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2024-09-30-accounts

LETS UNITE FOR AUTISM LIMITED

(A company limited by guarantee)

REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS OF THE CHARITY AND ITS TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED SEPTEMBER 2024

Trustees

  1. Mrs Hawa Osman.

  2. Mr Abdurrahman Omar Ahmed.

  3. Mr Mustaf Mohamud.

Company registered number 11577160

Charity registered number 1188299

Registered office

Suite 32A,3[rd] Floor, Unimix House, Abbey Road. Park Royal. NW10 7TR.

Independent Examiner Veritas Business Solutions Ltd Suite 36, The Vale Business Centre 203-205 The vale London W3 7QS

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th STRATEGIC REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2024

As Trustees of Lets Unite for Autism, we are pleased to present our annual report for the year ending September 2024. Our charity continues to focus on creating a supportive and inclusive environment for autistic individuals and their families, while also responding to wider social and economic challenges faced by our community.

This year, our work focused on four core areas:

  1. Support for Young People with SEND: We delivered an inclusive, year-round multisport activities tailored for young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). These sessions supported physical health, social engagement, and emotional wellbeing in a safe and welcoming space.

  2. Household Support Fund: We provided direct financial assistance to vulnerable families, helping them manage essential costs such as food, utilities, and transport. This initiative was a crucial lifeline for many households impacted by the cost-of-living crisis.

  3. Annual Autism Awareness Campaign: Our 2024 campaign reached thousands of people through events, school partnerships, and media outreach. The campaign focused on challenging stigma, promoting neurodiversity, and encouraging inclusive practices across workplaces and public services.

  4. Women’s Empowerment and Financial Literacy: In response to the compounded impact of the COVID-19 pandemic—particularly on women in low-paid work and unpaid caregiving roles

Highlights from 2024 include

  1. SEND Multisport Participation Over 200 young people took part in weekly sessions throughout the year.

  2. Financial Aid Distributed

  3. Campaign Reach- The Autism Awareness campaign reached over 5,000 people through in-person events and online engagement.

  4. Empowering women with access to financial literacy workshops especially for single parents and carers.

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Total Income: £100,811

Our income was derived from community fundraising, grants, and corporate partnerships. We continue to prioritise transparency, cost-effectiveness, and sustainability in all financial planning.

Lets Unite for Autism is governed by a dedicated Board of Trustees, who bring experience in education, healthcare, lived experience, and finance. We meet quarterly and ensure all activities align with our charitable purpose and good governance practices.

In 2025, our goals include:

  1. Expanding the SEND multisport programme into two additional boroughs.

  2. Launching a mobile sensory unit for schools and events.

  3. Scaling our financial literacy work, especially for single parents and carers.

  4. Partnering with local authorities to improve early autism assessment pathways.

We would like to sincerely thank our supporters, donors, volunteers, and partner organisations. Special appreciation goes to the families and individuals who have shared their journeys with us. Your resilience continues to drive our mission forward.

About ASD

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurological and developmental disorder that affects how people interact with others, communicate, learn, and behave. Although autism can be diagnosed at any age, it is described as a “developmental disorder” because symptoms generally appear in the first two years of life.

Autism is known as a “spectrum” disorder because there is wide variation in the type and severity of symptoms people experience.

People of all genders, races, ethnicities, and economic backgrounds can be diagnosed with ASD. Although ASD can be a lifelong disorder, treatments and services can improve a person’s symptoms and daily functioning.

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Lets Unite for Autism is an experience-led autism charity that is driven by the lived experiences of individuals who are on the autism spectrum, as well as their families and caregivers. The charity is founded and operated by people who have first-hand knowledge of the challenges, needs, and unique perspectives of the autism community.

The charity plays a vital role in advocating for better support, awareness, and understanding of autism by leveraging their personal experiences.

