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2024-03-31-accounts

ANNUAL REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES AND UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER: 1188736

The Parasol Project CIO

Executive Summary

our beneficiaries (disabled and disadvantaged children and young people). More recently, the Parasol Adult service has been developed in response to demand for Parasol style activities for young adults who are too old to attend our Teen services. We elected to develop community facing projects that supported disabled participants, in delivering services that make a positive contribution to our local community. For two years we piloted several activities with Parasol and Northway communities, then, in September 2023, we secured threeyear funding from the National Lottery Community Fund, to run a full (35-week) term time programme. This means that we now deliver services year-round (term time & school holidays).

During 2023/24 our income was £433,935 (£292,110 in 2022/23) and expenditure increased to £389,065 (£333,460 in 2022/23). This caused a surplus of £44,870 for the year. Total reserves for 2023/24 increased to £99,714 (£54,844 in 2022/23). The charity has a sufficient financial stability with yearly income from: (1) Oxfordshire County Council Short Breaks funding of £101,000. Secured for seven years (2024-2031); (2) yearly fees of around £70,000 - £80,000 each year; and (3) the National Lottery Community Fund of £70,000 per annum, £215,740 over three-years (2023-2026).

The full Statement of Financial Activities can be found on page 16 of this Report.

Our numbers : This year Parasol supported a total number of 199 beneficiaries. Of those 199 beneficiaries, 54% have physical disabilities, learning difficulties and/or Autism. Many of our beneficiaries are siblings of disabled children, children in care, care leavers, young carers and/or young refugees. An additional 295 members of the Northway community attended events/activities.

Our output for 2023-2024:

During school holidays - Easter, Summer and Christmas and the 3 half-term weeks:

Parasol Youth Volunteering Programme - Year-round:

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Reference and Administrative Information

Registered Charity Number: 1188736

Registered Charity Number up until 2022: 1055914

Registered Office: Tower Playbase, Maltfield Road, Northway, Oxford, OX3 9RG

Email: info@parasolproject.org / Website: www.parasolproject.org / Phone: 01865 742816

Trustees: Dan Wadsworth (Chair) Resigned June 2024 Anna Hemphill (Chair) Appointed June 2024 Rebecca Denson-Cleaver Anne Schuster Jerry Bloomfield Anneke Hackmann

Key Management Personnel: Dan Norey - Executive Director

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Contents of the Annual Report and Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 March 2024

Executive Summary ........................................................................................................................................................ 2 Report of the Trustees for the Year Ended 31 March 2024 ............................................................................................ 4 .............................................................. 15 Statement of Financial Activities for the Year Ended 31 March 2024 ........................................................................... 16 Balance Sheet as at 31 March 2024 ............................................................................................................................. 17

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The Parasol Project CIO

Report of the Trustees for the Year Ended 31 March 2024

By a resolution dated March 31 2021 the Trustees of the Parasol Project CIO (Charity No: 1188736) agreed to take on the assets, liabilities and functions of the unincorporated charity, the Parasol Project (Charity No: ror charity have sought to take advantage nature of the CIO offers the Trustees Limited Liability and the new Constitution provides the charity with a greater sense of security and freedom to work with a wider range of disabled and non-disabled children, teenagers and young adults in the years ahead. As will be seen from the remainder of this Report, the Parasol adly unchanged, and our passion for supporting those who use our services is undiminished.

for the year ended 31 March 2024. The Trustees have adopted the provisions of Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of 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 October 2019).

Our vision

The Parasol Project wants to see a world where every disabled child and young person can enjoy the same rights and opportunities as their non-disabled peers, including access to out of school play, social and creative activities.

Our mission

Convention on the Rights of the Person with Disabilities), to unlock their potential and be more confident, independent and compassionate individuals.

Our values

We believe that disabled children and young people should enjoy the same rights and opportunities as other children and young people as set out in the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, including access to activities that suit their need

and the arts alongside and on equal terms with their non-disabled peers is an important element of an inclusive society.

The importance of inclusivity

In the spirit of inclusion, we also work with a number of other disadvantaged groups including siblings of those with disabilities, children in care, care leavers, young carers, and refugees. Parasol has developed a unique inclusive culture allowing us to proactively encourage these differing groups to share and take ownership of our activities. This has a powerful impact on participants, families, staff and the community around us.

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The Parasol Project CIO

Report of the Trustees for the Year Ended 31 March 2024 (continued)

1. Objectives and Activities

As set out in the charity's constitution, the Parasol Project objectives are to provide facilities for recreation and other leisure time occupation for children and young people with physical or learning difficulties. Such facilities are to be comparable to those available to the children and young people's non-disabled siblings and contemporaries and are to promote: (1) their educational, physical, mental and spiritual wellbeing, and, (2) equal opportunities.

In planning the work of the Charity, the Trustees take due regard to the Charity Commission's guidance on Public Benefit, including the guidance "Public benefit: running a charity (PB2)". The Trustees are satisfied that the Charity meets that guidance in that it offers its activities to any child or young person with physical or learning difficulties and indeed makes every effort to reach out to those families who for economic and/or social reasons find it challenging to provide appropriate and inclusive leisure or recreational activities for their children. The Trustees are happy that participants in the charity's activities are from a very wide spectrum of social and economic backgrounds, particularly those at risk of social exclusion, and this is fundamental to improving their wellbeing by making them feel valued and included, and participating in age appropriate activities.

