## **Sight Loss Shropshire**
Vichy House 264a Monkmoor Road Shrewsbury SY2 SST
www.sightlossshropshire.org.uk
admin@sightlossshropshire.org.uk 07778 956096
Registered Charity No. 215137
**SIGHT LOSS SHROPSHIRE ANNUAL REPORT 2025-26**
## **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 blind and visually impaired people that serve every part of the country. We are a member of Visionary.
SLS's aim is to improve the quality of life of visually impaired people of all ages who live in Shropshire and Telford and Wrekin. Our objectives are:
- To empower people with visual impairments to live independently and confidently, providing support that helps them adapt to sight loss and overcome challenges in their daily lives.
- To help reduce social isolation for visually impaired people by providing information about and access to social, physical, and creative activities.
- To enable visually impaired people, their families and carers to make informed choices about the services and support available to them.
- To enable visually impaired people to access equipment and services that they cannot afford to self-fund, and which are not available through statutory health or social care services, but which have a significant impact on their level of independence and wellbeing.
- To raise awareness of sight loss issues locally and encourage and promote the development and improvement of services for sight loss.
- To work in partnership with statutory, private and third sector organisations that support visually impaired people in the community.
Our work includes the following:
- providing free 'Living Well with Sight Loss' courses to visually impaired people, their friends, family members or carers
- providing digital tech training to visually impaired people
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- providing grants to help visually impaired people to acquire specialist aids and equipment to enable them to maintain and/or regain their independence
- offering a second-hand equipment rehoming service for specialist sight loss items
- organising and providing major social events, and also supporting a network of local peer support groups for visually impaired people that meet in every part of our area
- offering an exciting programme of social opportunities to young visually impaired people
- providing information and signposting about support and services to visually impaired people; their families, carers and friends; and to professionals working with visually impaired people
- working with our partners and stakeholders to ensure that visually impaired people have a voice
Our consultative Committee is drawn from all over Shropshire and Telford and Wrekin. At least 8 members of the Committee are themselves either blind or partially sighted, offering lived experience of sight loss and a deep understanding of the challenges it can present.
SLS's work is dependent on the services of local volunteers.
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**TRUSTEES FOR 2025-26**
Mrs J. Wynn OBE, Vice Lord-Lieutenant of Shropshire - President Mr A. Jones - Chair *Mrs H. Dyson - Vice Chair Mr D. Clark - Honorary Treasurer (resigned 16.7.25) Miss R. A. Cumblidge - Honorary Treasurer (appointed 16.7.25) Mrs D. Flint DL *Mrs L. Rowlands Mr R. Dapling
## **COMMITTEE FOR 2025-26**
*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 Mr J. Thatcher *Mr K. Whitcombe
## **Charity Manager**
Mrs S. Staar-Slogrove
## **Independent Examiner**
TCA Accountants, 21 St Mary's St, Shrewsbury SY1 1ED
*Denotes a visually impaired person
## **MEETINGS**
The SLS Committee held four meetings during the year.
The AGM was held on 16[th] July 2025. The main business of the AGM was to approve the Annual Report for 2024/25, including the Annual Accounts. All papers were circulated in advance of the AGM date to enable any queries to be raised and answered.
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**CHAIR'S REPORT 2025-26**
The period of 2025 - 2026 continues with the progress and vitality we have built in recent years. This includes expanding our existing programmes, sourcing new funding, developing new partnerships and evolving successful events such as the See & Hear Shropshire exhibition into See, Hear, Remember.
The Operational Report expands in more detail on these and is a testament to the commitment, competence and energy of the staff and volunteer team. The Winter's Day Out, at Shrewsbury Town Football Club was again well attended with around 180 guests from support groups around the county and joined by special guests who have supported us during the year, along with the Lord-Lieutenant of Shropshire.
The inaugural See, Hear, Remember exhibition, was an evolution and innovation, in a strategic partnership with Community Resource and Radfield Home Care to co-host the event. Held at Theatre Severn in central Shrewsbury, the feedback was very encouraging, and we aim to repeat and strengthen the event in 2026.
