2024-03-31-accounts

You Asked We Responded

(YAWR) Services

Annual Report

2023-24

Table of Contents

1. BACKGROUND ............................................................................ 2

2. ACCOUNTS ................................................................................. 2

3. STAFFING .................................................................................... 4

4. ACTIVITIES .................................................................................. 4

5. FUTURE DEVELOPMENTS ........................................................... 10

pg. 1

1. Background

YAWR have continued to deliver the SPS Advocacy and Befriending contracts this year. In addition, we continued to deliver YAWR’s hospital discharge project supporting individuals to return home at the earliest opportunity by reducing barriers to safe discharge.

Other initiatives that we delivered included the central governments Multiply project that is looking at developing maths skills for the so called “hard to reach” adults.

Additional projects that included SPS Green, Men’s mental health and the “drop in sessions where advice and support is provided to individuals in assisting with a range of benefits. The above projects will be summarised in this report.

2. Accounts

The accounts for the year ending 31[st] March 2024 show that the income for the charity for this period was very similar to the previous accounts and that a small surplus was recorded.

The bank account shows a total of £99,984.10 with reserves of £100,056.67 include restricted funds received in advance to deliver projects. The reserve policy considers that these funds would be utilised if the SPS contracts were not renewed that funding will be available for one year to continue this work and safeguarding YAWR staff whilst additional funding is secured. The development manager recruited in 2023 was assigned to the “Reablement” pilot. Our aim is to recruit a full-time manager to develop YAWR services as we are growing organically. Whilst we do not utilise accounting software for bookkeeping purposes, this is something that we will explore in the following year. Payroo software is utilised for payroll, and it is adequate for our needs.

pg. 2

You Asked We Re8pcmthd (YAWRI Servi( Ststement of Financial Actrrfilie8 for the 1° Aw"12023 to 31" 2024 31.032024 31.032023 Unrestricted FuThJy: £165.T24.49 £ %.491.34 Restricled Fwth. T(knl kncomè: £174,708 £133.￿.74 Sdary £138272 £ 7.869.1)0 £ 4.194.36 Bank Char Tramj DBS 123.40 252.40 £ 3285.18 £ 10,E48.15 £ 8,89225 PHB Office £174 34028 £126 670. SURPLUS (DEFIC P4o4((7 pg.3

3. Staffing

YAWR currently employs part time staff due to the nature of our work and availability of staff. The number of part time staff increased from 9 to 11 and additional duties were undertaken by freelance individuals as and when required to work on specific projects and provide support to the management team in terms of monitoring projects, evaluation and provide reports to funders.

4. Activities

Core activities for YAWR include SPS Advocacy and Befriending that is funded by VAR, the Adult Discharge Project funded by NHS through VAR and Direct Payments that are funded by the clients, RMBC and third party providers. Core activities have been augmented by short term projects that have been delivered through this period. Due to the “cost of living crisis” the trustees agreed to fund a “drop in” service through the reserves. The demand for this has far exceeded supply and additional funding needs to be sought so that this service can be continued and expanded.

4.1 SPS Befriending and Advocacy

SLA’s with VAR for SPS are renewed annually based on performance. Whilst the SPS made a loss, this was overcome with the surplus made through the direct payment activities.

The following pie charts are a summary of support provided and outcomes attained.

Total support provided as some clients had multiple support.

Carer	21	6.62%	Carer Social Care Benefits Advocacy Transport	Carer Social Care Benefits Advocacy Transport
				Carer Social Care Benefits Advocacy Transport
Social Care	20	6.31%
Benefits	101	31.86%
Advocacy	121	38.17%
Transport	39	12.30%
Housing	36	11.36%
Total	317	100%

pg. 4

Benefits Outcomes

Attendance Allowance	35	41.46%
Carers Allowance	5	6.10%
PIP	27	32.93%
Other benefits	16	19.51%
Total	82	100%

----- Start of picture text -----
Attendance
Allowance
Carers Allowance
PIP
Other benefits
----- End of picture text -----

Additional Outcomes

Blue Badge	34	13.71%
Direct Payment	9	3.63%
Housing/OT	22	8.87%
Confidence	49	19.76%
Independence	49	19.76%
Social Inclusion	32	12.90%
Improved Finances	53	21.37%
Total	248	100%

Blue Badge Direct Payment Housing/OT Confidence Independent Social Inclusion Improved Finances

Financial Benefits

In 2023/24 on behalf of our service users, YAWR has secured a total of £378,759.80 to Rotherham in additional benefits. This is a significant increase as the benefits have more than doubled from previous year due to successful outcomes for individuals supported with Attendance Allowance and PIP applications.

