2021-03-31-accounts

S.A.F.E. ESSEX (SUPPORTING ASPERGER FAMILIES IN ESSEX) Charity registration number 1188739 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2021

S.A.F.E. ESSEX (SUPPORTING ASPERGER FAMILIES IN ESSEX) CONTENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2021 Page Trustees annual report Independent Examinerfs Report Statement of Financtal Accounts Balance Sheet Notes to the financial statements 7-10

S.A.F.E. ESSEX (SUPPORTING ASPERGER FAMILIES IN ESSEX) TRUSTEE ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2021 LÈ al and Adminastrative Charity Number: 1188739 Date of Registration- 24th March 2020 Trustees- D Norrnan (Chairman) S Evennett Isecretary J Whitelaw ITreasurerl K Bancroft Sam Clark-smith Ictropted March 2021) P Neale F Potter C P Sorrell Nelida Spalding (co-opted January 20211 Registered *Aldress: 43 Buttercup Way, Southminster, Essex, CMO 7RY Independent Exmainers- Community360 w1nsle￿S House High Street Colchesler C01 1UG

S.A.F.E. ESSEX (SUPPORTING ASPERGER FAMILIES IN ESSEX) TRUSTEE ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2021 SAFE Annual Review of Activities SAFE provides support for individuals wth Asperger Syndrome IAS) or families a memberwth AS throughout the County of Essex induding the Unitary Boroughs of S0uthend-o￿a and Thurrock. Membership: The SAFE membership sfckid at 140 families re&￿eSentIng 146 people wilh AS. Approximalely 76°A ofthose with AS were in the 18+ age group and 29°A INe in the unilay authcities ofsouthend-on-sea ￿ Thurrock. Members are prowded practical, emotional. and information-based support at these regular meetings. Members also enjoy monthly SAFE Newsletters and ad hoc emails specifically gea￿d to pass on relevant items of interest to adults wth AS and families. SAFE advo¢8les for the needs of peO￿e wth AS both 8t local 8nd national levels. SAFE has represenlalives on the Ioc81 authority Aub'sm Pathership Boards in Essex. Monthfy newsletter5 are produced for its members th Mtsl infom)ation about tts activities and other seM¢es on offer for our ¢ommunity group. Ongoing a¢tivities and proje¢ts= The impact of the Covid pandemic presented a major Ghallenge to SAFE as wth all organisab"ons. but the Charity was detemiined to find ￿￿yS to ¢ontinue to communicate with its members and prowde ongoing support during the developing situation. During this period. SAFE moved supwrt meetings online for members to access via Zoom as b%ell as offering a limtted nuMi￿r of faCe-t￿faCe a¢trvtbes {primarily outdoors) lo comply th Covid restrictions. During the fir51 lockdown 811 fa￿-tO-faCe acbwts"e5 ceased, wth a number of actiwties shifting online via Zoom. When restrictions eased to allow outdoor actsmties, SAFE organised a number of activities for members of different ages followng CoMd-19 regulab"ons. Proje¢ls that continued during this year inclLJded= SAFE STUFF- after 13 continuous ￿arS running SAFE STUFF. Clare Hudson stepped in July and Lyann Kennetty became the group's new Co-ordinator. The project cont'nues to be extremely beneficial lo many SAFE members and their children. After an initial drop in attendance due to lockdown, since August, 79 children and 74 parents have taker* part in various actiwties including OUT online lockdown actmties. SAFE STUFF remains vital for severdl families and helped to engage young children and their families during a stressful year caused by lockdovms and disruption of regular routines caused by the pandemic. The SAFE South Youth Club has not been able to meel during 2020121 to Comd. Leaders plan to reconvene as scx)n as lockdown restricts allow. SAFE'S Hub Clubs based in Southend and SoLrth Woodham Ferrefs. which are aimed at young people wrth ASIHFA that attend mainstream se¢ondary school, were not able to meet during this period due to Covid restrictions. Attempts We￿ made lo run the groups virtually wa Zoom but uptake was extremely poor due to Participants not ￿l$hIng to be seen on camera or to view others in this way. The Alpha Sigma Delta IASD} group for girfs UP to 18 years and parents was unable to rneet at its base at Megacentre in Ra￿eIgh but mel weekly via Zoom as an altemats"ve. SAFE saw participation from several r￿Ular girlstyoung women ancl their mothers attending. SAFE also Tan and talk, sessions wrth this group in locations such as Norsey Woods in Billericay and Hockley Woods.

