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2025-03-31-accounts

The Lantern Meadow Farm Drive Shrewsbury SY1 4NG

www.sightlossshropshire.org.uk

admin@sightlossshropshire.org.uk

07778 956096

Registered Charity No. 215137

CONTENTS OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

Page
An introduction to Sight Loss Shropshire 1 to 2
Committee Details 3
Reference and Administrative Details 4
Chairs’ Report 5 to 6
Operational Report 8 to 11
Trustees’ Report 12 to 13
Independent Examiner's Report 14
Statement of Financial Activities 15
Statement of Financial Position 16
Notes to the Financial Statements 17 to 25

SIGHT LOSS SHROPSHIRE ANNUAL REPORT 2024-25

An Introduction to SIGHT LOSS SHROPSHIRE

Sight Loss Shropshire (SLS) was founded in 1922. It is a registered charity that helps and supports visually impaired people of all ages who live in Shropshire and Telford and Wrekin.

SLS is one of the national network of local charities for visually impaired people that serve many parts of the country. We are a member of Visionary, a national umbrella body for local sight loss organisations.

During the autumn of 2024 SLS has developed a 3-year strategic plan that supports our aim of improving the quality of life of visually impaired people of all ages who live in Shropshire and Telford and Wrekin. Broadly our objectives are:

Page 1

Our work includes the following:

Our consultative Committee is drawn from across Shropshire, and Telford and Wrekin. At least 8 members of the Trustee Board and Committee are themselves either blind or partially sighted, and therefore have real firsthand understanding of the challenges of living with visual impairment.

SLS’s work is dependent on the support of local volunteers.

Page 2

TRUSTEES FOR 2024-25

Mrs J. Wynn OBE, Vice Lord-Lieutenant of Shropshire – President Cllr. Mrs. R. Houghton – Vice President (resigned 10/07/2024) Mr A. Jones – Chair

Mrs H. Dyson – Vice Chair Mr D. Clark – Honorary Treasurer Mrs D. Flint DL Mrs L. Rowlands Mr R. Dapling (appointed 10/07/2024)

COMMITTEE FOR 2024-25

Mrs. L. Clark Mr R. Cookson Miss G. Dorricott Mr T. Downes Mr. J. Feehan Mrs. K. Hill Ms M-C. Barker Ms S. Mitchell Mrs Y. Ostermeyer Mrs. A. Read Mrs B. Shingler Mr J. Thatcher Mr K. Whitcombe Mrs A. Woodward Mrs K. Tunbridge

Charity Manager Mrs S. Staar-Slogrove

*Denotes a visually impaired person

Page 3

INDEPENDENT EXAMINER TCA (Shrewsbury) LLP Third Floor 21 St Mary's Street Shrewsbury Shropshire SY1 1ED

BANKERS

Barclays Bank 44-46 Castle Street Shrewsbury SY1 1BU

INVESTMENT EFG Harris Allday MANAGERS Church Mews Ombersley Worcestershire WR9 0EW

MEETINGS

The SLS Committee held four meetings during the year.

The AGM was held on 10[th] July 2024. The main business of the AGM was to approve the Annual Report for 2023/24, including the Annual Accounts. All papers were circulated in advance of the AGM date to enable any queries to be raised and answered.

Page 4

CHAIR’S REPORT 2024/25

The period of 2024 – 2025 has continued with the pace and energy of the preceding year. We have made great strides in building on our existing programmes, securing new funding, developing new partnerships and reviving highly valued events such as the See & Hear Shropshire exhibition.

The Operational Report expands in more detail on these and is a testament to the commitment, hard work and energy of the staff and volunteer team.

We have again hosted a very joyous social event, the Winter’s Day Out, at Shrewsbury Town Football Club where around 180 guests from support groups around the county were joined by special guests who have supported us during the year, along with the High Sheriff of Shropshire.

Other valued events included the re-establishment of the See and Hear exhibition, which was paused during Covid. A key innovation in its revival was the strategic partnership formed with Community Resource to co-host the event. The feedback was very encouraging, and we very much look forward to further evolving this important exhibition in 2025.

Another fresh initiative was hosting our first fundraiser and awareness event - a summer’s evening garden party - at Hodnet Hall Gardens, with the generous support of Sir Algernon and Lady Jane Heber-Percy.