There were several additional benefits that service users had been successful in obtaining through our support which unfortunately we have not been able to quantify exact amounts. These include Universal Credit, Council Tax support, Housing Benefit, Direct payment, State Pension, Pension Credit and employment.

Additional non tangible benefits accrued

Housing Support

• Aids and equipment- Grab rails, hand rails, perching stools, bed panel, raised toilet seats, crutches, walking sticks, wheelchairs and Easy chair.

• 6 supported under medical priority for rehousing

• supported to auto bid for properties through key choices and online

• Support with payment plans for rent arrears

• Successful bids for rehousing

• Housing repairs

• Property repairs to roof, hall way plastering, repairs to front doors and replacing back door

• Obtained grants to receive white goods

pg. 5

4.2 Direct Payments

This activity is funded through RMBC, third party providers and individual clients. YAWR support 10 clients with a variety of activities that enables them to improve their quality of life.

4.3 NHS Reablement Pilot

YAWR services were approached by VAR and NHS to deliver a pilot for patients who were “bed blocking”. The aim is to engage with patients and support them to return to their homes using a Personal health budget (PHB) award of up to £500 to buy a service or goods for discharge home from the acute or community bed base. This includes liaising with hospital staff, patients and their families to ensure that on return to their homes they are in a safe and conducive environment. The pilot commenced in March 2023 and will continue until 30[th] June 2023 where it will be reviewed.

The tables and pie charts below provide additional information.

Referrals

Number of referrals received	90
Withdrawn	1
Discharged	65
Numbers of PHB	29
Total Patient hours	932

Allocation of PHB’s

----- Start of picture text -----
Cleaning White Goods Furniture
Kitchen Utensils Gadgets Ancillary
Transport
----- End of picture text -----

Cleaning	40%
White Goods	34%
Furniture	9%
Kitchen Utensils	3%
Gadgets	3%
Ancillary	7%
Transport	4%

Additional Support

To ensure that patients were not at risk of “frequent flyers”, YAWR staff also added value as shown in the tables and pie charts below. Multiple support was provided that showed a 29% increase in benefits received, 40% advocacy support, 20% improved

pg. 6

housing and the balance was a mixture of additional social care, transport and increase in finance.

YAWR staff successfully enabled 7 patients to apply for attendance allowance, 6 to secure Personal Independence Payment and 9 to secure a mixture of additional benefits.

Total Support Provided as some clients had multiple support

Social Care	16	8%
Benefits	61	29%
Advocacy	84	40%
Transport	3	1%
Finances	3	1%
Housing	42	20%
Total	209

----- Start of picture text -----
Social Care
Benefits
Advocacy
Transport
Finances
Housing
----- End of picture text -----

Benefits Outcome

Attendance Allowance	18	56%
Other	8	25%
PIP	6	19%
Total	32

----- Start of picture text -----
Attendance
Allowance
Other
PIP
----- End of picture text -----

As part of the advocacy support that has been provided, we have discussed with clients the option of applying for additional benefits.

It is important to note that the time taken from initial application to a decision could take up to 6 months, therefore 32 of the clients have been supported in applying for additional benefits and received the positive outcomes.

However, we need to highlight that a number of clients that we have supported are still awaiting outcomes of their applications. Some of the clients who were provided with the information did not want to proceed, were referred to other agencies that included Age Concern or sought support from family or friends.

Additional Outcomes

Subsequently with advocacy support provided, quality of life of the client has improved as can be seen by the table below. Additional non tangible soft outcomes that included confidence, social inclusion and independence have significantly assisted the clients.

