Charity registration number 1204247 (England and Wales)
HIDDEN DISABILITIES
ANNUAL REPORT AND UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
HIDDEN DISABILITIES
LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION
Trustees G L Wardell B W Headland K M Newton C Ideson (Resigned 25 Feb 2025) Mr A R G McCallum (Appointed 8 April 2024) R Lowe (Appointed 8 April 2024) Mr M Cuthbert (Appointed 13 June 2025) Charity registration England and Wales 1204247 Principal address Riverside Station Road Burstwick Hull HU12 9JG Independent examiner Trevor Mark Rackham Rackham's Accountants Limited 3 Melton Enterprise Park Redclliff Road Melton East Yorkshire HU14 3RS
HIDDEN DISABILITIES
CONTENTS
| Page | |
|---|---|
| Trustees' report | 1 - 2 |
| Independent examiner's report | 3 |
| Statement of financial activities | 4 |
| Balance sheet | 5 |
| Notes to the financial statements | 6 - 11 |
HIDDEN DISABILITIES
TRUSTEES' REPORT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
The trustees present their annual report and financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2025.
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out in note 1 to the financial statements and comply with the charity's constitution, the Charities Act 2011 and "Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice 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).
Objectives and activities
The Charity was created to raise awareness of hidden disabilities within the community. We have created a comprehensive website with information on hidden disabilities. We have a database of members which exceeds over one hundred people. We provide local events for wellness, social, personal development, and expert advice to support those with hidden disabilities.
At Hidden Disabilities, we advocate for and support individuals facing a spectrum of hidden disabilities, with a primary focus on Autoimmune Diseases, Chronic Pain & Fatigue Disorders, Mental Health, and Neurological Disorders. We understand that these conditions, though not always visible, significantly impact daily lives. Within these categories, we are initially concentrating on several specific challenges: Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS/ ME), Epilepsy, Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (PoTS), Fibromyalgia, Lupus, and Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS).
Each of these conditions presents unique hurdles, from the debilitating fatigue of CFS to the intricate challenges faced by those with autoimmune diseases. Our mission is to provide a comprehensive platform that addresses the multifaceted aspects of these hidden disabilities. Through awareness initiatives, educational resources, and empathetic support networks, we strive to create a community where individuals can find solace, understanding, and the strength to navigate their unique journeys.
Public benefit
The Trustees are of the opinion that the nature of the Charity’s operations and the geographical area over which it operates are such that it fulfils the public benefit criteria as specified by the Charity Commission. Further, the Trustees confirm that they have complied with the duty in Section 17 of the Charities Act 2011 with regard to guidance published by the Charity Commission in connection with public benefit.
Achievements and performance
Significant activities and achievements against objectives
Financial review
The financial position of the Charity is good with net assets on 31 March 25 amounting to £4,305 (2024: £19,318).
Total income during the year amounted to £26,665 (2024: £32,713).
The Charity intends to continue implementing its aims and objectives as set down by the governing document for the forthcoming year.
Reserves policy
It is the policy of the charity that unrestricted funds which have not been designated for a specific use should be maintained at a level equivalent to between three and six month’s expenditure. The trustees consider that reserves at this level will ensure that, in the event of a significant drop in funding, they will be able to continue the charity’s current activities while consideration is given to ways in which additional funds may be raised. This level of reserves has been maintained throughout the year.
Major risks
The trustees have a duty to identify and review the risks to which the charity is exposed and to ensure appropriate controls are in place to provide reasonable assurance against fraud and error.
The Trustees have considered the major risks to which the charity is exposed and have reviewed those risks.
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HIDDEN DISABILITIES
TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
Structure, governance and management
Hidden Disabilities is a charity governed by a Board of Trustees who are responsible for setting the strategic direction.
Financial accountability is undertaken by the board to ensure that decisions meet the tests of legality, relevance, and prudence.
We are continuing to work through our development plan which sets out or goals and challenges in more detail and continue to be collaborative and responsive, working in partnership with other charities and businesses to provide the best support available to our end users.
