## **ANNUAL REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES**
## **AND UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025**
**REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER: 1188736**
**The Parasol Project CIO**
## **Executive Summary**
The Parasol Project CIO (“the charity”) has now been in operation for 29 years. Parasol facilitates activities to our beneficiaries (disabled, non-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 three-year funding from the National Lottery Community Fund to run a full (36-week) term-time programme. This means that we now deliver services year-round (term-time and school holidays).
During 2024/25 our income was £429,500 (£433,935 in 2023/24) and expenditure increased to £437,365 (£389,065 in 2023/24). This caused a **deficit** of £7,865 for the year. Total reserves for 2024/25 **decreased** to £91,849 (£99,714 in 2023/24). The charity has a sufficient financial stability with yearly income from: (1) Oxfordshire County Council Short Breaks funding of £101,000, secured until 2027 with a likely extension to 2031; (2) yearly fees of around £70,000 - £80,000; and (3) the National Lottery Community Fund of £70,000 per annum, £237,247 over three-years (2023-2026).
The full Statement of Financial Activities can be found on page 15 of this Report.
**Our numbers** : This year Parasol supported a total number of 245 beneficiaries. Of those 245 beneficiaries, 61% have some form of disability. In the spirit of inclusion, the Charity also works with other disadvantaged children and young people. For example, siblings of disabled children, children in care, young carers, and young refugees. All of these groups of children/young people experience significant issues due to their circumstances and benefit greatly from being involved in the activities offered by The Parasol Project. An additional 171 members of the Northway community attended our events/activities _._
## **Our output for 2024-2025:**
During school holidays - Easter, Summer and Christmas and the 3 half-term weeks:
- 41 days of Holiday Playscheme at Tower Playbase for an avg. no. of 31 children (5-12yrs) each day.
- 43 days of Holiday Choice Days for an avg. no. of 33 teens and young adults (13-18yrs) each day.
- 243 individuals attended 4 celebration events (Family Day, Children’s Day, Volunteers Day, Easter Day).
During term-time - Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays:
- 38 Youth Club sessions attended by 40 different individuals, avg. no. 30 a session.
- 38 B-Active Wellbeing Club (dance fitness or spinning) for 14 individuals, avg. no. 10 a session.
- 38 B-Creative Club (making/crafting/trading) sessions for 12 individuals, avg. no. 6 a session.
- 38 Parasol Enterprise (social action group: litter picking etc.) for 13 individuals, avg. no. 6 a session.
- 38 Stay and Play sessions for 72 parents/carers and toddlers, avg. no. 32 a session.
- 38 Knit and Natter Club sessions for 13 individuals, avg. no. 6 a session.
- 38 Tuesday Lunch Club sessions for avg. no. 31 individuals lunching per session.
- 38 Wednesday Lunch Club sessions for avg. no. 33 individuals lunching per session.
- 38 Thursday Lunch Club sessions for avg. no. 72 individuals lunching per session.
- Produced/delivered six community Newsletters (once every 2-months) to 1,000 Northway residents.
Parasol Youth Volunteering Programme - Year-round:
- Parasol also trained and supported 43 young people in completing 7,468 hours of volunteering.
- 30 volunteers attended a 5-day team building outdoors adventure residential at Kilvrough in Wales.
- 37 volunteers completed at least 1 AQA accreditation in volunteering (36 completed at least 2).
- 15 volunteers are working towards their Duke of Edinburgh Awards: Bronze (7), Silver (8).
- 11 vols were employed by Parasol; 4 found employment elsewhere; 10 went to university or college.
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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 2025**
|Executive Summary|1|
|---|---|
|Report of the Trustees for the Year Ended 31 March 2025|3|
|Independent Examiner’s Report to the Trustees of The Parasol Project CIO|14|
|Statement of Financial Activities for the Year Ended 31 March 2025|15|
|Balance Sheet as at 31 March 2025|16|
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**The Parasol Project CIO**
## **Report of the Trustees for the Year Ended 31 March 2025**
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: 1055914) (“the Transferor”). In so doing the Trustees of the Transferor charity have sought to take advantage of the added level of security available to Charitable Incorporated Organisations (“CIO’s”). The corporate 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 Project’s Mission and Objectives are broadly unchanged, and our passion for supporting those who use our services is undiminished.
The Trustees now present their report with the financial statements of the Parasol Project CIO (“the charity”) for the year ended 31 March 2025. 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**
To support young disabled people to have ‘full and effective participation and inclusion in society’ (UN 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 needs, abilities and aspirations. Disabled peoples’ engagement with culture 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.
Parasol Young Volunteers Feedback 2025 _… “I feel incredibly lucky to have been part of this project.”_
_“I feel like part of a community and proud of my role.”_
- _“The best thing has been doing my bit, like helping other people, gives me a sense of pride.”_
- _“Best bit… going outside - being with nature – gardening, just love being outside volunteering.”_
_“Teaching new people [cooking volunteers] how we take turns to be a sous chef.”_
- _“I enjoy being part of supporting those who struggle, to play an important role in their community.”_
_“I feel incredibly accomplished as we help the community grow.”_
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**The Parasol Project CIO**
## **Report of the Trustees for the Year Ended 31 March 2025 (continued)**
## **1. Objectives and Activities**
As set out in the charity's constitution, The Parasol Project’s objectives are to provide facilities for recreation and other leisure time occupations for children and young people with physical or learning difficulties, alongside their non-disabled peers. 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, involved, 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:
- Holiday Playscheme for children (5-12yrs) at Tower Playbase.