A key activity amongst the Trustee Board during the autumn period was the development of a 3-year strategy to frame and guide our work during 2025 to 2028, creating a narrative and summary of this strategy, fully endorsed by the Committee in February. From this we developed our business plan for 2025-2026.

Critical to the new strategy is the expansion of our reach and impact. In support of that we have recognised the need to re-align some staff team roles, with Mel Fullerton now our new Operations and Marketing Officer to provide greater support in this area. The e-newsletters and social media posts are gradually building our presence, to be further supported by a new website launched in early 2025.

The Digital Tech Training service in Telford is busy and popular, and has been extended into Shropshire. The Living Well with Sight Loss (LWWSL) courses continue to be in demand, and we are grateful for the funding support received by the Local Eye Health Network (LEHN). During the latter part of 2024 and early 2025 we engaged in discussions with Telford & Wrekin Council (TWC) about creating more dedicated support for Children

Page 5

& Young People (CYP). From these discussions emerged an agreement between SLS and TWC to establish an innovative new partnership for SLS to employ a CYP Activities Co-ordinator to be embedded within TWC Sensory Team and work closely with SLS and TWC to create specific events and improve support to visually impaired children and young people and their families. A key part of this innovation is securing third-party funding for the post, which we aim to have operational by the beginning of the 2025-2026 academic year. There is significant potential to evolve this approach, and we have ambitions to do so.

The finance report details the funding we have secured to support these initiatives.

SLS continues to offer grants to help purchase sight-loss specific equipment. This assistance is now more accessible than ever as individuals can apply directly without a referral, a service we hope to increase upon.

Most importantly, I would like to thank our loyal volunteers, without whose help we would not be able to achieve our aims. Many are also members of the Committee and Board of Trustees, all of whom so generously give their time and expertise.

We've wrapped up another busy year and remain committed to achieving even more in the year ahead. Doing so requires teamwork, and I would like to thank the staff team, Swan, Mel and Vicki, for their commitment and energy in making the year a success, along with the valued advice and support of the Committee.

Lastly, our Trustee Board has also been very active, welcoming new members and showing continued ambition, dedication, and support to help grow SLS’s presence and impact. A special thank you goes to Mrs Diana Flint, who stepped down as Chair last autumn but continues to serve as a valued Trustee.

We move forward into 2025-2026 with renewed purpose, with a new strategy, growing presence and profile and a determined ambition to make a positive difference to the visually impaired community by being the go-to sight loss organisation in Shropshire, championing equal opportunities for all visually impaired people.

Arwyn Jones Chair of Trustees, Sight Loss Shropshire 10 June 2025

Page 6

OPERATIONAL REPORT 2024/25

This year has been fundamental for building strategic partnerships and making the most of networking opportunities. These connections have helped us expand on our existing services and respond flexibly with new support services where they’re most needed. We're proud of the impact our work has, and the continued support from our funders demonstrates their belief in the difference we’re making.

Internally, we’re becoming a much more streamlined organisation, utilising better technology, systems and external resources to boost efficiency and free up more time for what matters most: supporting people.

Our volunteers continue to play a vital role, and it’s been refreshing to see these teams grow. Together with our dedicated staff, they provide a feet-onthe-ground service that reaches visually impaired people from all walks of life.

I’d like to thank our committed Board of Trustees for their strong leadership and encouragement. Their work is empowering the charity to aim high and giving our staff and volunteers the confidence to turn bold goals and visions into reality.

SERVICES 2024/25

‘Living Well with Sight Loss’ Courses

Over 12 months, Sight Loss Shropshire delivered:

This year, our ‘Living Well with Sight Loss’ courses welcomed participants ranging in age from 20s to 90s. We’ve seen a growing number of attendees without a Certificate of Vision Impairment (CVI), highlighting the increasing importance of providing early access to information, support, and informed choices.

Notably, more people of working age are now engaging with our courses, reflecting a broader awareness and need across different life stages.

Page 7

The delivery of these courses was supported by six dedicated volunteers with lived experience of sight loss. Their personal insights, emotional understanding, and gentle encouragement to share challenges and successes continue to be invaluable.

Participant quotes:

“This is the first thing that has helped me since losing my sight a few months back.”

“We now recognise how important a CVI is and will follow this up.”