S.A.F.E. ESSEX (SUPPORTING ASPERGER FAMILIES IN ESSEX) TRUSTEE ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2021 In the same way as the ASD group, the SAFE SPA Isocial Participation for Adults) group mel virtually on a weekly basis wa Zoom ￿1th a core number of adults attending every session. When possible. the group arranged 'walk and talk, sessions on the seafront and in parks in and around Southend. The SAFE Women's Group also met Week￿ wa Zoom with several socialty distanced walking sessions arranged in WdriOUS locations for the group. The Spouses Group were also not able to meet in pers￿. members keep in touch by email and through Swial Media platforms. SAFE'S regular sUPPOrt group meetings for pa￿ntS of chiklren and for parents and aduk members aged 18+ with Asperger sI￿droMe IASAP - Asperger S￿drOMe Adults & Pa￿nts was unable to meet in person but offered a Zoom meeting trice each month. Addttionally. the Chelmsford Friendship Club. fornied by a group of ASAP members, kept in touch with meM￿r$ via social medra and Zoom. Websita and advocacy SAFE'5 presence on F8￿boOk continues and it continues to post details and articles Con￿mIng auli5m without a learning disabiltty., there are now 949 people reguLar¥y 'followring' the SAFE Facebook page SAFE has also been involved in ¢onsullations wth Chelmsford City Council and Essex County Council regarding the prowsion of purpose buill, sheltered housing for adults Asperger Syndrome. Fundraising The Trustees would like to thank our volunteers who have helped to run our actsvtlies and, also our generous donors, ¢haritable bodies and corporate organisats.on who have grven us the resour¢e5 to enable us to provide the actiwties for our members. Funders during the past year include.. Essex Community Foundab"on Essex poli￿]Home Office Icovid Reliefj Fowler, Smith Jones Charitable Trust Ground Works Company Hamptons Masons National Lottery Covid Fund Rosca Tru51 Sir Alislair & Patricia Stewart Fund Southend Emergency Fund Future Development During 2020121. SAFE increased its Exec(Jtive lo bring in key skills in accordan¢e wtth good govemance pra¢tices. Trustees continue to review the effectiveness of the Se￿CeS SAFE promdes and whether there is potential for further development or changes. As soon as the guidelines allow, SAFE wll retum io offering face lo fa￿ support meets.ngs and s￿181 actiwb.es for members and the Exe¢utive WFII ￿vieW vthether there is unmet need for members and seek funding to initiate or continue a¢b"wties and advocate for the needs of people with AS. J Whitel8W

S.A.F.E ESSEX (SUPPORTING ASPERGER FAMILIES IN ESSEX) INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2021 I report on the accounts of S.A.F.E Essex (Supporting Asperger Families in Essexl for the year ended 31st March 2021 which are set out on pages 5 to 10. Respective responsibilities of tnistees and examiner The Charivs Trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. The Charivs Trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year (under section 144121 of the Charities Art 2011 (The Act) but that an independent examinatiori 15 needed. It is my responsibility to= Examine the accounts under section 145 of the Charities Act, - To follow the procedures laid down in the General Dirertions given by the Charity Commissioners lunder section 14515llbl of the Charities ACL. and - To state whether particular matters have come to my attention. Basis of independent examinerfs Statement My examination was carried out accordance with the General Directions given by the Charity Commissioners. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the Charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes considerations of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts, and seeking explanations from you as trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit and consequently I do not express an audit opiniorb on the view given by the accounts. Independent examinerfs statement In the course of my examination. no material matters have come to my attention which gives me cause to believe that in, any material respect- The accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 130 of the Charities Act,. or The accounts did not accord with the accounting record5: or The accounts did not comply with the applicable requirements concerning the form and content of the 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 come across no other matters sn connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understsnding of the accounts to be reached. Shelley-marie Rudling FMAAT AATQB for and on behalf of.. Community360 Winsley's House. High Street, Cojchesler, E55ex Date 2oZ{.

S.A.F.E. ESSEX (SUPPORTING ASPERGER FAMILIES IN ESSEX) STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2021 Notes Unrestricted Funds Restricted Funds 2021 Total Incoming resources Donations and legacies Charitable actTvities 20.687 1.575 22,262 20.687 8,967 29,654 7.392 7.392 Totsl incoming resources Resources expended Charitable activitss Expenditure on raisirs furKIs Totsl resources expended 8.135 7.297 15,432 368 8.503 7.297 15,800 Net incomlng loui90ing) resources 13,759 95 13,854 Transfer between funds 516 15161 Merger Income 3.387 7.495 10,882 Net rnovement In furKIs 17,662 7.074 24,736 Total fvnds brought forward Total funds carrl•d forward 17.662 7,074 24,736 Notes on pages 7 to 10 forni an Fnlergral part of Ihese financial statements.