- Holiday Choice Days for teenagers (13-18yrs) at various locations.
- Four yearly celebration events (Family Play Day, Children’s Day, Volunteers Day, and Easter Day).
During term-time - Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays:
- Youth Club.
- B-Active Wellbeing Club (dance fitness and/or Spinning class).
- B-Creative Club (making/crafting/trading).
- Parasol Enterprise (social action group: litter picking, gardening, delivering newsletters etc.).
- Parents and Toddlers / Stay and Play sessions.
- Knit and Natter Club.
- Tuesday Lunch Club.
- Wednesday Lunch Club.
- Thursday Lunch Club.
- Northway Community Newsletter.
## Parasol Youth Volunteering Programme - Year-round:
- Support and train young people to volunteer for Parasol on all our activities and services.
- Collaborative partnerships (e.g., two-year research project with Oxford University called Shaping Destiny).
- Week-long team building outdoors adventure residential at Kilvrough in Wales.
- Support volunteers to complete AQA accreditation in volunteering and other disciplines.
- Support volunteers to complete the Duke of Edinburgh Awards.
- Support volunteers to go on to employment either with Parasol or elsewhere.
“ _The generosity of the project as a whole is amazing plus the staff are always kind and helpful, very easy to approach and talk to. Also if it wasn’t for the project we would not have anything to eat. I thank God! (often).”_
_“It gets me out of the house. I recently had a life changing injury and became extremely agoraphobic so am slowly getting out. I cannot shop alone or walk for long. These meals are really helpful, a real-life saver for me and my partner (who is also recovering from a serious illness) and have often been our only source of daily food.”_
_“I have become quite isolated since the Pandemic and don't get out much, and these projects have improved my confidence and reminded me that chatting to other people is good for my mental health.”_
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**The Parasol Project CIO**
## **Report of the Trustees for the Year Ended 31 March 2025 (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 practical and complex barriers which 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 unfair or unlawful discrimination or prejudice where these are identified in the organisation’s procedures or practices.
## **4. Quality Assurance**
All policies are reviewed annually to ensure they remain relevant and up to date. We have a quality assurance system and policies for health and safety, children and vulnerable adults’ protection, safeguarding, equal opportunities, whistleblowing and handling of disclosure information. We are committed to improving quality and minimising risk while delivering 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 CIO and the Charity’s activities have continued as before. Our profile and reputation has continued to grow 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 2025 (continued)**
## **7. Achievements and Performance (2024-2025)**
Each year, Parasol facilitates activities with our beneficiaries, after school and during the 11 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 38-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 245 beneficiaries: 113 children aged 5-12, and 132 young people aged 13-31. Of the 245 beneficiaries, 61% have some form of disability, and many others are from other disadvantaged groups including: siblings of disabled children, children in care, young carers, and young refugees. Additionally, 171 Northway residents attended various activities/events.
**----- Start of picture text -----**
Activities Delivered Details
1 Holiday Playscheme A full programme (41 days) of activities for an avg. no. of 31 disabled and
non-disabled children (5-12yrs) each day.
2 Holiday Choice Days A full programme (43 days) of activities for an avg. no. of 33 disabled and
non-disabled teenagers and young adults (13-25yrs) each day.
3 4 Celebration Events 239 people attended one or more of our 4 events (Northway Family Playday,
Children’s Day, Easter Day, and/or our Volunteers Celebration Day).
4 Youth Club 38 youth club sessions (based around volunteering, art, board games,
cooking, and eating together): 40 different individuals, avg. no. 30 a session.
5 B-Active Club 38 weekly dance fitness or spinning class: 14 individuals, avg. 10 a session.
6 B-Creative Club 38 weekly creative sessions (crafting and making things to sell/trade to
fundraise for Parasol): 12 individuals, avg. no. 6 a session.
7 Parasol Enterprise 38 weekly social action group sessions (litter picking, gardening, cleaning,
and delivering the newsletter etc.): 13 individuals, avg. no. 6 a session.
8 Stay and Play 38 weekly parents and toddlers’ sessions (music, singing, dancing and
sensory play): 72 individuals, avg. no. 32 a session.
9 Knit and Natter 38 weekly community sessions (being creative, making items/crafts, making
friends, and sharing a meal together): 10 individuals, avg. no. 6 a session.
10 Tuesday Lunch Club 38 weekly sessions. Volunteers make food (salads/baguettes’) for staff,
participants & Northway residents, avg. no. 31 a session (incl. take aways).
11 Wednesday Lunch Club 38 weekly sessions. Volunteers make food (salads/baguettes’) for staff,
participants & Northway residents, avg. no. 33 a session.
12 Thursday Lunch Club 38 weekly sessions. Volunteers make food (salads/baguettes’) for staff,
participants & Northway residents, avg. no. 72 a session (incl. take aways).
13 Community Newsletter Once every two months we produce and deliver a local ‘what’s on’
Community Information Newsletter to 1,000+ Northway residents.