Progress against our agreed 3 year strategy is also encouraging, and is instrumental in shaping our operational plans and guiding our programme development. The Trustee Board will review our progress in the autumn of 2026 and further adapt as required.
As with any strategy, the expansion of our reach and impact is essential. The internal changes we made in re-aligning some staff roles is proving invaluable in growing our profile and in turn bringing new opportunities. Theenewsletters and social media posts continue to build our presence, coupled with the refreshed website.
The Digital Tech Training service funded by Shropshire Council has secured a further 12 months of funding, and we will also explore how this can be further developed into a scalable and sustainable programme.
The Living Well with Sight Loss (LWWSL) courses continue to be in demand, and we are grateful for the continued funding support provided by the Local Eye Health Network **(LEHN).**
During the summer of 2025 we entered into an innovative partnership with with Telford & Wrekin Council (TWC) providing dedicated support for Children & Young People (CYP). A CYP Activities Co-ordinator - Penny Norris - is now employed by SLS, working very closely with the TWC Sensory Team to create specific events and improve support to visually impaired children and young people and their families. A key part of this innovation was securing third-party funding for the post, and for 2026 we aim to secure further on-going funds.
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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. A key technology development during 2025-2026 was the availability of the Meta Al glasses which have proved to be a popular grant ask.
On the theme of equipment, during the year we established an equipment rehoming service, overseen by an enthusiastic volunteer. The service accepts donations of used assistive technology equipment and after checking its fit for purpose, it is offered for re-homing and is proving very popular.
As ever, achieving much of what we do is not possible without our invaluable volunteers and I would like to thank all our loyal volunteers. Several are also members of the Committee and Board of Trustees, all of whom so generously give their time and expertise.
We've completed another exciting year and are equally excited by the year ahead. Doing so requires teamwork, and I would like to thank the staff team, Swan, Mel, Vicki, and Penny for their commitment and energy in making the year a success, along with the valued advice and support of the Committee.
We move forward into 2026-2027 with determination and ambition, a robust strategy, growing presence and profile and clear goal 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 June 2026
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**OPERATIONAL REPORT 2025-26**
We have enjoyed another year of substantial growth for our charity. We have developed new services and responded swiftly to the needs of visually impaired people across Shropshire.
Working in a unique partnership, we marked the beginning of a new
programme for children and young people. Building on this work, we are now developing peer support opportunities for visually impaired people of working age. We are pleased to see Sight Loss Shropshire evolving into a charity that serves and connects people of all ages.
In response to a practical need, we created our Equipment Rehoming service: a simple, smooth and environmentally friendly way to ensure specialist sight loss aids can continue to benefit those who need them.
None of this would have been possible without further expanding our team of staff and volunteers. Our move to a new office location, made possible by the kind support of Social Telecoms, has been instrumental in enabling and hosting this wider team.
Our marketing and communications continue to grow. From printed large print newsletters to engaging new audiences via our TikTok channel, our reach is as diverse as the people we support.
I would like to thank our Trustees for their strategic leadership, proactive approach and continued encouragement. Their support enables the charity to keep growing with confidence and ambition.
## **SERVICES 2025-26**
## **'Living Well with Sight Loss' Courses**
Over the past 12 months, Sight Loss Shropshire delivered:
- 5 telephone-based courses, supporting 37 participants. Each course comprised four sessions of up to 90 minutes each.
- 7 face-to-face courses across Telford, Shrewsbury, Oswestry, Craven Arms and Market Drayton, supporting 93 participants. Each course consisted of two five-hour sessions.
Participants ranged in age from 23 to 93. The groups included individuals who had been recently diagnosed, as well as those who had been living with visual impairment for many years. We continue to see a growing number of
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participants who are either awaiting certification or do not have a Certificate of Visual Impairment (CVI), underlining the importance of providing accessible support at the earliest possible stage of sight loss.
Our courses regularly welcome working-age adults and attract participants from a wide range of socio-economic backgrounds. We have also noted increasing ethnic diversity within our groups.