Key Characteristics and Benefits of Lets Unite for Autism

1. Awareness and Advocacy:

Focuses on spreading awareness about autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

2.Inclusive Events and Campaigns:

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Aims and Objectives of Lets Unite for Autism

Aims:

  1. Raise Awareness: Promote a deeper understanding of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) to reduce stigma, misconceptions, and discrimination in society.

  2. Foster Inclusion: Create inclusive environments in schools, workplaces, and communities where individuals with autism feel valued, respected, and supported.

  3. Empower Individuals with Autism: Provide resources, education, and opportunities that enable individuals with autism to reach their full potential and advocate for themselves.

  4. Support Families and Caregivers: Offer emotional, educational, and practical support to families, helping them navigate the challenges of raising or caring for someone with autism.

  5. Advocate for Policy Change: Influence public policies and legislation to improve access to quality healthcare, education, employment, and social services for individuals with autism.

  6. Promote Early Intervention and Education: Encourage early diagnosis and intervention strategies to enhance developmental outcomes for children with autism.

  7. Build a Global Network: Unite individuals, organisations, and communities worldwide to share knowledge, best practices, and resources for autism support and advocacy.

Objectives:

  1. Educational Campaigns: Organise workshops, seminars, and public awareness events to educate communities about the characteristics, needs, and strengths of individuals with autism.

  2. Support Programs: Develop support groups, mentorship programs, and counselling services for individuals with autism, their families, and caregivers.

  3. Resource Development: Create and distribute educational materials, toolkits, and online resources tailored to various audiences, including educators, healthcare professionals, and employers.

  4. Advocacy Initiatives: Engage with policymakers, stakeholders, and community leaders to promote laws and policies that protect the rights and dignity of individuals with autism.

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  1. Training for Professionals: Provide specialised training for teachers, healthcare workers, and employers to enhance their ability to support individuals with autism effectively.

  2. Inclusive Events: Host inclusive activities, such as autism- friendly cultural events, sports programs, and talent showcases, to celebrate neurodiversity.

  3. Research Support: Fund and promote research focused on understanding autism, improving intervention strategies, and identifying best practices for support.

  4. Partnership Development: Collaborate with local, national, and international organizations to expand the reach and impact of autism-related programs and services.

  5. Crisis Intervention: Establish hotlines, emergency support systems, and crisis intervention resources for individuals with autism and their families in times of need.

  6. Monitoring and Evaluation: Continuously assess the effectiveness of programs and initiatives to ensure they meet the evolving needs of the autism community.

OUR PHILOSOPHY

At Lets Unite for Autism we provide a range of services and support to individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), their families, caregivers, and communities.

These services are designed to enhance the quality of life, promote inclusion, and address the unique needs and challenges faced by individuals on the autism spectrum.

Other unique services include:

Lets Unite for Autism offers a range of services aimed at supporting individuals with autism and their families.

Our Unique services are

Holistic Family Support Services

Family Counselling & Therapy tailored for siblings and parents Parent Training Workshops on behaviour management and advocacy

Peer Support Groups for siblings of children with autism

Innovative Educational Programs

Sensory-Friendly Learning Environments

Tech-Assisted Learning with AR/VR tools to improve social and communication skills

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Inclusive Classrooms with neurotypical and autistic students learning together

Career & Life Skills Development

Autism-Friendly Job Fairs connecting individuals with inclusive employers Entrepreneurship Programs to help individuals with autism start their own businesses Independent Living Skills Workshops (cooking, budgeting, etc.)

Creative & Recreational Therapy

Art & Music Therapy sessions

Adaptive Sports Programs with trained coaches

Theatre and Drama Clubs to enhance social interaction and expression

Tech & Accessibility Solutions

Mobile Apps for communication and daily routines Virtual Reality (VR) Therapy to practice real-world scenarios safely Sensory-Friendly Spaces design consultancy for public areas

Community Engagement & Advocacy

Awareness Campaigns with a focus on neurodiversity Policy Advocacy for inclusive education and employment laws Volunteer Programs for community members to support autism initiatives.