The table below shows additional outcomes that were achieved through discussions with various NHS and local council departments.

pg. 7

Blue Badge	1	0%
Clean and Clear	22	10%
Removals	3	1%
Housing	27	12%
Environmental	15	7%
OT/Therapy	16	7%
Confidence	43	19%
Independent	50	22%
Social Inclusion	40	17%
Improved Finances	13	6%
	230

----- Start of picture text -----
Blue Badge Clean and Clear
Removals Housing
Environmental OT/Therapy
----- End of picture text -----

4.3 Drop in Advice and Social Café

The aim of this proposal was to help support positive mental wellbeing for adults in Rotherham during the cost of living crisis. YAWR delivered separate distinct, but connected services that had been requested by the wider community. Weekly drop in sessions for advocacy and information to support with the cost of living crisis, fortnightly workshops to improve digital literacy, a weekly social group to improve confidence and tackle loneliness by engaging in activities and a social café to provide support for the community by addressing social exclusion. The drop in sessions proved invaluable as the community was supported to access additional financial benefits. YAWR management realised that there was a gap in the services provided to Rotherham’s communities, due to the cost of living crisis. As these sessions have proved beneficial, the aim is to seek additional funding so that these activities can continue post April 2024, however, if funding is not secured, the drop in service will be funded through YAWR reserves.

pg. 8

4.4 Multiply

YAWR successfully delivered the pilot in year 1 and have exceeded expectations in 2023-24. This was an opportunity to collaborate with other community organisations. The table below highlights outputs achieved. Additional benefits is that learners moved onto gaining employment, volunteering and additional accredited courses.

Family Learning Numeracy activities, courses or provision developed in Engagement Substantive partnership with community organisations and other 40 20 partners aimed at engaging the hardest to reach learners. Preparation for work, disadvantaged learners. Courses for parents wanting to increase their numeracy Engagement Substantive skills to help their children and help with their own 40 40 progression.

4.5 VAR Men’s Mental Health Grant

This is the second year of a three year project. The aim of this proposal was to engage men from especially the Pakistani background to have a better understanding of support available if they are being affected by health and wellbeing issues. In delivering this project, we have gained the trust of service users and in discussions with them a weekly programme was established. This included board games, football, badminton, introduction to green spaces through walks, visiting garden centres, developing IT skills, coffee morning discussions and arranging monthly events where speakers discussed a range of topics.

4.6 SYCF Green Social Prescribing

The aim of this proposal was to engage our service users in green and blue initiatives. As part of this project, they got involved in developing their gardening skills and also embarked on a barge trip and visited the peak district. The project was a success, and additional funding has been secured to deliver post April 2024.

pg. 9

5. Future Developments

YAWR Services find themselves in a good position with the build up of reserves and their reputation in the services that are delivered.

The aim for post April 2024, is to continue delivering our current projects and identify additional support for the most vulnerable and disadvantaged communities. With the migration of benefits to Universal Credit, this would mean that families would need to provide proof that they are seeking work, otherwise they will be sanctioned. Coupled with the increased cost of living crisis, predominately our communities will be affected as they have redundant skills, poor literacy, numeracy and digital skills. These are all required to seek employment and keep abreast of developments.

YAWR believe in the partnership approach and our aim is to continue to build relationship with key organisations and share expertise with the aim of expanding initially across Rotherham as we have realised that there is demand for the services that we provide .

pg. 10

Draft Unaudited Financial Statements for The Year Ended 31[st] March 2024

for You Asked We Responded (YAWR)

You Asked We Responded (YAWR) Services

Contents of the Financial Statements For the Year Ended 31[st] March 2024

	Page
List of Contents	1
Report of the Trustees	2
Independent Examiner’s Report	3
Statement of Financial Activities	4
Balance Sheet	5
Notes to the Financial Statements	6
Statement of Financial Activities	8

Page 1 of 7

You Asked We Responded (YAWR) Services Report of the Trustees For the Year Ended 31[st] March 2024

Reference and Administrative Details

Charity Number (CIO) 1192406

Registered Office

Unit 2, Bradmarsh Business Park

Trustees

Irshad Akbar – Chairperson Azib Afzal – Treasurer Shukria Begum – Secretary

Name of Independent Examiner

Structure, Governance and Management

Governing Document

The charity is controlled by its governing document, a deed or trust, CIO as defined by the Charities Act

Risk Management

The trustees have a duty to identify and review the risks of which the charity is exposed and to ensure appropriate controls are in place to provide reasonable assurance against fraud and error.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD

Trustee: …………………………………………………… Date: 06/01/2026

Page 2 of 7

Independent Examiner’s Report to the Trustees of You Asked we Responded (YAWR) Services

I report on the accounts for the year ending 31[st] March 2024 as set out on following pages.