The Living Well with Sight Loss courses provide an accessible entry point to sight loss support and information. For many participants, they act as a gateway to further services offered by Sight Loss Shropshire, as well as support available through other charities, statutory services and NHS organisations.
_"The info has been superb! I will do a Euro Star journey through Europe."_
_"The tech possibilities_ - _suddenly I'm looking forward to a whole new exciting challenge!"_
_"I feel like I can carry on now. I often hadn't felt that way."_
## **Digital Tech Training**
Our Digital Skills Service continued to provide vital one-to-one home visits, helping visually impaired people build confidence and independence through technology.
Over the past 12 months, we recorded 60 successful outcomes, with clients improving their digital skills and confidence with smartphones, tablets and iPads. Support sessions often also helped family members, partners and carers gain a better understanding of sight loss and available solutions.
Our Tech Coordinator continued to provide and set up smart speakers for beneficiaries, while demonstrations of Meta Al glasses proved particularly popular, showcasing the potential of new technologies to support independent living.
_"Sometimes medication boxes change branding and I get awfully confused, now that I have Seeing Al this will help me identify them"_
_"Now I have an Alexa I can just ask it the time, as I can't see the clock anymore in my bedroom and have to get up and go into another room in the middle of the night to check on the time_ - _this will be great!"_
## **Information, Advice & Signposting**
Sight Loss Shropshire continues to be a trusted point of contact for people seeking support with sight loss. Our advice covers a wide range of topics, from
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navigating the early stages of sight loss to accessing practical support, leisure opportunities and assistive technology.
During the year, we responded to enquiries from over 250 individuals. We have seen a growing number of contacts and referrals initiated by opticians and social prescribers, reflecting increased awareness of our services and the value of early intervention for people affected by sight loss.
_"You have been a rock within my sigh loss journey."_
## **Peer Support Groups**
Sight Loss Shropshire supports a network of peer support groups reaching over 150 members across the county monthly. We work closely with other charities and volunteer-led groups, offering practical support with funding, venues, activities, compliance and recruitment.
Many peer support groups faced challenges during the year due to a shortage of volunteers or organisational changes within national charities. Working closely with these groups to strengthen their sustainability and support their continued operation remained a key priority for us.
## **Grants to Individuals**
Sight Loss Shropshire provides financial assistance to visually impaired people where essential needs cannot be met through statutory provision, helping individuals maintain their independence and improve their quality of life. During 2025/26, we awarded ten grants towards specialist technology and equipment.
Most recent grants supported the purchase of Meta Al glasses, an affordable technology offering a range of practical features that can enhance independence and everyday living for people with sight loss.
## **Equipment Rehoming**
Our Equipment Rehoming service is a new volunteer led, door-to-door service for any sight loss-specific items, from talking watches and penfriends to large costly video magnifiers. Giving uncomplicated and practical support, we have distributed:
58 sight loss items 48 selections of tactile bump-on stickers 139 sight loss badges
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## **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 2025/26 we gave talks to opticians (Specsavers Oswestry to 8 people, Local Optical Committee to 60 people, Madeley Academy to 30 people, Madeley over 55s Social Group to 25 people, Oswestry Qube Social Group to 20 people, Wellbeing event Bridgnorth hospital to 10 people) to highlight our services and the early non-medical support available to newly diagnosed patients.
## **Children & Young People**
In September, we launched an exciting new project for visually impaired young people aged 14-25, delivered in partnership with Telford & Wrekin Council's Sensory Inclusion Service. This collaborative initiative offers a programme of adventurous activities and creative craft sessions, providing opportunities for young people to build confidence, develop skills, and connect with peers.
The project marks an important step in our ambition to becoming an all-age charity, extending our support beyond our traditional Monday-to-Friday offer. Between September and the end of March, we delivered 4 events, engaging 25 young people and 9 adults.
_"Thank you for putting on such_ a _different event." (Parent)_
- "/ _would go again to the Escape Room_ - _I liked it that much."_
## **Events**
In partnership with Radfield Home Care and Community Resource, we successfully delivered an expanded See Hear Remember exhibition in 2025. Hosted at a new venue, Theatre Severn, the event brought together more than 70 exhibitors showcasing equipment, assistive technology, and support services for people with sight and/or hearing loss. Around 300 visitors attended, discovering local resources and learning about the latest developments designed to improve accessibility, independence, and quality of life.