Our activities: include a variety of indoor/outdoor educational and creative activities such as: arts; crafts; residentials; adventure sports; fitness; music; film; bushcraft; growing food; cooking and healthy eating. We believe our USP is that, each year we train/support 30-45 young volunteers, to help run our service.

During school holidays - Easter, Summer and Christmas and the 3 half-term weeks:

Parasol Youth Volunteering Programme - Year-round:

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The Parasol Project CIO

Report of the Trustees for the Year Ended 31 March 2024 (continued)

2. Beneficiaries of the Work

Our beneficiaries are primarily aged from 5-18 years old and our volunteers range in age up to 32. Many live in a variety of challenging circumstances, and may have significant challenges, physical disabilities, autism, learning difficulties and some also have challenging behaviour. These children, young people and young adults can face a series of barriers, both practical and complex, and this often results in exclusion from active participation in society. This can have a profound impact on their lives.

In the spirit of inclusion, the Charity also works with other disadvantaged children. For example, siblings of disabled children and young people, children in care, young carers and young refugees. All of these groups of children experience significant issues due to their circumstances and benefit greatly from being involved in the activities offered by the Parasol Project.

3. Equal Opportunities Statement

The Parasol Project is committed to providing equality of opportunity for the children, young people, adults, volunteers, professional practitioners, families and carers with whom it works. It values and respects their diversity. Parasol welcomes difference in its staff and volunteers. It is also working to create equal access to opportunities for paid employment and voluntary involvement while continuing to base selection and promotion solely on the ability to meet the requirements of the post. This is irrespective of race, colour, ethnic or national origins, religion, disability, gender, sexuality, age, marital status, responsibility for dependants, economic status or political views. The Parasol Project is committed to taking active steps to address and eliminate practices.

4. Quality Assurance

All policies are reviewed annually to ensure they remain relevant and up to date. We have a quality assurance opportunities, whistleblowing, recruitment of ex-offenders and storage and handling of disclosure information. We are committed to improving quality and minimising risk and to deliver excellent value for money in all aspects of our work. We are conscious of the need to strike a realistic balance between administration and service delivery, and to ensure that whilst having a good protective framework of systems and procedures, we nevertheless devote most of our energies and resources to deliver an effective range of services. The effectiveness of our services are regularly monitored and evaluated (consultation with stakeholders), firstly to acknowledge what we do well and secondly, to review and learn from what is not working so well. This ensures we use our resources effectively and provide the best service to our beneficiaries.

5. Background of the Charity

The Parasol Project was launched as an independent unincorporated charity in 1996 and was set up by parents of disabled children in order to fill a gap in provision. On March 24 2020 a new charity, the Parasol Project CIO, was registered at the Charity Commission. This charity has a constitution based on that recommended by the Charity Commission and objectives that allow Parasol to work with young adults. On April 1, 2022 the assets & liabilities and activities of the original charity were transferred to the Parasol Project during this time in the field of youth volunteering and inclusive practice.

6. Parasol Project Staff

The Parasol Project has capacity to deliver its activity programme with the support from highly skilled and experienced staff. Our team of Enablers (support staff) ensure activities are safe and supportive by handling personal care needs, supporting young people in managing challenging behaviour and modelling positive communication. In an average year Parasol would maintain a team of around 40 Enablers to support our holiday and term time activities. We continue to have a full office staff team. All of whom have stayed working for The Parasol Project for many years.

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The Parasol Project CIO

Report of the Trustees for the Year Ended 31 March 2024 (continued)

7. Achievements and Performance (2023-2024)

Each year, Parasol facilitates activities with our beneficiaries, after school and during the 12-weeks of school holidays. More recently, we were able to expand our services to include both Parasol disabled adults and Northway residents. This new community facing programme happens during the daytime (Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays) during term time. This additional 35-weeks mean that we now deliver services year-round.

This year, our team of enthusiastic Enablers and Volunteers have delivered an exciting range of inclusive activities to 199 beneficiaries: 105 children aged 5-12, and 112 young people aged 13-31. Of the 199 beneficiaries, 54% have significant and complex physical disabilities, learning difficulties and/or Autism, and the remainder were from other disadvantaged groups including: siblings of disabled children, children in care, young carers and young refugees. Additionally, 295 Northway residents attended activities/events.

----- Start of picture text -----
Activities Delivered Details
1 Holiday Playscheme A full programme (39 days) of activities for an avg. no. of 32 disabled and
non-disabled children (5-12yrs) each day.
2 Holiday Choice Days A full programme (42 days) of activities for an avg. no. of 27 disabled and
non-disabled teenagers (13-25yrs) each day.
3 3 Celebration Events
and/or the Parasol Volunteers Celebration Day.
4 Youth Club 35 youth club sessions based around art, board games, cooking and eating
together: 38 different individuals, avg. no. 25 a session.
5 B-Active Club 35 weekly dance fitness: 12 individuals, 6 a session.
6 B-Creative Club 35 weekly creative sessions: crafting and making things to sell to fundraise
for Parasol: 10 individuals, avg. no. 5 a session.
7 Parasol Enterprise 35 weekly social action group sessions (litter picking, gardening, cleaning
and delivering the newsletter): 14 individuals, avg. no. 8 a session.
8 Stay and Play 35 weekly parents and toddlers sessions. Music, singing, dancing and
sensory play: 81 individuals, avg. no. 35 a session.
9 Knit and Natter 24 weekly community sessions (being creative, making friends and sharing a
meal together): 10 individuals, avg. no. 6 a session.
10 Tuesday Lunch Club 12 weekly sessions. Volunteers make food (salads/baguettes) for a total of
45 staff, participants and Northway residents, avg. no. 24 a session.
11 Wednesday Lunch Club 24 weekly sessions. Volunteers make food (salads/baguettes) for a total of
25 staff, participants and Northway residents, avg. no. 20 a session.
12 Thursday Lunch Club 35 weekly sessions. Volunteers make food (salads/baguettes) including
takeaways for 70 staff, participants and Northway residents, avg. 45 weekly.
13 Community Newsletter
Community Information Newsletter to 1,000+ Northway residents.
14 Volunteer Project Full details below (page 8)
----- End of picture text -----