“I’m still at the early stages of sight loss, but I appreciate all the little tips for the future. It’s really good to hear about options for exercise like swimming, tennis and pickleball.”

Digital Tech Training

In 2024/25 ‘In Touch Telford – Tech Training for Visually Impaired People’ continued to be delivered centrally in Southwater, Telford. A group of dedicated volunteers from the Telford community delivered 40 appointments with visually impaired clients, their family members, friends and carers, helping them to make the most of smartphones, tablets and iPads.

This year also marked an important development in our digital support work. Delivered by our Tech Coordinator, the Shropshire Digital Skills Service shifted from community hubs to home-based visits, making support more accessible and tailored to individual needs. It’s the first time our charity has delivered a home-based service, and the demand has been high.

We’ve recorded 40 successful outcomes with clients improving their digital skills, often also including an increased understanding of sight loss issues and solutions by partners or family members. Additional one-off support was provided to many more. Free provision, setup and training for smart speakers have become a key part of the service, helping people with sight loss build confidence and independence through the use of technology. The introduction to sight loss apps has made a big difference to the lives of many of our beneficiaries:

“I now don’t have to eat out of date food anymore!” (Beneficiary after being introduced to Seeing AI)

Page 8

Information, Advice & Signposting

Sight Loss Shropshire continues to be a trusted point of contact for those seeking support with sight loss, an impact that has grown thanks to our increasing positive reputation and the improved marketing and enhanced online presence driven by the excellent work of our Operations & Marketing Officer.

Our advice covers a wide range of topics, from guidance at the early stages of sight loss to practical tips on social support, leisure activities, and assistive technology. In 2024/25, we responded to enquiries from over 150 individuals. Many were not only signposted to external services but also actively enrolled in our own courses, training sessions, and events, enabling us to provide meaningful, hands-on support well beyond initial advice.

Peer Support Groups

Sight Loss Shropshire continues to support a vibrant network of peer support groups, reaching over 150 members across the county. We work closely with other charities and place particular emphasis on supporting groups that are independently led by volunteers. Our support includes financial assistance, help with venue hire, speaker and activity recommendations, guidance on compliance matters, and assistance in recruiting new members.

This year, we were proud to support the launch of a new independent group, the Shropshire Hills Sight Loss Support Group .

Grants to Individuals & Equipment Rehoming

Sight Loss Shropshire offers contributory grants to visually impaired people, in cases where their needs cannot be met by statutory services with the aim of enhancing their quality of life or ability to live more independently. Two grants towards digital equipment have been awarded to visually impaired people in 2024/25.

As demand for financial help towards new equipment has decreased, we’ve embraced the opportunity to rehome donated sight loss equipment. Items such as manual magnifiers, audiobooks, talking clocks, video magnifiers, and document readers have found new homes through our informal rehoming opportunities, offered at our courses and events. More than 30 items have been saved from landfill and passed on to individuals who are now putting them to valuable use.

Page 9

Sight Loss Awareness

Sight Loss Shropshire continues to work collaboratively with both statutory and voluntary organisations to raise awareness of sight loss and enhance the delivery of local services. In 2024/25, we provided sight loss awareness training to 20 staff at Taylor Support, a specialist provider supporting children, young people, and adults with disabilities in Telford, and to 32 team members from the Shropshire Domestic Abuse Service. These sessions help frontline professionals better understand the challenges faced by people with visual impairments and ensure more inclusive, informed support across the county.

Events

In partnership with charity Community Resource, we successfully reintroduced the much-loved See and Hear Shropshire exhibition in 2024, bringing together 38 exhibitors offering equipment, technology, and services for people with sight and/or hearing loss. Held at Shrewsbury Town Football Club, the event drew more than 250 visitors, many from outside the Shropshire borders. Its success has paved the way for an extended partnership and an even larger event in 2025.

In January 2025, Sight Loss Shropshire hosted its annual Winter’s Day Out . The event welcomed nearly 200 visually impaired people and their partners for a day of celebration, connection, and inspiration. This special gathering not only recognised the achievements of individuals living with sight loss but also highlighted the wide range of services available to support independent and fulfilling lives.