In January 2026, Sight Loss Shropshire welcomed nearly 200 visually impaired people and their partners to its annual Winter's Day Out. The event provided an opportunity for people to come together, enjoy a varied programme of entertainment and activities, and strengthen social connections. As well as celebrating the resilience and achievements of those living with sight loss, the day offered valuable information about the support, opportunities, and services available across Shropshire.
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**Total numbers of people supported through our activities:** 1,532
## **Looking ahead**
In the year ahead, Sight Loss Shropshire will continue to respond to areas of emerging need across the county. We will take over the operation of additional peer support groups and develop new opportunities for working-aged people with sight loss to connect.
We will also explore ways to increase our capacity to provide timely one-to-one support for people newly diagnosed with sight loss. Collaboration and partnership working will remain central to how we deliver our services and extend our impact.
Swantje Staar-Slogrove Charity Manager Sight Loss Shropshire June 2026
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REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER: 215137
## SIGHT LOSS SHROPSHIRE
TRUSTEES' REPORT AND
## UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2026
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SIGIIT LOSS SIIROPSIIIRE
C"OITF.%TS OF TIIF. F IN IIC"I.11. ITfr.IIF.NTS
Tr'OFi I'IIF.. I Tr'.IR &.NI)E'.I)JI 11 IRC 1120?6
Pago
Reference arKI Adrninistrative Detals
14
Trustees. Report
15 10 17
Independent Examinerfs Report
18
Statement of Financial Activitie5
19
Statement of Financial Position
Notes to the Flnanclal Ststements
21 10 32
Detsiled Ststemgnt of Financial Activities
33 to 34
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**SIGHT LOSS SHROPSHIRE**
## **REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2026**
**TRUSTEES** MsDRFlint Mr D Clark (resigned 16.7.25) MsJWynn MsHDyson Ms L Rowlands Mr A E Jones MrRDapling Miss RA Cumblidge (appointed 16.7.25) **PRINCIPAL ADDRESS** Sight Loss Shropshire Vichy House 264A Monkmoor Road Shrewsbury SY25ST **REGISTERED CHARITY** 215137 **NUMBER INDEPENDENT EXAMINER** TCA (Shrewsbury) LLP Third Floor 21 St Mary's Street Shrewsbury Shropshire SYl lED **BANKERS** Barclays Bank 44-46 Castle Street Shrewsbury SYI IBU **INVESTMENT MANAGERS** EFG Harris Allday Church Mews Ombersley Worcestershire WR90EW
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**SIGHT LOSS SHROPSHIRE**
**TRUSTEES' REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2026**
The trustees present their report with the financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31 March 2026. 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 oflreland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2019).
## **OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES**
## **Objectives and aims**
The objects of the charity are defined in the constitution as:
To help blind and partially sighted persons resident in Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin. To do all such other charitable things as are incidental to or conducive to the attainment of the above object.
## **Significant activities**
The main activities of the charity are:
Supporting a network of peer support groups for visually impaired people; Providing information and signposting about support and services available for people with sight loss;
Providing grants to help visually impaired people to acquire specialist aids and equipment; Organising and providing major social events for visually impaired people; Providing digital technology training for visually impaired people; Providing 'Living Well with Sight Loss' courses;
Acting as a local champion of visually impaired people who live in Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin.
## **ACHIEVEMENTS 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 19 to 32. The Charity had a net income before gains and losses on investment assets of £1,499 (2025: £10,594 net expenditure). 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 £32,111 (2025: £2,036) resulting in an overall net increase in funds of £33,610 (2025: net decrease of £8,558). 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.
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**SIGHT LOSS SHROPSHIRE**
**TRUSTEES' REPORT (continued) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2026**
## **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 £59,743 (2025: £33,084), 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.
## **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 Manager and Operations & Marketing Officer 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".