The trustees who served during the year and up to the date of signature of the financial statements were:
N W Houfe (Resigned 7 October 2024) G L Wardell B W Headland K M Newton C Ideson (Resigned 25 Feb 2025) Mr A R G McCallum (Appointed 8 April 2024) R Lowe (Appointed 8 April 2024) Mr M Cuthbert (Appointed 13 June 2025)
The trustees who were appointed after the year end to the date of the signature of the financial statements were: A McCallum (Appointed 8 April 2024) R Lowe (Appointed 8 April 2024)
Recruitment and appointment of trustees
The Trustees may at any time appoint a person who is willing to act as such and has the necessary skills, knowledge, and experience to benefit the charity. The other trustees give all necessary training and guidance. The trustees keep the membership of the board under review and understand the need to have access to a good mix of skills.
Other matters
Policies
The charity continues to develop necessary policies and procedures in place including safeguarding, health and safety, risk assessments, equal opportunities, and data protection etc. to protect the charity, and people the charity supports, and these are reviewed regularly.
The trustees' report was approved by the Board of Trustees.
Alex McCallum
..............................
Mr A McCallum
Trustee
31-01-2026 Date: .............................................
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HIDDEN DISABILITIES
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF HIDDEN DISABILITIES
I report to the trustees on my examination of the financial statements of Hidden Disabilities (the charity) for the year ended 31 March 2025.
Responsibilities and basis of report
As the trustees of the charity you are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011.
I report in respect of my examination of the charity’s financial statements carried out under section 145 of the Charities Act 2011. In carrying out my examination I have followed the Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Charities Act 2011.
Independent examiner's statement
Your attention is drawn to the fact that the charity has prepared the financial statements in accordance with the relevant version of the Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their financial statements in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) in preference to the Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice issued on 1 April 2005 which is referred to in the extant regulations but has now been withdrawn. I understand that this has been done in order for the financial statements to provide a true and fair view in accordance with UK Generally Accepted Accounting Practice.
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I have completed my examination. I confirm that no 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 charity as required by section 130 of the Charities Act 2011.
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2 the financial statements do not accord with those records; or
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3 the financial statements do not comply with the applicable requirements concerning the form and content of financial statements set out in the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 other than any requirement that the financial statements 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 financial statements to be reached.
Trevor Mark Rackham
Rackham's Accountants Limited 3 Melton Enterprise Park Redclliff Road Melton East Yorkshire HU14 3RS Date: ............................31-01-2026
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HIDDEN DISABILITIES
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES INCLUDING INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
| Unrestricted Restricted Total Unrestricted Restricted funds funds funds funds 2025 2025 2025 2024 2024 Notes £ £ £ £ £ Income from: Donations and legacies 2 16,710 - 16,710 3,465 18,020 Charitable activities 3 1,600 - 1,600 1,500 - Other trading activities 4 8,084 - 8,084 9,554 - Investments 5 271 - 271 174 - Total income 26,665 - 26,665 14,693 18,020 Expenditure on: Raising funds 6 - 15,167 15,167 9,438 - Charitable activities 7 23,657 2,853 26,510 3,957 - Total expenditure 23,657 18,020 41,677 13,395 - Net income/(expenditure) and movement in funds 3,008 (18,020) (15,012) 1,298 18,020 Reconciliation of funds: Fund balances at 1 April 2024 1,297 18,020 19,317 - - Fund balances at 31 March 2025 4,305 - 4,305 1,298 18,020 |
Total 2024 £ 21,485 1,500 9,554 174 |
|---|---|
| 32,713 | |
| 9,438 3,957 |
|
| 13,395 | |
| 19,318 - |
|
| 19,318 |
The statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year. All income and expenditure derive from continuing activities.
