2026-03-31-accounts - Holt & District Dementia Support

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Holt Deme trict pport Annual Report 2025 - 26

Trustees’ Annual Report for the period 2025 - 2026

Period start date: 1 April 2025 Period end date: 31 March 2026

Charity name: Holt & District Dementia Support

Charity registration number: 1179793

Objectives and Activities

	SORP reference
Summary of the purposes of the charity as set out in its governing document	Para 1.17	The objects of the charity are set out in our Constitution and are summarised as follows: The promotion of social inclusion amongst those living with dementia and their carers within Holt and the immediate surrounding district to a radius of 8 miles, who are socially excluded from society, or parts of society, as a result of their disability by: 1.Providing support and services appropriate to their needs; 2.Developing greater awareness and understanding of dementia issues within our local community; 3.Establishing and developing networks and links with other service providers and businesses to enable us to support and develop a local dementia friendly community; 4.Providing accessible information on how to access advice, support and services for people living with dementia and their carers; and 5.Providing social support and access to activities through the provision of a dementia-friendly café, home visiting support and other activities.
Summary of the main activities in relation to those purposes for the public benefit, in particular, the activities, projects or services identified in the accounts.	Para 1.17 and 1.19	Activities Holt & District Dementia Support has endeavoured to meet its aims and objectives throughout 2025-26. The trustees consider these were directed entirely for the benefit of those living with dementia and their carers. Services were delivered free of charge except for the Poppy Lunch Club, where a contribution to the cost of the meal was requested. Donations were welcomed. The activities / services delivered to meet these objectives have included the following:

Poppy Café

The organisation provides a drop-in Poppy Café for people living with dementia and their carers. Carers are invited to leave the person living with dementia in the care of the Café volunteers and to enjoy some respite time to themselves. Each session lasts two hours and is staffed by volunteers and managed by a co-ordinator.

During this reporting period the organisation provided a Poppy Café on Tuesday and Friday mornings.

The Poppy Cafés offer –

Opportunities for support in a safe, friendly and relaxed environment;
Social contact and friendship, allowing families and carers time to share ideas and information;
A wide selection of activities including a twice monthly session of music and singing;
Refreshments including tea, coffee and cakes;
Access to visiting health and care professionals and members of other voluntary organisations;
Information leaflets on available resources and access to a library of books on dementia care.

Poppy Home Visiting Service

The charity also provides a Poppy Home Visiting Service that offers respite for families and carers who look after those with dementia in their own homes.

This service –

Is provided by volunteers who offer company, support and reassurance to the client and enable carers to take time out;
Is undertaken by volunteers that have successfully completed training in Adult Safeguarding, Communication skills, Dementia Awareness and Lone Working and who have received clearance via the DBS screening service;
Provides visits lasting up to a maximum of 3 hours;
Offers visits on a weekly, fortnightly, monthly or occasional basis and these are pre-arranged to suit both the clients and families’ needs;
Ensures that all visits are risk assessed, planned and coordinated.

Poppy Friends

It was recognised that carers of our clients needed extra support and we could help by linking them with each other. In addition, it was also recognised that bereaved ex-carers had ongoing needs as well as much to offer to new carers in terms of providing advice, sharing anecdotes and offering friendship. This led to the formation of Poppy Friends in May 2021 and the group has met monthly ever since.

The Poppy Friends sessions occur on the third Tuesday of the month and carers are able to leave the person living with dementia at the Poppy Café while they attend the meeting at a separate location.

It is a safe, informal support group, providing a place where carers and ex-carers can meet, supported by volunteers, to chat, share

experiences, laugh, feel sad and discuss issues of concern with each other. Carers provide each other with mutual support in a neutral forum, including sharing information about available resources, services, and events. Refreshments are provided and most importantly, the carers are met with a warm welcome and an opportunity to express their feelings in a group that truly understands their difficulties.

Poppy Lunch

Poppy Lunch commenced on December 2 2022 and has operated on the first Thursday of every month. Our clients living with dementia and their carers are invited to attend and the meal has been provided by another local charitable organisation, Glaven Caring. The meal was initially provided to clients and carers free of charge during the first year but is now provided at the subsidised rate of £7.50 per head for a two-course meal with coffee and tea to follow. Every effort is made to create the feel of a restaurant but in a safe, unhurried atmosphere. Assistance is provided to clients who may need support with eating and all dietary needs are met.

At the end of this year the decision was made to bring the catering in-house and to move the lunch to a Friday following a Poppy Café. This has increased attendance.

