Derbyshire Stroke & Neuro Therapy Centre Trustee’s Report and Financial Statement For the year: 01/01/25 to 31/12/25
CIO: 1183603
| Charity Name: | Derbyshire Stroke & Neuro Therapy Centre |
|---|---|
| Known as: | Derbyshire Stroke Centre |
| Previously known as: | Specialist Stroke Services (1140073) |
| Registered Charity Number: | 1183603 |
| Registered Address: | Derbyshire Stroke Centre, |
| Holmewood Business Park | |
| Chesterfield Road | |
| Holmewood | |
| Chesterfield | |
| S42 5US | |
| Chief Executive Officer: | Mrs Julie Wheelhouse |
| Trustees: | Ita Hobell – Chair |
| Jerry Cox – Vice Chair | |
| Karen Steele | |
| Jenny Whitmore | |
| Roger Thorpe | |
| Vanessa Browes | |
| Type of governing document: | Constitution (Foundation Model) adopted 23/05/19 |
| Accountant: | David Lissimore, Aims Accountants |
| Oakswood,Wingfield Road, | |
| Oakerthorpe, Alfreton,Derbyshire, DE55 7LH | |
| Bank: | NatWest Bank, |
| 5 Market Place, | |
| Chesterfield | |
| S40 1TW |
Structure and Governance Issues:
Derbyshire Stroke Centre was registered with the Charity Commission as a CIO on 28/05/19.
We aspire to hold high standards of governance and adhere to the Charity Governance Code.
Although we are a relatively small charity we identify with and adopt all seven principles. However some have a particular resonance with us as an organisation for example Equality, diversity and inclusion and Integrity which both reflect our values and culture.
We feel that our board members have a wide range of skills and knowledge and all have lived experience of some or all of the following: Stroke, dementia, head injury, caring, being cared for, mental health issues, anxiety, psychological and cognitive problems, mobility and communication disorders.
This ensures that they have a unique perspective on being a user of the charity’s services and have a genuine empathy and drive to deliver a fully inclusive organisation that is both responsive and person centred delivering only the highest standards of support.
The Objects of Derbyshire Stroke Centre are:
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The relief of sickness and the preservation of health among people living with the effects of a stroke or neurological health condition (survivors and carers)
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To assist in the treatment and care of persons suffering from mental or physical illness as a result of a stroke or neurological health condition or in need of rehabilitation as a result of such illness, by the provision of facilities for rehabilitation and recreation.
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To promote and protect the physical and mental health of families affected by stroke or neurological health conditions through the provision of support, education and practical advice
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To advance the education of the general public in all areas relating stroke and neurological health conditions
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To preserve and protect the health of people affected by stroke or neurological conditions by providing and assisting in the provision of facilities, support services and equipment not normally provided by the statutory authorities.
Trustees
All trustees give their time voluntarily and receive no remuneration or other benefits Trustees are appointed by invitation.
There are currently 6 trustees, all of whom are stroke survivors. Trustees meet on a bimonthly basis to discuss staffing, fundraising, service delivery, budgets and general Charity business
Trustees Annual Report 2025
Charity Balls
2025 saw two balls at the Casa as usual, they remain events that bring families together to enjoy an outing without all the worries about feeling uncomfortable or struggling to cope alone. We had 80+ attend each one and the atmosphere was lovely. We enjoyed good food, dancing and the opportunity to just relax and have fun with friends.
Transport
We purchased the ‘Disco’ bus as its has become known in 2025. The need for transport increases and even with 7 vehicles we remain fully booked for seats. Some buses are still doing 2 journeys each day to bring in all the people who ask for transport. If we didn’t offer transport the majority of our users would not be able to attend the Centre and would remain isolated at home. Access to community transport is poor in Derbyshire and this contributes to the number of people who are not able to access many services
We are fortunate to have a fabulous team of drivers who ensure people have a good journey in to us and they feel safe and well looked after. As always our drivers often go the extra mile providing support at home to get people on the buses. We are proud that our mini fleet of green buses are so well recognised in the area.
Activities
2025 brought our usual eclectic mix of activities, designed to engage people of all ages and with a wide range of neurological conditions.
We enjoyed visits from a range of animals, including goats, ponies and owls. Eleanor came and we belly-danced, there was a lot of music, jigsaws and crafts – something for everyone to enjoy!
Our themed weeks continue to be a huge success and very popular. In 2025 we had a diverse range of themes again such as Disney, Country & Western, 80’s, Glam rock Flower Power and much more! Each week is a good excuse to dress up, have fun and party creating a wonderful atmosphere and bringing back memories triggered by costumes and music.
