UK Registered Charity:1197965
The Abilities in Me Foundation
Trustees’ Annual Report and Financial Statements For the period 7th April 2023 - 31st March 2024
UK Registered Charity:1197965
Table of Contents
Legal and Administrative details p. 2 Trustees’ Report p. 3 - 9 Independent Examiner Report p. 10 Statement of Financial Activities p. 11-13 Balance Sheet p. 14 Notes p. 15 - 24
1
UK Registered Charity:1197965
Legal and Administrative Details
Charity number: 1197965
Registered Address: 251 Wisden Road, Stevenage, Herts, SG1 5NR. Bank: Lloyds Bank PLC, 25 Gresham Street, London EC2V 7HN
Trustees: Treasurer: Melanie Lusty (appointed 31/05/2021) Secretary: Emma Lusty (appointed 31/05/2021) Chairman: Max Keir (appointed 31/05/2021)
Myles Bellott (appointed 10/03 2023) Zoe Hawkins (appointed 31st August 2023)
2
UK Registered Charity:1197965
Trustees’ Report
For the period: 7th April 2023 - 31st March 2024
The Trustees have pleasure in presenting their Annual Report and Financial Statements for the period ending March 31st 2024.
Structure, Governance and Management
The Charity was formed on 17th February 2022 and is a Registered Charity, Number 1197965.The Charity is managed by the Trustees in accordance with its constitution. None of the Trustees receives remuneration from the Charity.
Objectives and Activities
The Abilities in Me Foundation aims to raise awareness of special educational needs and conditions that children may encounter. The objectives of our CIO are:
-
Advancing education for the public benefit of children in all areas relating to disabilities and inclusion through ‘The abilities inclusive workshop training’ and ‘school visits’.
-
Relieving the needs of children with a disability and special educational needs by creating an inclusive ‘safe space’ through the provision of sensory items, equipment, sensory room makeovers to mainstream educational environments.
-
To promote and protect the physical and mental health of children with disabilities by providing support, education and
3
UK Registered Charity:1197965
practical advice to help them understand their condition or diagnosis and assisting families with support networks.
- To advance such charitable purposes (according to the law of England and Wales) as the trustees see fit from time to time, including raising funds, providing grants, donating books into hospital settings and providing specialist equipment and family .
fun days for families in need
Achievements and Performance
The Abilities in Me Foundation is a Hertfordshire based charity and our goals are to work with schools by providing inclusive workshops, to donate books to hospitals, and to support families who have children with needs by building an Abilities community through activities and online events. The charity was formed following the success of The Abilities in Me Book Series and with the passion to support families with children of all abilities.
The families we support have young children with a range of needs and conditions but we also welcome all families to attend our events
4
UK Registered Charity:1197965
and activities where possible to help break down the barriers and keep building a positive message around inclusion. We also help to support families around the globe by providing a much needed space for families to connect through our online social media platforms.
Year Two Update
In our second year of activity, we have continued to build on the success of our first year by expanding our profile within the local community and beyond, with notable progress in raising awareness and support globally. A key highlight has been the launch of our TikTok account, which has significantly increased interest, engagement, and donations, allowing us to reach new audiences and inspire further support for our mission.
We were honoured to receive a very generous £5,000 donation from a local organisation, which, along with Facebook donations totalling £2,535.39, has enabled us to deliver a range of impactful activities and initiatives.
Over the year, we have achieved several milestones and we engaged in a variety of events, school visits, and awareness campaigns.
5
UK Registered Charity:1197965
These included:
-
★ The Abilities in Me Epilepsy book being read on Milkshake! On Channel 5 UK television.
-
★ Regional and national school visits across Northern Ireland, Ireland, and Wales, where we also met families and signed books.
-
★ Hosting our first fundraiser, led by a superstar sibling, which raised £1,110.
-
★ Participation in local community events, including the Stevenage outdoor cinema and sensory station.
