**ended March 31, 2025 for Equal Arts Ltd.**
Vision: A healthy and creative . society which values older people Mission: To build healthier communities by improving the lives of older people through
The trustees, who are also directors for the purpose of company law, have pleasure in presenting their report and the financial statements of the charitable company for the year ended March 31, 2025.
Charities Act 2011, the Companies Act 2006, the memorandum and Articles of Association and Accounting and reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting
Standard applicable to the UK and republic of Ireland (FRS 102).
## At Equal Arts we work to:
- Provide older people with creative opportunities to improve wellbeing and help reduce loneliness
- Champion creative ageing and its benefits to improve the quality of care provided to older people
- Create lasting change, developing community, age-friendly relationships and encouraging social inclusion
- **1** • udes towards Challenge negative at ageing and dementia.
prosperous year for Equal Arts in my first year as Chair.
At the heart of the charity is the mission to build healthier communities by improving the lives of older people through creativity. The year’s projects, artwork and feedback are a true reflection of the impact of our work.
Supporting people in care to find new friendships, being a highlight in the week for someone or increasing people’s confidence in their abilities – all may seem small against the national landscape of creative ageing, but I know these micro differences are the driving force for the Equal Arts team.
longstanding friendship with Glebe Primary School saw them create and design their own story book with creative writers. At The Willows it’s been all about the history of London markets and their legacy.
Closer to home we’ve supported groups in Newcastle and Gateshead to be thriving, sociable and creative places for people 55+ to meet each week with artists. We’re particularly proud of the well-established friendships and aspirational artwork being created.
## eee DRYER CIS Pe, spig PRY ACRE aN Are IS Cs UG Bk
An exciting area of growth for the charity has been the collaboration with Newcastle Libraries for the Reading with Dementia programme. It’s allowed us to build on our dementia-friendly publishing work, establishing new groups to explore ways people can continue reading for enjoyment. We’re only part way through but the responses from library services nationally tell us we’re responding to a need that’s not sufficiently being met.
With funding from UKSPF we’ve been able to take our creative programme into new areas, forming partnerships within North Tyneside for the first time for a public exhibition and original song by residents living in a dementia care home.
Wrapping up the year was the arrival of Nic
Kendall, our new training manager – Nic has driven our training programme for Gateshead care staff and artists exploring the intersectionality of older people.
Reflecting on the year, it’s evident that progress and impact comes from a joined up understanding and willingness to embrace creative ageing and and the opportunities it can bring to people. We’re looking forward to the next 12 months as **2** the forerunner in the field of creative ageing in the UK.
## Creativity for Wellbeing
This year we saw the groups we support in cultural and care settings thrive. Creative workshops led by professional artists were the catalyst for building relationships, confidence and roles within their community. We supported participants to share their ideas and voices leading to some fantastically original projects. Intergenerational workshops in Gateshead and Hillingdon led to the creation of a new story book and puppet show. Elsewhere we had sculpture, volunteering and bringing the Care Home Choir to people in the newly opened Promoting Independence Centre in Gateshead.
The quality of participants’ work and continued engagement in creativity is testament to the diverse and experienced skillset of the freelance artists we work with. Our core mission to improve older people’s lives through creativity was wholly
supported with funding from Point North, North East Community Foundation, Barbour Foundation, Dulverton, Sport England and Garfield Western.
Together with training for care, NHS and cultural sector staff, access to creativity and it’s benefits continued to make a difference to the lives of thousands of people.
**3**
“We’re at the workshops each week, they’ve been fantastic for mam. She’s socialising with some lovely ladies and looking forward to going, and the artist leading the class is brilliant! I can't thank you enough….it's made a real difference to my mam.” _Participant’s family member_
## Creative Exchange results in new book!
This year friendships between
Nursing Home in Hillingdon and Glebe Primary School has gone from strength to
strength.
Thanks to funding from the Heathrow Community Fund, the group met with creative writers and illustrators each week for their Creative Exchange project.
Little Alice - Head in the Clouds is their take on classic fairy tales and childhood stories.
I really do. It's brought tears to my eyes, I didn't expect anything like this... I think we could get this published, create a series! I've even started
making up stories in my head at night when I'm in bed - I used to make up stories for my children all the time.