Poppy Exercise

Gentle exercise sessions to promote balance, mobility and muscle strength were commenced on September 5 2022 at the Monday Poppy Café as a pilot initiative. During 2023-24 this was offered as a stand-alone service on a separate day but this proved less attractive to clients than the integrated exercise sessions so exercise has once more returned to being within the Café setting. This service is open to both clients and carers and is regularly provided at the Friday Poppy Café.

Partnership working

The Chair became a trustee of Norfolk & Waveney MIND during 2025-26 and is able to share information between both organisations. Changes in Local Government arrangements has reduced involvement in local groups focused on dementia but opportunities are provided for networking and sharing information on an occasional basis and Holt & District Dementia Support participates when appropriate. Referrals for support are received from statutory services and other voluntary organisations.

The Lead Coordinator for Carers and Networking attends local meetings focused on services that support those living with dementia and their carers. Information is shared by email and at the monthly Poppy Friends meeting. Other voluntary organisations working with families living with dementia, such as the Alzheimer’s Society, AgeUK, Carers Matter and Dementia Adventure liaise with the organisation and provide information and advice.

The organisation also has links with the University of East Anglia Research Unit into Dementia and Norfolk and Suffolk Foundation Trust Research Unit and provides information to those living with dementia and their carers on possible participation in current research.

Public information and advice

Holt & District Dementia Support reaches out to the public to publicise its activities and services to ensure that those needing support are able to access its services. This occurs via its website, posters and leaflets in public places and local publications.

Leaflets on other local and national resources and voluntary groups providing services for this client group are made available at the Poppy Cafés and online.

Members of Holt & District Dementia Support also attend local Community Events to offer information on our services.

Training

The organisation will provide dementia awareness training to local businesses and organisations that request it and opens its in-house training for volunteers to other local organisations that might have either staff members or volunteers who could benefit from the training sessions.

All new volunteers are required to attend ‘Understanding Dementia’ and Adult Safeguarding training as soon as possible after joining the organisation. Additional presentations are arranged for existing volunteers

Performance review

Prior to the Annual General meeting all volunteers and clients are requested to provide feedback on the organisation’s services and approach via a survey, which can be submitted anonymously. The results of these various surveys are analysed and reported at the Annual General Meeting. The questions were focused on evaluating service users’ satisfaction with the service provision, determining whether clients, carers and volunteers feel supported and seeking suggestions for future developments. This year there has been an additional survey on the future of the Poppy Lunch Club.

Additional details of objectives and activities

Website

Holt & District Dementia Support provides a website that provides details of all its services and activities plus contact details for the organisation and other voluntary or statutory services that families living with dementia may need to access. This is kept updated and includes an online copy of the most up to date Newsletter.

The charity provides a regular bi-monthly newsletter. The Newsletter includes articles, details of activities and useful information for clients, carers and volunteers. This is provided electronically to volunteers and clients alike but is also available in hard copy for those not online.

Fund raising

The charity provides services free of charge but welcomes donations. Where applicable the organisation applies for relevant grants either locally or nationally and has benefitted from local organisations and individuals raising money on its behalf. This year the charity obtained a licence for operating a small lottery and

		undertook an Easter raffle for prizes donated by members and an external supporter.
Statement confirming whether the trustees have had regard to the guidance issued by the Charity Commission on public benefit	Para 1.18	The trustees have due regard to the requirement to ensure that the activities of the organisation are directed at ensuring public benefit in accordance with the guidance issued by the Charity Commission.

Additional information (optional) You may choose to include further statements where relevant about:

	SORP reference
Policy on grant making	Para 1.38	The charity does not make grants to individuals or other organisations.
Policy on social investment including programme related investment	Para 1.38	The charity does not invest in other social programmes apart from those provided by the organisation but has had a working relationship with Glaven Caring in Blakeney and Heritage House in Wells-next-the-Sea.
Contribution made by volunteers Contribution made by volunteers cont’d	Para 1.38 Para 1.38	Volunteers are the lifeblood of the charity and without the interest and support of our volunteers the charity would not be able to provide any of its services. They contribute their time, interest and practical support to ensuring that the charity can offer its services to clients and carers. They also each contribute the benefit of a wealth of experience and knowledge that is of inestimable value to the clients and carers alike. The organisation constantly looks to recruit new volunteers and from time to time has an active recruitment campaign. Many new volunteers come to the organisation by word of mouth while others are drawn to volunteering by reading articles or leaflets about the work we do. Over the year five new volunteers have come forward and have become active volunteers at the Cafés with one volunteer switching to undertake Home Visiting. This has allowed the organisation to continue to provide its services for families living with dementia.
Other