-
★ Launch of the Herts Family online Club and our free Inclusive School Workshops, which were even filmed by the BBC.
Public Engagement and Media
Over 60 Schools across the UK and Ireland took part in an abilities funday by having a day dedicated to celebrating all children’s abilities.
Our founder Gemma Keir and her son Logan appeared on a special segment on ITV This Morning to raise awareness of his condition 22Q and the Abilities book series.
6
UK Registered Charity:1197965
Support for Children and Families
We expanded our reach by launching the Parent Support Group on Facebook and giving away over 100 books in a major giveaway.
Book sets were donated to 10 hospitals worldwide, and we received a touching letter of praise from Her Royal Highness Princess Katherine for our work.
Our newly launched Abilities Choir performed at multiple events, including the Heart Radio Heart Heroes Award Ceremony and they worked extremely hard to deliver an inspiring Disney Showtunes Fundraiser, raising £878.92.
The charity were pleased to continue with supporting the production of new abilities book titles including:
The Feelings in Me Grief, Dyslexia, Emotions and a Colouring Book
Recognition and Award
Our founder Gemma Keir was proud to receive the ‘Make a Difference’ Award and also extremely honoured to see a local school name a classroom after her.
7
UK Registered Charity:1197965
Impact and Growth
This year, we have not only grown in numbers—hitting over 100,000 followers on Facebook—but also in the depth of our impact. We have engaged families, educators, and communities worldwide while continuing to promote our mission of inclusion and diversity.
Looking ahead, we remain committed to evaluating the pilot projects we’ve launched and to working collaboratively with our communities, families, and supporters to ensure the best possible outcomes.
We are incredibly grateful to everyone who has supported us this year, including our fabulous patron Denise Welch, whose advocacy and encouragement has further amplified our voice. With our supporters ongoing help, we will continue to make a meaningful difference in the lives of children with additional needs.
Signed,
The Trustees
The Abilities in Me Foundation
8
Foundation VK Re9istrered CFwity:1197965 WHAT WEVE ACHIEVED! 23124 Community Halloween Party Nov New Choir.. Perfiymed at cirtmag Iwhts gwrteh MJ made a mugic ¥KJ Dec Community Chrigtmag Party Jan Official club opening of The Abilrtieg In Me Choir Feb Performance at Heart Radio Awardg March Disney ghow Choir F0[alr *I,tieS
Foundation VK Re9istrered CFwity:1197965 Inden¢t Ex•mih¢r's Report To The Trustees Of The Abllftles In Me Foundatlon- Charlty Number 1197965 On The Accounts For The Period Ended 31 2024 I report to the tnjstees on my examination of the accounts of the above charity llhe Trust-l for the period ended 31 March 2024. the charfty's trnrtees you are responsible for the preparab.on of the accounts in accordance wlth the requirements of the Chanties Art 2011 I-the Attl. I report in respert of my examination of the Trust's accounts carried out under sertion 145 of the 2011 Art and in carrying out my examination. I have followed all the appllcable Dlrertlons given by the a)arity Commis&on under section 145(5}{b} of the Att. B•*"s of Independent Ex4Tminerf5 St•tement My examination has been carried out in occordance wtth the general DirELtions given by the Charity Commisson. An examination include5 a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also indudes consideration of any unusual items or disdosures in the accounts aThd seekin9 explanations from the trustees concerning any such matters. The predureS 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'tnje and fairf view and the report is limited to those rnatters set out in the statement below. Independent Examln¢rfs Statement I have completed my eXamInaOn. I conflmi that no materlal matters have come to my attentlon In connection with the examinatlon whlch gives me r3use to believe that in, any material respert.. the countIng records We not kept in accordance wtth settion 130 of the Charttses Act; or the accounts did not COl with the accounting records,. or the accounts did not cornpty with the applicoble requirements concernin9 the form and content of accounts set out in the Charitie5 {Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 other than any requirement that the accounts give a 'true and fairf view which is not matter considered as Part of an independent exarninabon. I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connecknon with the examination to which attention should be drawn in th repjrt in order to enable a prnper understsnding of the accounts to be reached. Sl9ned: Name: Ketsn Shah 8So. MBi FCA The B¢x>k Monitor Ltd 121 London Road Knebworth Herts.. SG3 6EX 31" January 2025 Address: Date: 10
UK Registered Charity:1197965
Trustees’ Report for the period 7th April 2023 -31st March 2024 continued
Financial review
The Financial results for the year are detailed in the financial statements. The Charity is trying to maintain reserves so we can extend the reach and scope of the work that the charity does for its beneficiaries.