Respective responsibilities of trustees and examiner

The Charities trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. The charities trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year (under section 43(2) of the Charities Act 1993 (the 1993 Act)) and that an independent examination is required.

Having satisfies myself that the charity is not subject to an audit and is eligible for an independent examination, it is my responsibility to:

• Examine the accounts under section 43 of the 1993 Act

• To follow the procedures laid down under the General Directions given by the Charity Commission (under section 43 (7)(b) of the Act)

• To state whether particular matters have come to my attention

Basis of the independent examiners report

My examination was carried out in accordance with the General Directions given by the Charity Commission. 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 consideration of any unusual items or disclosure 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 no opinion is given as to whether the accounts present a “a true and fair view” and the report is limited to those matters set out in the statements below.

Independent examiners statement

In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention:

1. Which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect the requirements

2. to keep accounting records in accordance with the methods and principles of the Charities Statement of Recommended Practice,

3. to prepare accounts which accord with accounting records, comply with the accounting requirements methods and principles of the Statement of Recommended Practice accounting and reporting by the Charities.

Have not been met, or

1. to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached

Name and signature of Independent Examiner

Umar Janjua (ACCA) umarnjanjua Redlands Business Centre 3-5 Tapton House Road Sheffield. S10 5BY

Date:…02.01.2025………..

Page 3 of 7

You Asked We Responded (YAWR) Services Statement of Financial Activities for the period 1[st] April 2023 to 31[st] March 2024

31.03.2024 £ Income Unrestricted Funds: Total £165,724.49 Restricted Funds: Total £ 8,988.40 Total Income: Expenditure Salary £138,272.34 Consultancy £ 7,869.00 Telephone £ 4,194.36 Bank Charges £ 60.00 Training £ 123.40 DBS £ 252.40 Equipment £ 3,285.18 PHB £ 10,648.15 Office £ 8,892.25 Stationery £ 863.20 Total NET SURPLUS (DEFICIT)	£ £174,708.89 £174,340.28 £ 368.61	31.03.2023 £ £ 96.491.34 £ 36,874.40 £133,365.74 £126,670.69 £ 6,695.00

Page 4 of 7

You Asked We Responded (YAWR) Services Balance Sheet as at 31[st] March 2024

FIXED ASSETS Fixture and Fittings CURRENT ASSETS Cash in Hand Debtors Bank Account Total Assets LESS CURRENT LIABILITIES Creditors TOTAL NET ASSETS TOTAL ASSETS RESERVE ACCOUNT Reserves b/f Net Surplus/loss 2022/24	31.03.2024 £ ------- £ 0.00 £ 2,575.87 £ 103,330.03 £ 105,905.90 £ 7,296.23 £ 98,609.67 £ 98,241.06 £ 368.61 £ 98,609.67	31.03.2023 £ ------- £ 150.06 £ 111,135.00 £ 111,285.06 £ 13,044.00 £ 98,241.06 £ 91,546.00 £ 6,695.06 £ 98,241.06

The charitable company is entitled to exemption from an audit for the year ending 31[st] March 2024.

The members have not required the charitable company to obtain an audit of its financial statements for the year ending 31[st] March 2024.

The trustees acknowledge their responsibilities for:

• (a) Ensuring that the charitable company keeps accounting records that comply with the Charities Statement of Accounting Practices

• (b) Preparing financial statements which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charitable company at the end of each financial year in accordance with the requirements of section 394 and 395 and which otherwise comply with the requirements of preparation of the financial statements, so far as applicable to the charitable company.

Note: The reserves have been allocated to the employ a fulltime programmes manager, develop the drop in advice clinic. They will also be utilised in the effect that SPS Service level agreement is not renewed by VAR

These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with special provisions relating to financial statements, so far as applicable to the charitable company.

