Keira's Kingdom Annual Report 2023–2024
Table of Contents
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Message from the Chair
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Our Mission & Vision
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Chronic Illnesses
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Mental Illnesses
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Life-limiting Illnesses
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Our Impact
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Disability Rights Network Lead
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Financial Summary
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Events & Groups
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Acknowledgements
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Looking Ahead
Message from the Chair
Welcome to Keira's Kingdom's Annual Report for 2023–2024.
This year has been one of survival and uncertainty for our advocacy, liaison, and support service. We began the year unsure of what the future held. However, we are pleased to announce that we received three years of funding from the National Lottery Reaching Communities Fund, securing the longevity of our service.
Despite the challenges, we deepened our commitment to providing vital support and advocacy for individuals living with chronic, mental, and life-limiting illnesses. The impact of our work has been immense.
Our mission remains clear: to make the invisible visible, fighting for a more accessible and inclusive society. This year, we’ve supported over 100 adults in the Stockport area, helping to boost confidence, well-being, financial stability, and reduce isolation.
We are incredibly grateful to our staff, volunteers, and supporters—your passion and dedication make our work possible. To our beneficiaries, thank you for your strength and resilience. You inspire us every day.
Looking ahead, we are filled with hope and determination. We will continue expanding our services to reach even more individuals in need.
Thank you for your continued support. Together, we can build a world where everyone feels seen, heard, and supported.
Sincerely, Mr. E. Roberts Chair of the Board of Trustees
Our Mission & Vision
Vision:
To provide advocacy, liaison, and support as early as possible to anyone living with a lifelimiting, mental, or chronic illness.
Mission:
To address health and financial inequalities and relieve poverty for people with disabilities. We do this by offering benefits support, health appointment advocacy, promoting inclusion, and preventing isolation.
Chronic Illnesses
In the UK, over 9.1 million people were living with a chronic health condition in 2019—a figure that has only increased since the COVID-19 pandemic. These often-invisible illnesses present major challenges. Keira’s Kingdom is dedicated to helping individuals navigate these complexities and advocating for their needs. The growing demand for our services reflects the increasing need in our community.
Mental Illnesses
With 3.8 million people in contact with mental health services in 2023–2024, mental health remains a pressing concern. At Keira’s Kingdom, we recognise the vital importance of mental well-being. We provide specialised support to ensure individuals receive the care and resources they need.
Life-limiting Illnesses
Diagnoses of life-limiting conditions—such as cancer and dementia—have increased this year, affecting even younger adults and children. Keira’s Kingdom remains committed to raising awareness, especially for rare diseases, and offering comprehensive support. With 90% of our staff, volunteers, and CEO having personal experience with these illnesses, our empathy and understanding are unique strengths.
Our Impact
Despite mounting pressures on the NHS and increasing wait times, our advocacy, liaison, and support services have had a profound effect. We’ve helped to:
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Improve confidence (90%)
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Reduce social isolation (100%)
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Enhance health and well-being (100%)
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Improve access to healthcare (60%)
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Increase financial stability (100%)
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Strengthen local connections (90%)
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Reduce medication waste (100%)
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Foster a positive outlook for the future (80%)
Disability Rights Network
Since June 2023, Keira’s Kingdom has led the Disability Rights Network in Stockport—a collaborative of community groups, charities, and organisations that support individuals with disabilities. The aim is to work together to improve inclusivity and accessibility throughout the borough.
In December 2023, we held a successful event at the Alma Lodge for Disabled Persons Day. This showcase brought together local organisations and services to highlight support available for both children and adults living with disabilities. A special thank you to the singing and signing choir who made the event truly memorable.
Financial Summary
Events & Groups
Small-Scale Gatherings
Due to limited funds, we focused on hosting small, meaningful gatherings for direct beneficiaries. These included:
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Mindfulness Day Gatherings across Stockport for participants of our weekly mindfulness group.
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Christmas Lunch at The Puss in Boots, made possible by donations from Vernon Building Society Community Stars and Mastercall, serving over 50 beneficiaries a 3- course meal.