Charity law requires the trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year. Under that law, the trustees have elected to prepare the financial statements in accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice (United Kingdom Accounting Standards and applicable law).
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**SIGHT LOSS SHROPSHIRE**
**TRUSTEES' REPORT (continued) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2026**
Under charity law the trustees must not approve the financial statements unless they are satisfied that they 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
- select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;
- observe the methods and principles in the Charities SORP;
- make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
- 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 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 and The Charity (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008. 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 29/05/2026 and signed on its behalf by:
Mr A E Jones - Trustee
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**SIGHT LOSS SHROPSHIRE**
**INDEPENDENT EXAMINERS REPORT**
## **Independent examiner's report to the trustees of Sight Loss Shropshire**
I rep01t to the charity trustees on my examination of the accounts of Sight Loss Shropshire (the Trust) for the year ended 31 March 2026.
## **Responsibilities and basis of report**
As the charity trustees of the Trust you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 ('the Act').
J report in respect of my examination of the Trust's accounts carried out under Section 145 of the Act and in carrying out my examination I have followed all applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under Section 145(5)(b) of the Act.
## **Independent examiner's statement**
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 Trust as required by Section I 30 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 fonn and content of accounts set out in the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 other than any requirement that the accounts give a true and fair view which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination.
I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examfoation to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
C Moelwyn-Williams BSc FCA
TCA (Shrewsbury) LLP Third Floor 21 St Mary's Street Shrewsbury Shropshire SY1 1ED Date: 4th June 2026
Pagel 18
**SIGHT LOSS SHROPSHIRE**
## **STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2026**
|Unrestricted
funds
**INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM**
Notes
£
Donations and legacies
2
27,460
**Charitable activities**
General
Other trading activities
3
1,049
Investment income
4
22,187
Other income
10,403
**Total**
61,099
**EXPENDITURE ON**
Raising funds
7,166
**Charitable activities**
General
56,866
**Total**
64,032
Net gains oninvestments
32,111
**NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE)**
29,178
**Transfers between funds**
12
(1,626)
**Net movement in funds**
27,552
**RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS**
Total funds brought forward
546,270
**TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD**
573,822|Restricted
funds
£
45,248
5,515
50,763
4,118
42,213
46,331
4,432
1,626
6,058
31,218
37,276|2026
Total
funds
£
72,708
5,515
1,049
22,187
10,403
111,862
11,284
99,079
110,363
32,111
33,610
33,610
577,488
611,098|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|
|---|---|---|---|
## **CONTINUING OPERA TIONS**
All income and expenditure has arisen from continuing activities.
The notes form part of these financial statements
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**SIGHT LOSS SHROPSHIRE**
## **STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION 31 MARCH 2026**
|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
£
1,075
513,004
514,079
5,317
56,635
61,952
(2,209)
59,743
573,822
573,822|Restricted
funds
£
37,276
37,276
37,276
37,276
37,276|2026
Total
funds
£
1,075
513,004
514,079
5,317
93,911
99,228
(2,209)
97,019
611,098
611,098
573,822
37,276
611,098|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|
The financial statements were approved by the Board of Trustees and authorised for issue on 29/05/2026 and were signed on its behalf by:
Mr A E Jones - Trustee
Miss RA Cumblidge - Trustee
The notes form part of these financial statements
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**SIGHT LOSS SHROPSHIRE**
## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FORTHEYEARENDED31MARCH2026**
## **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 oflreland':
the requirements of Section 7 Statement of Cash Flows; the requirement of paragraph 3.l 7(d); the requirements of paragraphs 11.42, 11.44, 11.45, 11.47, **l** l.48(a)(iii), l l.48(a)(iv), l l .48(b) and 11.48(c); the requirements of paragraphs 12.26, 12.27, 12.29(a), 12.29(b) and 12.29A; the requirement of paragraph 33.7.
## **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 ofresources.
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**SIGHT LOSS SHROPSHIRE**
**NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -continued FORTHEYEARENDED31MARCH2026**
## **Tangible fixed assets**
Depreciation is provided at the following annual rates in order to write off each asset over its estimated useful life.