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The Parasol Project CIO

Report of the Trustees for the Year Ended 31 March 2024 (continued)

Parasol Youth Volunteering Programme

The Parasol Youth Volunteering Project was designed specifically to include, involve and inspire those who are rarely afforded volunteering opportunities. The programme puts scaffolding support and opportunities in place to help individuals build their capabilities, confidence, identity, resilience and self-worth.

With regular funding support from Oxford City Council and other Trusts and Foundations, we were able to develop the project to a point that long term funding could be secured from the Henry Smith Charity. This allowed us to hire a full time project coordinator.

Our dedication to inclusive practice means that we use consultation and feedback constantly to ensure children/young people are being properly supported, feel heard and are given the best possible opportunity to participate positively. This regular consultation, consistently resulting in tangible adaptations to activities and procedures, in response to feedback over a prolonged period, have created a culture of positive participation.

Parasol youth volunteers play a vital role in promoting this culture. Our volunteers help collect feedback from other young people, act as models of positive participation, help conduct informal feedback and form our youth panel, which helps select and plan our activities, fundraise for trips and take part in formal consultation.

Our volunteering project allows young people to choose their level of involvement by offering different levels of responsibility (see image on the right). As young people progress, they move through from Role Model, to Volunteer, to Senior Volunteer. Those who need more support (from 19+yrs), can go on to become Workforce Volunteers. All volunteers receive supervision and take part in appraisals.

Successful Volunteering Outcomes

Volunteers Fundraising: Volunteers made items to raise funds for Parasol. This included making: Bunting, Elderflower Cordial; Lanterns; Jewellery; Cutlery boxes; Fridge magnets; Toasties; and Northway Chutney (a recipe passed down from one of our elder volunteers). Volunteers also wrote letters to several Trusts.

Volunteers Work Experience: Volunteers also undertook work experience at: South Oxford Family Room; Sports Centre; and Pegasus Theatre.

Volunteers Partner with Oxford University: Parasol Workforce Volunteers/dancers went on a creative process to answer the question their research addresses - How do we become what we become? This year we performed in the Courtyard of Radcliffe Observatory Quarter as the finale of the collaborative two-year project with Oxford University called Shaping Destiny.

Volunteers undertaking the Duke of Edinburgh Awards: In order to extend opportunities for our young people we became a registered Duke of Edinburgh provider in July 2023.

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The Parasol Project CIO

Report of the Trustees for the Year Ended 31 March 2024 (continued)

Parasol Youth Volunteering Programme (continued)

Growing Volunteers into Employees: A significant number of our volunteers go on into employment either with Parasol or elsewhere. Our volunteering project has been successful in growing our own employees. For as volunteers. Parasol in the Community (Developing a Volunteering and Community Hub for Northway)

With support from Northway Community Partnership, we have been piloting several community facing projects that: (1) support adult disabled participants in delivering services and (2) make a positive contribution to the community. Over time, we attracted more participants and eventually secured three-year funding from the National Lottery Community Fund (£215,740 in Sept 2023).

This new programme means that we now offer year-round services (an additional 35community groups/activities and events) that happen in the daytime during term time (Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays). Importantly, it provides work experience and volunteering opportunities themselves and their potential. And, providing a safe/inclusive space to have fun, get involved, meet others and make friends, helps build strong relationships in and across both communities.

There are many vulnerable and isolated people in Northway. We anticipate that our free community services (newsletters, celebration events, weekly groups, activities and free food), will help us enlist those most in need. And, over time, will enable Parasol to be considered as the Community Hub for Northway.

Knit and Natter group and Lunch Club (Tuesdays)

A Knit and Natter group began in January 2024. It happens every Tuesday during term time. Here, Parasol and Northway members come together to chat, have fun and make/mend things. For example, bunting and other items for upcoming events, or to sell to raise funds for Parasol. At the same time, a team of disabled Workforce Volunteers, shop and cook a healthy vegetarian lunch for themselves, those from the Knit and Natter group and the Parasol team. Everyone sits, eats and clears up together.

B-Creative Club, Lunch Club and Parasol Enterprise (Wednesdays)

The B-Creative Club happens every Wednesday morning during term time. This group makes products to sell at our trading booth (such as Jewellery; Cutlery boxes; Fridge magnets and more). This is while a team of adult disabled Workforce Volunteers, shop and cook a healthy lunch for themselves, community members and the Parasol team. Everyone sits and eats together. This is followed by a Parasol community enterprise activity (social action group). These Volunteers do many things including: delivering the Northway community newsletter; litter picking; planting bulbs in the local area; sorting clothes and equipment for the Stay and Play swap shop; keeping the Parasol garden flourishing; supporting the upkeep of our building (cleaning and maintenance); or preparing materials for our holiday programme.