14 Volunteer Project Full details below (page 7)
**----- End of picture text -----**
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**The Parasol Project CIO**
## **Report of the Trustees for the Year Ended 31 March 2025 (continued)**
## **Parasol Youth Volunteering Programme**
- This year Parasol trained and supported 43 young people. They completed 7,468 hours of volunteering.
- 30 volunteers attended a 5-day team building outdoors adventure residential at Kilvrough in Wales.
- 37 volunteers completed at least 1 AQA accreditation in volunteering (36 completed at least 2).
- 15 volunteers are working towards their Duke of Edinburgh Awards: Bronze (7), Silver (8).
- 11 vols were employed by Parasol; 4 found employment elsewhere; 10 went to university or college.
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 (2019-2026). 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 young volunteers play a vital role in promoting this culture. Our volunteers help collect feedback from other young people, act as role models of positive participation, help conduct informal feedback, and run our steering group youth panel (which helps select and plan our activities). They also fundraise for trips and take part in formal consultations.
Our volunteering project allows young people to choose their level of involvement. We do this 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. And, for those who need more support (from 19+yrs), they can move on to being Workforce Volunteers. All volunteers undertake AQA Accreditations, receive training, and take part in supervision and 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 various locations, including: South Oxford Family Room; the Children’s Hospice (Helen and Douglas House); Oxford Food Hub; Oxford United Football Club; OXSRAD Sports Centre; and Oxford Pegasus Theatre.
Volunteers Partnering with other Organisations: For example, last year, volunteers partnered with Oxford University. Parasol Workforce Volunteers/dancers went on a creative process to answer the research question: How do we become what we become? They performed in the Courtyard of Radcliffe Observatory 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.
Growing Volunteers into Employees: Each year 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 example, last year, we noted that 10 of Parasol’s 40 employed staff had started out with us as volunteers.
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**The Parasol Project CIO**
## **Report of the Trustees for the Year Ended 31 March 2025 (continued)**
Our 2023-2026 term-time Community Hub and Volunteering Programme (funded by the National Lottery) means that we now offer year-round services (Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays). Activities include: B-Creative Club; Parasol Enterprise (Social Action Group); Youth Club; Tues / Weds / Thurs Lunch Clubs; B-Active Club; Parents and Toddlers Stay and Play Group; Knit and Natter Club; Northway Family Fun Day; Children’s Celebration Day; Volunteers Celebration Day; and, new in 2025, our Easter Family Fun Day. Importantly, this term-time project provides work experience and volunteering opportunities for Parasol Adult Workforce Volunteers and Northway residents. Volunteering increases individuals’ belief in themselves and their potential. Parasol provides a safe/inclusive space to have fun, get involved, meet others and make friends. This helps build strong relationships in and across the Parasol and Northway communities.
There are many vulnerable and isolated people in Northway. It appears that our free community services (newsletters, celebration events, weekly groups, activities, and free food) help encourage those most in need to join our Northway Community hub. Here is what has gone particularly well during 2024-2025.
**The three weekly Lunch Clubs have gone well:** Due to demand (and thanks to the Lottery Uplift Fund), we were able to run three weekly Lunch clubs (Tues/Weds/Thurs) instead of the originally proposed one. We had success in terms of numbers regularly attending and the feedback from club members. In total, this year, we facilitated 114 Lunch Club sessions to 132 unique individuals. Average numbers lunching each session: 31 on Tuesdays; 33 on Wednesdays; and 72 on Thursdays. We were delighted to note that more self-assured members of the community were coming down from the tower block to pick up lunch for themselves and a neighbour (someone vulnerable), effectively helping us reach the hardest to reach in our community. The Lunch Clubs are playing a central role by providing: (a) healthy food to some of those in need in our community; (b) more opportunities for the volunteers to be productive and feel good about themselves; and (c) more opportunities to build relationships across both communities. As one Lunch Club participant told us… _“These meals are really helpful, a real-life saver for me and my partner (who is also recovering from a serious illness) and have often been our only source of daily food.”_
**Parent and Toddler Stay and Play group has also gone well:** This ‘free’ group has (for the second year) been an overwhelming success, in terms of numbers regularly attending and feedback from group members. The total number of unique individuals taking part in this project this year was 72 (36 parents/carers and 36 babies/toddlers), with an average turnout of 32 individuals each week. Each Friday morning the group play, dance, and sing. They also use our sensory room and play in our well-equipped garden, weather permitting. Alongside this, we run a very popular children’s clothes swap shop which creates a real buzz . Parents/carers told us… “ _Great activities, thoughtful staff and such a helpful resource for parents with young children.” – “It's really useful to have a break from being on my own with the kids.” - “It's helped me be more confident as a parent of young children, and keeps me sane!”_ Community cohesiveness in action.
**The numbers and feedback from this community project have also gone well:** The average number of individuals attending one of the 9 weekly sessions, in year 2, was 178. Of those, a significant number (112) completed a year-end survey. Of those 112 survey responders, the majority (60%) were between the ages of 25 and 54: 3% were aged between 55 and 64; 4% were aged between 65 and 74; and, 2% were aged between 75 and 84; the remainder, 33% (36 individuals) were disabled adult community hub volunteers and weekly Youth Club members and volunteers under 25 years old.