Achievements and Performance

	SORP reference
Summary of the main achievements of the charity, identifying the difference the charity’s work has made to the	Para 1.20	During 2025-26 Holt & District Dementia Support pursued its charitable aims by responding to all requests for support and promoting its services to families living with dementia. In so doing, it met its duty to deliver public benefit. During the year the organisation has seen the loss of some longstanding clients due to the inevitable attrition associated with the disease but since the beginning of 2025 there continues to be a

circumstances of its beneficiaries and any wider benefits to society as a whole.		constant stream of new families seeking help and support. Overall, the year began with 39 clients on the register and during the year the organisation lost 22 clients but also gained 23 new clients so that the number on the register now stands at 40 clients. 4 clients died, 9 went into full time care, 9 were discharged from the service. The organisation’s main achievements during 2025-26 were as follows: Poppy Café The Poppy Café has been provided twice a week throughout the year. Attendance at the Friday session was small initially but now is nearly the same as the main Tuesday Café. This session remains the one of choice for those clients whose degree of disability means that they require a less stimulating environment or who enjoy some of the crafts and activities offered on a Friday. There were 1210 client attendances at the two Poppy Cafes with 885 attendances by carers. The Cafes were supported by 795 episodes of volunteering by our volunteers. During both Poppy Cafés, carers were encouraged to leave the client living with dementia at the Café and have some time to themselves. However, an increasing number are choosing to remain as they enjoy the atmosphere and camaraderie that is evident during the Café sessions. Poppy Café has continued to focus on not only providing an opportunity for social interaction, but also aiming to create a therapeutic environment to maintain and where possible, regain functional capacity. During 2025-26 the Cafés have provided a range of activities including games, quizzes, colouring books, etching, flower arranging, baking and occasional craft sessions. The use of an interactive white board has enabled some clients to participate in jigsaws and word searches on the bigger screen and also to enjoy background pictures and music that helps to initiate memories and conversations with volunteers. There are now two music sessions per month including the Singing Café, where client participation is actively encouraged, plus a further session led by a pianist, which involves more modern music. Words for songs are now being displayed on the electronic white board to aid participation. Music and singing remains very popular and enables clients who struggle to talk to find a medium to express their feelings and emotions. Regular monthly visits from our PAT dog, Tilly, remain very popular and help to reach some of those living with dementia who find speech and oral expression difficult. Major national and cultural events are recognized and celebrated so that clients are able to participate along with the wider community. During this year this has included a special celebration for the VE day remembrance celebrations.

Poppy Home Visiting Service

Poppy Home Visiting continues to flourish and provide beneficial support and companionship for people living with dementia and their families.

During the past year we have taken on 16 new clients whilst 16 clients have left our service as they have been admitted into hospital or care homes, moved to be near family or sadly died. Many of our clients come to us through attendance at the Poppy Café while others find out about Home Visiting through looking at our website or through recommendations from others. At the 31 March we had 18 clients, all with different abilities and interests, supported by our very able volunteers who adapt to each individual and their families.

Taking on 16 new clients (more than last year) has led to an increase in the level of work required behind the scenes with assessment visits, setting up a visiting schedule, matching and allocating suitable volunteers and supervising the service.

We have been fortunate that 2 new volunteers have joined the team whilst 4 others have stepped down. We are very grateful to them for the time and effort they have put in to help with visiting. We have 18 volunteers in the team with two of the team taking some time out at present. Interestingly the number of visits has mirrored those of the previous year with 377 home visits during 2025-26.

Unfortunately, it appears there is no equivalent service in Norfolk to support families at home living with dementia and this leads to us receiving a number of referrals and queries about having home visiting from families living outside our catchment area which we are unable to support. This is distressing for all concerned.

Volunteers continue to provide a wonderful service, giving of their time, care and support on a regular and consistent basis, which is greatly appreciated by all in receipt of their visits. Volunteers aim to provide therapeutic support for clients during their visits by offering reminiscence sessions, singing, painting, going out for walks or coffee, playing games or just sitting and watching television together. Carers appreciate the time they have to themselves, knowing that their loved ones are safe and being well looked after.

Poppy Friends

Our meetings have taken place on the third Tuesday of the month at Loades Hall (Holt Methodist Church) but are due to re-locate to The Cedars, Cromer Road from April 2026, a venue provided by one of our volunteers. Carers can come along knowing that their loved one is being entertained and cared for by volunteers at the Poppy Café. Many of our carers attend regularly and find it extremely helpful to meet up with each other. Average attendance is 8 to 10 carers each month supported by one or two of our volunteers.