Noticeable were also our collaborative events for visually impaired children and young adults: Our supercar driving event, enabling 20 visually impaired children who will never hold a driving licence to experience the thrill of driving a high-powered car around a racetrack, marked the charity’s debut to social inclusion services for a younger age group. In partnership with The Hive in Shrewsbury and Shropshire’s Sensory Inclusion Service, we also took part in a Japanese Taiko drumming session, enjoyed by 10 children with sight or hearing impairments.

Total numbers of people supported through our activities:

969

Page 10

Looking ahead

In the year ahead, Sight Loss Shropshire is committed to expanding our reach and deepening our impact through continued collaboration with statutory, voluntary, and commercial partners. Our focus remains on identifying the areas of greatest need and delivering support where we can achieve the most meaningful difference and impact.

A key priority for 2025/26 will be the launch of a new programme of opportunities for children and young adults living with sight loss. This marks an exciting step in broadening our support across all age groups and ensuring that younger people have access to inclusive, empowering experiences that enhance their independence and confidence.

Swantje Staar-Slogrove Charity Manager 8 June 2025

Page 11

SIGHT LOSS SHROPSHIRE

TRUSTEES' REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

The trustees present their report with the financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31 March 2025. The trustees have adopted the provisions of 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

Objectives and aims

The objects of the charity are defined in the constitution as:

Significant activities

The main activities of the charity are:

ACHIEVEMENT AND PERFORMANCE

Charitable activities

Details of the activities have been set out in the attached Chairmans' report.

FINANCIAL REVIEW

Financial position

The charity’s performance for the year and that of its funds is laid out in the financial statement on pages 5 to 15. The Charity had a net expenditure before gains and losses on investment assets of £10,594 (2024: net income of £22). This is due to investment in expanded staffing and operations during the year, which the Trustees believe is a good use of funds to further the Charity’s objectives. We also seek external funding for projects whenever feasible.

The Charity’s investments saw an increase in value during the year of £2,036 (2024: increase of £8,341) resulting in an overall net decrease in funds of £8,558 (2024: net increase of £8,363). Our investments are held on a long-term basis and the Trustees remain confident in our investment strategy, which they will keep under review.

Investment policy and objectives

The Association’s portfolio is designed to provide an opportunity for capital growth together with the provision of a regular income, meeting both short and medium term needs. The charity has appointed a Fund Manager to manage the investment on their behalf. The Trustees discuss and review investment strategy with the fund manager on a regular basis.

Reserves policy

The charity aims to keep liquid reserves equivalent to 3 months running cost which equates to £10,000.

At the year end, the charity had free reserves of £33,084 (2024: £48,491), representing unrestricted funds, less designated funds and fixed assets held.

STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT

Governing document

The charity is controlled by its governing document, a deed of trust and constitutes an unincorporated charity.

Page 12

SIGHT LOSS SHROPSHIRE

TRUSTEES' REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT

Charity constitution

The charity was formed by a constitution in 1922, revised July 2008 as an unincorporated association. Its constitution was most recently revised in February 2013 to change the name of the charity to Sight Loss Shropshire, and to allow the election of the management committee every 3 years. The constitution was revised in July 2016 to incorporate a mechanism for the removal of members of the Committee. It was revised again in July 2022 to reflect a change in services since the Covid pandemic.

Recruitment and appointment of new trustees

The appointment of Trustees is determined as laid out in the constitution. Trustees are appointed by virtue of the office they hold, and each is eligible to stand for re-election every 3 years. The Board of Trustees shall comprise up to 8 members drawn from the Committee. The Committee shall compromise up to 24 members including at least 8 who shall be persons diagnosed with sight loss and/or who are registered blind or partially sighted. The Trustees are those elected at the Annual General Meeting as Chairman, Vice Chairman, President, Vice President, the Honorary Treasurer and additional Trustees. The constitution allows additional members to be co-opted to the committee and board of Trustees.

Organisational structure

The charity’s Director, Manager and Administrative Assistant carry out the day-to-day running of the charity.

The management committee, which includes the Trustees, meets quarterly. A separate Trustee meeting following the committee meeting.

TRUSTEES' RESPONSIBILITY STATEMENT

The trustees are responsible for preparing the Trustees' Report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice) including Financial Reporting Standard 102 "The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland".

The law applicable to charities in England and Wales, the Charities Act 2011, Charity (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 and the provisions of the trust deed 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, including the income and expenditure, of the charity for that period. In preparing those financial statements, the trustees are required to

The trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records which disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity and to 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 trust deed. 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.