Respite & Wellness Services for Caregivers

Respite care for families needing a break Mindfulness and stress-relief workshops for parents and caregivers

Retreats and camps for both children and families

Our Marketing and Communications

Autism presents unique challenges for young people across all communities, including Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic (BAME) communities. However, there are certain challenges that may be more pronounced or specific within the context of BAME individuals with autism.

To address these challenges, we have adopted a culturally competent and inclusive approach that respects the diverse needs and experiences of BAME young people with autism. This includes raising awareness within BAME communities, providing culturally sensitive assessments and interventions, and ensuring access to appropriate services that consider cultural norms, languages, and family dynamics.

Our young beneficiaries and families face many challenges such as: -

  1. Delayed or Misdiagnosis: BAME individuals with autism might experience delayed diagnosis or misdiagnosis due to cultural differences in understanding autism, limited access to culturally competent assessment, and stigma surrounding developmental disorders.

  2. Lack of Awareness: Cultural stigmatisation or lack of awareness about autism in

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some BAME communities can lead to misunderstandings and resistance to seeking appropriate support and interventions.

  1. Language Barriers: Language barriers might impede effective communication between professionals, individuals with autism, and their families. This can affect access to services and understanding of the condition.

  2. Limited Resources: Some BAME communities might have limited access to autism-related resources, therapies, and specialised services, which can impact early intervention and support.

  3. Parental Stress: Parents from BAME backgrounds might experience additional stress due to cultural expectations, lack of information, and community attitudes toward disabilities.

  4. Lack of Representation: Limited representation of BAME individuals in autism research, advocacy, and support networks can hinder the development of culturally relevant resources.

  5. Transition to Adulthood: Transitioning to adulthood and independent living can be especially challenging for BAME individuals with autism due to the intersection of cultural, social, and disability-related factors.

The charity delivers services aimed at young BAME people with special needs to address their unique needs, cultural sensitivities, and diverse backgrounds.

We deliver Inclusive recreational activities and sports programs that consider cultural preferences and provide opportunities for social interaction.

The lack of available play resources for (BAME) young people with special needs is a significant challenge that can impact their access to inclusive and culturally sensitive play experiences. This issue can arise due to various factors, including limited representation, awareness, funding, and cultural considerations.

Addressing this gap is crucial for promoting equitable opportunities for play and development.

Addressing the lack of available play resources for BAME young people with special needs requires a collaborative effort involving educators, parents, caregivers, advocacy groups, content creators, and policymakers. By prioritising inclusivity, cultural sensitivity, and representation, it's possible to create play resources that cater to the diverse needs and backgrounds of BAME individuals with special needs.

Our young beneficiaries and their families participate in multi-sport activities which offer numerous benefits for young people with additional needs. Multi-sport programs involve engaging in various sports and physical activities, which can lead to a wide range of positive outcomes. Here are benefits:

  1. Inclusive environment: Multi sport programs often embrace inclusivity, providing an environment where young people with diverse abilities can participate and feel welcome.

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  1. Physical development helps develop a wide range of physical skills, such as strength, endurance, agility, balance, and coordination.

  2. Social skills and teamwork, helping young people with additional needs improve their social skills, communication, and cooperation with peers.

  3. Emotional well-being: Physical activities, including multi-sport, can release endorphins and promote a sense of well-being, contributing to improved emotional health.

  4. Peer support and acceptance from their peers, leading to positive social interactions and reduced feelings of isolation.

Risk Management

The Board of Trustees recognise their responsibilities in the management of risk, particularly in respect of the children and adults attending and the staff employed by the charity. A full risk analysis is carried out in each year, with the most recent analysis being approved by Trustees in January 2025

The analysis covers all aspects of safeguarding, finance, health & safety, HR, reputation, and resources.

  1. The charity is underpinned by the following policies

  2. Good governance and management information- We ensure that the charity conducts its business with integrity and tackles the risk that the charity, or third party, engages in bribery and corruption.