Lunch Club and B-Active Club (Thursdays)

Thursday Lunch Club has become more successful than anticipated. The tasty options of, for example, baguette fillings and salad bowls have increased interest, and the numbers of people being offered this free lunch has expanded, especially to those living in the local community, many of whom the cost of living crisis has impacted severely. This Lunch club is now regularly producing up to 45 covers every week. We introduced a bespoke food hygiene and kitchen induction training to enable all of our Volunteers and Enablers to develop their competency and skills in this area and also to meet the necessary standards required to achieve a 5-star Food Hygiene Rating, which we were awarded in January 2024. The refurbishment of our kitchen into a catering standard kitchen has provided our adult workforce the opportunity to gain experience in a professional kitchen which has been fantastic. After lunch has been cleared away, a group of the Workforce Volunteers go on to work off their lunch at a dance fitness class.

Parent and Toddler Stay and Play (Fridays)

unique individuals taking part in this project during the first year was 81, with an average turnout of 35 individuals each week. Shockingly, one day we had 59 people attend. This group plays, dances and sings with the main leader. They are also free to go into our well-equipped sensory room and/or play in our wellthis free swap shop is an invaluable resource. A powerful example of community cohesiveness.

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The Parasol Project CIO

Report of the Trustees for the Year Ended 31 March 2024 (continued)

8. Evaluation Feedback

Children/young people evaluation feedback: During 2022-2023, we consulted with children and young people that attend Parasol services to discern if being involved with Parasol had made a positive impact on their health and wellbeing. We received feedback from 112 children, young people and young adults. They told us that they come here: to have fun; to meet new friends; to have something to look forward to and to have new experiences. Here is quantitative feedback about their feelings and learning.

FEELINGS: Between 83-87% of the 112 children/young people that responded stated that Parasol had helped them: (1) feel good about themselves; (2) feel happier; (3) feel more confident and; (4) feel more independent - or . The remainder said that Parasol had helped

LEARNING: Between 83-87% of the 112 children/young people that responded stated that Parasol had helped them: (1) to say what they need/want; (2) to listen to others; (3) to manage their own feelings and; (4) to manage their own behaviours - or . The remainder stated

Q: What is the best thing about coming to Parasol? Spending quality time with others / The great and that there is support for me / Sharing positive experiences / Made me more independent / I feel optimistic, Parasol has given me more perspective / Parasol definitely helped me learn to be myself.

Q: What would have happened if you hadn't been involved with Parasol? Parasol has helped me manage anxiety and low self-esteem / I personally felt very isolated but the staff at Parasol helped me feel not so isolated / Would have a lot more problems with expressing my emotions and social anxiety / Probably have worse anger issues and very bad social anxiety / My mental health would not be good.

Q: Since being involved with Parasol, what, if anything, has changed about how you feel about yourself and your life? -esteem has improved / More confident in myself and able to express how I feel more / I can cope with change better / I'm more independent and open to trying new things / I feel more positive and in control of my anger / More able to face challenges / More comfortable around other people and feel more useful / I feel more amazing than ever / If you have low self-esteem and not very good at communicating, Parasol is a great place to start.

Parents/carers evaluation feedback: In 2024, 35 parents/carers completed one of our surveys. A significant percentage stated that since being with Parasol, fewer young people were: solitary (from 52% to 11%); worried (from 35% to 15%); unhappy (from 23% to 6%); or easily distracted (from 57% to 31%) -of-the- . build positive relationships (97%). And improved their: social wellbeing (100%); emotional wellbeing (97%); communication skills (92%); and sense of independence (100%).

Q: What is the best thing about your child being involved in Parasol? Independence / Confidence / Social skills / Self-worth / Self-esteem / Sense of belonging / A community / Opportunity to socialise with peers without parents having to organise and supervise / Making friends / Improving communication skills / Opportunities / Responsibilities / Greater understanding and empathy for others / A place to learn at his own pace with tailored support / Helped her grow as an adult / The friendships and bonds she's made has made such a difference to her life / Has helped our daughter have a sense of purpose / She is much more polite and most importantly she is much more understanding of others, their individual needs and their individuality.

Q: Those that fund our charity want to hear (directly from parents/carers) if our service has impacted families lives for the better. What would you tell them? Parasol has had a significantly positive impact on safe and fully inclusive environment where they can be themselves and feel fully accepted / A lifeline for our family / The impact Parasol has on our family should not be underestimated / A shining light of meaningful practical support in the life of a SEN parent.

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The Parasol Project CIO

Report of the Trustees for the Year Ended 31 March 2024 (continued)

8. Evaluation Feedback (continued)

Volunteers evaluation findings and feedback: In 2024, we surveyed 44 volunteers. We created specific questions to discern improved skills / confidence and so on.14 of the 35-questions were from the Warwick and Edinburgh Mental Well Being Scale. The lowest possible score is 14 (14x1point: -of-the-time ) and the highest possible score is 70 (14x5points: -of-the-time ). A score of 40 and below indicates probable depression. To measure change, each participant was asked to answer the same questionnaire twice. The first at the beginning that was then compared to data gathered at the year/end.

Outcome 1 - Expect that at least 80% of individuals increase their mental wellbeing post intervention. Initial baseline scores were concerning, as 43% (19 of the 44) individuals scored 46-points or below, indicating low mood / depression. However, post-intervention, 89% (17 of the 19) moved upward and out of low mood / depression. This was very good news. F

scores increased by more than 5-points: 13 increased by 6 to 17 points and 10 increased by 18 or more points. Importantly, 7 of the 9 individuals/volunteers with initially low baseline scores of 40-points or below (indicating probable depression), actually increased their scores significantly. It could be argued therefore, that those most in need benefited the most from volunteering.