“It's been a project that involved everybody. All of us could say as much or as little as we liked. It was teamwork!”
**5**
## GARDEN POTS TO PUPPETS!
## Largescale eco-artwork!
TENANTS living at Belford Court in Blyth unveiled their latest project in February 2025 - a 240kg mosaic inspired by their seaside home.
For three months they were supported by artist Neil Canavan as they designed and placed thousands of shells, pebbles and slate into the largescale artwork, now taking pride of place in the garden. The project was made possible with funding from a Blyth Town Council Community Grant.
Participant Suzan said: “It’s some weight I can tell you! We took it right from the first design on paper all the way through to installing it. This is the first time we’ve ever done anything on this scale, it’s been fantastic to be a part
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## Dementia-friendly reading
This past year has seen a real growth for the organisation and it’s work around dementia-friendly reading. Multiple, complimentary programme strands have helped establish Equal Arts as the fore runner in dementia-friendly reading. With each evaluation and project we are able to better understand the gap in provision and how best to support people living with dementia to continue reading for enjoyment.
The last phase of **Helping Bewick’s Brilliance Shine** led to an in-depth evaluation of the project. The final report demonstrated enrichment value for participants engaging with collections for a long period, The findings helped scope the potential for future collaborative work with Newcastle Libraries and the wider library sector.
Newcastle Libraries were successful in an Arts Council England application, contracting Equal Arts to develop and test new approaches for **Reading** . This 18-month **with Dementia** innovative and sector leading project will see us develop reading groups within the city and branch libraries, creating dementia-friendly resources and staging a national Reading with dementia symposium in May 2026.
Having launched **Bewick Tales** we dedicated time this year to promoting the title to raise awareness. We featured in radio 4 programmes, received mentoring to support with book distribution and sales, carried out website SEO, showcased at the national Creative Industries summit and were part of the Books on Tyne festival in November.
**7**
## Introducing Dorothy Wordsworth’s Grasmere Days
This year focused on the research and development for the next title in our dementia-friendly series. Dorothy Wordsworth’s Grasmere Days began with research on site at Wordsworth Trust in Grasmere in May 2024. This built on the existing relationship established during the Bewick project when we took a group of participants to visit the Trust and subsequently curated a watercolours display for their community gallery (2023-24).
The book was designed with Wendy Lewis with invaluable support from Wordsworth Trust who supplied images free of charge and acted as consultants during development of narrative and text. T he richness of the Wordsworth Trust collection combined with Dorothy’s wonderfully evocative journal writing made this a fine
?
“ I’ve shared this book many times with a friend who has dementia. We’ve both enjoyed reading the stories and found something interesting to talk about each time. This is book is thoughtful and engaging.”
“A must-have tool for people caring for those with dementia.”
**8**
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## Training
## GATESHEAD DEMENTIA
## CONTRACT
We were delighted to have the opportunity to strengthen our work for a successive year, supporting Gateshead care staff with skill development and vital peer support. This year’s training package focused on best meeting the needs and skill gaps of those engaging with the programme while recruiting new attendees from additional venues.
The introduction of our new training manager Nic Kendal in January 2024 further bolstered this ongoing programme. Topics covered in the training have varied from compassion fatigue and namaste care to supporting people with dementias with their eating and improvised storytelling.
## Student Placements
We partnered with Northumbria University, providing placements for nursing students within creative groups based in cultural settings. Feedback was hugely positive and led to students
reviewing how they could introduce creative sessions into the hospital wards they are based in. We’ll be partnering again with Northumbria University providing students placements in 2025/26.
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## **Online and in person training**
We’ve delivered online and face-to-face Dementia & Imagination half day sessions across thew year to cultural staff,
new dementia care staff and with artists to the field of creative ageing. In addition this year we’ve leading courses in
Namaste Care at the request of housing and care home providers.
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Ld
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“I found it really valuable with interactive elements, practical discussions and wider thinking around ideas. It linked to my practice but also made me think more about collaborative practice.” _Training participant_
“This training gave me a much better insight how to support someone with Dementia, as I wish I had this knowledge previously when a loved family member had Vascular dementia. I found this very interesting and it was delivered excellently.” _Training participant_
## Drawn Together
Drawn Together is our ambitious training and mentoring initiative addressing the needs of diverse audiences and underserved people 55+ living in the North East.