Participants indicated one or more reasons why they come along to our community hub project. For example, 72% of the 112 survey responders ticked that they come along to meet others and make friends; 71% ticked to have fun; 65% to feel part of the community; 58% to have something to look forward to; 49% to improve mental wellbeing; 46% to feel better about themself; 44% to learn new skills; and finally, 33% come along to improve their health. We were delighted to discover that, according to the 112 survey responders, this project has ‘often’ or ‘all of the time’ had a positive impact on individuals wellbeing. More specifically…
88% of survey responders/participants state that this project increased their sense of community; 82% of survey responders state that this project increased their sense of belonging; 84% state that this project increased their mental wellbeing; and, 83% state that this project increased their emotional wellbeing.
As our expected outcome was 80%, findings indicate that we exceeded expected outcomes in year 2.
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**The Parasol Project CIO**
## **Report of the Trustees for the Year Ended 31 March 2025 (continued)**
## **8. Evaluation Feedback**
**Community project members evaluation feedback: Q:** _**Since being involved, what, if anything, has changed about how you feel about yourself and your life?**_ “ _This project has made me feel more confident_ “ “ “ _- More optimistic_ “ - “ _More social_ “ _Less isolated_ “ - “ _I have hope for the future_ “- “ _My mental health is so much better than it was before Parasol_ “ - “ _Happier about myself_ “ - “ _Tuesdays have turned into my main social day_ “ - “ _Made my life happier_ “ - “ _My outlook on life has been more positive_ “ - “ _It’s helped me grow as a person._ “
**Best thing - the Community:** “ _The sense of community, it's wonderful_ “ - “ _I feel more connected to people in this community_ “ - “ _It’s very inclusive_ “ - “ _Isolated people get to feel a part of a community_ “ - “ _Great place to visit, always friendly_ “ - “ _It's perfect”_ - “ _It’s connected me with my neighbours_ “ - “ _Helped me become part of my community. Something I was looking for since I moved here._ “
**Best thing - the Lunch Clubs:** “ _The yummy food_ “ - “ _A lovely atmosphere and it is a pleasure to eat great and healthy food which has been prepared by Parasol's Young Adult users, as well as to chat to others during the meal. The young people clearly love this activity and have gained lots of skills by being in the Lunch Club!_ “
**Best thing - the weekly Stay and Play session:** “ _Meeting other mothers for a sense of community_ “ - “ _Having something to look forward to, having a safe space for my baby to meet other babies and it gets me out [of] the house_ “ - “ _Provide snacks for children, care for adults too. Such a lovely space_ “ - “ _My baby and I feel noticed and cared about_ “ - “ _Staff are amazing._ “ “ _It’s brilliant! Great activities, thoughtful staff and such a helpful resource for parents with young children_ “ - “ _It's really useful to have a break from being on my own with the kids_ “ - “ _I feel I can relax. I have a chat with other mums and share experiences with others about growing problems_ “ - “ _Helps develop communication and friendship between children and parents_ “ _-_ “ _My kid and I really, really enjoy it. It gives me a rest both physically and mentally_ . _”_
**Best thing - its free:** “ _The fact that it's free! Nothing is free these days. And that you are offering stuff to the community_ “ - “ _It is amazing, such good food and toddler group for free, with the right motivation to help._ “
**Children/young people evaluation feedback:** During 2024, we consulted with children and young people beneficiaries, to find out if being involved with Parasol had made a positive impact on their wellbeing. We were pleased to learn that over 80% of 102 survey responders felt that Parasol had helped them: (1) feel good about themselves; (2) feel happier; (3) more confident; and (4) more independent - _‘often’_ or _‘all of the time’_ .
**Q:** _**What is the best thing about coming to Parasol?** “Feeling that you’re not the only person with your type of disability and that there is support for me” - “Sharing positive experiences” – “Made me more independent” – “Optimistic” – “Parasol has given me more perspective” – “Parasol definitely helped me learn to be myself.”_
**Q:** _**Since being involved with Parasol, what, if anything, has changed about how you feel about yourself and your life?** “My self-esteem has improved” – “More confident in myself” – “Express how I feel more” – “I can cope with change better” – “I'm more independent” – “More open to trying new things” – “I feel more positive and in control” – “More able to face challenges” – “More comfortable around other people.”_
**Parents/carers evaluation feedback:** In 2025, thirty-three parents/carers also completed an evaluation survey. A significant percentage ‘agreed’ or ‘strongly agreed’ that attending Parasol had impacted their child’s ability to: be proactive: (88%); be interactive: (86%); work in a team: (90%); express their needs and wants (77%); manage their own feelings (82%); build positive relationships (91%); & sense of independence (96%).