  3. Assessing bribery and corruption risk - We use the risk assessment to inform the development of monitoring programmes; policies and procedures; training; and that are to be embedded into operational processes.

  4. Policies and procedures -we have in place robust and effective policies and procedures that are appropriate to us

  5. charity to counter bribery and corruption risk, implemented effectively, and clearly communicated to staff.

  6. We regularly review and update policies and procedures, including when new risks are identified or when there are changes in relevant legislation or regulation.

  7. Third-party relationships and due diligence policies and procedures to assess the risk that third parties engage in corruption and to take adequate, risk sensitive, measures to mitigate that risk.

  8. We ensure appropriate due diligence is undertaken, and full records kept, on any associated person with whom the charity has dealings.

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  1. Payment controls systems and controls in place to ensure payments to third parties are in line with what is both expected and approved. Ensuring adequate due diligence on and approval of third- party relationships before payments are made to the third party. We also adopted risk-based approval procedures for payments and a clear understanding of the reason for all payments.

  2. Staff recruitment and vetting- Robust recruitment and vetting processes, which consider bribery and corruption risks associated with individual roles, to reduce the risk of employing staff who may be vulnerable to engaging in corrupt practices.

  3. Training and awareness- Providing good quality, standard training on anti-bribery and corruption for all staff and ensuring training covers relevant and practical examples as well as keeping training material and staff knowledge up to date.

  4. Incident reporting -We have effective processes in place to ensure that when staff become aware of any bribery and corruption concerns, they can take timely action to mitigate the risk.

Public Benefit

The Trustees consider that Lets Unite for Autism provides a public benefit by providing support to relieve the needs of people who are on the autistic spectrum, their parents, families, and carers.

Lets Unite for Autism significantly benefits the public by fostering a more inclusive, educated, and supportive society. Its initiatives not only improve the lives of individuals with autism but also strengthen community cohesion, promote economic diversity, and inspire widespread social change.

The provision of advice, guidance, support, and information to those affected by autism. Advancing the education of the public in autistic spectrum conditions, among those who work with people who have autistic spectrum conditions.

The Trustees have referred to the guidance contained in the Charity Commission’s general guidance on public benefit when reviewing the charity’s aims and objectives and in planning its future activities. In particular, the Trustees consider how planned activities will contribute to the aims and objectives that have been set.

Structure, Governance and Management

The charity is a company limited by guarantee and registered in England 11577160 and is also a registered charity 1128899.The charity is governed by its Board of Trustees. The governing instruments of the charity are the Memorandum and Articles of Association.

Trustee Recruitment, Induction and Training

The Board of Trustees aims to build a board with a comprehensive, relevant, and

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focused skills mix, and to recruit members whose knowledge, experience and perspective will support, guide, and oversee the operations of the charity.

Trustees are recruited through a variety of channels including research, advertising, networking, and agencies. Trustees are nominated at Board level and, subject to approval, are then invited to attend the next Board meeting. New Trustees can only be appointed upon satisfactory completion of all regulatory checks: references, identity, eligibility, money laundering and DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) checks.

All Trustee appointments are confirmed by Board Resolution passed at Board meetings and are registered with the Charity Commission and Companies House. New Trustees are welcomed into the organisation and provided with a full induction pack. To maximise the value of a Trustee's contribution, every effort is made to ensure new Trustees understand the organisation, its background and mission, before, during and after the appointment process. Ongoing training is also provided for all Trustees.

Organisational Structure

The Board of Trustees meets formally at least 4 times a year. Members of the Board of Trustees who served since 30September 2020 were:

  1. Hawa Osman

  2. Mustaf Mohamud

  3. Abdurrahman Omar Ahmed

The organisation has 15 volunteers and 1paid member of staff. All the Trustees work on a voluntary basis

Fundraising

The Trustees are extremely grateful to the many Trusts and Foundations that awarded grants to the charity.

