2025-04-05-accounts

ACTIVE RESPITE

TRUSTEES’ REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

YEAR ENDED 5 APRIL 2025

Charity number: 1201315 Company number: CE030944

ACTIVE RESPITE

I N D E X

Year ended 5 April 2025

	Page
General information	2
Trustees’ annual report	3
Independent examiner’s report	8
Statement of financial activities	9
Balance sheet	10
Notes to the financial statements	11

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ACTIVE RESPITE

G E N E R A L I N F O R M A T I O N

Year ended 5 April 2025

Charity registration number	1201315
Company number	CE030944
Trustees	Aaleyah Symons
	Deborah Bestwick
	Lucy Milner
	Nicola Hopwood
Registered office	4 Algar Close
	Costock
	Loughborough
	LE12 6AP
Independent examiner	Suzanne Rose
	Dixon Wilson
	22 Chancery Lane
	London
	WC2A 1LS
Bankers	Rothschild & Co
	New Court
	St. Swithin’s Lane
	London
	EC4N 8AL

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ACTIVE RESPITE

T R U S T E E S ’ A N N U A L R E P O R T

Year ended 5 April 2025

The Trustees present their report and financial statements for the year ended 5 April 2025. The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out on pages 11 and 12 and comply with the Statement of Recommended Practice: Accounting and Reporting by Charities (SORP FRS 102, effective 1 January 2019). The general information presented on page 2 forms part of this report.

Active Respite is a charitable incorporated organisation (CIO) formed on 13 December 2022 under registered charity number 1201315.

Decisions are made by simple majority of votes cast at a meeting of the Trustees where each member has one vote, save that in the event of an equality of votes the person who chairs the meeting has a second or casting vote. Decisions may also be made by written / electronic resolution agreed by a majority of all charity Trustees.

Objects and activities for the public benefit

Active Respite’s objective as set out in the Foundation Model Constitution are “to pay or apply the capital and income held by the CIO for, or towards the advancement of, the care, recreation and education of children who are in need by reason of financial hardship, mental or physical ill health, or other disadvantage with a view to supporting such children during out of school hours in such manner as the charity Trustees may determine.”

Active Respite’s core activity is to connect children aged between 5 and 18 to third party activity providers and provide funding for them to access activities outside their home and school. These could range from after school sports or arts classes to longer term activities such as summer camps. The funding provided can take the form of payment for the child’s class membership, equipment or tournaments.

This core activity enables the charity to meet its goal of supporting children in following their passion for activities they love, but which they may not have had the opportunity to try, whilst providing respite to families in difficult circumstances. The respite not only provides an opportunity for a parental break, but also the chance to seek support around their difficulties (e.g. domestic abuse support, financial aid, or parenting support).

Providing access to activities is also aimed at improving the health and wellbeing of children by giving them access to activities outside the home, with a view to alleviating stress and pressure within their home lives, whilst also reducing pressure on families and allowing time for family members to access support.

Active Respite primarily looks to support children who are ‘children in need’ (as defined by the Children Act 1989), or who are currently accessing the Early Help Team. Active Respite have also supported children who are ‘Looked After Children’ (as defined by the Children Act 1989). Referrals have also been received from the NHS by nutritionists who are concerned by a family’s inactive lifestyle. Children who are on the 99[th] percentile are also subject to support by Active Respite to support the physical health of children with obesity. It has been found that most referrals from the NHS include children with additional needs such as autism and ADHD.

To measure the success of support for families, we enquire with the families every three months to review whether ongoing support is still beneficial. During reviews, feedback is taken from the families to establish whether the activity remains helpful for their circumstances. The professional who referred the family are also asked for feedback on whether the service is still beneficial for the family. When a family are discharged by the professional who referred them, this is seen as successful due to the family no longer requiring support from the local authority.

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T R U S T E E S ’ A N N U A L R E P O R T ( c o n t i n u e d )

ACTIVE RESPITE

Year ended 5 April 2025

Measuring the success of the activity is demonstrated differently depending on the family. For children with physical health needs, we receive feedback demonstrating a decrease in weight and an increase in active lifestyle. Many children referred to Active Respite have diagnosed mental health needs (i.e. ADHD and Autism). We have been able to measure the achievements and performance of these families based on the child’s performance during the activity. Children with autism who are referred to us have historically been unable to participate in group activities, Active Respite has however proudly been able to progress every child with autism to group sessions in which they are comfortable and have developed the social skills for, many of whom have received rewards in swimming groups. Children with ADHD have often begun sessions by only participating for 5-10 minutes. With long-term exposure to activities, Active Respite have received feedback that this timespan has increased for children and supported them to maintain focus for longer.