- Equipment - 3 years straight line
## **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.
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.
Page 122
**SIGHT LOSS SHROPSHIRE**
## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FORTHEYEARENDED31MARCH2026**
## **1. DONATIONS AND LEGACIES**
|2026
Donations
£
28,658
Grants receivable
41,900
Contributions towards grants for visually impaired
2,150
72 708|2025
£
15,480
27,489|
|---|---|
||42 969|
Grants received, included in the above, are as follows:
|Grants received, included in the above, are as follows:||
|---|---|
|2026
Shropshire LEHN Grant
£
7,950
Other Grant Income
18,200
Shropshire Council Digital Skills Programme
15,750
41,900|2025
£
7,210
10,529
9,750|
||27,489|
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 £10,403 as part of the DWP Access to work scheme. (2025: £7,273). 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.
Page 123
**SIGHT LOSS SHROPSHIRE**
## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FORTHEYEARENDED31MARCH2026**
|**3.**
**OTHER TRADING ACTIVITIES**
Social lotteries
Christmas Card
**4.**
**INVESTMENT INCOME**
Deposit account interest
Harris Allday Income
**5.**
**TRUSTEES' REMUNERATION AND BENEFITS**||2026
£
35
1,014
1,049
2026
£
3,670
18,517
22,187||2025
£
4
1,661
1,665
2025
£
405
22,635|
|---|---|---|---|---|
|||||23,040|
||||||
There were no trustees' remuneration or other benefits for the year ended 31 March 2026 nor for the year ended 31 March 2025.
## **Trustees' expenses**
Trustee expenses of £nil were reimbursed for the year ended 31 March 2026. (2025: £71).
|**6.**
**STAFF COSTS**
2026
£
Wages and salaries
55,971
Other pension costs
947
56,918|2025
£
42,068
627|
|---|---|
||42,695|
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 £27,768 (2025: £22,000).
The average monthly number of employees during the year was as follows:
||2026|2025|
|---|---|---|
|Staff employed|4|3|
No employees received emoluments in excess of £60,000.
Page 124
## **SIGHT LOSS SHROPSHIRE**
## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS** - **continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2026**
|**7.**
**COMPARATIVES FOR THE STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES**
**INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM**
Unrestricted
funds
£
Donations and legacies
19,999
**Charitable activities**
General
4,280
Other trading activities
1,665
Investment income
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**
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|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|
|---|---|---|
Page 125
**SIGHT LOSS SHROPSHIRE**
## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS** - **continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2026**
|**8.**|**TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS**||
|---|---|---|
|||Equipment|
|||£|
||**COST**||
||At 1 April 2025|7,760|
||Additions|708|
||At 31 March 2026|8,468|
||**DEPRECIATION**||
||At 1 April 2025|5,361|
||Charge for year|2,032|
||At 31 March 2026|7,393|
||**NET BOOK VALUE**||
||At 31 March 2026|1,075|
||At 31 March 2025|2,399|
Page 126
**SIGHT LOSS SHROPSHIRE**
## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS** - **continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2026**
## **9. FIXED ASSET INVESTMENTS**
|**MARKET VALUE**
At 1 April 2025
Disposals
Revaluations
At 31 March 2026
**NET BOOK VALUE**
At 31 March 2026
At 31 March 2025|Listed
investments
£
510,787
(32,590)
34,807
513,004
513,004
510,787|
|---|---|
62.56% (2025: 65.28%) of the investment value is held within the UK. The remainder is held in overseas investments.
Cost or valuation at 31 March 2026 is represented by:
|Valuation in 2025
Cost
|Listed
investments
£
82,555
430,449
513,004|
|---|---|
Page 127
**SIGHT LOSS SHROPSHIRE**
## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS** - **continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2026**
## **10. DEBTORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR**
|Trade debtors
Prepayments and accrued income
**11.**
**CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR**
Trade creditors
Other creditors
Accruals and deferred income|2026
£
150
5,167
5,317
2026
£
45
219
1,945
2,209|2025
£
18,700
3,259|
|---|---|---|
|||21,959|
|||2025
£
132
20,313|
|||20,445|
The year ended 31 March 2025 included deferred income of £18,700, which has been released in full in the year ended 31 March 2026.