Approved by order of the board of trustees on 16[th] July 2025 and signed on its behalf by:

................................................................. Mr A E Jones - Trustee

Page 13

INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF SIGHT LOSS SHROPSHIRE Independent examiner's report to the trustees of Sight Loss Shrop5hire I report lo the charity Iruslees on my examination of the accoLJnts of Sight L055 ShTopshire (the Trust) for the year ended 31 March 2025. Responsibilities and basi$ of report As the Charity trustees ol the Trnst you a￿ responsible for the preparation of the accounts In accoiijance with the requirements of the Charitie5 Act 2011 I'lhe Acl'l I report in respect ol my exaMinat￿n ol the Trusfs acccwnts carned ¢)Ut under seCt￿n 145 of the Act and sn carying out my examinalK)n I have folkwed all applicable DireclKJn$ g¢ven ty the Charity Commission under Section 14515llbl ol the A¢1. Independfrnt examiner'$ statemenl I have completed my examinat￿n. I confim that ￿ merial matters have my attention in connéction wrth the 8xarninat¢on gwing me cause lo bel￿6 that in any material Tesk)8Ct'. accounting records were not kept in Tespecl of the Trust as roquired by S•¢tKJn IJO of tha Act.. or the accounts do not accord with those records. or the accounts do not compty with the applicable reqU1￿MentS concerning the form and conlenl of accounts set out in the Charities IAccounts and Reports) RegUlat￿on$ 2008 olher than any requirement th the accounts give a true and lair view which Is not 3 matter consi(Jer8d as part ol a independent exomination. I have no concerns ènd have cC￿e aCfOSS no other matters In cOnnect￿n wilh the examination to which attent￿n should be drawn in thi$ report in or(ler to enable a proper understanding ol the accounts to be reached .￿￿LA￿l C MOe￿Yn-￿lll8rns, BS¢ FCA TCA Ishrwsburyl LLP Third Floor 21 Sl Mary's Slrget Shrewsbury Shropshire SY1 1EO Date. . 2Sth Ju( 202£ Page 14

SIGHT LOSS SHROPSHIRE

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

Unrestricted
funds
Notes
£
INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM
Donations and legacies
2
19,999
Charitable activities
General
4,280
Other trading activities
3
1,665
Investment income
4
23,040
Other income
7,273
Total
56,257
EXPENDITURE ON
Raising funds
10,248
Charitable activities
General
68,452
Total
78,700
Net gains on investments
2,036
NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE)
(20,407)
Transfers between funds
12
777
Net movement in funds
(19,630)
RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS
Total funds brought forward
565,900
TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD
546,270		 Restricted
funds
£
22,970
4,122
-
-
-
27,092
50
15,193
15,243
-
11,849
(777)
11,072
20,146
31,218		 2025
Total
funds
£
42,969
8,402
1,665
23,040
7,273
83,349
10,298
83,645
93,943
2,036
(8,558)
-
(8,558)
586,046
577,488		 2024
Total
funds
£
67,718
100
1,377
23,508
-
92,703
6,420
86,261
92,681
8,341
8,363
-
8,363
577,683
586,046

CONTINUING OPERATIONS

All income and expenditure has arisen from continuing activities.

The notes form part of these financial statements

Page 15

SIGHT LOSS SHROPSHIRE

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION

31 MARCH 2025

Notes
FIXED ASSETS
Tangible assets
8
Investments
9
CURRENT ASSETS
Debtors
10
Cash at bank
CREDITORS
Amounts falling due within one year
11
NET CURRENT ASSETS
TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT
LIABILITIES
NET ASSETS
FUNDS
12
Unrestricted funds
Restricted funds
TOTAL FUNDS		 Unrestricted
funds
£
2,399
510,787
513,186
2,509
32,217
34,726
(1,642)
33,084
546,270
546,270		 Restricted
funds
£
-
-
-
19,450
30,571
50,021
(18,803)
31,218
31,218
31,218		 2025
Total
funds
£
2,399
510,787
513,186
21,959
62,788
84,747
(20,445)
64,302
577,488
577,488
546,270
31,218
577,488		 2024
Total
funds
£
3,293
514,632
517,925
2,500
72,904
75,404
(7,283)
68,121
586,046
586,046
565,900
20,146
586,046

The financial statements were approved by the Board of Trustees and authorised for issue on .16[th] July 2025 and were signed on its behalf by:

............................................. Mr A E Jones - Trustee

............................................. Mr D Clark - Trustee

The notes form part of these financial statements

Page 16

SIGHT LOSS SHROPSHIRE

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Basis of preparing the financial statements

The financial statements of the charity, which is a public benefit entity under FRS 102, have been prepared in accordance with the Charities SORP (FRS 102) '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)', Financial Reporting Standard 102 'The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland' and the Charities Act 2011. The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention, with the exception of investments which are included at market value, as modified by the revaluation of certain assets.