These financial statements were approved by the Board of Trustees on …………….. and were signed on its behalf by:

……………………..…. Trustee

These notes form part of these financial statements

Page 5 of 7

You Asked We Responded Notes to the Financial Statements For the Year Ending 31[st] March 2024

1. Accounting Policies

a. Accounting Convention

The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention, and in accordance with the requirements of the Statement of Recommended Practice, Accounting and Reporting by Charities.

b. Incoming Resources

All incoming resources are included on the Statement of Financial Activities when the charity is legally entitled to the income and the amount can be quantified with reasonable accuracy.

c. Resources Expended

Expenditure is accounted for on an accrual basis and has been classified under the headings that aggregate all cost related category. Where costs can not be directly attributed to particular headings they have been allocated to activities on a basis consistent with the use of resources.

d. Taxation

The Charity is exempt from Corporation Tax and VAT.

e. Fund Accounting

Unrestricted funds can be used in accordance with the charitable objectives at the discretion of the trustees.

Restricted funds can only be used particular restricted purposes within the objects of the charity. Restrictions arise when specified by the donor or when funds are raised for a particular restricted purpose.

Further explanation of the nature and purpose of each fund is included in the notes to the financial statements.

2. Trustees Remuneration and Benefits

There were no trustee’s remuneration or other benefits for the year ended 31[st] March 2024.

3. Debtors:

Multiply project invoice submitted to RMBC to receive in April £2,575.87

1. Creditors: Amounts falling due in 1 year . Salaries incurred in March paid in April - £7,296.23

Page 6 of 7

You Asked We Responded Notes to the Financial Statements - continued For the Year Ending 31[st] March 2024

Net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows:

5. Movement In Funds

Restricted funds	Balance 01/04/2023	Balance 01/04/2023	Incoming Resources	Incoming Resources	Resources Expended	Resources Expended	Balance 31/03/2024	Balance 31/03/2024
		£		£		£		£
Ward Grant		0.00		400.00		400.00		0.00
VAR Men’s Mental Health		5,500.00		7,270.40		6,846.40		5,924
SYCF Green SP		7,425.00		0.00		7,425.00		0.00
VAR BAME Health		6,900.00		0.00		6,900.00		0.00
PHB		0.00		1,318.00		1,318.00		0.00
Total Funds		19,825.00		8,988.40		22,889.40		5,924.00

Unrestricted funds	Balance 01/04/2023	Balance 01/04/2023	Incoming Resources	Incoming Resources	Resources Expended	Resources Expended	Balance 31/03/2024	Balance 31/03/2024
		£		£		£		£
Management		0.00		0.00		9,574.60		(9,574.60)
Adult Discharge		5483.76		26,875.00		33,571.65		(1,212.89)
SPS Advocacy		0.00		26,250.00		27,428.93		(1,178.98)
SPS Befriending		0.00		17,750.00		22,563.08		(4,813.08)
Direct Payments		0.00		61,723.49		45,895.92		15,827.57
Multiply		0.00		33,122.00		7,283.24		25,842.76
Drop In		0.00		0.00		8,977.34		(8,977.34)
		5483.76		165,720.49		155,294.76		15,913.24

Page 7 of 7

Independent Examiner’s Report to the Trustees of You Asked we Responded (YAWR) Services

I report on the accounts for the year ending 31[st] March 2024 as set out on following pages.

Respective responsibilities of trustees and examiner

The Charities trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. The charities trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year (under section 43(2) of the Charities Act 1993 (the 1993 Act)) and that an independent examination is required.

Having satisfies myself that the charity is not subject to an audit and is eligible for an independent examination, it is my responsibility to:

• Examine the accounts under section 43 of the 1993 Act

• To follow the procedures laid down under the General Directions given by the Charity Commission (under section 43 (7)(b) of the Act)

• To state whether particular matters have come to my attention

Basis of the independent examiners report

My examination was carried out in accordance with the General Directions given by the Charity Commission. 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 consideration of any unusual items or disclosure 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 no opinion is given as to whether the accounts present a “a true and fair view” and the report is limited to those matters set out in the statements below.

Independent examiners statement

In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention:

1. Which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect the requirements

2. to keep accounting records in accordance with the methods and principles of the Charities Statement of Recommended Practice,

3. to prepare accounts which accord with accounting records, comply with the accounting requirements methods and principles of the Statement of Recommended Practice accounting and reporting by the Charities.

Have not been met, or

1. to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached

Name and signature of Independent Examiner

Umar Janjua (ACCA) umarnjanjua Redlands Business Centre 3-5 Tapton House Road Sheffield. S10 5BY

Date:…02.01.2025………..