The grants are a mixture of restrictive grants for a specific project purpose and unrestrictive to build the capacity of the charity.

The charity is required to prepare quarterly reports to adhere to the grant contract and submit to the funders.

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Trusts and Foundations

Hammersmith & Fulham £5,932
Young Brent Foundation £4,876
BBC Children in Need £29,747
Small Wood Trust £9,684
Awards 4 All £19,904
Violence Reduction Unit (VRU) £25,810
Fundraising £4,858

Financial Review

Results for the year ended 30th September 2024 show total income of £100,811 . (2023 £90,063).

Employees

It is the Company's policy to give full and fair consideration to employees, workers, and potential employees without regard to race, colour, nationality or national origin, sex, gender reassignment, marriage, disability, age, sexual orientation, religion, or belief. All Company policies, practices and procedures relating to resourcing, training, development, and promotion are administered equally and in accordance with all applicable laws.

It is the Company's policy to provide equal opportunities in all aspects of employment from the sourcing and selection of candidates, recruitment, and training of employees to terms and conditions of employment and reasons for termination of employment and to ensure that any employment decisions are taken without reference to irrelevant or discriminatory criteria.

Statement of Trustees' Responsibilities

The Trustees (who are also the directors of Lets Unite for Autism for the purposes of company law) are responsible for preparing the Trustees' Annual Report (including the Strategic Report) and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards

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Company law requires the Trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year, which give a true and fair view of the situation of the charitable company and of the incoming resources and application of resources, including the income and expenditure, of the charitable company for that period.

The Trustees are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charitable company and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charitable company and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.

Disclosure of information to auditor

In so far as the Trustees are aware: there is no relevant audit information of which the charitable company's auditor is unaware; and the Trustees have taken all steps that they ought to have taken to make themselves aware of any relevant audit information and to establish that the auditor is aware of that information.

This report was approved by the trustees on 12[th ] May 2025 and signed on their behalf by

Hawa Osman Mustaf Mohamud Chair of Trustees Trustee Hawa Osman Mustaf Mohamud 12/05/2025 12/05/2025

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INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPEORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2024 LETS UNITE FOR AUTISM LIMITED

I report to the charity trustees on my examination of the accounts of the Company (‘the charity’) for the year ended 30 September 2024.

Responsibilities and basis of report

As the charity’s trustees of the Company (who are also the directors of the company for the purposes of company law), you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 (“the 2006 Act”).

Having satisfied myself that the accounts of the Company are not required to be audited for this year under Part 16 of the 2006 Act and are eligible for independent examination, I report in respect of my examination of your charity’s 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.

Independent examiner's statement

I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attention (other than that disclosed below *) which gives me cause to believe that:

  1. accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 386 of the Companies Act 2006; or

  2. the accounts do not accord with such records; or

  3. the accounts do not comply with relevant accounting requirements under section 396 of the Companies Act 2006 other than any requirement that the accounts give a ‘true and fair’ view which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination: or

  4. the accounts have not been prepared in accordance with the Charities SORP (FRS102).

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.

Signed : Date : 12th May 2025

Mr N Mohamed CPAA BA MSc

Veritas Business Solutions Limited Suite 36, The Vale Business Centre 203-205 The Vale London, W3 7QS

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LETS UNITE FOR AUTISM LIMITED STATEMENT OF FINANICIA ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2024