The longer-term aims of Active Respite are to reduce the number of families who progress from Child in Need to Child Protection safeguarding levels within Nottingham City and Nottinghamshire local authorities, as well as ensure children have access to the same opportunities regardless of background. The families include foster families with Looked After children who often require support from the local authority due to the needs of the children. This is targeted by the short-term aims of providing guardians the time to seek support, whilst also giving the children an environment in which they can thrive mentally and physically. It is also hoped that Active Respite will support in the reduction of children suffering from obesity, and that Active Respite encourages families to engage in a more active lifestyle long-term. Long-term, Active Respite aims to continue increasing support provided to families at an increased rate annually,

Public benefit

The Trustees, having regard to the Public Benefit guidance published by the Charity Commission in accordance with section 17 of the Charities Act 2011, consider that the purpose and activities of the charity as set out above and, in this report, satisfy the requirements of the public benefit test set out in section 4 of the same Act.

By connecting children to providers and supplying the requisite funding, this provides relief to families by creating opportunities for children with difficult home lives to participate in activities outside their home. This can improve the mental health and wellbeing of the children by reducing stress and providing social contact with other children in group activities. It will also advance physical health for those participating in active sports.

Achievements and performance

In total, between April 2024 and 2025, we have been able to provide over 600 membership payments for classes and clubs for children across Nottinghamshire. This includes music, horse riding, swimming, dance, trampoline lessons, go-karting, football clubs and gymnastics memberships. Active Respite has also supplied funding for competitions, annual dance performances, and equipment related to these activities.

The charity is growing significantly with over 90 children listed as active within the charity’s register. The initial target for Active Respite was to reach an average of 100 children supported annually through memberships or lessons; this cap was however removed in April 2024 due to increased budgets. The charity plans to continue increasing the support plans significantly by opening a number of new support provisions.

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T R U S T E E S ’ A N N U A L R E P O R T ( c o n t i n u e d )

ACTIVE RESPITE

Year ended 5 April 2025

During the previous year, over 140 payments were made to clubs on behalf of families to support their engagement in activities. This year, we have had nearly a 400% increase in this support offered with an increase to over 600 payments made by year end 2025. We are incredibly proud of this increase and outreach undertaken by not only the Trustees, but also professionals in other organisations who have ensured people find out about us.

We’ve had several achievements from the families we work with, including many of the same families from the previous year continuing to achieve new skills every week. Many of our children have diagnosed needs and must find the right activities that work for them. We have however had many children thrive in situations they weren’t initially comfortable with. Being able to see the children and families we work with grow in confidence and trust that we are a form of support until the children turn 18 is something we seek to continue to help families develop.

One of our primary partners for the year has been ABL Health to support children enrolled with nutritionists to reduce their weight and encourage a healthy lifestyle with families. In December 2024 we were informed that 80% of the children at ABL that we support have managed to maintain or reduce their weight. We are proud to be a continued provider of support for the children after they leave ABL to ensure they continue to have access to healthy lifestyle choices.

There is still a very clear need for our support within Nottinghamshire with a significant increase in referrals received and support offered. Due to reserves within the charity, we are looking to increase the support we offer significantly in the coming year – including support outside of Nottinghamshire and Nottingham City.

Financial review and reserves policy

The charity received income in the year of £1,018,886 which included income from donations of £996,250. Expenditure on charitable activities totalled £32,086. Unrestricted reserves on 5 April 2025 were £407,345 and expendable endowment funds totalled £996,250 on 5 April 2025.

The principal funding source for the charity is donations from one of the Trustees.

In line with the guidance issued by the Charity Commission, the Trustees have examined the charity’s requirements for reserves in the light of the main risks of the organisation. The charity initially planned expenditure of £100,000 annually. However, the Trustees are confident that due to positive relationships with many clubs, the expenditure for support will continue to be lower than anticipated. For the year 20252026, the target is to reach an expenditure of at least £60,000 – this will then continue to grow gradually year on year until a review is completed at reaching £100,000 per annum. The Trustees are confident that with current level of reserves is sufficient to keep the charity operating in the short term with the core level of activity in the event of a drop in funding. The charity also now has a significant level of endowment funds that can be expended as needed.

