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2025-03-31-accounts

S.A.F.E. ESSEX

Charity registration number 1188739

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

S.A.F.E. ESSEX

CONTENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

Page
Trustees annual report 1-6
Independent Examiner's Report 7
Statement of Financial Accounts 8
Balance Sheet 9
Notes to the financial statements 10-13

S.A.F.E. ESSEX

TRUSTEE ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

Legal and Adminastrative

Charity Number:

1188739

Date of Registration: 24th March 2020

Trustees:

D Norman (Chairman) - Resigned 20/11/2024

S Evennett (Secretary)

T Rennie (Treasurer) K Bancroft P Neale F Potter C P Sorrell

Registered Address:

15 Station Road Hockley Essex SS5 4BZ

Page 1

SAFE Annual Review of Activities

SAFE provides support for individuals on the autistic spectrum without learning disabilities and their families throughout the County of Essex including the Unitary Boroughs of Southend-on-Sea and Thurrock. SAFE advocates for the needs of people on the spectrum both at local and national levels. Monthly newsletters are produced for its members with vital information about its activities and other services on offer for our community group.

Membership

The SAFE membership stood at 82 families representing 90 people on the autistic spectrum disorder. Approximately 73% of those members were in the 18+ age group and 35% live in the unitary authorities of Southend-on-Sea or Thurrock .

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

Ongoing activities and projects

SAFE STUFF continues to meet fortnightly with activities around the county. The core group during this year included approximately 8 children attending. Over the year, the core group of SAFE STUFF members has been low. A combination of other organisations catering for young children as well as other social activities have reduced attendance this year. Parents and their children stay in touch via a WhatsApp group to offer each other support and advice and friendships also exist outside of SAFE STUFF. Those attending have enjoyed 18 sessions in total , spread across Essex. The group was led by Lyann Kennedy until July 2024, and our new coordinator, Lesley Barnes began her Co-ordinating role in September 2024.

Activities enjoyed during the past year included:

SAFE – Supporting Difference

Registered Office: 15 Station Road, Hockley, Essex SS5 4BZ Email: info@safeessex.org.uk • Website: www.safeessex.org.uk Registered Charity Number: 1188739

We are grateful to the Sir Alastair & Patricia Stewart Fund for supporting SAFE STUFF activities.

SAFE Youth Club continued to meet monthly during 2024/25, under the leadership of Katie Ringer. Katie started by offering quieter sessions, but after a few sessions, the group went back to having more adventurous activities. There are now six regular members from five families, with three other teens dipping in and out. Around eight families engage with us overall, and there have been up to nine young people at some events.

Katie continues to promote independence within the group, as some members are still reliant on parent support during activities, despite being reminded about the need for autonomy. Other members have found it difficult to socialise when parents are present, which makes an already tricky situation more uncomfortable and can leave them feeling self-conscious—ultimately missing out on opportunities to connect with peers. Activities this year have included axe throwing, escape room, augmented reality darts, zip trekking and the big drop, outdoor mini golf, and bowling. Their next event is tubing, and Katie looking forward to welcoming three new members from two families who also attend SAFE STUFF and are now at the upper end of the youth group age range.

The young people currently attending regularly are brilliant at giving things a go. The activities chosen aren’t easy, and it’s great to see them trying and realising it’s okay not to win or be great at something. Axe throwing in particular was difficult and frustrating, but Katie was asked to rebook another session before the group had even left! The teens went back and smashed it—still not needing to be good at it, just enjoying it, even if it was still frustrating! Parents are starting to chat together more, and Katie is hoping this will give them a space to connect. It’s important to keep conversations out of earshot of the teens to help them feel comfortable during sessions. Hopefully, the group will continue to grow over the next year.

Community Group Activities

We offer a diverse range of peer support and social participation groups tailored to different demographics within the autistic community and their families, utilising a blend of in-person, virtual, and digital communication methods.