Highlight so far for the project funded by Arts Council England, has been the partnership working and skill sharing with North East organisations Chilli Studios, Lawnmowers theatre Company, Gem Arts and Curious Arts, together we’re training a cohort of 20+ artists in the intersectionality of older people here in the region and how best to support their needs.
## What’s next?
- Shadowing and commissioning opportunities to upskill artists in new fields to enhance and widen their practice and confidence
- Establishing an inclusive creative ageing peer network for North East artists
- Connect artists with cultural and care setting partners to boost employment roles
- Increase inclusivity and access to creativity for diverse, underserved audiences 55+
**11**
## **Future Plans 25/26**
Open Ended Books and Reading with Dementia
Our next book Dorothy Wordsworth’s Grasmere Days being will be published in May 2025 during Dementia Action Week. A number of new partnerships are progressing nationally with the aim of scheduling a further two to three publications. All of this work is helping us consolidate Principles of Reading with Dementia which we anticipate sharing with library services nationally.
awareness of hidden disabilities. Many of these groups are in the North East but user-led groups further afield are developing a creative response to the poetry and written works of under-represented LGBTQ+ poets in national collections as well as taking a localised view of the changes in the role of the market for communities in East London.
## **Partnerships**
## Training
on the successes of Drawn Together and our Dementia Champions programme, supporting the creative and across Gateshead. meaningful activities in care homes Feedback from those involved has given us food for thought in relation to establishing a North East Creative Ageing Artist Network. And similarly the development of the care staff and activity coordinators involved in the Dementia Champions programme is prompting us to consider creating an exhibition showcasing their achievements.
## User-led voice and Sustainable Programming
THE OLDER PEOPLE’S USER-LED GROUPS WE WORK IN PARTNERSHIP WITH HAVE AMBITIOUS PROJECTS PLANNED RESPONDING TO COLLECTIONS IN ART GALLERIES AND MUSEUMS, DEVELOPING A CREATIVE RESPONSE TO THE CLIMATE EMERGENCY, EXPLORING THE DECOLONISATION OF CULTURAL COLLECTIONS, USING DIGITAL STORYTELLING TO RAISE
**12**
Working in partnership is increasingly important and the successes of partnering with other participatory practice focussed organisations including Chilli
Studios, The Lawnmowers. Curious Arts and Gem Arts as well as larger cultural organisations such as The Wordsworth Trust and Newcastle Libraries is informing the prospect of a number of exciting partnerships in 25 -26 with culture, health and housing partnerships!
We fully expect to see a growth in Intergenerational partnerships building on long-standing successes such as Angel Court and Harlow Green Primary School, who will be celebrating 10 Years of working together in 2025, as well as the incredible relationship that continues to grow between
London. In 2025 – 26 we’d like to explore other forms of intergenerational projects with differing age groups involved in a Relationship Centred Care approach to meeting the needs of vulnerable older Fie) (ie? . Ate people.
## **Financial review**
Income of £453,722 (23-24 £327,732) has been generated during the year. £272,820 (23-24 £209, 085) relates to restricted funds.
An operating surplus of £28,759 (23-24 loss £69,243) is shown on the Statement of Financial Activities.
Within the overall result was an increase in funds to £404,703 (23-24 £375, 944).
## **Reserves Policy**
The trustees monitor the progress of the organisation when they meet at their Management Committee Meetings five times a year. The Charity’s funding schedule is reviewed and forecast funding compared to actual. This allows the trustees to keep track of projected funding each quarter and to foresee any shortfalls. The trustees are aware of the risk that obtaining core funding, although usually successful, may not be achieved at the beginning of each financial year.
To safeguard against this, the trustees aim to have six months’ worth of running costs built up in a Redundancy and Wind-Up reserve (within Designated Funds) to sustain stability. This reserve has been increased in 24/25 to reflect increased running costs and staff costs. The trustees decided in 2022 to designate part of Unrestricted Reserves to a Development Fund. £32500 of this has been utilised in 24/25, leaving £32500 at year end for Open Ended Books.