S.A.F.E. ESSEX BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31 MARCH 2021 2021 Note5 Fixed assets Tangible assets 605 Gu￿ent assets Cash at bank and in hand 24,581 24.581 CrÈditor5= amounts talling due within one year 450 Net current assetsllliabilities) 24,131 Net assets 24,736 Funds of the charity Restricted funds Unrestricted funds Totsl funds 7.074 17,662 24,736 Approved by the trustees on theJ• I C>1 ajand sigwy on their behalf by.. J Whitelaw

S.A.F.E. ESSEX (SUPPORTING ASPERGER FAMILIES IN ESSEX) NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2021 1.1 Basis ofthe preparation ofthe accounts The finanual statements have been prepared in accordance wth Aco)untiro and Reporting by Charities.. Statement on Recommended Practise applicable to chartbes preparirvJ their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applscable in the UK and Republic of Ireland IFRS 1 D21 (effective 1 January 20191- (Charities SORP IFRS 10211, the Finan¢ial ReportbrvJ Star￿ard applicable In Ihe UK arjd Republic of Ireland IFRS 1021 and the Cornpanies Act 2011. S.A.F.E. Essex (Supporting Asperger Families in Essex) consttlutes z public benefft entity as defined by FRS 102. cash Flow The financial ststements do not include a cash stalemenl becaLtse the charity, as a small reporting entty, is exempt from the requiremenl to prepare such a statement undw FInar￿la1 Reporting Stand8rd 1 "Cash flow statements"_ 1.2 Incorne recognition All income is rec(4nise(l orKe the chartty has enttuement to the income. it is probable that the income will be received and the amwnt of ir￿rne receivable can be meastsred relk?bly. For1898cies, entiuement is taken as the earfier ot the date on which either, the charity is aware that probate has been granted, the estate has been finallsed and nottfication has been made by the executor(sl to the Trust that a distribution will be made. or when a distribution is received from the estate. Receipt of 8 legacy, in whole or in part. is only considered pmbable when the amtyJnt can be measured reliably and the charity has been notified of the Èxecutorfs intention to make a distribution. Where legaryes have been nob.fied tts the charity, or the charity is aware of the grantiro of probate, and the criteria ￿r￿me ret(yJn￿¢10n have not been met. then the legacy is treated as a continqent asset and disdosed as material. Donated services or lacilf(ies are recognised when Ihe tharity has control over the item, any conditions associated with the donated itern have been met, the T￿lpt of economic benefit frorn the use of the charrty of the rtem is probable and that ewrK)rnic benefft can be measuT&J reliably. In acCOrdar￿ with the ch8rib.ès SORP IFRS 1021, the general vtAunteer time of the Frtends is rh)t reojgnised aThJ refer to the Trustees. Annual Report for more informabon abwt their contribubon. On receipt, donated professional semces and donaled faciltbes are recoJnised on the basis of the value of the gifl to the charity which 15 the amount the charity would have been willing to pay to obtain these services or facilities of equivalent eGorK)mic benefit on the open market: a correspond1r￿ amount is then recognised in expenditure in the peri(MY of r￿elpL In￿rne tax recOve￿bIe in ￿latiOn to donations re￿Ved under Gift Aid or deeds of covenanl is recognised at the time of the donation. Income tax rewverable in relation to investrrent income is rec(wJnised at the time Ihe investment income is ￿ceivable.

S.A.F.E. ESSEX (SUPPORTING ASPERGER FAMILIES IN ESSEX) NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2021 1.3 ExpendÈture recognition Expenditure is recconised once there is a legal or conslwGtive obligalion to transfer economic benefft to a third party, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefit ￿11 be required in settlernènt and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably. Expenditure is dassffied by ac*viliy. 1.4 Depreclation Depreciats"on is provided on all langible fixed assets at rates calculated to vKite off the (x)st less estimated residual value of each asset over rts expected lrfe as folkms: Equipment- 11 yea 1.5 Fund ?￿O￿ntIng Funds held by the charity are.. nrestricted eneral funds.. These are funds which can be used in aco)rdance the charitable objects at the discreb.on of the Trustees. These are funds that can only be used for particular restricted purposes wthin the objects of the Charity- Restriclions arise when specified by the dorKJr or when funds are rarsed for particular restricted purposes. 1.6 Merger S.A.F.E Essex Isupptsrting Asperger Families in Essex) registed as a CIO in March 2020. In April 2020 the charty merged with S.A.F.E Essex ISupwTting Asperyer Families in Essex), charity number 1095075. in which month the operations, assets aThJ liabiliiies of £10,882 were transferred to the Charity with no consideration paid. The assets and liabiltb.es were indLvJed in incoming resourws at their fair val￿5 at date of transfer. There has been m material fair value adjustments frorn b(x)k value. 2. Donations and le9acie5 Unrestrict•d RÈstrictod 2021 Donations Grants 2.911 17.776 2,911 17,776 20,687 20.687