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T R U S T E E S ’ A N N U A L R E P O R T ( c o n t i n u e d )

ACTIVE RESPITE

Year ended 5 April 2025

Plans for the future

Active Respite plans to increase the number of children it supports within 2025-2026. There are plans for new projects within the next year which will offer support outside of physical activity engagement. The charity will be reaching out to professionals in sectors such as education, domestic abuse refuges, and hospices to discuss additional support that is needed for children to be provided the same opportunities as their peers.

The Trustees are continuing to explore ways in which the existing project can be done more efficiently without requiring the need to employ staff. This will be configured further in the coming year to find a way in which more children can be reached without putting excessive administrative pressure on Trustees. This will also allow the Trustees to continue to create additional support measures for children and families without sacrificing the current projects’ efficacy.

At the start of April 2025, Active Respite began exploring providers for tailored children’s books. The aim of the Active Respite Book Club is to provide children in need (i.e. children in refuges, children with SEN, children in hospice, and children under social care) with access to books that are chosen with them in mind. The first order for the book club was after the end of the year end and will therefore be discussed further in next year’s report.

The Trustees intend to continue meeting quarterly and to review changes where necessary.

Structure, governance, and management structure of board of Trustees

Active Respite is governed by a board of Trustees, who meet quarterly for Trustee meetings to discuss the charity’s strategy including the charity’s activities, performance, funding, risks and risk management, policies and procedures. The four Trustees were appointed on 13 December 2022 and are listed on page 2, and the day-to-day management and decisions are undertaken by the Trustees. The board continues to benefit greatly from the broad professional experience of its Trustees and their passion for the objective of the charity.

All Trustees give their time voluntarily and receive no remuneration or benefits from the charity.

Recruitment, appointment and training of the Trustees

New Trustees may be appointed by Aaleyah Symons (existing Trustee), having regard to the skills, knowledge and experience required for the effective administration of the charity. New Trustees are provided with guidance on best practice in charity governance, information about Active Respite and guidance as to their responsibilities from existing Trustees.

Risk management

The Trustees have considered the major risks to which the charity is exposed and have reviewed those risks and established procedures and systems to manage those risks.

Trustees’ responsibilities in relation to the financial statements

The Trustees are responsible for preparing the Trustees’ report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards. The law applicable to charities in England and 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:

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ACTIVE RESPITE

T R U S T E E S ’ A N N U A L R E P O R T ( c o n t i n u e d )

Year ended 5 April 2025

• select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;

• observe the methods and principles of the Charities SORP;

• make judgements and accounting estimates that are reasonable and prudent;

• state whether applicable accounting standards have been followed, subject to any departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements; and

• prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the charity will continue in business.

The Trustees are responsible for keeping accounting records that disclose, with reasonable accuracy, the financial position of the charity 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 the charity and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.

Conclusion and thanks

In the three years since Active Respite has been incorporated, it has steadily grown, and we are proud that it has been able to support so many children in having access to outside activities and clubs. The Trustees wish to sincerely thank the clubs and organisations we have collaborated with, as well as the parents of those children who have attended clubs and lessons. There is a continued need for support which we hope to provide on a larger scale each year. We know that Active Respite will continue to grow and play a key role in the lives of children, their families and support networks.

Approved by the Trustees on 18[th] December 2025 and signed on its behalf by

Aaleyah Symons Trustee

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I N D E P E N D E N T E X A M I N E R ’ S R E P O R T

ACTIVE RESPITE

Year ended 5 April 2025

Independent examiner’s report to the Trustees of Active Respite

I report to the Trustees on my examination of the accounts of the Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) for the year from 6 April 2024 to 5 April 2025.

Responsibilities and basis of report

As the charity Trustees of the CIO you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 (‘the Act’). You are satisfied that an audit is not required for this year under charity law and that an independent examination is needed.

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.

An independent examination does not involve gathering all the evidence that would be required in an audit and consequently does not cover all the matters that an auditor considers in giving their opinion on the accounts. The planning and conduct of an audit goes beyond the limited assurance that an independent examination can provide. Consequently, I express no opinion as to whether the accounts present a ‘true and fair’ view and my report is limited to those specific matters set out in the independent examiner’s statement.