To conclude, the mental wellbeing of volunteers almost universally increased, when compared to baseline results. For example, the cohort, postor -of-thefelt: (1) optimistic (from 51% to 86%) ; (2) cheerful (from 50% to 82%); (3) useful (from 47% to 78%); (4) relaxed (from 58% to 80%); and (5) confident (from 46% to 79%). Post-intervention scores overall average out at 78%. Thus, we consider that Outcome 1 has been achieved. (The full Youth Volunteering Report is available on request).

Q: What is the best thing about coming to Parasol? Building relationships / Meeting new people / Making new friends / Having fun / Being included / Being part of a team / Helping others / Taking care of others / Supporting people to properly be able to enjoy and get the best out of all Parasol activities / Getting to help the community in ways which I would have not been able to otherwise / Spending quality time with others / helping out / Cooking for everyone at youth group and everyone eating it / Work experience / A sense of community and a feeling that I belong.

Q: What would have happened if you hadn't been involved with Parasol? I would have felt sad / Lonely Les

.

Q: Since being involved with Parasol, what, if anything, has changed about how you feel about yourself and your life? More independent / More optimistic / More confident and capable / More open / More patient / More responsible / More myself / More in control of my emotions / I learnt skills / More self-aware of what I can do in the community and how easy it is to just help and be kind to others / Made me understand how important volunteering is and makes me want to volunteer more in the future.

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The Parasol Project CIO

Report of the Trustees for the Year Ended 31 March 2024 (continued)

9. Financial Review

During 2023/24 our income was £433,935 (£292,110 in 2022/23) and expenditure increased to £389,065 (£333,460 in 2022/23). This caused a surplus of £44,870 for the year (2023/24).

Reserves at the end of the year to March 31 2024 stood at £99,714 (2023 - £54,844), an increase compared to the previous year. Section 10 on Reserves expands on our concerns and plans for next year.

As a small charity, Parasol depends on raising funds on a year by year basis to provide the vital funding that tops up the regular grant funding received from Oxfordshire County Council of £101,000, and £20,000 from Oxford City Council. We are also in receipt of three-year funding from the Henry Smith Charity (£33,000 per annum), approximately £22,600 per year from the Healthy Activity and Food fund, and, new three-year grant from the National Lottery Community Fund of approximately £70,000 per annum. Together, all these funds provide a certain amount of financial stability for the charity.

10. Future Plans

Oxfordshire County Council commissioning - Our Short Breaks funding of £90,000 per year for 7 years for our Child & Teen holiday provision came to an end on 31st March 2024. These services were recommissioned in Sept 2023. In January 2024, we secured £101,000 per year, for a confirmed 3 years and the option for two 2- year extensions (so likely 7 years).

Healthy Activity and Food (HAF) funding - This provides grants to help fund individuals/places on our Child and Teen school holidays services, for those in receipt of free school meals. We were successfully accepted on the HAF framework and secured funding for Summer, Christmas and Easter holidays. This funding provides approximately £22,600 per year, for the foreseeable future. Which is great news.

Kitchen refurb - As we continued to develop our Adult and Community work it became apparent that our existing kitchen was not fit for purpose. In 2022/23 we secured £30,000 from the Tambour Foundation and Oxfordshire Community Foundation and in 2023, our new commercial kitchen was complete.

Moving forward, we will continue to support young disabled people to have full and effective participation and inclusion in society, to unlock their potential to become more confident and independent individuals. We will do this by continuing to: (1) assess/evaluate our Child, Teen and Adult services, to ensure that they remain high quality and fit for purpose; (2) develop community facing services to ensure inclusivity: making our base the community hub for Northway estate; and (3) fundraise: to ensure sustainability for the charity.

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The Parasol Project CIO

Report of the Trustees for the Year Ended 31 March 2024 (continued)

11. Reserves

£99,714 (£54,844 in 2022/23). Of these reserves, £72,738 (2022 - £48,190) are restricted. These funds as set out in Note 13 are only available for specific purposes. £26,976 (2023 - £6,654) are unrestricted funds and are available to be used to support any aspect of the n increase in reserves from last year. It is vital that we continue to identify further funding for the ongoing financial health of the Charity next year.

The Trustees continue to be concerned about reserves and are well aware that the charity remains vulnerable to any changes in the availability of funding to small entities such as The Parasol Project. As stated in this Report, in previous years, the Trustees feel, because of the uncertain nature of other individual and grant revenues, that a target of £100,000 of unrestricted reserves is very reasonable. As can be seen from the financial outcomes for this year, to March 31 2024, an increase in expenses can have an impact on reserves. This is challenging for Parasol as a large proportion of its expenditure relates to staffing which is vital for projects to run.

The Trustees will continue to monitor the financial reports produced by the Office Manager during the year ahead. We will continue to look for more sources of longer term funding to ensure that the Charity can boost its core funding and that the level of the reserves can be rebuilt to one that provides the Executive Director and his staff team with security in making day to day financial decisions. On the other hand, the Trustees are well aware of the difficult economic conditions in which Parasol is currently operating and locating sources of unrestricted reserves of £100,000.

12. Structure, Governance and Management

Governing Document

The Parasol Project CIO is a charitable incorporated organisation registered by the Charity Commission and governed by a constitution dated March 24 2020. Anyone over the age of 18 years old and corporate bodies may become members of the charity.