S.A.F.E. ESSEX (SUPPORTING ASPERGER FAMILIES IN ESSEX) NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2021 3. Charitable activities Unrestrict Restricted 2021 ernbership fees Grants 1.575 1,575 7,392 8,967 7,392 7,392 1.575 4. Gosts of charftable activities un￿strIcted Restrlcted 2021 ASAP SAFE SPA Safe worner￿ Group Spouses Group SAFE STUFF (Activities} SAFE STUFF (Facilitator Costs) Girfs and Parents Group IASDI Hub Club 2 C Face to Face Advoca¢y Adrnin Ilns.. Post. Tel.) Trusteesl Committee Expenditure Volunteer EdU￿tIon & Trainiro Develop-ment Misc. Expenses Depr8Giation 16 1,159 1,079 32 16 1,159 1.079 32 1.979 749 16 1,979 749 16 2.630 280 774 132 394 4,640 340 122 2.630 774 132 394 927 340 122 3.713 7.885 7.297 15,182 Govtmanc8 costs: Audit and accountancy 250 250 250 250 8.135 7,297 15,432 S. Expènditure on raistn9 fvnds Unrestricted Restrlcted 2021 Fundraysing Wsts 3fj8 368

S.A.F.E. ESSEX (SUPPORTING ASPERGER FAMILIES IN ESSEX) NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2021 6. Tangible fixed as58ts Equipment Cost As at 1st April 2020 Additions 1,350 As at 31st March 2021 1,350 Depreciation As at 1st April 2020 Charge for the year As at 31st March 2021 623 122 745 Net book value As at 31st March 2021 605 As at 315t March 2020 727 7. CreditOTS' amounts falling due within onè yèar 2021 Accwals 450 450 8. Fund analysis Balance a5 at 0110312020 Income Expendlture Transfers Balancè as at 3110312021 Restrlcted funds SAFE from Homelessness SAFE STUFF (Activitiesl Cost5 Girfs and Parents Group IASD} Hub Cltjb 1 S Hub Club 2 C Safe Stuff Plus (SAFE SoJthl Face to Face Achievemnt Awards 516 2.917 4.500 493 15161 12,9171 11.8331 14931 19021 1991 {1.0531 2,667 1,053 4,407 14,887 4,407 7,074 Total Restricted Fun 17.29n {5161 Unrestrided Fund$ 25.649 (8,503} 516 17,662 Totsl Fund5 40.536 115,800 24.736 10

SAFE Annual Review of Activities

SAFE provides support for individuals with Asperger Syndrome (AS) or families with a member with AS throughout the County of Essex including the Unitary Boroughs of Southend-on-Sea and Thurrock.

Membership:

The SAFE membership stood at 133 families representing 145 people with AS. Approximately 75% of those with as were in the 18+ age group and 38% live in the unitary authorities of Southend-onSea or Thurrock.

Members are provided practical, emotional, and information-based support at these regular meetings. Members also enjoy monthly SAFE Newsletters and ad hoc emails specifically geared to pass on relevant items of interest to adults with AS and families.

SAFE advocates for the needs of people with AS both at local and national levels. SAFE has representatives on the local authority Autism Partnership Boards in Essex. Monthly newsletters are produced for its members with vital information about its activities and other services on offer for our community group.

Ongoing activities and projects:

The impact of the Covid pandemic presented a major challenge to SAFE as with all organisations, but the charity was determined to find ways to continue to communicate with its members and provide ongoing support during the developing situation. During this period, SAFE moved support meetings online for members to access via Zoom as well as offering a limited number of face-to-face activities (primarily outdoors) to comply with Covid restrictions.

During the first lockdown all face-to-face activities ceased, with a number of activities shifting online via Zoom. When restrictions eased to allow outdoor activities, SAFE organised a number of activities for members of different ages following Covid-19 regulations.