Fundraising Events
In April 2024, to honour Keira’s 16th birthday, we hosted a "Dress in Cerise Pink Day" fundraiser:
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Thank you to local business One + All and Stockport County Community Trust.
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Total raised: £1,800 – directly benefiting our service users.
We continue to raise funds through second-hand clothing sales and weekly online raffles. Thank you to our supporters—your generosity keeps us going.
A special thank you to Jeanette Smith , who received Fundraiser of the Year at Stockport’s International Women’s Day event in March 2023.
Ongoing Groups & Activities
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Online Mindfulness & Meditation Group – Now in its third year, this well-attended group explores weekly themes and provides calm and connection.
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Online Regulating Emotions Group – Co-led by our CEO Michelle and volunteer Annalisa. Thank you to Annalisa for your dedication.
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Accessible Walking Group (Woodbank Park) – Funded by Sport England & the National Lottery, helping those with mobility issues enjoy the outdoors.
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Warm Space Ladies’ Social Group – Held at Brinnington Life Leisure with support from Stockport Council. Offering food, games, and social engagement during the cost-of-living crisis.
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Wheeling & Walking Group – Also in Woodbank Park, inclusive of wheelchair users.
Acknowledgements
We wish to thank:
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All staff, volunteers, and supporters , especially our CEO for forging strong community partnerships and securing vital funding.
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Judith McGarty , our retiring Senior Advocacy Worker, for years of life-changing service.
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Nadia Khan , who has now stepped into the Senior role.
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Disability Stockport , for continued collaboration.
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National Lottery Reaching Communities Fund , for 3 years of service funding.
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Sport England , for enabling inclusive outdoor activities.
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Vernon Building Society & Mastercall , for funding the Christmas meal.
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Simone Callaghan , for her support and work on the Wave of Change programme.
Most of all— to our supporters . Your commitment to our cause allows us to continue changing lives.
Looking Ahead
In 2024–2025, we aim to:
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Expand our reach and services
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Strengthen partnerships
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Raise awareness of chronic, mental, and life-limiting illnesses
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Advocate for policy changes that improve lives
Thank you for standing with Keira’s Kingdom. Together, we are making a difference.
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Section B Statement of assets and liabilities at the end of the period Calogories Dotalls lunds funds fvnd5 B1 Cash fund Totsl¢osh lunds Unmtrfrtqd R48lrfctod EndowThont fvnd$ fvnds Dotalls tOn#rnt£ 0oto11$ on B3 In¥o•lmont ass•ts Ootall8 ¢urr•niv& 84 As$•ts r•tsln•d f¢r th• charV8 own use ttywbkh 0otall8 tht• 85 LlabllEtIos &91 by onH behd(ofai thotrus*• Signatura PrfntNama Dats ol Mrs Mchd
Independent examiner's report on the accounts
Section A Independent Examiner’s Report
| Report to the trustees On accounts for the year ended Set out on pages |
Keira’s Kingdom | Keira’s Kingdom | Keira’s Kingdom |
|---|---|---|---|
| 05/08/2023 | Charity no (if any) |
1196746 | |
| (remember to include the page numbers of additional sheets) |
I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of the above charity (“the Trust”) for the year ended 05/08/2024.
Responsibilities and As the charity's 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 Trust’s accounts carried out under section 145 of the 2011 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.
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Independent I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have
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examiner's statement come to my attention in connection with the examination (other than that disclosed below *) which gives me cause to believe that in, any material respect:
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the accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 130 of the Charities Act; or
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the accounts did not accord with the accounting records; or
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the accounts did 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.
Signed: SQK Accountancy Ltd Date: 28[th] July 2025 Name: SQK Accountancy Ltd Relevant professional MAAT qualification(s) or body (if any): Address: Jactin House, 24 Hood St, Manchester, M4 6WX
1
Oct 2018
IER
Section B Disclosure
Only complete if the examiner needs to highlight material matters of concern (see CC32, Independent examination of charity accounts: directions and guidance for examiners).
Give here brief details of any items that the examiner wishes to disclose .
2
Oct 2018
IER