## **12. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS**
|**Unrestricted funds**
General fund
**Restricted funds**
Living Well with Sight Loss Fund
See Hear Exhibition Fund
In Touch Telford Group
Shropshire Digital Skills programme
Children & Young People Project
Winter's Day Out
**TOTAL FUNDS**|At 1.4.25
£
546,270
5,430
19,787
631
5,370
31,218
577,488|Net
movement
Transfers
between
infunds
£
funds
£
29,178
(1,626)
(5,430)
311
(319)
(312)
789
(259)
11,278
(2,197)
2,197
4,432
1,626
33,610|At
31.3.26
£
573,822
20,098
5,900
11,278|
|---|---|---|---|
||||37,276|
||||611,098|
Page 128
**SIGHT LOSS SHROPSHIRE**
## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS** - **continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2026**
## **12. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS** - **continued**
Net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows:
|**Unrestricted funds**
General fund
**Restricted funds**
Living Well with Sight Loss Fund
See Hear Exhibition Fund
In Touch Telford Group
Shropshire Digital Skills programme
Children & Young People Project
Winter's Day Out
**TOTAL FUNDS**
**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
In Touch Telford Group
Shropshire Digital Skills programme
**TOTAL FUNDS**|Incoming
resources
£
61,099
8,200
5,519
10,250
24,901
1,893
50,763
111,862
At 1.4.24
£
565,119
781
565,900
18,849
1,297
20,146
586,046|Resources
expended
£
(64,032)
(13,630)
(5,208)
(319)
(9,461)
(13,623)
(4,090)
(46,331)
(110,363)
Net
movement
in funds
£
(20,407)
(20,407)
5,430
938
(623)
6,104
11,849
(8,558)|Gains and
losses
£
32,111
32,111
Transfers
between
funds
£
1,558
(781)
777
(43)
(734)
(777)|Movement
infunds
£
29,178
(5,430)
311
(319)
789
11,278
(2,197)
4,432
33,610
At
31.3.25
£
546,270
546,270
5,430
19,787
631
5,370
31,218
577,488|
|---|---|---|---|---|
Page 129
**SIGHT LOSS SHROPSHIRE**
## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FORTHEYEARENDED31MARCH2026**
## **12. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS** - **continued**
Comparative net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows:
|**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**|Incoming
resources
£
Resources
expended
£
56,257
(78,700)
7,210
(1,780)
4,132
(3,194)
500
(1,123)
15,250
(9,146)
27,092
(15,243)
83,349
(93,943)|Gains and
losses
£
Movement
in funds
£
2,036
(20,407)
5,430
938
(623)
6,104|
|---|---|---|
|||11,849|
|||2,036
(8,558)|
A current year 12 months and prior year 12 months combined position is as follows:
|**Unrestricted funds**
At 1.4.24
£
General fund
565,119
Designated - Sheila Whitley Fund
781
**Restricted funds**
565,900
See Hear Exhibition Fund
18,849
In Touch Telford Group
1,297
Shropshire Digital Skills programme
Children & Young People Project
Winter's Day Out
20,146
**TOTAL FUNDS**
586,046|Net
movement
Transfers
between
At
in funds
£
funds
£
31.3.26
£
8,771
(68)
573,822
(781)|
|---|---|
||8,771
(849)
573,822
1,249
20,098
(942)
(355)
6,893
(993)
5,900
11,278
11,278
(2,197)
2,197|
||16,281
849
37,276|
||25,052
611,098|
Page I 30
**SIGHT LOSS SHROPSHIRE**
## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FORTHEYEARENDED31MARCH2026**
## **12. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS** - **continued**
A current year 12 months and prior year 12 months combined net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows:
|**Unrestricted funds**
General fund
**Restricted funds**
Living Well with Sight Loss Fund
See Hear Exhibition Fund
In Touch Telford Group
Shropshire Digital Skills programme
Children & Young People Project
Winter's Day Out
**TOTAL FUNDS**|Incoming
resources
£
117,356
15,410
9,651
500
25,500
24,901
1,893
77,855
195,211|Resources
expended
£
(142,732)
(15,410)
(8,402)
(1,442)
(18,607)
(13,623)
(4,090)
(61,574)
(204,306)|Gains and
losses
Movement
in funds
£
£
34,147
8,771
1,249
(942)
6,893
11,278
(2,197)
16,281
34,147
25,052|
|---|---|---|---|
## **Restricted Funds**
The Living Well with Sight Loss Fund provided by the local eye health network 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.