Financial reporting standard 102 - reduced disclosure exemptions

The charity has taken advantage of the following disclosure exemptions in preparing these financial statements, as permitted by FRS 102 'The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland':

Income

All income is recognised in the Statement of Financial Activities once the charity has entitlement to the funds, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount can be measured reliably.

Grants are included in the Statement of Financial Activities on a receivable basis. The balance of income received for specific purposes but not expended during the period is shown in the relevant funds on the Statement of Financial Position. Where income is received in advance of entitlement of receipt, its recognition is deferred and included in creditors as deferred income. Where entitlement occurs before income is received, the income is accrued.

Grants from the government and other agencies have been included as 'Grants' in furtherance of the charity's objects.

Expenditure

Liabilities are recognised as expenditure as soon as there is a legal or constructive obligation committing the charity to that expenditure, 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 accounted for on an accruals basis and has been classified under headings that aggregate all cost related to the category. Where costs cannot be directly attributed to particular headings they have been allocated to activities on a basis consistent with the use of resources.

Tangible fixed assets

Depreciation is provided at the following annual rates in order to write off each asset over its estimated useful life.

Taxation

The charity is exempt from tax on its charitable activities.

Fund accounting

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

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continued...

SIGHT LOSS SHROPSHIRE

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES - continued

Fund accounting

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

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

Pension costs and other post-retirement benefits

The charity operates a defined contribution pension scheme. Contributions payable to the charity's pension scheme are charged to the Statement of Financial Activities in the period to which they relate.

Debtors

Trade and other debtors are recognised at the settlement amount after any trade discount offered. Prepayments are valued at the amount prepaid net of any trade discount due.

Cash at bank and in hand

Cash at bank and in hand includes cash and short-term highly liquid investments with a short maturity of three months or less from the date of acquisition or opening of the deposit or similar account.

Financial instruments

The charity only has 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.

2. DONATIONS AND LEGACIES

Donations
Grants receivable		 2025
£
15,480
27,489
42,969		 2024
£
48,298
19,420
67,718

Grants received, included in the above, are as follows:

Shropshire LEHN Grant
Other Grant Income
Shropshire Council Digital Skills Programme		 2025
£
7,210
10,529
9,750
27,489		 2024
£
3,670
13,880
1,870
19,420

Included within grant income shown above is funding received from Shropshire Council, a grant received from the Local Authorities during the financial year.

During the year, the charity has also received £7,273 as part of the DWP Access to work scheme. (2024: £nil). This has been shown in Other Income.

Apart from the annual Employment Allowance credit against Employers National Insurance, the charity has received no other financial assistance from the Government in this financial period.

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continued...

SIGHT LOSS SHROPSHIRE

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

3. OTHER TRADING ACTIVITIES

Social lotteries
Christmas Card
4.
INVESTMENT INCOME
Deposit account interest
Harris Allday Income

5. TRUSTEES' REMUNERATION AND BENEFITS

There were no trustees' remuneration or other benefits for the year ended 31 March 2025 nor for the year ended 31 March 2024.

Trustees' expenses

Trustee expenses of £71 were reimbursed for the year ended 31 March 2025. (2024: £17).

6. STAFF COSTS

Wages and salaries
Other pension costs		 2025
£
42,068
627
42,695		 2024
£
34,636
544
35,180

The total remuneration and benefits paid to the key management personnel, to whom the Trustees delegate the day-to-day running of the charity was £22,000 (2024: £21,750).

The average monthly number of employees during the year was as follows:

Staff employed 2025
3		 2024
3

No employees received emoluments in excess of £60,000.

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continued...