This year we have benefitted from regular three-monthly visits from our local Alzheimer’s Society support worker, Catherine Moorhouse, who has offered support and advice to carers on a group and individual basis.

Poppy Lunch

Poppy Lunch commenced in December 2022. It has attracted between 6 and 18 clients and carers each lunch during the year with an average attendance of 13. The Christmas lunch attendance exceeded this with 27 enjoying a very festive occasion.

The atmosphere is convivial and everyone is encouraged to enjoy their meal in a relaxed setting and conversation is encouraged. Volunteers serve the meal and clients and carers enjoy their meal as though they are in a restaurant but without any worries about client behaviour or eating ability. It is intended to change the venue for the meal during 2026 to improve attendance. Overall, we served 148 lunches over the year.

The meal is subsidised by the charity with attendees asked to pay £7.50 per head and the charity making up the shortfall on expenditure from its donated funds.

Poppy Exercise

Poppy Exercise started with only one or two clients and support was provided on a one-to-one basis. Those that took part felt that it helped them with their balance and muscle strength.

Poppy Exercise is now fully integrated into the Friday Poppy Café sessions and the exercises offered have reflected the abilities of the clients present on the day. Carers are encouraged to take part as well and the focus has been on enjoyment as well as providing exercises that strengthen balance and mobility.

Poppy Outings

During 2025-26 the organisation once more arranged an outing to the gardens at Severals Grange in July 2025, by kind invitation of Jane Lister and Brenda Hine.

Afternoon tea was provided and clients and carers were able to explore the lovely gardens. Photographs taken on the day have been used on the interactive white board to initiate conversations during subsequent Poppy Café sessions.

During the Holt Festival in July 2025 the Poppy Cafés were obliged to vacate their usual venue and the Cafés were kindly accommodated in Loades Hall by invitation of Holt Methodist Church. This lasted three weeks and provided a change of scene that was a welcome alternative for clients.

Partnership working

Holt & District Dementia Support has continued to work with other partner organisations to strengthen services for those living with dementia.

The Lead for Carers and Networking has maintained electronic contact with the local Carers Matter voluntary organisation and has passed on information and advice to carers.

Referrals of clients and carers have been received from the Alzheimer’s Society and local health and social care organisations. The local Alzheimer’s Society representative regularly attends the Poppy Friends meeting.

The organisation has established a fruitful relationship with North Norfolk District Council (NNDC) and the Chair attended a networking afternoon of local voluntary groups provided by NNDC on the 28.04.2025. More recently a new relationship has been established with Norfolk & Waveney MIND via the Chair, who is a trustee of this organisation.

Close ties have been maintained with the local parish church, Glaven Caring, the Methodist church and Heritage House, all of whom have supported the organisation throughout the year and facilitated opportunities for the families of those living with dementia. The organisation took part in a networking event facilitated by Heritage House on the 11[th] June 2025. The organisation has reached out to the two local care homes that have opened in Holt and a number of residents regularly attend the Poppy Café.

This year we welcomed two sixth form pupils for a placement at the Poppy Café as part of the requirements for them to obtain their Duke of Edinburgh Award. Performance review Clients and carers at each of the organisation’s services are issued with a survey questionnaire each year as are all volunteers within the organisation.

The surveys for 2024-25 were circulated in April 2025 and were reported at the Annual General Meeting on the 19[th] June 2025. The surveys looked at the effectiveness of service provision as well as more detailed analysis of each service. Clients and carers were very positive about all the services although as usual, some clients expressed a wish for more home visiting. Carers expressed appreciation for the provision of two cafes per week. The importance of support and general social interaction shone through the responses. Dominoes continued to be a very popular pastime.

The Poppy Lunch Club was well evaluated by those that attended and the additional survey on the lunch provision in March 2026 gave approval for moving the provision to a Friday following a Poppy Café and suggested that a wider choice of menu would be welcomed. Poppy Friends was highly valued by those that attended and respondents expressed an appreciation for the support offered when the situation at home was particularly challenging. Volunteers reported that they found it easy to volunteer and felt well supported in their role. This year’s questions have been circulated and will be reported at the Annual General Meeting on the 18 June 2026. This year the focus is again on whether clients feel that current services are effective and whether volunteers feel supported in their role.

Public information

The organisation has continued to promote the work of the charity where applicable through articles in the local press, involvement in local events to raise awareness of what we do and by distributing leaflets and posters widely throughout the area. Articles on the work of the organisation are regularly printed in local publications. The website has continued to be updated regularly with information about current services and events. The bimonthly Newsletter is published online and there is access to all previous copies for those new to the site. Updates have also taken place to listings of the organisation on local authority information sites and those of partner organisations such as the Alzheimer’s Society.

