Trustees Annual Report 30-06-2023 – 30-06-2024 The objects of the CIO are:
To relieve the needs of Neurodiverse children and young adults in West Yorkshire (without attached funding or diagnosis necessarily) by providing grants to assist with the provision of specialist equipment to aid and enable their access to education and the curriculum. For the purposes of this clause ‘Neurodiverse’ refers to the different ways the brain can work and interpret information. Neurodivergence includes, but is not limited to: Attention Deficit Disorders, Autism Spectrum Disorders, Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD), Dyslexia, Dysgraphia, Dyscalculia and Dyspraxia.
The year this annual return covers has once more been challenging, as the cost-of-living crisis deepens, we have seen a notable drop in donations but thankfully for us, a steady increase in support, with the knock-on effect being more applications than previous years, as we become more established. As a charity, the interest and support from West Yorkshire is gaining momentum and given the current financial climate we still find ourselves in, we continue to feel privileged that we are able to carry on the work we are doing. We seek all avenues and opportunities presented to us, to enable us to spread the word about what we do and what we can provide.
In this time frame, we have held 3 applicant windows and have had 47 applications, which is an increase of 147% from the previous report and we can only foresee this increasing. Equipment has yet again varied, from laptops, sensory equipment, specialist pens, pencils, Dyslexia resources, maths resources, wobble stool and splint (to name but a few)
Equipped4Learning, Registered Charity in England and Wales (1184110)
All applications met our criteria and could provide evidence from an AHP/SpLD teacher/psychologist as to why they were needed to access their education. However, we came under increasing financial pressure toward the later end of this time period and found ourselves in the sad position of having to close our June application window early, only able to meet just 1 of the 3 items listed for those applicants. We are always honest to our applicants about the possibility of this happening, and all were understanding but as a charity, this is not a position we would like to have been in.
We have added value by asking for feedback from applicants as to how they have found the process and any changes they would make, in order for us to continue to offer the ease of service we want and to grow and learn from any negative feedback received. To date all feedback has been very positive. We currently have 4 applications on a waiting list for our next application window later in the year, because funds didn’t permit them to be processed. We process applications in date order received, fully completed.
Fundraising, as mentioned, has been challenging but once again this year we had a well-planned out fundraising timetable that ensured we had an event on most months in order to replenish our funds, although unfortunately due to unforeseen reasons we did not have the main one in May that we had planned in, and this did not aid our June application window. Once again, we had a variety of fundraises both in person and online, to widen the net of those that can participate, with postal prizes ensuring those outside of West Yorkshire could become involved. We were also fortunate enough to have a couple of very generous donations.
Looking to the next year we have again pre planned in the years fundraisers for the coming financial year, ensuring funds are generated before each application window, by a larger in person event. All trustees agree that we absolutely
Equipped4Learning, Registered Charity in England and Wales (1184110)
must prioritise events that enable us to spread the word about our charity further across West Yorkshire and get out and about to encourage engagement and use. We have also completed several bids, in order to try and secure bigger blocks of funds and have attended free training for this.
Having had our AGM, we are still continuing with 3 applicant windows a year, through the months of March, June, and October, to afford us time to fundraise in between. We have also agreed to continue for now, prioritisation of up to 3 items per applicant but only one electrical item and only one application per key stage. However, it is made very clear in the criteria and application form that these items are not guaranteed, and it will depend on funds available, and we are always very honest with what we can and cannot commit to, in these ever-challenging times.
Our commitment to this charity and the heart of what we are achieving never waivers. We are more determined than ever to continue to get the funds needed for each application window to ensure the needs of the children and young people are met, who apply. We are also committed to spreading the word and gaining support from both individuals and local businesses, to ensure the huge increase of applications we are receiving, has all the backing necessary.
Nicky Bament Charity founder and trustee. 18/03/2025
Equipped4Learning, Registered Charity in England and Wales (1184110)
Finance Report Equipped4learning: June 2023-June 2024
This is the brief finance report for the above period of June to June.
Accounts Ingoing £4,656.71 Outgoing £4,512.57 Remaining Balance £144.14
In light of the ongoing cost of living crisis, we need to continually think outside the box in terms of appropriate fundraising, to enable us to continue to offer application windows, opening throughout the full month, without shutting early and to replenish funds in between. We will carry on with a mix of online and in person fundraising, as this leads to a wider audience. Also grant bids have been completed as another revenue source. Finances, I realise will be a continual challenge for us over the coming months.
Nicky Bament Charity Founder and Trustee. 18/03/2025
Equipped4Learning, Registered Charity in England and Wales (1184110)