Alpha Sigma Delta (ASD) Group (Girls and Parents) - This group provides a safe, friendly environment for autistic girls aged Year 6 up to 18 years and their parents. Established specifically in response to parents' requests for an alternative to more boy-centric activities, the ASD Group successfully promotes friendships and lasting relationships. We now engage over 30 families.

SAFE Support Group (Southend) - SAFE’s regular support group meetings serve as the central forum for adult members of SAFE, and parents or guardians of children to attend independently or alongside their parents or carers. It is an essential platform focused on mutual information sharing, networking, and open discussion and facilitates direct collaboration between members and leadership. A core and unique feature of these meetings, which attracts approximately 8 people per month, is the consistent presence of SAFE's Development Worker and SAFE Trustees. This provides attendees with a crucial opportunity to:

SAFE – Supporting Difference Registered Office: 15 Station Road, Hockley, Essex SS5 4BZ Email: info@safeessex.org.uk • Website: www.safeessex.org.uk Registered Charity Number: 1188739

SAFE is grateful to Southend & District Reform Synagogue for providing the venue for meetings free of charge.

ASAP - SAFE’s regular support group meetings for parents of children and for parents and adult members aged 18+ continues to meet monthly at the Chapter House in Chelmsford. One of ASAP’s Members Edgar Marchall has been instrumental in organising the relaunch and keeping in touch with members via a WhatsApp group.

SAFE ASAP

SAFE ASAP is our dedicated monthly support group for autistic adult and their parents. As the first support group established specifically for adults, it continues to go beyond simple socialising to offer mutual, peer-led support focused on navigating the complexities of adult life. It is designed to be a constructive space where members can share experiences and develop practical strategies across several key areas:

By meeting monthly, SAFE ASAP ensures a consistent source of connection and holistic assistance for members facing shared experiences in adulthood. This group has a regular attendance of 12–15 members, with higher attendance at special events such as the ASAP Summer and Christmas parties, and most keep in touch via a dedicated WhatsApp group.

Adult Peer Support Groups SAFE SPA (Social Participation for Adults)

The SAFE SPA group meets virtually on a weekly basis via Zoom. It maintains a core in-person attendance of approximately 6 adults, supplemented by a further 4-6 individuals who join remotely. The group is generously funded by the Southend Community Investment Board and Rosca.

SAFE Women's Group

Having run for approximately eight years, this established group boasts a membership of 30 women. They meet weekly via Zoom and hold a monthly in-person session in Great Baddow. In-person attendance averages 12 per session (with up to 18 members attending across different sessions). This year, the group successfully introduced a series of social walks in various locations, providing members with a valuable chance to connect in person while benefiting from being in nature. Members not attending in person utilise the weekly Zoom meetings or the active WhatsApp chat.

SAFE 18+ Young Adult Socials SAFE 18+ Southend

Launched as a social event for young adults, this monthly gathering takes place at the exclusive-use Anke's Cafe in Westcliff. Attracting around 20 members, the event offers a safe space for card games, chatting, or simply relaxing with a drink. This group is particularly vital, providing some members who do not otherwise leave home with a critical opportunity to socialise and build friendships within the wider autistic community.

SAFE – Supporting Difference Registered Office: 15 Station Road, Hockley, Essex SS5 4BZ Email: info@safeessex.org.uk • Website: www.safeessex.org.uk Registered Charity Number: 1188739

SAFE 18+ Basildon

Mirroring the success in Southend, we recently launched a SAFE 18+ group in Basildon in partnership with Kinder Essex, extending the same safe, monthly social opportunities to young autistic adults in that area.

SAFE Achievement Awards

Each year, with support from the Jack Petchey Foundation, SAFE awards two members with a diagnosis of autism without a learning disability, or are waiting for one, who has had a significant achievement during the year. Each Achievement Award given annually at our AGM, are given a cup, certificate and a cheque for £50. At last year’s AGM, the winners were: Pablo Martinez Fasoro for the Under 18 Award, and Piers Woodham for the 18+ Award.