Independent examiner’s statement

I am qualified to undertake the examination by being a qualified member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales.

I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect:

1. accounting records were not kept in respect of the CIO as required by section 130 of the Act; or

2. the accounts do not accord with those records; or

3. the accounts do 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; or

4. the accounts have not been prepared in accordance with the methods and principles of the Statement of Recommended Practice for accounting and reporting by charities applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102).

I have no concerns and have come across no 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.

Suzanne Rose ACA CTA Dixon Wilson 22 Chancery Lane London WC2A 1LS

202 26 January 6

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ACTIVE RESPITE

S T A T E M E N T O F F I N A N C I A L A C T I V I T I E S

Year ended 5 April 2025

Expendable Note Unrestricted Endowment Total 2025 2025 2025 £ £ £ Income and endowments from: Donations and legacies 3 - 996,250 996,250 Other 4 22,636 - 22,636 Total income and endowments 22,636 996,250 1,018,886 Expenditure on: Charitable activities 5 32,086 - 32,086 Total expenditure 32,086 - 32,086 Net (expenditure) / income (9,450) 996,250 986,800 Net movement in funds for the year (9,450) 996,250 986,800 Total funds brought forward 416,795 - 416,795 Total funds carried forward 11 407,345 996,250 1,403,595

Total 2024 £ 437,500 15,395 452,895 36,100 36,100 416,795 416,795 - 416,795

The statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses in the year. All income and expenditure derives from continuing activities.

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Charity Number: 1201315

ACTIVE RESPITE

B A L A N C E S H E E T

At 5 April 2025

Note 2025 £ Fixed assets Computer equipment 8 5,447 5,447 Current assets Cash at bank 1,412,945 1,412,945 Creditors: amounts falling due within one year 9 (14,797) Net current assets 1,398,148 Total net assets 1,403,595 Represented by: Unrestricted fund 407,345 Expendable Endowment fund 996,250 Total funds 11 1,403,595	2024 £ - - 428,802 428,802 (12,007) 416,795 416,795 416,795 - 416,795

The financial statements on pages 9 to 15 were approved by the Trustees on 26 January 2026 and signed on their behalf by:

Aaleyah Symons Trustee

The notes on pages 11 to 15 form part of these financial statements.

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N O T E S T O T H E F I N A N C I A L S T A T E M E N T S

ACTIVE RESPITE

Year ended 5 April 2025

1. General information

Active Respite is a charitable incorporated organisation (CIO) incorporated in England and Wales.

The address of the registered office is: 4 Algar Close Costock Loughborough LE12 6AP

2. Accounting policies

Basis of preparation and assessment of going concern

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with applicable accounting standards, the Statement of Recommended Practice “Accounting and reporting Charities” applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (SORP FRS 102) and the Charities Act 2011. The particular accounting policies adopted are described below.

The Charity constitutes a public benefit entity as defined by FRS 102. Assets and liabilities are initially recognised at historical cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant accounting policy note.

The Trustees consider that there are no material uncertainties about the Charity’s ability to continue as a going concern.

The financial statements are presented in Sterling which is the financial currency of the Charity and rounded to the nearest pound.

Accounting convention

The financial statements are prepared under the historical cost convention.

Cash flow statement

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 FRS 102 and SORP FRS 102.

Income

All income is recognised in the statement of financial activities when Active Respite has entitlement to the income, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount of the income can be measured reliably.

All donations are recognised when the Charity has entitlement to the income.

Interest on funds held at the bank are included when receivable and when the amount can be measured reliably by the charity; this is normally upon notification of the interest paid or payable by the bank.

There has been no offsetting of assets and liabilities, or income and expenses, unless required or permitted by FRS 102 or SORP FRS 102.

Expenditure and liabilities

Liabilities are recognised as soon as there is a legal or constructive obligation committing the Charity to the expenditure, it is probable that settlement will be required and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably.

All expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis, and is inclusive of irrecoverable VAT.

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ACTIVE RESPITE

N O T E S T O T H E F I N A N C I A L S T A T E M E N T S

Year ended 5 April 2025

2. Accounting policies (continued)

Financial instruments

The Charity accounts for basic financial instruments on initial recognition as per paragraph 11.7 SORP FRS 102.

Direct charitable expenditure

Direct charitable expenditure includes all expenditure incurred in pursuance of the Charity’s objective and relate to expenditure made under the Charity’s criteria.