Education & Training Face-to-face training has taken place during 2025-26 and new volunteers have been provided with the opportunity to attend sessions on Understanding Dementia and Safeguarding Adults. The Chair has provided additional on-site training to staff and volunteers at the Glaven Day Care Centre.

Additional information (optional) You may choose to include further statements where relevant about:

Achievements against objectives set	Achievements against objectives set	Para 1.41	The charity has achieved against all its agreed objectives and continues to look for ways in which it can both improve and expand its services to maximise its support for families living with dementia. It remains focused on raising awareness about the needs and interests of those living with dementia, sharing information with partnership organisations and helping to raise the profile of those living with dementia when new developments are envisaged in the local community. The organisation has ensured that communication with families living with dementia and the public has been assured through the publication of its Newsletter, website, articles in the local media and the distribution of leaflets about the charity’s activities. Holt & District Dementia Support remains a lifeline for many families and as our annual surveys attest, many families living with dementia find they are only able to continue to care for their relative due to our support and the services we provide. We continue to look for innovative ways to develop and expand our support and to assist families to live well with the challenge of dementia. In late 2024 the charity was nominated for a King’s Award for Voluntary Services by a small group of the organisation’s carers. Over the following few months two deputy lieutenants of the county attended all our services and spoke to clients, carers and volunteers. Their report was submitted by March 31 2025. Sadly, in November 2025 the organisation found out that it was unsuccessful this time in being selected for an award although it received very positive feedback from both the deputy lieutenants.

Performance of fundraising activities against objectives set	Para 1.41	The charity does not set itself any objectives in terms of fundraising but has been fortunate to receive contributions towards its services from the continued support of local people, businesses and individuals who have benefitted from the service. In 2025-26 the charity received a number of donations. The largest individual donation was £926 from the North Norfolk Walkers. This year we were the chosen charity for a participant in the 2026 London Marathon, Clare Christmas, with £882.43 received from Just Giving to date with £312.04 received by 31.03.2026. Our very first public raffle raised £730 for the organisation following payment of expenses. All prizes were donated.
Investment performance against objectives	Para 1.41	The charity does not have any objectives in relation to investments.
Other

Financial Review

Review of the charity’s financial position at the end of the period	Para 1.21	The cash held either at bank or in hand totalled £32.7k at 31 March 2025. There were no other assets and no outstanding liabilities at that date.
Statement explaining the policy for holding reserves stating why they are held	Para 1.22	The main financial risk to the charity is reduced donations and the reserves are held to cover operational costs in the event of a loss of income, to meet the costs of possible new initiatives and to meet any unforeseen expenditure that may occur. It is the charity’s policy to maintain reserves that would cover 24 months expenditure in the event of a loss of income.Expenditure totalled £11.8k for the year ended 31 March 2026.
Amount of reserves held	Para 1.22	The reserves held at 31 March 2026 totalled £32.7k.
Reasons for holding zero reserves	Para 1.22	Not applicable
Details of fund materially in deficit	Para 1.24	Not applicable
Explanation of any uncertainties about the charity continuing as a going concern	Para 1.23	Currently there are no uncertainties about the charity continuing as a going concern.

Additional information (optional) You may choose to include further statements where relevant about:

The charity’s The charity’s principal source of funds is from donations. These principal sources of come from the clients and carers who use the services, fundraising funds (including initiatives by local individuals, organisations, businesses and from any fundraising) Para 1.47 bequests. The charity applies for community grants where applicable. During the year donations received totalled £10.7k.

Investment policy and objectives including any social investment policy adopted	Para 1.46	Not applicable.
A description of the principal risks facing the charity	Para 1.46	Risk Management The charity has a proactive approach to risk management. The Trustees have identified their key risks and have in place a risk management plan to manage and mitigate the identified risks. This is monitored regularly and updated as required. A risk assessment is undertaken if new services are commenced or outings are considered. These are shared with the volunteers. The Home Visiting Service undertakes a risk assessment on all new clients and the subsequent risk management plan is made available to all volunteers visiting the client and this is updated as required. Specific guidance is available for volunteers at both the Poppy Café and the Home Visiting service to manage risks associated with the health and well-being of clients. This guidance is brought to the attention of all new volunteers with the service as part of the volunteer’s induction to the organisation. The provision of a cardiac defibrillator on the premises led to the provision of first aid training. Poppy Exercise has also been added to the risk register and mitigations have included training for key volunteers, health assessment of all participants and guidance for the use of equipment. Checks with the Disclosure and Barring Service are undertaken for all members who exercise positions of responsibility within the organisation and all those who volunteer as Home Visitors to ensure protection for our vulnerable clients. Public liability insurance is in place plus additional accidental cover for volunteers undertaking duties with the organisation.