We are fortunate to have a core group of singers/entertainers who understand our way of working and provide excellent entertainment on every visit. Catering to a diverse group is not always easy and we have a wide age range of people on any day with differing musical tastes, however we have many singers who manage to provide something for everyone and our service users have a good time!
Our service users enjoy the opportunity to take part in crafts and express themselves creatively.
BBQ week
For the first time we didn’t have our traditional indoor beach for our summer party week, we decided to have a Mardi Gras to embrace the vibrant colours and music. We still had the outdoor BBQ, this year for the fir
It is very important to us to have our own traditions and markers of the year – like the Ball’s the BBQ week is an opportunity for our service users to take part in activities they may have enjoyed before changes to their health. These events give us something to look forward to and plan for throughout the year.
Celebrating the work of Jerry in the Garden
Since we moved into our building in 2014 Jerry (a service user & Trustee) has dug, planted and maintained our garden to a beautiful standard. Over the years growing fruit and veg for our kitchen and in recent years ensuring there is a colourful display of flowers all round for people to enjoy.
Jerry is not a fair weather gardener he is outside in all weathers, all year round. We nominated him for the Green Award in the BBC make a difference awards and were delighted when he got shortlisted to the final 4 out of hundreds of entries.
We had a fabulous day out in Leeds for the final award ceremony and although Jerry ended up being Highly Commended in our eyes he is a winner!
Staffing
Staffing continues to be challenging – we have high standards of care at our Centre and sometimes it can be difficult to find people who can work consistently to those standards. We are very proud of the care provided to everyone who comes to the Centre and we think our team are the best in Derbyshire!
We have approx. 13 staff at any one time employed by us. With 10 of those working directly with our service users, either on one of our buses, or in the Centre. The majority of our staff are skilled enough to drive a bus, run a group, cook lunch for 30+ service users all with a smile.
Our staff care deeply about the work they do here at our Centre and this is evident in how they interact with our service users treating them with dignity and respect.
Fundraising
Rachel, Pauls daughter ran the London Marathon for us – what an achievement!
We also held our annual Gala Day the football tournament run by the Referee’s Association which was a success.
Our Pod
We were delighted to receive donations from a number of different families, along with a grant from Foundation Derbyshire to allow us to purchase our pod.
The pod will enable us to have a space to speak to people more privately, but still open so they feel part of the days activities. We will use it for meetings with health professionals and families, a quiet area if someone feels overwhelmed or anxious or somewhere that can be used for peer support which h is so important.
Finances in 2025
Our accounts in 2025 show some numbers that are quite different to previous accounts. We are pleased to see that they reflect the steady growth of our charity, but the expenditure amounts show a significant increase in rent from our usual £9,182 per annum to £74,463 for 2025.
This reflects the long-standing dispute between the Charity and Derbyshire County Council who have wanted to increase our rent from £5,000 per annum to £62,000 per annum. We felt this amount did not take into account the services we supply free of charge or heavily subsidised to DCC service users (in excess of £200,000 per annum) and as such we instructed solicitors to negotiate a more reasonable rent. In December 2025 this amount was agreed at £38,000, however DCC asked for interim rent backdated to 2024. At the end of December 2025, the amount of interim rent was still being negotiated. The accounts therefore reflect the amount of interim rent requested by DCC although at the end of our financial year it was unpaid as negotiations continued.
In addition, for the first time in our history we are showing a very large amount of professional fees to reflect legal costs of around £15,000.
We feel these figures show extraordinary numbers that represent a period of unsettled time whilst rent negotiations take place. Despite this we are pleased that we have been able to continue to provide an excellent service for people that we are very proud of.