**13**
## Risk Register
|a ~~=~~|j
:~~2ss—~~|**Potential impact**
~~~—~~|-
~~ie~~|**Impact Likelihood After**
~~re~~|**Impact Likelihood After**
~~aN~~|**Impact Likelihood After**|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|**Area**
~~=~~
‘
Ce|**Risk**
Continued
j
:~~2~~ ~~ss —~~
.
soe
‘
‘
ea
ug
a4
Pee|**Potential impact**
~~~—~~|**MITIGATING**
**STEPS**
Deliver creative
-
~~ie~~|**Impact Likelihood After**
~~re~~|**Impact Likelihood After**
~~aN~~|**Impact Likelihood After**
**action**|
|External Factors:
Cost of Living Crisis
and economic
impact of global and
political
circumstances
%
-
i*
°|Continued
upwards pressure
on costs Changing
funding priorities
Implementing 5|Increased costs
amidst reduced
available funding
poses significant
challenge|Deliver creative
services which
address cost of living
crisisRationalise
expenditure where
possible|High|High|Med|
|Strategic Plan|Implementing 5
Year Plan could
restrict response
to circumstances
and opportunities|Unable to
deliver business
plan priorities|Business Plan requires Low
review and support to
implement timely and
robust changes|Business Plan requires Low|Low|Low|
|Policies &
Procedures|All policies and
procedures
updated|Clear Policies &
Procedures with
staff Handbook
Continued focus on|Annual Reviews
Regular financial|Med|Low|Low|
|Finance|Grant
dependence and
reduced earned
income
Continued|Continued focus on
Fundraising
alongside
diversifying &
increasing %|Regular financial
reviews with
contingency positions
Offer a responsive|High|Med|Med|
|Low level
continuance of
Covid 19|Continued
disruption to
service delivery
due to care staff
retention issues
in care homes|Covid, sick-leave
and staff retention
amongst care staff
resulting in
cancellations and
irregular delivery|Offer a responsive
service when
required Increase
services less affected|Low|Med|Low|
**14**
A huge to our freelancers, staff team and trustees this past year for their efforts, enthusiasm and commitment. Together we’ve continued providing innovative and exciting ways for people to connect through creativity!
## **Reference and Administrative Details**
**Registered Charity Number**
517352
**Company Number (England and Wales**
**0** 1992359
Level 6, Newcastle City Library, 33 New Bridge Street West, NE1 8AX
The Joicey Trust
**16**
## **Structure, Governance and Management**
## **Governing document**
Equal Arts Ltd is a company limited by guarantee and a registered charity currently with a Board of Trustees. Under the memorandum and articles of association with which the organisation is governed, the charity has the power to make any investment that the trustees see fit.
## **Organisational structure**
The organisation has a board of trustees comprising 6 members. A Chief Executive manages the day-to-day operations of the charity and line manages staff – Programme Managers, Operations and Communications Manager, Training Development Manager and freelance staff.
## **Appointment of trustees**
New trustees are appointed by serving trustees. The trustees meet at least five times each year and the CEO with the Operations Manager handle the day-to-day finances of the charity. The trustees who served during the year are set out on page 15. A third of the longest standing committee members need to stand down at the Annual General Meeting but can be re-elected by the existing trustees. All Company Members and Management Committee Members are circulated with papers prior to the AGM advising them of the retiring trustees. Trustees are encouraged to attend appropriate external training courses whenever they are arranged.
## **Pay policy for senior staff**
The pay of senior staff is reviewed by the board annually.
## **Relationships with related parties**
None of the trustees receive remuneration or other benefit from their work with the charity.
This report has been prepared in accordance with the special provisions of the Companies Act 2006 relating to small companies.
Approved by order of the board of trustees on Oct 21, 2025 and signed on its behalf by
## **Induction and training of trustees**
The trustees are encouraged to attend external training and are notified of relevant training by the charity.
……………………………….
Mrs Lyn Chapman (Chair)
**17**
Charity Number 517352
Company Number 01992359
Equal Arts
## **Independent Examiners Report to the Trustees of Equal Arts Ltd for the year ended 31 March 2025**
I report on the accounts of the company for the year ended 31 March 2025 which are set out on pages 17 to 34.
## **Respective responsibilities of trustees and examiner**
The charity’s trustees (who are also the directors of the company for the purposes of company law) are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 (‘the 2006 Act’).