Structure, Governance and Management

Description of charity’s trusts:
Type of governing document	Para 1.25	Holt & District Dementia Support is governed by a Constitution that was agreed and ratified by the entire membership when the organisation registered with the Charity Commission in September 2018. In 2021-22 an amendment was made to the Constitution at an Emergency General meeting held on the 9 December 2021 as follows: • Trustees to serve for three terms of three years before compulsorily having to stand down instead of two terms. A charity trustee who has served for three consecutive terms may not be reappointed for a fourth consecutive term but may be reappointed after an interval of at least three years.

How is the charity constituted?	Para 1.25	The organisation is registered as a Charitable Incorporated Organisation.
Trustee selection methods including details of any constitutional provisions E.g. election to post or name of any person or body entitled to appoint one or more trustees	Para 1.25	Recruitment and appointment of trustees Trustees are elected by those members that are in attendance at the Annual General meeting and are drawn from both the membership and from individuals from outside the organisation but with a proven interest in the aims of the organisation. Trustees are proposed and seconded by current members and are required to indicate their willingness to take on the additional responsibilities associated with being an officer within the organisation and the duties and responsibilities associated with being a trustee prior to the Annual General meeting. Members are eligible to be considered as trustees based on their personal abilities, specialist knowledge and skills and commitment to the aims and objectives of the organisation. If a trustee vacancy occurs before the Annual General meeting is due to take place the existing trustees will appoint an interim trustee to ensure continuity of governance and the appointment will be subject to a vote of the membership at the next Annual General meeting.

Additional information (optional) You may choose to include further statements where relevant about:	Additional information (optional) You may choose to include further statements where relevant about:	Additional information (optional) You may choose to include further statements where relevant about:
Policies and procedures adopted for the induction and training of trustees	Para 1.51	Induction and training of trustees On appointment as a trustee, the appointee is provided with an introduction to the role by an existing trustee and given a copy of the Constitution and the organisation’s policies and procedures. In addition, the new trustee is directed to the guidance issued by the Charity Commission on the duties and responsibilities associated with being a trustee and the importance of public benefit.
The charity’s organisational structure and any wider network with which the charity works	Para 1.51	Organisational structure The charity has a well understood structure that supports good governance and operational management. The charity trustees are responsible for exercising responsibility for the corporate governance of the organisation, setting its strategic direction and ensuring compliance with both its Constitution and the requirements of being a Charitable Incorporated Organisation. The operational management of the various services provided by the charity are overseen by the Working Committee, which comprises the trustees plus other appointees and advisors that contribute specific knowledge and expertise.

The trustees and members of the Working Committee receive no remuneration other than payment for incidental expenditure associated with undertaking their role as either committee members or as volunteers. All give of their time freely.

The Working Committee meets six times a year with a separate Trustee committee meeting preceding that of the Working Committee meeting at least twice a year. Otherwise, the meetings are integrated. Each committee has specific terms of reference which ensure that responsibilities, delegation and decision-making is clearly defined and duplication is avoided. Both committees are chaired by the Chair of the organisation to ensure continuity and good communication between both committees.

During 2025-26 two trustees, Eleanor Sidgwick and Dr. Stephen Gillam, stood down. Dr. Stephen Gillam was re-elected for a further term of office and Karen Neill was elected as a new trustee. Elizabeth Brett was appointed as Administrator for the following year. Volunteers are core to the organisation and are recruited from the general public and specifically for their commitment to the aims and objectives of the organisation in supporting those living with dementia and their carers.

Volunteers are invited to attend a meeting twice a year to ensure that all members have an opportunity to contribute to the direction of the organisation and to discuss issues with the membership of both committees. All members are invited to attend the Annual General meeting. During 2025-26 the Volunteers had an opportunity to attend a Volunteer Lunch before the meeting took place.

In addition to the Constitution, Holt & District Dementia Support has a suite of policies to support good governance including policies on Safeguarding, Recruitment, Data Protection, Risk Management, Internal Financial Controls, Managing Conflicts of Interest, Complaints and Lone Working and all members are directed to these policies on joining the charity. This guidance is supplemented by a comprehensive Volunteer Handbook that is issued to all new members. In addition, this year all trustees have been asked to complete a Fit and Proper Persons declaration.