**Q:** _**What is the best thing about your child being involved in Parasol?**_ “ _Lifelong friendships_ “ - “ _Feeling like part of a family_ “ - “ _The skill development_ “ - “ _A life line_ “ - “ _The broadening of life experiences._ “
**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?**_ “ _Volunteering opportunities have developed my son's empathy, commitment and leadership skills_ “ - “ _An essential service_ “ - “ _Parasol has saved our sanity_ “ - “ _It gives our daughter & others a sense of belonging and purpose_ “ - “ _It's helped him to be more aware of others and to have more empathy_ “ - “ _Parasol has changed my daughter, making her more responsible, active, happy_ “ - “ _A wonderful charity that has helped myself/family. I don't know what I would have done without them._ “
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**The Parasol Project CIO**
## **Report of the Trustees for the Year Ended 31 March 2025 (continued)**
## **8. Evaluation Feedback (continued)**
**Volunteers’ evaluation findings and feedback:** In 2024/2025, we surveyed our 43 volunteers. We created specific questions to discern their perception of themselves/their lives. The first 14 questions were from the Warwick and Edinburgh Mental Well Being Scale. The lowest possible score is 14 (14x1point: _‘none-of-thetime_ ’) and the highest possible score is 70 (14x5points: _‘all-of-the-time_ ’). Academics note a score of 40 and below indicates probable depression. To measure change, each participant was asked to answer the same questionnaire twice. The first, as a baseline, that was then compared to data gathered at the year-end.
**Expected outcomes:** 80% of volunteers indicate a positive shift upwards in their perception of how they are feeling about various aspects of their lives.
**Result: 3 of our 5 outcomes were fully achieved, and, 2 of our outcomes were partially achieved.**
Outcome 1: Expect 80% of volunteers to increase their mental well-being **(Result was 71% - Mostly Achieved)** Outcome 2: Expect 80% of volunteers to reduce issues of isolation **(Result was 100% - Achieved)** Outcome 3: Expect 80% increase understanding of how to build positive relationships **(Result 86% - Achieved)** Outcome 4: Expect 80% increase confidence, responsibility/work in a team **(Result was 77% - Mostly Achieved)** Outcome 5: Expect 80% of volunteers to increase their sense of independence **(Result 80% - Achieved)**
**Outcome-1 in detail: Expect that at least 80% (32 out of the 43 vols) increase their mental wellbeing:** Initial baseline scores were concerning, as 18 of the 43 individuals scored 47 points or below (indicating low mood or depression). Two thirds (12 of these 18 low scorers) increased their scores significantly (by 6 to 27 points) and only one person’s WEMWBS scores started low (38 points), stayed low (40 points) at year-end. The remainder, 5 volunteers’ scores, stayed within +/- 5 points. It could therefore be argued that the majority of those ‘most in need’ (those starting with low mood / depression) benefited significantly from volunteering. Overall, 71% (30 of the 43) individuals/volunteers’ mental wellbeing scores increased. Of those, 20 volunteers’ scores increased by more than 5 points; 14 volunteers’ scores increased by 6 to 17 points and 6 volunteers’ scores increased by 20 points or more. Great news; however, this falls short of our expected outcome 80% (34 vols). Although these results are impressive, Outcome 1 was not fully achieved (low by 9%).
WEMWBS findings show that now, post-intervention, more volunteers feel: optimistic; useful; cheerful; relaxed; loved; confident; interested in others; have energy to spare; deal with problems well; think clearly _;_ feel good about themselves _;_ feel close to others; more able to make up their own minds; and, more interested in new things ‘ _often_ ’ or ‘ _all of the time_ .’ (Full Youth Volunteering Report May 2025 is available on request).
_**Q: What is the best thing about coming to Parasol?**_ “ _Being with friends_ “ _-_ “ _Having fun_ “ _-_ “ _The positive atmosphere_ “ - “ _The sense of community_ “ - “ _Contributing to a team_ “ - “ _Feeling like I’m making a difference_ “ - “ _The environment is very inclusive_ “ - “ _The general vibe and how everyone is super friendly_ “ - “ _Extremely inclusive_ “ - “ _Being able to help others_ “ - “ _I love getting involved_ “ - “ _Being involved and helping others.”_
_**Q: What would have happened if you hadn't been involved with Parasol?**_ Many comments like… “ _I would feel bored_ “ _-_ “ _Unhappy_ “ - “ _Isolated_ “ - “ _Burnt out_ “ - “ _Less sense of belonging_ “ - “ _Less motivated_ “ - “ _Less able to express myself_ “ - “ _Less useful_ “ - “ _Less confidence in social situations_ “ - “ _Less able to communicate with others_ “ - “ _Less confident interacting with people_ “ - “ _I would be sad all the time_ “ - “ _Would be really struggling_ “ - “ _Wouldn’t be able to gain experience and help others_ “ - “ _Wouldn’t have tried to be social” -_ “ _Wouldn’t be where I am today_ “ - “ _Wouldn’t have felt like I was making any kind of difference_ “
_**Q: Since being involved with Parasol, what, if anything, has changed about how you feel about**_
_**yourself and your life?**_ Many comments like: I feel more… “ _Sociable_ “ - “ _Healthy_ / _Happier_ “ - “ _Motivated_ “ - “ _Independent_ “ - “ _Confident in myself and my abilities_ “ - “ _Positive and optimistic about life_ “ - “ _Relaxed and relieved_ “ - “ _Excited for future_ “ - “ _The future seems brighter_ “ - “ _Have been able to adapt myself better to different situations_ “ - “ _My social skills have increased_ “ - “ _Taught me to be kind and considerate_ “ - “ _More able to understand difficult emotions_ “ - “ _Taught me that it's rewarding to put myself out there._ “
_“I feel incredibly lucky to have been part of this project.”_
- _“I feel like part of a community and proud of my role.”_
- _“Helping other people, gives me a sense of pride.”_
10
**The Parasol Project CIO**
## **Report of the Trustees for the Year Ended 31 March 2025 (continued)**
## **9. Financial Review**
During 2024/25 our income was £429,500 (£433,935 in 2023/24) and expenditure increased to £437,365 (£389,065 in 2023/24). This caused a deficit of £7,865 for the year.