Appointment of New Trustees

The Board seeks to widen its membership and at the same time broaden the skills set that the Board has to draw upon. Among others, new Trustees with skills in fundraising, charity law and human resources would be particularly welcome. If such skills can be found from amongst the parents of users of the charity's services, it would be particularly helpful. Potential Trustees will meet with existing Board Members and will attend at least 2 Trustee Meetings before being considered for appointment as Trustees.

Organisation

The Trustees of the charity are responsible for managing the affairs of the charity. The Trustees are elected from amongst the members of the charity at the Annual General Meeting. One third of Trustees retire at each Annual General Meeting and may stand for re-election. There need to be at least 3 Trustees with no upper limit to the number of Trustees. The members or the Trustees can appoint a new Trustees from among the membership at any time during the year.

Trustee Induction and Training

The Trustees will continue in the coming year to develop an induction process for new members of the Board. This process would include the provision of Charity Commission documents about the responsibilities of Trustees, copies of the charity's governing document, the latest Report and Accounts and induction into the work of the charity, its aims and objectives and the roles and responsibilities of members of the Board and key staff.

Risk Management

The trustees are fully aware of their duty to identify and review risks to which the charity is exposed. Reviewing the charity's principal risks and uncertainties is done informally at its regular monthly/six weekly meetings. In the last two years, the Trustees have become aware of the financial risks that the Charity might face. With the significant financial contribution received from Oxfordshire County Council, the Trustees are aware that there is a financial risk if for any reason this funding ceases to be available.

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The Parasol Project CIO

Report of the Trustees for the Year Ended 31 March 2024 (continued)

13.

The accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).

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

The Trustees are responsible for keeping accounting records which disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Charities Act 2011, the applicable Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations, and the provisions of the Trust deed. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charity and taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.

The trustees are responsible for the maintenance and integrity of the charity and financial information included dissemination of financial statements.

Approved by order of the Board of Trustees on:

and signed on behalf by:

Anna Hemphill Trustee (Chair)

14

The Parasol Project CIO

I report to the charity trustees on my examination of the accounts of the charity for the year ended March 31 2024 which are set out on pages 16 to 26.

Responsibilities and basis of report

carrying out my examination I have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Act.

Independent examiner's statement

section 145 of the Act. I confirm that I am qualified to undertake the examination because I am a member of Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales, which is one of the listed bodies.

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

  1. accounting records were not kept in respect of the charity as required by section 130 of the Act; or

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

  3. the accounts do not comply with the applicable requirements concerning the form and content of accounts set out in the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 other than any requirement that the matter considered as part of an independent

examination.

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.

B Hayes FCA Chartered Accountant Wenn Townsend 30 St Giles Oxford OX1 3LE

Date:

15

The Parasol Project CIO

Statement of Financial Activities for the Year Ended 31 March 2024

----- Start of picture text -----
Note Unrestricted Total Unrestricted Total
Funds Restricted Funds Funds Restricted Funds
2024 2024 2024 2023 2023 2023
£ £ £ £ £ £
Income
Donations and Legacies 2 6,287 343,393 349,680 20,941 199,962 220,903
Charitable Activities 3 82,205 - 82,205 69,881 - 69,881
Investments 4 2,050 - 2,050 913 - 913
Other - - - 413 - 413
Total 90,542 343,393 433,935 92,148 199,962 292,110
Expenditure
Cost of Raising Funds 6 17,271 - 17,271 14,862 - 14,862
Expenditure on Charitable
Activities 7 & 8 52,949 318,845 371,794 150,266 168,332 318,598
Total 70,220 318,845 389,065 165,128 168,332 333,460
Net Income/(Expenditure) 20,322 24,548 44,870 (72,980) 31,630 (41,350)
Transfer Between Funds - - - - - -
Net Movement in Funds 20,322 24,548 44,870 (72,980) 31,630 (41,350)
Reconciliation of Funds:
Total Funds Brought
Forward 14 & 15 6,654 48,190 54,844 79,634 16,560 96,194
Total Funds Carried
Forward 14 & 15 £26,976 £72,738 £99,714 £6,654 £48,190 £54,844
----- End of picture text -----

16

The Parasol Project CIO

Balance Sheet as at 31 March 2024

----- Start of picture text -----
Note
2024 2023
£ £
Fixed Assets
Tangible Fixed Assets 11 4,941 8,914
Current Assets
Debtors and Prepayments 12 10,128 5,896
6Funds on Deposit 11,534 11,299
Cash at Bank and in Hand 86,214 41,755
107,876 58,950
Less: Current Liabilities
Amounts falling due within a year 13 (13,103) (13,020)
Net Current Assets 94,773 45,930
Total Assets less Current Liabilities 99,714 54,844
Net Assets £99,714 £54,844
The Funds of the Charity:
Restricted Income Funds 14 72,738 48,190
Unrestricted Income Funds 15 26,976 6,654
£99,714 £54,844
----- End of picture text -----

The financial statements on pages 16 to 26 were approved by the Trustees on and signed on their behalf by:

Anna Hemphill

Chair of the Board

17

The Parasol Project CIO

Notes forming part of the financial statements for the Year ended March 31 2024

1. Accounting Policies

a. Accounting Basis

The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention with items recognised at cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant note(s) to these accounts. The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the Statement of Recommended Practice: Accounting and Reporting by Charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) issued on October 2019 and the Charities Act 2011.