Digital Presence and Impact

Website, Advocacy, and Digital Reach

We successfully completed the transition to our new, professionally designed branding this year. Our new logo and website, created on a pro bono basis by Emily Hewitt from I Am Emily (https://www.iamemily.co.uk ), have firmly replaced the old materials. This cohesive design has been applied across all mediums, including new posters, leaflets, and an information banner. The refreshed website has proven to be an invaluable tool for promoting SAFE’s vital work and has significantly improved accessibility. The implementation of online joining has directly contributed to an increase in our overall membership numbers.

Our digital advocacy continues strongly via Facebook, where we focus on content concerning autism without a learning disability. Our page reach is substantial, with 1.6k people regularly following the SAFE Facebook page.

Selected Testimonials

The following four alternative testimonials offer different perspectives on the critical impact of our support groups:

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 funds and resources to enable us to provide the activities for our members, including donations of over £100 from T Randell, F Potter, and an anonymous donor. During April 202 4 - March 2025 external supporters included:

SAFE – Supporting Difference

Registered Office: 15 Station Road, Hockley, Essex SS5 4BZ Email: info@safeessex.org.uk • Website: www.safeessex.org.uk Registered Charity Number: 1188739

Future Development

During the past year, the Executive focused on recruiting new members of its Executive to ensure the smooth running of the charity. This was particularly important, following our Chair, David Norman, needing to step down due to health reasons, and Shaila Evennett, providing notice of her desire to relinquish her role as SAFE’s Secretary after 14 years. SAFE was delighted to welcome two new prospective Executive members who will be voted onto the Board at our AGM. SAFE has also commissioned adult member Mark Potter to take on the role of Editor for its monthly newsletter, a significant step forward for our community.

Additionally, the Executive, working with SAFE’s Development Worker, and Emily Hewitt from I Am Emily developed its new website and promotional materials with our new branding and strapline ‘Supporting Difference’ to reflect the fact that diagnoses of Aspergers Syndrome are no longer being made. A promotional campaign about our work was also implemented to raise our profile more widely. This has already resulted in an increase of membership with the hope that with greater profile, SAFE will be able to increase its membership to previous levels, particularly among those who have younger children diagnosed on the spectrum.

SAFE encourages members to strongly consider whether they may be willing to join the Executive to safeguard the charity’s future, as we still need to find a new Chair in the coming year.

Trustees:

D Norman (Chair – stepped down in November 2024) currently Honorary President S Evennett (Secretary)

T Rennie (Treasurer) K Bancroft P Neale (temporary Co-Chair) F Potter (temporary Co-Chair) R Marchal C P Sorrell

Registered Address: 15 Station Road, Hockley, Essex SS5 4BZ

SAFE – Supporting Difference Registered Office: 15 Station Road, Hockley, Essex SS5 4BZ Email: info@safeessex.org.uk • Website: www.safeessex.org.uk Registered Charity Number: 1188739

CHARITY COMMISSION FOR ENGLAND AND WALES Independent examiner's report on the accounts Section A Independent Examinerfs Report Report to the trusteesl members of S.A.F.E. ESSEX (SUPPORTING ASPERGER FAMILIES IN ESSEX) Charity no 1188739 (if any) On accounts for the year ended 31 March 2025 Set out on pages I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounls of the above charity for the year ended 3110312025. Responsibillties and As the charity trustees, you are responsible for the preparation of the basis of report 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 ¢arried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination, I have followed the applicable Diredions given by the Charity Commission under section 145{5)Ib) of the Act. I have completed my examination. I confim that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination which gives me ¢ause to believe that in, any material respert.. accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 130 of the Act or the accounts do not accord with the accounting records I have no cOn￿rn$ and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination lo which attention should be drawn in order to enable proper understanding of the accounts to be reached. Independent examiner's ststement Signed: Date: 2310112026 Name: David Robb Relevant professional qualification(s) or body (if any): Associate of the Chartered Govemance Institute Affiliate member Association of Charity Independent Examiners MBA Address: 33 Clatterfield Gardens Westcliff on Sea SSO OAU IER Page 7