Reserves at the end of the year to March 31 2025 stood at £91,849 (2024 £99,714), a decrease compared to the previous year. Section 11 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 £10,000 from Oxford City Council. We are also in receipt of three-year funding from the Henry Smith Charity (£37,000 per annum), approximately £33,000 per year from the Healthy Activity and Food fund, and, new three-year grant from the National Lottery Community Fund of approximately £72,000 per annum. Together, all these funds provide a certain amount of financial stability for the charity.
## **10. Future Plans**
Holiday activities - Parasol are commissioned by Oxfordshire County Council SHORT BREAKS to provide 80 holiday activity sessions (40 child, 40 teen) up to April 2027 with a likely extension to 2031.
Supported places - We plan to continue accessing the government's Healthy Activities and Food programme (HAF) in order to provide free places to families in receipt of free school meals during Easter, Summer and Xmas school holidays.
Community facing activities - Our National Lottery funding for our COMMUNITY HUB project comes to an end in Sept 2026 and we are planning to apply for further funding in order to give the project enough time to grow and become sustainable. Central to our plans is the development of our offer for disabled adults that have graduated through our Teen service.
Efficiency - In order to manage our increased output we are working to automate systems wherever possible to increase efficiency, maintain high standards and reduce costs wherever possible.
Fundraising - We will continue to raise funds towards creating a multi media space by installing a ceiling mounted projector and screen at our Playbase venue. We are also exploring the possibility of funding a summer house in the garden to provide a breakout space during holiday activities and additional office space during term time.
11
**The Parasol Project CIO**
## **Report of the Trustees for the Year Ended 31 March 2025 (continued)**
## **11. Reserves**
The Charity’s total reserves at March 31 2025 were £91,849 (£99,714 in 2023/24). Of these reserves, £73,800 (2024 - £72,738) are restricted. These funds as set out in Note 13 are only available for specific purposes. £18,049 (2024 - £26,976) are unrestricted funds and are available to be used to support any aspect of the Charity’s total expenditure. This is a drop/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 funding will be challenging. The Trustees continue to be aware of the Charity Commissioners’ guidance in “Charity Reserves: Building Resilience” and indeed this guidance is what underlies their goal of establishing 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.
12
**The Parasol Project CIO**
## **Report of the Trustees for the Year Ended 31 March 2025 (continued)**
## **13. Trustees’ Responsibilities in Relation to the Financial Statements**
The charity trustees are responsible for preparing a trustees’ annual report and financial statements in 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:
- select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;
- observe the methods and principles in the applicable Charities SORP;
- make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
- state whether applicable accounting standards have been followed, subject to any material departures that must be disclosed and explained in the financial statements; and
- prepare financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the charity will continue its operations.
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 on the charity’s website in accordance with legislation in the United Kingdom governing the preparation and dissemination of financial statements.
**Approved by order of the Board of Trustees on:** 13[th] October 2025
**and signed on behalf by:**
**Anna Hemphill – Trustee (Chair)**
13
**The Parasol Project CIO**
## **Independent Examiner’s Report to the Trustees of 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 2025 which are set out on pages 15 to 25.
## **Responsibilities and basis of report**
As the charity’s trustees you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 (‘the Act’).
I report in respect of my examination of the charity’s accounts carried out under section 145 of the Act and in 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**
Since the charity’s gross income exceeded £250,000 your examiner must be a member of a body listed in 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 accounts give a ‘true and fair view’ which is not a 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.
**J Bull FCA Chartered Accountant Wenn Townsend 30 St Giles Oxford OX1 3LE**
## **Date: 21[st] October 2025**
14
**The Parasol Project CIO**
## **Statement of Financial Activities for the Year Ended 31 March 2025**
**----- Start of picture text -----**
Note Unrestricted Total Unrestricted Total
Funds Restricted Funds Funds Restricted Funds
2025 2025 2025 2024 2024 2024
£ £ £ £ £ £
Income
Donations and Legacies 2 6,311 343,717 350,028 6,287 343,393 349,680
Charitable Activities 3 76,672 - 76,672 82,205 - 82,205
Investments 4 2,800 - 2,800 2050 - 2050
Other - - -
Total 85,783 343,717 429,500 90,542 343,393 433,935
Expenditure
Cost of Raising Funds 6 12,878 1,100 13,978 17,271 - 17,271
Expenditure on Charitable
Activities 7 & 8 81,832 341,555 423,387 52,949 318,845 371,794
Total 94,710 342,655 437,365 70,220 318,845 389,065
Net Income/(Expenditure) (8,927) 1,062 (7,865) 20,322 24,548 44,870
Transfer Between Funds - - -
Net Movement in Funds (8,927) 1,062 (7,865) 20,322 24,548 44,870
Reconciliation of Funds:
Total Funds Brought
Forward 14 & 15 26,976 72,738 99,714 6,654 48,190 54,844
Total Funds Carried
Forward 14 & 15 £18,049 £73,800 £91,849 £26,976 £72,738 £99,714
**----- End of picture text -----**
15
**The Parasol Project CIO**
## **Balance Sheet as at 31 March 2025**
**----- Start of picture text -----**
Note
2025 2024
£ £
Fixed Assets
Tangible Fixed Assets 11 4,082 4,941
Current Assets
Debtors and Prepayments 12 8,671 10,128
Funds on Deposit 11,773 11,534
Cash at Bank and in Hand 79,660 86,214
100,104 107,876
Less: Current Liabilities
Amounts falling due within a year 13 (12,337) (13,103)
Net Current Assets 87,767 94,773
Total Assets less Current Liabilities 91,849 99,714
Net Assets £91,849 £99,714
The Funds of the Charity:
Restricted Income Funds 14 73,800 72,738
Unrestricted Income Funds 15 18,049 26,976
£91,849 £99,714
**----- End of picture text -----**
The financial statements on pages 15 to 25 were approved by the Trustees 13[th] October 2025 and signed on their behalf by:
**Anna Hemphill**
**Chair of the Board**
16
**The Parasol Project CIO**
## **Notes forming part of the financial statements for the Year ended March 31 2025**
## **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.
The trustees consider that there are no material uncertainties about the Trust’s ability to continue as a going 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.
17
**The Parasol Project CIO**
## **Notes forming part of the financial statements for the Year ended March 31 2025**
## **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 -----**
2025 2024
£ £
Local Authority Grants 119,363 165,881
Other Grants (£1,000 and over) 226,399 180,561
Small Grants and Donations (Including Gift Aid) 4,266 3,238
Total 350,028 349,680
**----- End of picture text -----**
## **3. Income from charitable activities**
||**Unrestricted**
**Funds**
**£**|
**Restricted**
**Funds**
**£**|
**Total**
**2025**
**£**|**Total**
**2024**
**£**|
|---|---|---|---|---|
|Fees received|76,672|-|76,672|82,205|
||76,672|-|76,672|82,205|
## **4. Investment Income**
The Charity's investment income of £2,800 (2024 - £2,050) arises from bank interest received of £327 and £2,473 room hire.
18
**The Parasol Project CIO**
## **Notes forming part of the financial statements for the Year ended March 31 2025**
## **5. Net Outgoing Resources**
This is stated after charging:
|This is stated after charging:|||
|---|---|---|
||**2025**|**2024**|
||**£**|**£**|
|Depreciation|859|3,973|
|Independent Examiner’s Fees:|||
|Independent examination|2,220|2,112|
|Accountancy fees|1,194|1,140|
|Additional assistance in prior year|4,148|36|
## **6. Cost of Raising Funds**
**----- Start of picture text -----**
Unrestricted Restricted Total Total
Funds Funds 2025 2024
£ £ £ £
Staff - - 5,480
Fundraising Admin Fees 225 - 225 235
Fundraising 12,653 1,100 13,753 11,556
12,878 1,100 13,978 17,271
**----- 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 and
Accountancy Fees
Bad debts|**General**
**Support Governance**
**Total**
**Basis of**
**Apportionment**
**£**
**£**
**£**
-
-
-
9,440
-
9,440
Allocated as a %
3,833
-
3,833
Based on Project
98,451
-
98,451
Salary Costs
5,223
-
5,223
-
7,562
7,562
Governance
1,295
-
1,295
118,242
7,562
125,804|
|---|---|
19
## **Parasol Project CIO**
## **Notes forming part of the financial statements for the Year ended March 31 2025**
## **8. Charitable Expenditure Analysis**
||**Total**|**Choice**|**Residential**|**Playbase**|**Volunteer**|**Youth**|**Child Term**|**Adult**|**Governanc**|**Training**|||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|||**Days**|||**Project**|**Group**||**Parasol**|**e**||**Community**|**Building**|
||**£**|**£**|**£**|**£**|**£**|**£**|**£**|**£**|**£**|**£**|**£**|**£**|
|Salary Costs|**170,720**|47,533|-|38,861|23,325|8,765|517|44,010|-|-|3,393|4,316|
||||||||-|-|-|-|-|-|
|Choice Day Expenses|**39,195**|39,195|-|-|-|-|||||||
|Teen Residential|**10,849**|-|10,849|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|
|Expenses|||||||||||||
|Adult Parasol|**22,385**|-|-|-|-|-|-|22,385|-|-|-|-|
|Expenses|||||||||||||
|Playbase Expenses|**7,405**|-|-|7,405|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|
|Teen Youth Group|**5,487**|-|-|-|-|5,487|-|-|-|-|-|-|
|Expenses|||||||||||||
|Volunteer Project|**7,059**|-|-|-|7,059|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|
|Community Project|**20,150**|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|6,172|-|
|Building|**28,314**|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|28,314|
|Independent|**7,562**|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|7,562|-|-|-|
|Examination|||||||||||||
|Support costs|**118,242**|32,484|-|26,558|15,941|5,990|354|30,079|-|1,568|2,319|2,949|
|Year ended 2025|**423,387**|119,212|10,849|72,824|46,325|20,239|871|96,474|7,562|1,568|11,884|35,579|
|Year ended 2024|**371,794**|123,133|-|95,824|54,589|22,373|7,066|50,892|11,244|1,326|-|-|
20
**Parasol Project CIO**
## **Notes forming part of the financial statements for the Year ended March 31 2025**
## **9. Governance costs**
**----- Start of picture text -----**
Unrestricted Restricted Total Total
Funds Funds 2025 2024
£ £ £ £
Staff - - - 7,956
-
Independent Examiner’s Fee 2,220 2,220 2,112