The Parasol Project meets the definition of a public benefit entity under FRS 102. Assets and liabilities are initially recognised at historical cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant accounting policy notes.

concern.

b. Depreciation

All assets costing more than £1,000 are capitalised and valued at historical cost. From April 2019 the cost of fixed assets are being written off using the straight line method of depreciation, a change from the previously utilised reducing balance method. The rates of depreciation are:

Office equipment and fittings 25% per annum
Plant and Machinery 25% per annum
SensoryRoom Equipment 25% per annum
Leasehold Improvements 10% per annum

c. Income Recognition

All income is recognised once the charity has entitlement to the income, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount of income receivable can be measured reliably.

Donations and grants are recognised when the charity has been notified of both the amount and settlement date.

Legacies are recognised on a case by case basis following the grant of probate and when the administrator/executor for the estate has communicated in writing both the amount and settlement date. Interest on funds held on deposit is included when receivable and the amount can be reliably measured by the charity; this is normally upon notification of the interest paid or payable by the bank or deposit taking institution.

d. Expenditure Recognition

Liabilities are recognised as expenditure as soon as there is a legal or constructive obligation committing the charity to that expenditure, it is probable that settlement will be required and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably.

All expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis. All expenses including support costs and governance costs are allocated or apportioned to the applicable expenditure headings. The allocation of support and governance costs is analysed in note 7.

e. Irrecoverable VAT

Irrecoverable VAT is charged against the expenditure heading for which it was incurred.

f. Cost of Raising Funds

The cost of generating funds consists of staff costs, subscriptions to on-line fundraising sites, fundraising advertising and associated costs.

18

The Parasol Project CIO

Notes forming part of the financial statements for the Year ended March 31 2024

1. Accounting Policies (continued)

g. Charitable Activities

The cost of charitable activities includes governance costs and an apportionment of support costs as shown in note 8.

h. Volunteer Time

The value of services donated by volunteers is not reflected in the accounts.

i. Taxation

The Trust is a registered charity. It is not, therefore, liable for tax on income derived from its charitable activities.

j. Fund Accounting

Unrestricted Income Funds

Unrestricted Funds are funds which the trustees are free to use for any purpose in furtherance of the charitable objects. These comprise a general fund plus designated funds set aside out of unrestricted funds by the Trustees to provide for planned projects and other known contingencies.

Restricted Income Funds

These are funds which are to be used in accordance with specific restrictions imposed by the donor. Further details of each fund are disclosed in note 14.

k. Pensions

The Charity operates a defined contribution scheme for the benefit of its employees.

2. Donations and Legacies

----- Start of picture text -----
2024 2023
£ £
Local Authority Grants 165,881 95,600
Other Grants (£1,000 and over) 180,561 117,225
Small Grants and Donations (Including Gift Aid) 3,238 8,078
Total 349,680 220,903
----- End of picture text -----

3. Income from charitable activities

----- Start of picture text -----
Unrestricted Restricted Total Total
Funds Funds 2024 2023
£ £ £ £
Fees received 82,205 - 82,205 69,881
-
82,205 82,205 69,881
----- End of picture text -----

4. Investment Income

The Charity's investment income of £2,050 (2023 - £913) arises from renting out space at Tower Playbase of £1,738 and bank interest received of £312.

19

The Parasol Project CIO

Notes forming part of the financial statements for the Year ended March 31 2024

5. Net Outgoing Resources

This is stated after charging:

----- Start of picture text -----
2024 2023
£ £
Depreciation 3,973 5,650
3,288 2,500
----- End of picture text -----

6. Cost of Raising Funds

----- Start of picture text -----
Unrestricted Restricted Total Total
Funds Funds 2024 2023
£ £ £ £
Staff 5,480 - 5,480 5,201
Fundraising Admin Fees 235 - 235 289
-
Fundraising 11,556 11,556 9,372
-
17,271 17,271 14,862
----- End of picture text -----

7. Analysis of Governance and Support Costs

Equipment and Other Asset Costs
Building and Accommodation Costs
Office Costs
Salaries, Teacher Fees & Consultants
Other Staff Costs
Independent Examination
Bad debts		 General
Support Governance
Total
Basis of
Apportionment
£
£
£
3,973
-
3,973
47,463
-
47,463
Allocated as a %
15,819
-
15,819
Based on Project
51,089
7,956
59,045
Salary Costs
3,878
-
3,878
-
3,288
3,288
Governance
1,455
-
1,455
123,677
11,244
134,921

20

Parasol Project CIO

Notes forming part of the financial statements for the Year ended March 31 2024

8. Charitable Expenditure Analysis

Salary Costs
Choice Day
Expenses
Child Term
Time Expenses
Adult Parasol
Expenses
Playbase
Expenses
Teen Dance
Expenses
Teen Youth
Group
Expenses
Volunteer
Project
Independent
Examination
Support Costs
Year ended 2024
Year ended 2023		 Total
£
Choice
Days
£
Playbase
£
Volunteer
Project
£
Dance
£
Youth
Group
£
Parasol
Plus
£
Child
Term
£
Adult
Parasol
£
Governance
£
Training
£
165,783
43,090
49,493
26,676
1,076 10,015
-
3,560
22,591
7,956
1,326
45,991
45,991
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
693
-
-
-
-
-
-
693
-
-
-
10,447
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
10,447
-
-
7,218
-
7,218
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
3,421
-
-
-
3,421
-
-
-
-
-
-
4,444
-
-
-
-
4,444
-
-
-
-
-
6,832
-
-
6,832
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
3,288
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
3,288
-
123,677
34,052
39,113
21,081
850
7,914
-
2,813
17,854
-
-
371,794 123,133
95,824
54,589
5,347 22,373
-
7,066
50,892
11,244
1,326
318,598 124,775
91,214
32,933 14,114 13,886
343
9,061
23,040
6,309
2,923