S.A.F.E. ESSEX

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

Notes
Incoming resources
Donations and legacies
2
Charitable activities
3
Total incoming resources
Resources expended
Charitable activities
4
Expenditure on raising funds
5
Total resources expended
Net incoming (outgoing) resources
Transfer between funds
Net movement in funds
Total funds brought forward
Total funds carried forward		 Unrestricted
Funds
£
Restricted
Funds
£
2025
Total
£
2,176
-
2,176
1,469
25,491
26,960
3,645
25,491
29,136
2,224
35,796
38,020
891
-
891
3,115
35,796
38,911
530
(10,305)
(9,775)
(7,557)
7,557
-
(7,027)
(2,748)
(9,775)
13,975
16,202
30,177
6,948
13,454
20,402

Notes on pages 9 to 12 form an integral part of these financial statements.

Page 8

S.A.F.E. ESSEX

BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31 MARCH 2025

Notes
Fixed assets
Tangible assets
6
Current assets
Cash at bank and in hand
Creditors: amounts falling
due within one year
Net current assets/(liabilities)
Net assets
Funds of the charity
Restricted funds
Unrestricted funds
Total funds		 2025
£
232
20,170
-
20,402
20,402
13,453
6,949
20,402

Considered by the trustees on 19/11/2025

Page 9

S.A.F.E. ESSEX

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

1.1 Basis of the preparation of the accounts

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement on Recommended Practise applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2019) - (Charities SORP (FRS 102)), the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) and the Companies Act 2011.

S.A.F.E. Essex (Supporting Asperger Families in Essex) constitutes a public benefit entity as defined by FRS 102.

Cash Flow

The financial statements do not include a cash flow statement because the charity, as a small reporting entity, is exempt from the requirement to prepare such a statement under Financial Reporting Standard 1 "Cash flow statements".

1.2 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.

For legacies, entitlement is taken as the earlier of the date on which either; the charity is aware that probate has been granted, the estate has been finalised and notification has been made by the executor(s) to the Trust that a distribution will be made, or when a distribution is received from the estate. Receipt of a legacy, in whole or in part, is only considered probable when the amount can be measured reliably and the charity has been notified of the executor's intention to make a distribution. Where legacies have been notified to the charity, or the charity is aware of the granting of probate, and the criteria for income recognition have not been met, then the legacy is treated as a continqent asset and disclosed as material.

Donated services or facilities are recognised when the charity has control over the item, any conditions associated with the donated item have been met, the receipt of economic benefit from the use of the charity of the item is probable and that economic benefit can be measured reliably. In accordance with the Charities SORP (FRS 102), the general volunteer time of the Friends is not recognised and refer to the Trustees' Annual Report for more information about their contribution.

On receipt, donated professional services and donated facilities are recognised on the basis of the value of the gift to the charity which is the amount the charity would have been willing to pay to obtain these services or facilities of equivalent economic benefit on the open market; a corresponding amount is then recognised in expenditure in the period of receipt.

Income tax recoverable in relation to donations received under Gift Aid or deeds of covenant is recognised at the time of the donation.

Income tax recoverable in relation to investment income is recognised at the time the investment income is receivable.

Page 10

S.A.F.E. ESSEX

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

1.3 Expenditure recognition

Expenditure is recognised once there is a legal or constructive obligation to transfer economic benefit to a third party, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefit will be required in settlement and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably. Expenditure is classified by activity.