Statement of Trustees Responsibilities
The law applicable to charities in England & Wales requires the trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charity and of the incoming resources and application of resources of the charity for that period. In preparing these financial statements, the trustees are required to:
a) Select suitable accounting policies and apply them consistently;
b) Observe the methods and principles in the Charities SORP; c) Make judgements and accounting estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
d) State whether applicable UK accounting standards have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements;
11
UK Registered Charity:1197965
e) Prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the CIO will continue in operation.
The trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records that are sufficient to show and explain the CIO's transactions and disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the CIO and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Charities Act 2011, the Charity (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 and the provisions of the constitution. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of Ihe CIO and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.
The trustees are responsible for the maintenance and integrity of the corporation and financial information included on the CIO's website. Legislation in the United Kingdom governing the preparation and dissemination of financial statements may differ from legislation in other jurisdictions.
Approved by the Trustees and signed on their behalf by:
Emma Lusty - Secretary Melanie Lusty - Treasurer
12
UK Registered Charity:1197965
Statement of Financial Activities For the period of 7th April 2023 - 31st March 2024
| Unrestricted | Restricted | 2023/2024 total |
2022/23 total |
||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Not e |
£ | £ | £ | £ | |
| Income and endowments from: |
|||||
| Donations and grants | 2 | 29,525.01 | - | 1,733.73 | |
| Trading activities | 3 | 48,913.45 | - | 21,092.19 | |
| Total income | 78,438.46 | - | 22,825.92 | ||
| Expenditure on: | |||||
| Raising funds | 4 | 15,517.11 | - | 2,886.14 | |
| Charitable actviities | 5-11 | 47,940.36 | - | 5,578.84 | |
| Running costs | 12 | 9,392.49 | 5,162.84 | ||
| Total expenditure: | 72,849.96 | 13,627.59 | |||
| Net income for the year |
5,588.50 | - | 9,198.33 | ||
| Net movement in funds | 5,588.50 | - | 9,198.33 | ||
| Reconcilliation of funds |
|||||
| Total funds brought forward |
9,198.33 | - | - | ||
| Total funds carried forward |
14,786.83 | - | 9,198.33 |
All of the above results are derived from continuing activities. There were no other gains or losses other than those stated above. Movements in funds are disclosed in note 14 to the financial statements. The notes set out on pages 15 to 19 form part of these accounts.
13
UK Registered Charity:1197965
Balance Sheet - As at 6th April 2024
| Apr 2023 - Mar 2024 Total |
Feb 2022- Mar 2023 Total |
||
|---|---|---|---|
| Note | £ | ||
| Fixed Assets | 0 | 0 | |
| Current Assets | |||
| Cash at bank and in hand | 14,786.83 | 9,198.33 | |
| Debtors | 0 | 0 | |
| Creditors: amounts falling due within one year |
(4,611.66) | 0 | |
| Net current assets | 14,786.83 | 9198.33 | |
| Total assets less current liabilities |
14,786.83 | 0 | |
| Net assets | 9,198.33 | ||
| The funds of the charity | |||
| Restricted income funds | 0 | - | |
| Unrestricted income funds | 14,786.83 | 9,198.33 | |
| TOTAL FUNDS | 14,786.83 | £9,198.33 |
The financial statements were approved and authorised by issue by the Board on 30th January 2024.