2024 2023
Unrestricted
Restricted		 Total Total
£ £
Grants and Donations 4,858
95,953		 100,811 90,063
Resources expended
Direct expenses
Staff Salary 5,509 5,509 5,020
Outreach Support Worker 6,250 6,250 6,250
Travel and subsistence 6,528 6,528 6,200
Staff development and training 505 505 6,300
0
18,792		 18,792 23,770
Premises costs:
Office and Hall Rent 11,543 11,543 7,920
0
11,543		 11,543 7,920
General administrative expenses:
Telephone and Broadband 1,728 1,728 1,728
Stationery and printing 2,948 2,948 3,380
Insurances 180 180 520
Events 17,211 17,211 5,230
Equipment Hire 2,881 2,881 -
Refreshment cost/Management 5,111 5,111 1,985
Volunteer Expenses 2,600 2,600 2,600
Software 345 345 120
Website costs 2,233 2,233 1,600
0
35,237		 35,237 17,163
Legal and professional costs:
Accountancy fees 520 520 520
Charitable Expenses 45,588 45,588 4,200
Advertising and PR 2,387 2,387 1,820
Other legal andprofessional 335 335 -
0
48,830		 48,830 6,540
Total Resources Expended 0
114,402		 114,402 55,393
Surplus/ (deficit) 4,858
-18,449		 -13,591 34,670
Balance brought Forward 18,600
5,235		 23,835 -10,835
Balance Carried Forward 23,458
-13,214		 10,244 23,835

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LETS UNITE FOR AUTISM LIMITED BALANCE SHEET AS AT 30 SEPTEMBER 2024

Notes
Current assets
Cash at bank and in hand
Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
3
Net current assets
Total assets less current liabilities
Creditors: amounts falling due after more than one year
4
Net assets/(liabilities)
Reserves
5
Profit and loss account
Members' funds		 2024

£
21,405

(450)
20,955
20,955

(10,711)
10,244

10,244
10,244		 2023
£
40,703
(3,083)
37,620
37,620
(13,758)
23,835
23,835
23,835

For the year ending 30 September 2024, the company was entitled to exemption from audit under section 477 of the Companies Act 2006 relating to small companies. The members have not required the company to obtain an audit in accordance with section 476 of the Companies Act 2006.

The director acknowledges his responsibilities for complying with the requirements of the Act with respect to accounting records and the preparation of accounts.

These accounts have been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to companies subject to the small companies' regime and in accordance with the provisions of FRS 102 Section 1A - Small Entities.

The financial statements were approved by the Board and authorised for issue on 12 May 2025 and were signed on its behalf by

Hawa Osman

Director

Company Registration No. 11577160

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LETS UNITE FOR AUTISM LIMITED NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2024

1 Compliance with accounting standards

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

(FRS 102) and the Companies Act 2006

Cash flow statement

The directors have taken advantage of the exemption in Financial Reporting Standard 1 (revised) from including a cash flow statement in the financial statements on the grounds that the company is small.

2 Accounting policies

The principal accounting policies adopted in the preparation of the financial statements are set out below and have remained unchanged from the previous year and also have been consistently applied within the same accounts.

Incoming Resources

Income from donations and grants, including capital grants, is included in incoming resources when these are receivable. When donors specify that donations and grants, including capital grants are for a particular restricted purpose, this income is included in incoming resources of restricted funds when receivable

Resources expended and recognition of liabilities

All expenditure is incurred on an accruals basis. The majority of costs are directly attributable to the specific charitable activities.

Liabilities are recognised on the accruals basis in accordance with normal accounting principles

3 Creditors: amounts falling due within one year

reditors: amounts falling due within one year
Trade creditors
Other creditors
Accruals
reditors: amounts falling due after more than one year
Bank loans
tatement of Financial Activities
As of 1 October 2023
Surplus for the year
As at 30 September 2024		 2024
£
450
-
-
450
2024
£
10,711
2024
£
23,835
-13,591
10,244		 2023
£
400
1,585
1,098
3,083
2023
£
13,785
2023
£
-10,835
34,670
23,835

4 Creditors: amounts falling due after more than one year

5 Statement of Financial Activities

As at 30 September 2024

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6 Transactions with trustees

All of the above results are derived from continuing activities. There were no other gains or losses other than those stated above. Movements in funds are disclosed in note 5 to the financial statements.

No transactions other than the refund of out-of-pocket expenses for the trustees of the Charity took place during the year under review

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