Tangible fixed assets

Tangible assets are stated at cost, less any subsequent accumulated depreciation and subsequent accumulated impairment losses.

The cost of tangible assets includes directly attributable incremental costs incurred in their acquisition and

installation.

Depreciation is provided on tangible fixed assets so as to write off the cost or valuation less any estimated residual value, over their expected useful economic lives as follows:

Asset class

Depreciation method and rate

Office equipment 3 years straight line

Funds

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

Expendable endowment funds are capital funds that may be freely converted into spendable income as the Trustees see fit.

3. Donations and Legacies

		Expendable			Expendable
	Unrestricted	Endowment	Total	Unrestricted	Endowment	Total
	2025	2025	2025	2024	2024	2024
	£	£	£	£	£	£
Donations	-	797,000	797,000	350,000	-	350,000
Gift aid	-	199,250	199,250	87,500	-	87,500
	-	996,250	996,250	437,500	-	437,500

Donations and gift aid in the year relate to a single donation of £797,000 made by one of the Trustees. The donation and gift aid are both attributable to the expendable endowment fund in the year.

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ACTIVE RESPITE

N O T E S T O T H E F I N A N C I A L S T A T E M E N T S

Year ended 5 April 2025

4. Other income Bank interest HMRC repayment interest Bank interest in the year is attributable to the unrestricted income fund.	2025 £ 22,636 - 22,636	2024 £ 13,304 2,091
		15,395
5. Charitable activities Child memberships Child equipment Support costs (note 6) Governance costs (note 7)	2025 £ 21,544 15 1,917 8,610 32,086	2024 £ 6,390 271 15,703 13,736
		36,100

Charitable activity costs are attributable to the unrestricted income fund.

6. Support costs Legal and professional fees Website costs Printing, postage, and stationary Telephone costs Sundry Depreciation	2025 £ - 1,392 - 66 100 359 1,917	2024 £ 15,338 278 51 36 - - 15,703

Support costs are allocated 100% to charitable activities and are attributable to the unrestricted income fund.

7. Governance costs Accountancy fees Independent examination	2025 £ 6,210 2,400 8,610	2024 £ 11,936 1,800 13,736

Governance costs are attributable to the unrestricted income fund.

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ACTIVE RESPITE

N O T E S T O T H E F I N A N C I A L S T A T E M E N T S

Year ended 5 April 2025

8. Tangible fixed assets

8. Tangible fixed assets	8. Tangible fixed assets
Office Equipment £ Cost At 6 April 2024 - Additions 5,806 At 5 April 2025 5,806 Depreciation At 6 April 2024 - Charge for the year 359 At 5 April 2025 359 Net book value At 5 April 2025 5,447 At 6 April 2024 -		Total £ - 5,806 5,806 - 359 359 5,447 -
9. Creditors: amounts falling due within one year Other creditors Accruals Audit and accountancy creditors	2025 £ 5,407 4,800 4,590 14,797	2024 £ 5,407 6,600 - 12,007

10. Taxation

As a charity, Active Respite is exempt from tax on income and gains to the extent these are applied to its charitable objects.

11. Analysis of net assets between funds		Expendable
	Unrestricted	Endowment	Total
	£	£	£
Funds as at 5 April 2025 are represented by:
Cash at bank and in hand	416,695	996,250	1,412,945
Creditors	(14,797)	-	(14,797)
	401,898	996,250	1,398,148
Tangible fixed assets	5,447	-	5,447
	407,345	996,250	1,403,595

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ACTIVE RESPITE

N O T E S T O T H E F I N A N C I A L S T A T E M E N T S

Year ended 5 April 2025

12. Trustees’ remuneration and related party transactions

During the year, donations of £797,000 were received from one Trustee without conditions attached.

The Trustees receive no remuneration for their services and did not receive any reimbursement of expenses incurred in fulfilling their duties as Trustees.

At the Balance Sheet date, the charity owed one of the Trustees’ £5,407 (2024 - £5,407).

13. Financial instruments 2025 £ Financial assets measured at amortised cost 1,412,945 Financial liabilities measured at amortised cost (14,797) Financial assets measured at amortised cost comprise cash at bank.	2024 £ 428,802 (12,007)

Financial liabilities measured at amortised cost comprise creditors and accruals.

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