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 through home visits.
The Children & Young People Project provides social and inclusive activities for young people with sight loss to build confidence and develop skills.
Winter's Day Out is an accessible festive event in January celebrating the achievements of people living with sight loss across Shropshire.
Page I 31
**SIGHT LOSS SHROPSHIRE**
## **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 £947 (2025: £666) Contributions totalling £219 (2025: £132) were payable to the fund at the balance sheet date.
## **14. RELATED PARTY DISCLOSURES**
During the year, the charity received donations from Trustees totalling £40. (2025: £210).
Page I 32
**SIGHT LOSS SHROPSHIRE**
|**DETAILED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL**
**ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31**
**INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS**
**Donations and legacies**
Donations
Grants receivable
Contributions towards grants for visually
impaired
**Other trading activities**
Social lotteries
Christmas Card
**Investment income**
Deposit account interest
Harris Allday Income
**Charitable activities**
See Hear Exhibition Income
Fundraising Events Tickets
Sight Loss Awareness Training
**Other income**
DWP Access to Work
**Total incoming resources**
**EXPENDITURE**
**Raising donations and legacies**
Wages
Pensions
Subcontractors and other staff costs
Postage and stationery
Christmas Cards
Event costs
**Charitable activities**
Wages
Pensions
Subcontractors and other staff costs
Carried forward|2026
£
28,658
41,900
2,150
72,708
35
1,014
1,049
3,670
18,517
22,187
5,515
5,515
10,403
111,862
5,554
129
579
40
291
4,691
11,284
50,417
818
10,997
62,232|2025
£
15,480
27,489|
|---|---|---|
|||42,969
4
1,661|
|||1,665
405
22,635|
|||23,040
4,722
3,530
150|
|||8,402
7,273|
|||83,349
4,400
95
473
21
164
5,145|
|||10,298
37,668
532
8,984
47,184|
This page does not form part of the statutory financial statements
Page I 33
**SIGHT LOSS SHROPSHIRE**
## **DETAILED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31**
|**DETAILED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL**
**ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31**|||
|---|---|---|
||2026|2025|
||£|£|
|**Charitable activities**|||
|Brought forward|62,232|47,184|
|Postage and stationery|761|395|
|Sundries|1,893|1,618|
|Social Groups|100|750|
|Winters Day Out|4,086|4,154|
|Travel|1,201|1,818|
|Other Services||1,476|
|Grants for Visually Impaired|4,738|714|
|Volunteer costs|783|806|
|See Hear Exhibition costs|4,942|706|
|Marketing||721|
|Equipment depreciation|2,032|1,816|
||82,768|62,158|
|**Support costs**|||
|**Finance**|||
|Investment charges|6,291|6,352|
|**Other**|||
|Insurance|481|131|
|Website, IT and Telecomms|3,974|6,303|
|Rent of Rooms|1,182|2,484|
|Accountancy fees|725|690|
|Independent Examiners fees|860|820|
|Professional fees|2,798|4,707|
||10,020|15,135|
|Total resources expended|110,363|93,943|
|**Net income/(expenditure) before gains**|||
|**and losses**|1,499|(10,594)|
|**Realised recognised gains and losses**|||
|Realised gains/(losses) on fixed asset|||
|investments|(2,697)|2,036|
|**Net expenditure**|(1,198)|(8,558)|
This page does not form part of the statutory financial statements
Page I 34