SIGHT LOSS SHROPSHIRE

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

Page 20
7.
COMPARATIVES FOR THE STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES
Unrestricted
funds
£
INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM
Donations and legacies
61,348
Charitable activities
General
-
Other trading activities
1,377
Investment income
23,276
Total
86,001
EXPENDITURE ON
Raising funds
6,420
Charitable activities
General
73,684
Total
80,104
Net gains on investments
8,341
NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE)
14,238
Transfers between funds
(5,606)
Net movement in funds
8,632
RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS
Total funds brought forward
557,268
TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD
565,900
8.
TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS
COST
At 1 April 2024
Additions
At 31 March 2025
DEPRECIATION
At 1 April 2024
Charge for year
At 31 March 2025
NET BOOK VALUE
At 31 March 2025
At 31 March 2024		 continued...
Restricted
Total
funds
funds
£
£
6,370
67,718
100
100
-
1,377
232
23,508
6,702
92,703
-
6,420
12,577
86,261
12,577
92,681
-
8,341
(5,875)
8,363
5,606
-
(269)
8,363
20,415
577,683
20,146
586,046
Equipment
£
6,838
922
7,760
3,545
1,816
5,361
2,399
3,293

SIGHT LOSS SHROPSHIRE

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

9. FIXED ASSET INVESTMENTS

FIXED ASSET INVESTMENTS
Listed
investments
£
MARKET VALUE
At 1 April 2024 514,632
Additions 33,452
Disposals (39,333)
Revaluations 2,036
At 31 March 2025 510,787
NET BOOK VALUE
At 31 March 2025 510,787
At 31 March 2024 514,632

65.28% (2024: 91.04%) of the investment value is held within the UK. The remainder is held in overseas investments.

Cost or valuation at 31 March 2025 is represented by:

Valuation in 2025
Cost
10.
DEBTORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR
Trade debtors
Prepayments and accrued income		 Listed
investments
£
47,748
463,039
510,787
2025
2024
£
£
18,700
-
3,259
2,500
21,959
2,500

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continued...

SIGHT LOSS SHROPSHIRE

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

11. CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR

Social security and other taxes
Other creditors
Accruals and deferred income		 2025
£
-
132
20,313
20,445		 2024
£
223
120
6,940
7,283

Included in deferred income is £18,700, in respect of grant funding received during this financial year for projects to be undertaken in the year ended 31 March 2026. This income will be released in full in the financial year ended 31 March 2026, as and when the performance-related conditions attached to the grant funding are met.

The year ended 31 March 2024 included deferred income of £5,500, which has been released in full in the year ended 31 March 2025.

12. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS

Unrestricted funds
General fund
Designated - Sheila Whitley Fund
Restricted funds
Living Well with Sight Loss Fund
See Hear Exhibition Fund
In Touch Telford Group
Shropshire Digital Skills programme
TOTAL FUNDS
Net movement in funds, included in the above
Unrestricted funds
General fund
Restricted funds
Living Well with Sight Loss Fund
See Hear Exhibition Fund
In Touch Telford Group
Shropshire Digital Skills programme
TOTAL FUNDS		 At 1.4.24
£
565,119
781
565,900
-
18,849
1,297
-
20,146
586,046
are as follows:
Incoming
resources
£
56,257
7,210
4,132
500
15,250
27,092
83,349		 Net
movement
in funds
£
(20,407)
-
(20,407)
5,430
938
(623)
6,104
11,849
(8,558)

Resources
expended
£
(78,700)
(1,780)
(3,194)
(1,123)
(9,146)
(15,243)
(93,943)		 Transfers
between
At
funds
31.3.25
£
£
1,558
546,270
(781)
-
777
546,270
-
5,430
-
19,787
(43)
631
(734)
5,370
(777)
31,218
-
577,488
Gains and
Movement
losses
in funds
£
£
2,036
(20,407)
-
5,430
-
938
-
(623)
-
6,104
-
11,849
2,036
(8,558)

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continued...