Finances 2025 - Statement of Financial Activities
Derbvshire Stroke & Iyeuro Therapy Centrt D¢tail¢d St4t¢M¢n¢ of FiD#n¢i41 A¢tiviti¢s for th¢ Yegr Ended 31 D¢¢¢mb¢r 2025 leofjtinu} Total 2024 Appeals and daLl05 Gran 5,245 I.IM)O 16.530 16.530 21,595 9.989 21.753 Gym irtcom¢ Gelleral fundraisinb 6,527 42.765 35.331 (IlherlrtLwMe SL'fvicL' Uscr feL'S 484.792 484.792 5S2.79 Catering sup]Trlies Depreciaiion ol"plani and machincry Deprcciatioll tsf mowri'chi¢les D¢PClO of offtc cquipmelli Kcni and raics In¢rgy and *[tr CQ$L8 Gcneral MainteanCe 129.4461 16.675) 130.2421 174.4631 110,6291 125.4951 15.4451 Logal and profc5SIaI fe 16.986 170.(XJ6 6,475 Cliqritsljleqrllvlrfts Salarie5 Service %craC[lVI11e5 ans PakerS Trao5POtWlion ¥alth¢¥we Support¢ 161.7621 128,6951 27.989 416.S.$2 147.2291 {29.4>) i49.$42
Trustee’s reports and accounts for 2025 verified as accurate by:
Jerry Cox Roger Thorpe Chair Trustee
21[st] August 2026
Derbvshire Stroke & Neuro Therapy Centre Statement of Financial Aetivities bv fund for the Year Ended 31 December 2025 Total Tot81 Uthrestrieted Unrestricted Funds Funds 2025 2024 Income Endowments from: Donaiions athd legacie5 her irading activities Other income 6.245 35,338 552.790 16.530 42,765 484.79? Total income 594.373 544,087 Expenditure on: Raising fund5 Charitable activities 1170.006) 416,552 (110.122) 349.642 Total expendimre 586.558 459 764 Net income 7.815 84,323 Nei movemeni in funds 7,815 84.323 Reeonciliation of funds Total fvnd5 brought forward 286.948 202.625 Toial funds caffied forward 294.763 286.948
Derbvshire Stroke & Neuro Therapy Centre Detailed Statement of Financial Activities for the Year Ended 31 December 2025 (Continued) Total 2025 Total 2024 Donalion.s andlegacies Appeals and donaitons Grants 5.245 1.000 6.245 16,530 16.530 Oilier Irading activili Caf¢ income Gym income G¢TSerdl fundrai55n8 21.595 9.989 3.754 21,753 14,185 6.827 42,765 ollier income Service user fees 552.790 552.790 484,792 484.792 Rfji5inKfuMds Catering supplies Depreciaiion of plani and machinery Deprcciation of moioT vehicles Depreciation of otTic¢ y1pment Rent and raies Energy and water costs G¢ncral maintenan¢e G¢n¢ral administration Legal and professional fees {29.446) (6.675) (7,331) (1.532) 174,46)) I lJ.J64) {5,445) 114.764) 16,986 170.006 (30,2421 15.3011 (6.1791 11,8021 19.182) (10.629) (25.495) (14.817) 10.122 Clidrilable 17ctivitie3 Salaries Servic¢ us¢r activitie5 ons sp¢aker5 Transportation H¢althcare support costs (298.106) 161,762) {28,695) 27.989 416.552 (265,0181 (47,2291 (29,4001 7.995 349.642
Derbyshire Stroke & Neuro Therapy Centre (Registration number: 1183603) Balance Sheet as at 31 December 2025 2025 2024 Note Fixed assets Tangible assets 12 88.049 75,264 Curr¢nt assets Debtors Cash at bank and in hand 13 14 34.000 2)9.982 273,982 44.717 172.168 216.885 Creditors: Amounts falling due within one vear 15 67.268 (5.201 Net eurrtnt &wts 206.714 211.684 Nct assets 294.763 286.948 Funds of the charitv: Unrestricted income funds Unrestricted funds 294 763 286.948 Totsl funds 16 294.763 286.948
CHARITY COMMISSION FOR ENGLAND AND WALES Independent examiner's report on the accounts Section A Independent Examtnerfs Report Report to the trusteesl members of DERBYSHIRE STROKE & NEURO THERAPY CENTRE On accounts forthe year ended 31 DECEMBER 2025 Charity no {if any) 1183603 Set out on pages I report to the trustees on my examination of the account$ of the above charty {"the Trust") for the period ended 3111212025 As the charity trustees of the Tnjst, you are responsible for the preparation Responsibilities and of the accounls in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act basis of report 2011 {Yie Acr). I report in respect of my examination of the Trust's accounts Carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carying out my examination, I have followed the applicatrAe Directions given by the Charity Commission under sectton 14515llb} of the Act. I have npleted my examinatK>n. I confimi thal no malerial matters have come to my attentn in connectKJn with the examination which gNes me cause to believe that in. any material respect". accounting records were nol kepl in accordance with section 130 of the Act or the accounts do not accord wrf(h the accounting rerdS Independent examineVs statement I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection wilh the eXaminatn to which attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding oflhe accounts to be reached. Signed: Date: 20" August 2026 Name: David Lissimore Relevant professional qualifi¢ation(s) or body (if any): Chartered Instrtule of Management Accountants {C.l.M.A.) Address: 3 Clayton Close Morton Awreton DE55 6LN IER October 2018