Signed on behalf of the Board of the Trustees:
Emma Lusty Secretary Melanie Lusty Treasurer
14
UK Registered Charity:1197965
Notes to the Financial Statements for the period ended 6th April 2023.
1. Accounting Policies
a) Basis of reparation
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with applicable United Kingdom accounting standards. The requirements of the Statement of Recommended Practice, ‘accounting and reporting by charities’ (SORP 2015), in accordance with the financial reporting standard applicable in the UK (FRS 102) applicable to smaller entities and the Charities Act 2011. The presentational currency of the financial statements is pound sterling (£).
The charity is a Charitable Incorporation Organisation (CIO) registered with the Charity Commission. The registered office address is given in the charity information page.
Assets, and liabilities are initially recognised at historical cost or transaction value, unless otherwise stated in the relevant accounting policy or note.
b) Public Benefit Entity
The CIO meets the definition of a public entity under FRS 102.
15
UK Registered Charity:1197965
c) Going Concern
The trustees consider that there are no material uncertainties about the CIO’s ability to continue as a going concern. Further details are provided in the Trustees’ report.
The trustees do not consider that there are any sources of estimation uncertainty at the reporting date that have a significant risk of causing a material adjustment to the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities within the next reporting period.
d) Income
Income is received by way of donations and fundraising is also generated through trading activities. Income is included in full in the Statement of Financial Activities, recognised when the charity has entitlement to the funds, any performance conditions attached to the income have been met, it is probable that the income will be received, and that the amount can be measured reliably.
e) Expenditure and allocation of support costs
Resources expended are recognised in the period in which they are incurred resources. Expended include attributable VAT, which cannot be recovered.
16
UK Registered Charity:1197965
Resources expended are allocated to the particular activity where the cost relates directly to the activity. However, the cost of overall direction and administration on each activity comprising general office costs and other overheads is apportioned on a basis, which is estimated based on the proportion of each activity to the total cost of all activities.
f) Fund Accounting
Unrestricted funds are donations and other incoming resources received or generated for the charitable purposes and are available for use at the discretion of the trustees in furtherance of the general objects of the CIO.
In the financial period of 7th April 2023 to 31st March 2024, there have been no restricted funds to report on.
g) Creditors
Creditors and provision are recognised where the charity has a present obligation resulting from a past event that will probably result in the transfer of funds to a third-party and the amount due to settle the obligation can be measured or estimated reliably
h) Financial Instruments
The CIO has only basic financial assets and financial liabilities of a kind that qualify as basic financial instruments. Basic financial instruments are initially recognised at transaction value and subsequently measured at their settlement value.
17
UK Registered Charity:1197965
2. Income from donations
| 2. Income from | donations | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Unrestricted | Restricted | 2022/2023 Total | |
| £ | £ | £ | |
| Donations - cash and online |
29,525.01 | - | 1,733.73 |
| Total: | 29,525.01 | £ - | £1733.73 |
3. Income from trading activities