Projects that continued during this year included:

SAFE STUFF – after 13 continuous years running SAFE STUFF, Clare Hudson stepped down in July and Lyann Kennedy became the group’s new Co-ordinator. The project continues to be extremely beneficial to many SAFE members and their children. After an initial drop in attendance due to lockdown, since August, 79 children and 74 parents have taken part in various activities including our online lockdown activities. SAFE STUFF remains vital for several families and helped to engage young children and their families during a stressful year caused by lockdowns and disruption of regular routines caused by the pandemic.

SAFE – Supporting Asperger Families in Essex Registered Office: 43 Buttercup Way, Southminster, Essex CM0 7RY Email: [e-mail] • Website: www.safeessex.org.uk Registered Charity Number: 1188739

The SAFE South Youth Club has not been able to meet during 2020/21 due to Covid. Leaders plan to reconvene as soon as lockdown restricts allow.

SAFE’s Hub Clubs based in Southend and South Woodham Ferrers, which are aimed at young people with AS/HFA that attend mainstream secondary school, were not able to meet during this period due to Covid restrictions. Attempts were made to run the groups virtually via Zoom but uptake was extremely poor due to participants not wishing to be seen on camera or to view others in this way.

The Alpha Sigma Delta (ASD) group for girls up to 18 years and parents was unable to meet at its base at Megacentre in Rayleigh but met weekly via Zoom as an alternative. SAFE saw participation from several regular girls/young women and their mothers attending. SAFE also ran ‘walk and talk’ sessions with this group in locations such as Norsey Woods in Billericay and Hockley Woods.

In the same way as the ASD group, the SAFE SPA (Social Participation for Adults) group met virtually on a weekly basis via Zoom with a core number of adults attending every session. When possible, the group arranged ‘walk and talk’ sessions on the seafront and in parks in and around Southend.

The SAFE Women’s Group also met weekly via Zoom with several socially distanced walking sessions arranged in various locations for the group.

The Spouses Group were also not able to meet in person; members keep in touch by email and through Social Media platforms.

SAFE’s regular support group meetings for parents of children and for parents and adult members aged 18+ with Asperger Syndrome (ASAP – Asperger Syndrome Adults & Parents was unable to meet in person but offered a Zoom meeting twice each month. Additionally, the Chelmsford Friendship Club, formed by a group of ASAP members, kept in touch with members via social media and Zoom.

Website and advocacy

SAFE’s presence on Facebook continues and it continues to post details and articles concerning autism without a learning disability; there are now 949 people regularly ‘following’ the SAFE Facebook page

SAFE has also been involved in consultations with Chelmsford City Council and Essex County Council regarding the provision of purpose built, sheltered housing for adults with Asperger Syndrome.

Fundraising

The Trustees would like to thank our volunteers who have helped to run our activities and, also our generous donors, charitable bodies and corporate organisation who have given us the resources to enable us to provide the activities for our members. Funders during the past year include: Essex Community Foundation Essex Police/Home Office (Covid Relief) Fowler, Smith Jones Charitable Trust Ground Works Company Hamptons

SAFE – Supporting Asperger Families in Essex Registered Office: 43 Buttercup Way, Southminster, Essex CM0 7RY Email: [e-mail] • Website: www.safeessex.org.uk Registered Charity Number: 1188739

Masons National Lottery Covid Fund Rosca Trust Sir Alistair & Patricia Stewart Fund Southend Emergency Fund

Future Development

During 2020/21, SAFE increased its Executive to bring in key skills in accordance with good governance practices. Trustees continue to review the effectiveness of the services SAFE provides and whether there is potential for further development or changes.

As soon as the guidelines allow, SAFE will return to offering face to face support meetings and social activities for members and the Executive will review whether there is unmet need for members and seek funding to initiate or continue activities and advocate for the needs of people with AS.

Trustees:

D Norman (Chairman) S Evennett (Secretary J Whitelaw (Treasurer) K Bancroft Sam Clark-Smith (co-opted March 2021) P Neale F Potter Kath Salmon (co-opted March 2021) C P Sorrell Nelida Spalding (co-opted January 2021)

Registered Address: 43 Buttercup Way, Southminster, Essex CM0 7RY

SAFE – Supporting Asperger Families in Essex Registered Office: 43 Buttercup Way, Southminster, Essex CM0 7RY Email: [e-mail] • Website: www.safeessex.org.uk Registered Charity Number: 1188739