 2025, WBA granted SSWE £166,282 (2024: £135,955). SSWE recharged staff costs of £78,887 (2024: £83,996) to WBA. At 31 March 2024, WBA owed SSWE £61,701 (2024: £168,283).

22. Operating lease commitments

The charity had operating leases at the year end with total future minimum lease payments as follows:

Amount falling due:
Within 1 year
Within 1 - 5 years		 2025
2024
£
£
57,000
57,000
36,083
93,083
93,083
150,083
The group and the
charity

50