SIGHT LOSS SHROPSHIRE

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

12. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS - continued

Comparatives for movement in funds

Unrestricted funds
General fund
Designated - Sheila Whitley Fund
Restricted funds
Living Well with Sight Loss Fund
See Hear Exhibition Fund
Sheila Whitley Fund
In Touch Telford Group
TOTAL FUNDS		 At 1.4.23
£
557,268
-
557,268
600
19,491
324
-
20,415
577,683		 Net
movement
in funds
£
13,781
457
14,238
(3,950)
(642)
-
(1,283)
(5,875)
8,363		 Transfers
between
funds
£
(5,930)
324
(5,606)
3,350
-
(324)
2,580
5,606
-		 At
31.3.24
£
565,119
781
565,900
-
18,849
-
1,297
20,146
586,046

Comparative net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows:

Incoming Resources Gains and Movement
resources expended losses in funds
£ £ £ £
Unrestricted funds
General fund 85,293 (79,853) 8,341 13,781
Designated - Sheila Whitley Fund 708 (251) - 457
86,001 (80,104) 8,341 14,238
Restricted funds
Living Well with Sight Loss Fund 1,500 (5,450) - (3,950)
See Hear Exhibition Fund 332 (974) - (642)
In Touch Telford Group 4,870 (6,153) - (1,283)
6,702 (12,577) - (5,875)
TOTAL FUNDS 92,703 (92,681) 8,341 8,363

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continued...

SIGHT LOSS SHROPSHIRE

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

12. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS - continued

A current year 12 months and prior year 12 months combined position is as follows:

Unrestricted funds
General fund
Designated - Sheila Whitley Fund
Restricted funds
Living Well with Sight Loss Fund
See Hear Exhibition Fund
Sheila Whitley Fund
In Touch Telford Group
Shropshire Digital Skills programme
TOTAL FUNDS		 At 1.4.23
£
557,268
-
557,268
600
19,491
324
-
-
20,415
577,683		 Net
movement
in funds
£
(6,626)
457
(6,169)
1,480
296
-
(1,906)
6,104
5,974
(195)		 Transfers
between
funds
£
(4,372)
(457)
(4,829)
3,350
-
(324)
2,537
(734)
4,829
-		 At
31.3.25
£
546,270
-
546,270
5,430
19,787
-
631
5,370
31,218
577,488

A current year 12 months and prior year 12 months combined net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows:

above are as follows:
Incoming Resources Gains and Movement
resources expended losses in funds
£ £ £ £
Unrestricted funds
General fund 141,550 (158,553) 10,377 (6,626)
Designated - Sheila Whitley Fund 708 (251) - 457
142,258 (158,804) 10,377 (6,169)
Restricted funds
Living Well with Sight Loss Fund 8,710 (7,230) - 1,480
See Hear Exhibition Fund 4,464 (4,168) - 296
In Touch Telford Group 5,370 (7,276) - (1,906)
Shropshire Digital Skills programme 15,250 (9,146) - 6,104
33,794 (27,820) - 5,974
TOTAL FUNDS 176,052 (186,624) 10,377 (195)

Designated Funds

The Sheila Whitley Fund is used to provide grants to purchase specialist IT equipment for people in need in the Shropshire and Telford & Wrekin areas. During the year ended 31 March 2025, the board felt it appropriate to release these funds for general use.

Restricted Funds

The Living Well with Sight Loss Fund provided by the local eye health network and the Spectacle Makers Charity enables visually impaired people to access information about all areas impacted by Sight Loss.

The See Hear Exhibition Fund are funds held on behalf of the exhibition to fund future events.

Page 24

continued...

SIGHT LOSS SHROPSHIRE

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

12. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS - continued

The In Touch Telford Group provides visually impaired people with training opportunities to make best use of digital devices focussing on accessibility.

The Shropshire Digital Skills programme aims to enhance capabilities and boost confidence with navigating digital technology of those visually impaired through tailored one-to-one sessions in community hubs across Shropshire, or at home.

13. EMPLOYEE BENEFIT OBLIGATIONS

The charity operates a defined contribution pension scheme. The assets of the scheme are held separately from those of the charity in an independently administered fund. The pension cost charge represents contributions payable by the charity to the fund and amounted to £666 (2024: £544) Contributions totalling £132 (2024: £120) were payable to the fund at the balance sheet date.

14. RELATED PARTY DISCLOSURES

During the year, the charity received donations from Trustees totalling £210. (2024: £60).

During the year a grant was received from the Wynn Foundation Limited of £3,000 for website funding. Mrs J Wynn, a Trustee of Sight Loss Shropshire, is a Trustee and Director of Wynn Foundation Limited.

Page 25