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HIDDEN DISABILITIES
BALANCE SHEET
AS AT 31 MARCH 2025
| Notes Current assets Debtors 13 Cash at bank and in hand Creditors: amounts falling due within one year 14 Net current assets The funds of the charity Restricted income funds 15 Unrestricted funds 16 |
2025 £ - 6,087 6,087 (1,782) |
£ 4,305 - 4,305 4,305 |
2024 £ 1,440 18,837 20,277 (960) |
£ 19,317 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 18,020 1,298 |
||||
| 19,318 |
31-01-2026 The financial statements were approved by the trustees on .........................
Karen Newton .............................. K M Newton Trustee
..............................
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HIDDEN DISABILITIES
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
1 Accounting policies
Charity information
Hidden Disabilities is a charitable incorporated organisation (CIO).
1.1 Accounting convention
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the charity's governing document, the Charities Act 2011, FRS 102 "The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland" and the Charities SORP "Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102)". The charity is a Public Benefit Entity as defined by FRS 102.
The charity has taken advantage of the provisions in the SORP for charities not to prepare a statement of cash flows.
The financial statements are prepared in sterling, which is the functional currency of the charity. Monetary amounts in these financial statements are rounded to the nearest £.
The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention. The principal accounting policies adopted are set out below.
1.2 Going concern
At the time of approving the financial statements, the trustees have a reasonable expectation that the charity has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. Thus the trustees continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting in preparing the financial statements.
1.3 Charitable funds
Unrestricted funds are available for use at the discretion of the trustees in furtherance of their charitable objectives.
Restricted funds are subject to specific conditions by donors or grantors as to how they may be used. The purposes and uses of the restricted funds are set out in the notes to the financial statements.
1.4 Income
Income is recognised when the charity is legally entitled to it after any performance conditions have been met, the amounts can be measured reliably, and it is probable that income will be received.
Cash donations are recognised on receipt. Other donations are recognised once the charity has been notified of the donation, unless performance conditions require deferral of the amount. Income tax recoverable in relation to donations received under Gift Aid or deeds of covenant is recognised at the time of the donation.
Legacies are recognised on receipt or otherwise if the charity has been notified of an impending distribution, the amount is known, and receipt is expected. If the amount is not known, the legacy is treated as a contingent asset.
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HIDDEN DISABILITIES
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
1 Accounting policies
(Continued)
1.5 Expenditure
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 benefits will be required in settlement, and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably.
Expenditure is classified by activity. The costs of each activity are made up of the total of direct costs and shared costs, including support costs involved in undertaking each activity. Direct costs attributable to a single activity are allocated directly to that activity. Shared costs which contribute to more than one activity and support costs which are not attributable to a single activity are apportioned between those activities on a basis consistent with the use of resources. Central staff costs are allocated on the basis of time spent, and depreciation charges are allocated on the portion of the asset’s use.
1.6 Cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents include cash in hand, deposits held at call with banks, other short-term liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less, and bank overdrafts. Bank overdrafts are shown within borrowings in current liabilities.
2 Income from donations and legacies
| Unrestricted Restricted funds funds 2025 2025 £ £ Donations and gifts 4,210 - Grants 12,500 - 16,710 - Income from charitable activities Charitable Activity Income Sponsorship & advertising Income from other trading activities Fundraising events |
Total Unrestricted Restricted Total funds funds 2025 2024 2024 2024 £ £ £ £ 4,210 1,465 - 1,465 12,500 2,000 18,020 20,020 16,710 3,465 18,020 21,485 Unrestricted Unrestricted funds funds 2025 2024 £ £ 1,600 1,500 Unrestricted Unrestricted funds funds 2025 2024 £ £ 8,084 9,554 |