1.4 Depreciation

Depreciation is provided on all tangible fixed assets at rates calculated to write off the cost less estimated residual value of each asset over its expected life as follows:

Equipment -11 years

1.5 Fund accounting

Funds held by the charity are:

Unrestricted general funds:

These are funds which can be used in accordance with the charitable objects at the discretion of the Trustees.

Restricted funds:

These are funds that can only be used for particular restricted purposes within the objects of the Charity. Restrictions arise when specified by the donor or when funds are raised for particular restricted purposes.

1.6 Merger

S.A.F.E Essex (Supporting Asperger Families in Essex) registed as a CIO in March 2020. In April 2020

the charity merged with S.A.F.E Essex (Supporting Asperger Families in Essex), charity number 1095075,

in which month the operations, assets and liabilities of £10,882 were transferred to the Charity with no

consideration paid. The assets and liabilities were included in incoming resources at their fair values at date

of transfer. There has been no material fair value adjustments from book value.

2. Donations and legacies

Donations
Grants		 Unrestricted
Restricted
2025
£
£
£
2,176
-
2,176
-
-
-
2,176
-
2,176

Page 11

S.A.F.E. ESSEX

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

Charitable activities
Membership fees
Grants
Costs of charitable activities
ASAP
SAFE SPA
Safe Womens Group
Safe 18+
SAFE STUFF (Activities)
SAFE STUFF (Facilitator Costs)
SAFE STUFF PLUS
Girls and Parents Group (ASD)
Hub Club 2 C
Face to Face
Achievement Awards
Advocacy
Admin (Ins., Post, Tel.)
Trustees/ Committee Expenditure
Volunteer Education & Training
Development
Misc. Expenses
Depreciation
Governance costs:
Audit and accountancy
Expenditure on raising funds
Fundraising costs		 Unrestricted
Restricted
2025
£
£
£
1,469
-
1,469
25,491
25,491
1,469
25,491
26,960
Unrestricted
Restricted
2025
£
£
£
-
1,800
1,800
-
3,880
3,880
-
5,243
5,243
-
1,424
1,424
-
442
442
-
2,836
2,836
-
295
295
-
5,585
5,585
-
-
-
-
13,891
13,891
-
400
400
471
-
471
866
-
866
62
-
62
245
-
245
-
-
-
503
-
503
77
-
77
2,224
35,796
38,020
-
-
-
-
-
-
2,224
35,796
38,020
Unrestricted
Restricted
2025
£
£
£
891
-
891
891
-
891

Page 12

S.A.F.E. ESSEX

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

6. Tangible fixed assets

Cost

As at 1st April 2024 Additions

As at 31st March 2025

Depreciation

As at 1st April 2024 Charge for the year As at 31st March 2025

Net book value As at 31st March 2025

As at 31st March 2024

Equipment £ 1,350 - 1,350 1,041 77 1,118 232 309

7. Fund analysis

Restricted funds
SAFE SPA
SAFE STUFF (Activities) Costs
Girls and Parents Group (ASD)
Hub Club 1 S
Hub Club 2 C
Safe Stuff Plus (SAFE South)
Safe Women's Group
Face to Face
ASAP
Safe 18+
Andrea - Southend Work
Achievement Awards
Unallocated
Total Restricted Funds
Unrestricted Funds
Total Funds		 Balance as at Income
Expenditure
Transfers Balance as at
01/04/2024
31/03/2025
£
£
£
£
£
-
2,000
(3,880)
1,880
-
-
(3,278)
3,278
-
-
5,454
(5,585)
131
-
-
-
-
-
-
(295)
295
-
-
1,500
(5,243)
3,743
-
-
(13,891)
13,891
-
2,435
387
(1,800)
1,022
7,312
(1,424)
5,888
1,311
10,350
(11,661)
-
5,143
1,800
(400)
6,543
-
4,000
(4,000)
-
16,201
25,491
(35,796)
7,557
13,453
13,976
3,645
(3,115)
(7,557)
6,949
30,177
29,136
(38,911)
-
20,402

Page 13