Training is provided to all new volunteers who have been accepted as members through the recruitment process including training on understanding dementia, safeguarding and communication skills. Bespoke training is arranged when needed.

H&DDS ORGANISATIONAL STRUCTURE

TRUSTEES Chair / Lead for Poppy Lunch Deputy Chair/ Lead for Poppy Cafes Treasurer Volunteer / Music Volunteer/ Health Professional Volunteer / Home Visitor

THE WORKING COMMITTEE Trustees Lead for Home Visiting Lead for Poppy Cafés Lead for Media / Newsletter Lead for Carers / Networking Home Visitor Volunteer Poppy Café Volunteer Representatives from associated organisations

MEMBERS

Current volunteers who have completed the recruitment process

Relationship with any related parties

Para 1.51

Relationship with related parties

The charity is the principal voice for those living with dementia in Holt but endeavours to work with other organisations and authorities that are engaged in supporting families living with dementia including the local district council, health authorities, local care homes and local businesses that actively promote dementia-friendly practices.

The charity is also in regular contact with other charities in this field such as Age UK, the Alzheimer’s Society, the Admiral Nursing Service, Dementia Action Alliance, Glaven Caring and Heritage House so that advice, support and service provision is integrated and focused on the needs of the local client group.

Other

Reference and Administrative details

Charity name	Holt & District Dementia Support
Other name the charity uses	None
Registered charity number	1179793
Charity’s principal address	39 Cromer Road Holt Norfolk NR25 6EU

Names of the charity trustees who manage the charity

Trustee name	Office (if any)	Dates acted if not for whole year	Name of person (or body) entitled to appoint trustee (if any)
Claire Roberts	Chair/ Lead Coordinator for PoppyLunch	Whole period	Membership of organisation
Eleanor Sidgwick	Lead for Home Visiting	April 1stuntil the AGM (19thJune 2025)	Membership of organisation
Karen Neill	Provision of music/singing Promoter – small lottery	From AGM	Membership of organisation
David Sidgwick	Treasurer/Home VisitingVolunteer	Whole period	Membership of organisation
Isobel Horsley	Lead Coordinator for the Poppy Cafés	Whole period	Membership of organisation
Stephen Gillam	Poppy Café & Home Visiting Volunteer/ Retired GP	Whole period	Membership of organisation
Jocelyn Wiggins	Home Visiting Volunteer	Whole period	Membership of organisation

– Corporate trustees names of the directors at the date the report was approved

Director name None

Name of trustees holding title to property belonging to the charity

Trustee name	Dates acted if not for whole year
None

Funds held as custodian trustees on behalf of others

Description of the assets held in this capacity	None
Name and objects of the charity on whose behalf the assets are held and how this falls within the custodian charity’s objects
Details of arrangements for safe custody and segregation of such assets from the charity’s own assets

Additional information (optional)

Names and addresses of advisers (Optional information)

Type of Adviser	Name	Address
Alzheimer’s Society	Catherine Moorhouse	catherine.moorhouse@alzheimers.org.uk
Examiner	Angela Harcourt	Hard Farm, Little Marsh Lane, Field Dalling, Holt, NR25 7LL
Bank	Barclays Business Banking	Online

Name of chief executive or names of senior staff members (Optional information)

Working Committee

Trustees

Lead for Communications, Media Relations and Website – Sue Wharfe Administrator – Elizabeth Brett Representatives from: Poppy Café – Maureen Buckey Clients and Carers / Lead for Carers & Networking – Helen Banham

Exemptions from disclosure

Reason for non-disclosure of key personnel details

All disclosed

Other optional information

Declarations

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

Signed on behalf of the charity’s trustees:

Signature(s) David Sidgwick Full name(s) Claire Roberts Position (eg Secretary, Chair Treasurer Chair, etc) Date 18th June 2026

Holt & District Dementia Support Annual Report 19th June 2025 Registered Charity No. 1179793

BALANCE SHEET
AS AT 31 MARCH 2026
31.03.25
£
ASSETS
Current assets
763
Barclays Community Account
9,289
Barclays Business Premium Account
20,500
CCLA Charities Deposit Fund
28
Cash in hand
£30,580
FUNDS AND RESERVES
GENERAL FUND
Balance brought forward
4,756
Add: Surplus for the year
RISK RESERVE
24,500
Balance brought forward
Add: Interest received
POPPY LUNCH FUND
Balance brought forward
1,324
Less: Deficit for the year
£30,580