Total 2024 £ 1,465 20,020 |
|---|---|---|
| 21,485 |
3 Income from charitable activities
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4 Income from other trading activities
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HIDDEN DISABILITIES
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
5 Income from investments
| Unrestricted | Unrestricted | |
|---|---|---|
| funds | funds | |
| 2025 | 2024 | |
| £ | £ | |
| Interest receivable | 271 | 174 |
6 Expenditure on raising funds
| Unrestricted Restricted funds funds 2025 2025 £ £ Fundraising and publicity Staging fundraising events - 15,167 Other fundraising costs - - - 15,167 |
Total Unrestricted Restricted funds funds 2025 2024 2024 £ £ £ 15,167 8,539 - - 899 - 15,167 9,438 - |
Total 2024 £ 8,539 899 |
|---|---|---|
| 9,438 |
7 Expenditure on charitable activities
| Charitable | Charitable | |
|---|---|---|
| Activity | Activity | |
| Expenditure | Expenditure | |
| 2025 | 2024 | |
| £ | £ | |
| Direct costs | ||
| Volunteer expenses | 135 | 9 |
| Activity costs | 17,821 | 666 |
| Speaking therapies | 194 | 156 |
| Materials/ stock | 566 | 371 |
| Staff costs | 4,320 | 1,032 |
| 23,036 | 2,234 | |
| Share of support and governance costs (see note 8) | ||
| Support | 2,442 | 763 |
| Governance | 1,032 | 960 |
| 26,510 | 3,957 | |
| Analysis by fund | ||
| Unrestricted funds | 23,657 | 3,957 |
| Restricted funds | 2,853 | - |
| 26,510 | 3,957 |
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HIDDEN DISABILITIES
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
8 Support costs allocated to activities
| Marketing & PR Website Office costs Governance costs Analysed between: Charitable Activity Expenditure 9 Net movement in funds The net movement in funds is stated after charging/(crediting): Fees payable for the independent examination of the charity's financial statements |
2025 £ - 772 946 724 1,032 3,474 3,474 2025 £ 1,032 |
2024 £ 496 189 79 - 960 |
|---|---|---|
| 1,724 | ||
| 1,724 | ||
| 2024 £ 960 |
10 Trustees
None of the trustees (or any persons connected with them) received any remuneration or benefits from the charity during the year.
11 Employees
The average monthly number of employees during the year was:
| 2025 | 2024 | |
|---|---|---|
| Number | Number | |
| Total | - | - |
There were no employees whose annual remuneration was more than £60,000.
12 Taxation
The charity is exempt from taxation on its activities because all its income is applied for charitable purposes.
13 Debtors
| Debtors | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 2024 | |
| Amounts falling due within one year: | £ | £ |
| Prepayments and accrued income | - | 1,440 |
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HIDDEN DISABILITIES
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
14 Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
| Trade creditors Accruals and deferred income |
2025 £ 750 1,032 1,782 |
2024 £ - 960 |
|---|---|---|
| 960 |
15 Restricted funds
The restricted funds of the charity comprise the unexpended balances of donations and grants held on trust subject to specific conditions by donors as to how they may be used.
| At Lottery Funding Previous year: At Lottery Funding |
1 April 2024 Incoming resources Resources expended At 31 March 2025 £ £ £ £ 18,020 - (18,020) - 1 April 2023 Incoming resources Resources expended At 31 March 2024 £ £ £ £ - 18,020 - 18,020 |
|---|---|
16 Unrestricted funds
The unrestricted funds of the charity comprise the unexpended balances of donations and grants which are not subject to specific conditions by donors and grantors as to how they may be used. These include designated funds which have been set aside out of unrestricted funds by the trustees for specific purposes.
| At General funds Previous year: At General funds |
1 April 2024 Incoming resources Resources expended At 31 March 2025 £ £ £ £ 1,298 26,665 (23,658) 4,305 1 April 2023 Incoming resources Resources expended At 31 March 2024 £ £ £ £ - 14,693 (13,395) 1,298 |
|---|---|
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HIDDEN DISABILITIES
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
17 Analysis of net assets between funds
| Unrestricted Restricted funds funds 2025 2025 £ £ At 31 March 2025: Current assets/(liabilities) 4,305 - 4,305 - Unrestricted Restricted funds funds 2024 2024 £ £ At 31 March 2024: Current assets/(liabilities) 1,298 18,020 1,298 18,020 |
Total 2025 £ 4,305 |
|---|---|
| 4,305 | |
| Total 2024 £ 19,318 |
|
| 19,318 |
18 Related party transactions
There were no disclosable related party transactions during the year.
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