| Unrestricted | Restricted | 2022/2023 Total | |
|---|---|---|---|
| £ | £ | £ | |
| Amazon Direct Book sales |
34,514.76 | - | 19,108.82 |
| School/Hospital Book Sales |
14,398.69 | - | 1,610.76 |
| Total: | 48,913.45 | £- | £21,092.19 |
18
UK Registered Charity:1197965
4. Expenditure on raising funds
| Unrestricted | Restricted | 2022/2023 Total | |
|---|---|---|---|
| £ | £ | £ | |
| Supplier costs for events |
1889.76 | - | 906.07 |
| Cost of books bought to be sold and donated |
13,284.15 | - | 1,980.07 |
| Cost of merchandise to sell |
343.20 | - | - |
| Total: | £15,517.11 | £- | £2,886.14 |
5. Costs of charitable activity by type
| Unrestricted | Restricted | 2022/2023 Total | |
|---|---|---|---|
| £ | £ | £ | |
| Book donations | 6,836.18 | - | 1640.52 |
| Total: | 6,836.18 | £- | £1640.52 |
19
UK Registered Charity:1197965
6. Costs of charitable activity by type
| Unrestricted | Restricted | 2022/2023 Total | |
|---|---|---|---|
| £ | £ | £ | |
| Production of Abilities Books |
28,527.22 | - | 3,938.32 |
| Total: | £28,527.22 | £- | £3,938.32 |
7. Costs of charitable activity by type
| Unrestricted | Restricted | 2022/2023 Total | |
|---|---|---|---|
| £ | £ | £ | |
| Family Day Out - Gullivers Land |
3,014.75 | - | - |
| Total: | £3,014.75 | £- | - |
8. Costs of charitable activity by type
| Unrestricted | Restricted | 2022/2023 Total | |
|---|---|---|---|
| £ | £ | £ | |
| Provision of the Christmas and Halloween parties |
4,872.46 | - | 1640.52 |
| Total: | £4872.46 | £- | £1640.52 |
20
UK Registered Charity:1197965
9. Costs of charitable activity by type
| Unrestricted | Restricted | 2022/2023 Total | |
|---|---|---|---|
| £ | £ | £ | |
| Family respite voucher |
300.00 | - | - |
| Total: | £300 | £- | - |
10. Costs of charitable activity by type
| Unrestricted | Restricted | 2022/2023 Total | |
|---|---|---|---|
| £ | £ | £ | |
| Sensory Station | 1,301.85 | - | - |
| Total: | £1,301.85 | £- | - |
11. Costs of charitable activity by type
| Unrestricted | Restricted | 2022/2023 Total | |
|---|---|---|---|
| £ | £ | £ | |
| Schools Workshops Tour |
2,103.91 | - | - |
| Total: | £2,103.91 | £- | - |
21
UK Registered Charity:1197965
12. Analysis of support costs
| Unrestricted | Restricted | 2022/2023 Total | |
|---|---|---|---|
| £ | £ | £ | |
| Trustees/Volunteers expenses |
163.98 | - | 120.52 |
| Office expenses | 3,459.75 | - | 3,436.26 |
| Insurance | 96.00 | - | 96.00 |
| Website/IT | 2,519.67 | - | 384.56 |
| Storage | 1.032.70 | - | 238.06 |
| Training | 258.75 | - | 555.92 |
| Travel | 1861.64 | - | - |
| Volunteer party | 0 | - | 302.69 |
| Total: | £9,392.49 | £- | £5,162.61 |
13. Fixed Assets - Nothing purchased as a fixed asset in year 2.
14. Debtors - Nothing to report
22
UK Registered Charity:1197965
15. Creditors falling due within one year
| Book Production balance remaining | £2611.66 |
|---|---|
| Illustrator balance remaining | £2000 |
16. Analysis of net assets
| Tangible fixed assets |
Net current assets | 2022/2023 Total | |
|---|---|---|---|
| £ | £ | £ | |
| Restricted funds | - | - | - |
| Unrestricted funds | - | 14,786.83 | 9,198.33 |
| Total | - | 14,786.83 | 9,198.33 |
13. Movement in funds
| Balance brought forward |
Income | Expenditure | Balance carried forward at 7th April 2023 |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Restricted funds |
- | - | (-) | (-) |
| Unrestricted funds |
£14,786.83 | £78,438.46 | (£72,849.96) | £9,198.33 |
| Total: | £14,786.83 | £78,438.46 | (£72,849.96) | £9,198.33 |
23
UK Registered Charity:1197965
14. Related parties
No Trustees received any remuneration during the period.
3 Trustees received expenses during the period, totalling £1298.55 (Chairman £122.67 - Media Promotion event, Treasurer - Storage payments reimbursement £1032.70 and Secretary - £143.88 Zoom account reimbursement)
24