31.03.26
£
£
1,250.95
10,159.09
21,316.63
28.26
32,754.93
£32,754.93
4,756.08
2,311.44
7,067.52
24,500.30
816.33
25,316.63
1,324.26
953.48
370.78
£32,754.93

Registered charity number: 1179793

HOLT & DISTRICT DEMENTIA SUPPORT

GENERAL FUND

RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS ACCOUNT

2025 £ 5,754 6,207 11,961	FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2026 £ RECEIPTS General income 4,201 Donations at Poppy Café 465 Home Visiting Service donations 305 Gift Aid 30 Sale of disabled toilet keys 500 CCLA Deposit Fund interest 253 Barclays Deposit Account interest 0 Legacy - Rita Stephenson 0 Easter Raffle One-off donations: 0 North Norfolk Walkers 0 Clare Christmas (London Marathon) 0 Quiz Night Roughton 0 Nikki Blundell 0 Holt Retail Limited 0 Kelly Williamson 0 Nicola Stevens 0 Friends of Gresham Church 1,735 Katherine Shepheard 260 Other donations 172 Blue Sky Leisure 660 Food for thought 200 Campbell Welsh 100 Holt Society 306 Gresham's School 850 Charities Trust for Yorkshire Building Society 100 Tom James 640 Charity Event, North Walsham 242 East of England Co-op 350 Festive Holt 150 Holt W.I. 250 W.I. Noreaster Group 192 Collection Boxes Balances carried forward	2026 £ £ 5,986.56 1,284.14 175.37 25.00 0.00 120.04 200.00 740.00 8,531.11 926.00 312.04 190.00 97.60 100.00 175.00 244.00 185.44 462.06 575.59 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 3,267.73 11,798.84

HOLT & DISTRICT DEMENTIA SUPPORT

GENERAL FUND

RECEIPTS & PAYMENTS ACCOUNT (CONTINUED)

2025
£
11,961
1,101
13,062
5,378
1,513
215
5,956

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2026
2026
£
£
£
£
Balances brought forward
11,798.84
Donations in memory of:
0
David Thomson
162.39
0
Derek Dooley
5.00
0
Carole Blundell
48.80
0
Tony Reynolds
20.00
150
John Curry
0.00
485
Gillian Waters
0.00
170
Mary Price
0.00
250
Tony Webster
0.00
46
Thomas Waits
0.00
236.19
12,035.03
PAYMENTS
Poppy Café expenditure
3,558
Meeting room hire
4,269.00
1,297
Refreshments
1,335.45
162
Crafts, games and books
28.00
361
Volunteer's mileage & parking
321.75
5,954.20
Home Visiting Service expenditure
Volunteers' mileage
1,188.23
Poppy Friends expenditure
208
Space Hire
144.00
7
Refreshments
39.89
183.89
General expenditure
300
Website costs
315.59
422
Insurance
420.91
234
Stamps, Stationery, printer ink and paper
242.15
180
DBS checks
132.00
53
Gifts
39.89
504
Meeting costs
546.23
7
Training costs
3.15
84
Christmas presents clients and carers
385.52
1,784
Balances carried forward
2,085.44
7,326.32
12,035.03

HOLT & DISTRICT DEMENTIA SUPPORT

GENERAL FUND

RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS ACCOUNT (CONTINUED)

2025 £ 5,956 3,567 £2,389 2025 £ 800 1,891 £1,091	FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2026 £ £ 1,784 Balances brought forward 2,085.44 General expenditure (continued) 384 Leaflets 68.00 12 Cards 23.07 19 Disabled toilet keys 4.99 1,315 10th Anniversary costs. 0.00 47 Outing costs 73.20 6 Laminating pouches 0.00 0 Raffle tickets 60.00 0 Laptop repairs 69.60 0 Sundries 12.97 Surplus for the year HOLT & DISTRICT DEMENTIA SUPPORT POPPY LUNCH FUND RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS ACCOUNT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2026 £ RECEIPTS 800 Takings 0 Donations PAYMENTS 1,505 Food costs 360 Hire of Parish Hall 0 Mileage and parking 26 Other costs Deficit for the year	2026 £ £ 7,326.32 12,035.03 2,397.27 9,723.59 £2,311.44 2026 £ 1,125.00 48.50 1,173.50 1,649.08 430.00 46.21 1.69 2,126.98 £953.48

HOLT & DISTRICT DEMENTIA SUPPORT

INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT

I confirm the accounts were presented, ready for examination.

In connection with my examination, no material matter has come to my attention to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.

Signed: Angela Harcourt

Address: Hard Farm, Field Dalling, NR25 7LL

Date: 25/05/2026

Registered charity number: 1179793