21

Parasol Project CIO

Notes forming part of the financial statements for the Year ended March 31 2024

9. Governance Costs

----- Start of picture text -----
Unrestricted Restricted Total Total
Funds Funds 2024 2023
£ £ £ £
Staff 7,956 - 7,956 3,468
Independent Examiner's Fees
-
(2024 including accounts preparation) 3,288 3,288 2,842
-
11,244 11,244 6,310
----- End of picture text -----

22

Parasol Project CIO

Notes forming part of the financial statements for the Year ended March 31 2024

10. Total Resources Expended

Staff Costs
£
Other Costs
£
Total
2024
£
Total
2023
£		 Staff Costs
£
Other Costs
£
Total
2024
£
Total
2023
£		 Staff Costs
£
Other Costs
£
Total
2024
£
Total
2023
£		 Staff Costs
£
Other Costs
£
Total
2024
£
Total
2023
£
Charitable Activities 211,392
160,402
371,794
318,598
Cost of Generating Funds 5,480
11,791
17,271
14,862
216,872 172,193 389,065 333,460

Staff Costs Comprise:

----- Start of picture text -----
2024 2023
£ £
Salaries Staff 206,272 192,423
Social Security Costs 6,886 6,422
Pension Costs 3,714 3,340
216,872 202,185
----- End of picture text -----

The average number of staff during the period was 4 (2023 - 4) full time. 40 (2023 - 40) part time and sessional workers have supported the charity's holiday activities and weekly youth and dance groups.

No employees received emoluments of more than £60,000 per annum (2023 - no more than £60,000).

The total remuneration of the key management personnel - the Executive Director - including employer's National Insurance and Pension contributions was £38,816 (2023 - £36,907).

23

Parasol Project CIO

Notes forming part of the financial statements for the Year ended March 31 2024

11. Tangible Fixed Assets

----- Start of picture text -----
Leasehold Sensory Rm Plant and Fixtures and
Improvements Equipment Machinery Fittings Total
£ £ £ £ £
Cost
As at April 1 2023 8,592 16,609 15,134 2,060 42,395
Additions in the Year - - - - -
As at March 31 2024 8,592 16,609 15,134 2,060 42,395
Depreciation
As at April 1 2023 2,792 13,495 15,134 2,060 33,481
Provision in the Year 859 3,114 - - 3,973
As at March 31 2024 3,651 16,609 15,134 2,060 37,454
Net Book Value at 31
March 2024 4,941 - - - 4,941
Net Book Value at 31
March 2023 5,800 3,114 - - 8,914
----- End of picture text -----

12. Debtors and Prepayments

Activity Fees Receivable
Other Debtors		 2024
£
2023
£
10,128
5,897
-
-
10,128
5,897

13. Creditors: Amounts Falling due Within One Year

Tax, National Ins & Pensions
Independent Examiner's Fees
Consultancy
Accruals and Accounts Payable
Fees Paid in Advance		 2024
2023
£
£
3,850
3,403
3,150
2,500
-
4,872
6,103
1,515
-
730
13,103
13,020

24

Parasol Project CIO

Notes forming part of the financial statements for the Year ended March 31 2024

14. Restricted Funds

Volunteer Project
Building and Sensory Room
Holiday Activities
Teenage Services
Adult Services
Northway Community Fund
OCF
Wheelchair Path
Volunteer Project
Building and Sensory Room
Holiday Activities
Teenage Services
Northway Community Fund
OCF
Wheelchair Path
Represented by:
Balance at March 31 2024
Balance at March 31 2023		 Balance at 1
April 2023
Income in the
Year
Expenditure
in the Year
Balance
March 31
2024
£
£
£
£
16,475
67,179
(54,279)
29,375
1,497
33,428
(26,723)
8,202
-
140,090
(139,340)
750
-
8,997
(8,997)
-
4,250
(4,250)
-
-
89,449
(55,038)
34,411
15,072
-
(15,072)
-
15,146
-
(15,146)
-
48,190
343,393
(318,845)
72,738
Balance at 1
April 2022
Income in the
Year
Expenditure
in the Year
Balance
March31
2023
£
£
£
£
50,900
(34,425)
16,475
6,508
(5,011)
1,497
102,800
(102,800)
-
6,052
3,091
(9,143)
-
4,000
9,940
(13,940)
-
18,085
(3,013)
15,072
15,146
-
15,146
16,560
199,962
(168,332)
48,190
Fixed Assets
Cash at Bank
Total
£
£
£
4,941
67,797
72,738
8,914
39,276
48,190

25

Parasol Project CIO

Notes forming part of the financial statements for the Year ended March 31 2024

15. Unrestricted Income Funds

Balance at April 1 2023
Incoming Resources
Expenditure
Balances at March 31 2024
Represented by:
Current Assets
Creditors and Deferred Income		 2024
2023
£
£
6,654
79,634
90,542
92,148
(70,220)
(165,128)
26,976
6,654
40,079
19,674
(13,103)
(13,020)
26,976
6,654

16. Financial Commitments

As at 31 March 2024 (2023 - Nil) there are no annual commitments under non-cancellable leases.

17.

No Trustee (2023 - Nil) received or waived any emoluments during the year.

No out of pocket expenses (2023 - Nil) were reimbursed to Trustees in the year.

No related party transactions outside the course of normal business occurred in the year (2023 Nil).

26