Accountancy Fee 1,194 1,194 1,140
Additional assistance in prior year 4,148 - 4,148 36
-
7,562 7,562 11,244
**----- End of picture text -----**
21
## **Parasol Project CIO**
## **Notes forming part of the financial statements for the Year ended March 31 2025**
## **10. Total Resources Expended**
||**Staff Costs**
**£**
**Other Costs**
**£**
**Total**
**2025**
**£**
**Total**
**2024**
**£**|**Staff Costs**
**£**
**Other Costs**
**£**
**Total**
**2025**
**£**
**Total**
**2024**
**£**|**Staff Costs**
**£**
**Other Costs**
**£**
**Total**
**2025**
**£**
**Total**
**2024**
**£**|**Staff Costs**
**£**
**Other Costs**
**£**
**Total**
**2025**
**£**
**Total**
**2024**
**£**|
|---|---|---|---|---|
|Charitable Activities|269,172
154,215
423,387
371,794||||
|Cost of Generating Funds|-
13,978
13,978
17,271||||
||269,172|168,193|437,365|389,065|
Staff Costs Comprise:
**----- Start of picture text -----**
2025 2024
£ £
Salaries Staff 256,822 206,272
Social Security Costs 8,392 6,886
Pension Costs 3,958 3,714
269,172 216,872
**----- End of picture text -----**
The average number of staff during the period was 5 (2024 - 4) full time. 56 (2024 - 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 (2024 - 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 £44,026 (2024 - £38,861).
22
## **Parasol Project CIO**
## **Notes forming part of the financial statements for the Year ended March 31 2025**
## **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 2024 8,592 16,609 15,134 2,060 42,395
Additions in the Year - - - - -
As at March 31 2025 8,592 16,609 15,134 2,060 42,395
Depreciation
As at April 1 2024 3,651 16,609 15,134 2,060 37,454
Provision in the Year 859 - - - 859
As at March 31 2025 4,510 16,609 15,134 2,060 38,313
Net Book Value at 31
March 2025 4,082 - - - 4,082
Net Book Value at 31
March 2024 4,941 - - - 4,941
**----- End of picture text -----**
## **12. Debtors and Prepayments**
|Activity Fees Receivable|**2025**
**£**
**2024**
**£**
8,671
10,128|
|---|---|
||8,671
10,128|
## **13. Creditors: Amounts Falling due Within One Year**
|Tax, National Ins & Pensions
Independent Examiner's Fees
Accruals and Accounts Payable|**2025**
**2024**
**£**
**£**
3,658
3,850
3,925
3,150
4,754
6,103|
|---|---|
||12,337
13,103|
23
## **Parasol Project CIO**
## **Notes forming part of the financial statements for the Year ended March 31 2025 14. Restricted Funds**
|Volunteer Project
Building and Sensory Room
Holiday Activities
Teenage Services
Adult Services
Northway Community Fund
Volunteer Project
Building and Sensory Room
Holiday Activities
Teenage Services
Adult Services
Northway Community Fund
OCF
Wheelchair Path
Represented by:
Balance at March 31 2025
Balance at March 31 2024|**Balance at**
**1 April**
**2024**
**Income**
**in the Year**
**Expenditure**
**in the Year**
**Transfers**
**Balance at**
**March 31**
**2025**
**£**
**£**
**£**
**£**
**£**
29,375
42,526
(30,384)
-
41,517
8,202
1,574
(24,036)
14,260
-
750
173,667
(146,374)
-
28,043
-
10,280
(10,280)
-
-
-
5,637
(66,167)
60,530
-
34,411
110,033
(65,414)
(74,790)
4,240|
|---|---|
||72,738
343,717
(342,655)
-
73,800|
||**Balance at**
**1 April**
**2023**
**Income in the**
**Year**
**Expenditure**
**in the Year**
**Transfers**
**Balance at**
**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
**Fixed Assets**
**£**
**Cash at Bank**
**£**
**Total**
**£**
4,082
69,718
73,800
4,941
67,797
72,738|
24
**Parasol Project CIO**
## **Notes forming part of the financial statements for the Year ended March 31 2025**
## **15. Unrestricted Income Funds**
|
Balance at April 1 2024
Incoming Resources
Expenditure
Balances at March 31 2025
Represented by:
Current Assets
Creditors and Deferred Income
|**2025**
**2024**
**£**
**£**
26,976
6,654
85,783
90,542
(94,710)
(70,220)|
|---|---|
||18,049
26,976|
||30,386
40,079
(12,337)
(13,103)|
||18,049
26,976|
## **16. Financial Commitments**
As at 31 March 2025 (2024 - Nil) there are no annual commitments under non-cancellable leases.
## **17. Trustee’s Remuneration**
No Trustee (2024 - Nil) received or waived any emoluments during the year.
No out of pocket expenses (2024 - Nil) were reimbursed to Trustees in the year.
No related party transactions outside the course of normal business occurred in the year (2024 – Nil).
25