Having satisfied myself that the accounts of the company are not required to be audited under Part 16 of the 2006 Act and are eligible for independent examination, I report in respect of my examination of your company’s accounts as carried out under section 145 of the Charities Act 2011 (‘the 2011 Act’). In carrying out my examination I have followed the directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act.
## **Basis of independent examiner’s statement**
Since the company’s gross income exceeded £250,000 your examiner must be a member of a body listed in section 145 of the 2011 Act. I confirm that I am qualified to undertake the examination because I am a member of the ICAEW , which is one of the listed bodies.
An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts and seeks explanations from the trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit, and consequently I do not express an audit opinion on the view given by the accounts.
## **Independent examiner’s statement**
I have completed my examination. In the course of my examination, no matter has come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect:
- accounting records were not kept in respect of the company as required by section 386 of the 2006 Act; or
- The accounts do not accord with those records; or
- The accounts do not comply with the accounting requirements of section 396 of the 2006 Act other than any requirement that the accounts give a ‘true and fair view’ which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination; or
- The accounts have not been prepared in accordance with the methods and principles of the Statement of Recommended Practice for accounting and reporting by charities applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102).
I have no concerns and have come across no 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 accounts to be reached.
29 November 25 ............................ ..........................
Irena Peel FCA Date Greenfingers Accounting Ltd 86-90 Paul Street London EC2A 4NE
18
Charity Number 517352
Company Number 01992359
Equal Arts
## **Statement of Financial Activities for the Year Ended 31 March 2025**
|**Notes**
**Income from:**
Donations and
legacies
4
Charitable Activities
5
Investment Income
6
**Expenditure on:**
Charitable activities
7
**Net**
**income/(expenditure)**
**Transfers between**
**funds**
15
**Net movement in**
**funds**
**Reconciliation of**
**funds**
Total funds brought
forward
**Total funds carried**
**forward**|**Unrestricted**
**Funds**
**Designated**
**Funds**
**Restricted**
**Funds**
**Total 2025**
**Total 2024**
**Restated**
**£**
**£**
**£**
**£**
**£**
31,408
0
272,820
304,228
220,030
147,692
0
0
147,692
103,867
1,802
0
0
1,802
3,835|
|---|---|
||180,902
0
272,820
453,722
327,732|
||126,818
45,000
253,145
424,963
396,975|
||126,818
45,000
253,145
424,963
396,975|
||54,084
(45,000)
19,675
28,759
(69,243)
(4,000)
4,000
0
0
0|
||50,084
(41,000)
19,675
28,759
(69,243)
26,939
303,500
45,505
375,944
445,187|
||77,023
262,500
65,180
404,703
375,944|
All income and expenditure has arisen from continuing activities
19
Charity Number 517352
Company Number 01992359
Equal Arts
## **Balance Sheet as at 31 March 2025**
2025 2025 2024 2024 Notes £ £ £restated £restated **Fixed Assets** Tangible Assets 12 0 246 **Current Assets** Debtors 13 13,572 24,720 Cash at Bank and In Hand 411,880 373,003 425,452 ~~a~~ 397,723 Creditors: amounts falling due within 14 (20,749) (22,025) one year **Net Current Assets** 404,703 375,698 **Total Assets less Current Liabilities** 404,703 375,944 **Funds Unrestricted Funds** 77,023 26,939 **Designated Funds** 262,500 303,500 **Restricted Funds** 65,180 45,505 15 ~~;~~ 404,703 375,944
For the year ending 31 March 2025 the company was entitled to exemption from audit under section 477 of the Companies Act 2006 relating to small companies.
Directors responsibilities:
- The members have not required the company to obtain an audit of its accounts for the year in question in accordance with section 476;
- The directors acknowledge their responsibilities for complying with the requirements of the Act with respect to accounting records and the preparation of accounts
The financial statements were approved by the trustees on October 21 2025 and signed on their behalf by:
..........................
Ms L Chapman – Chair and Trustee Company Registration Number 01992359
_The notes below form part of these financial statements_
20
Charity Number 517352
Company Number 01992359
Equal Arts
## **Cash Flow Statement for the year ended 31 March 2025**
|**ash Flow Statement for the year ended 31 March 2025**||
|---|---|
|notes
Cash flows from operating activities
Cash generated from operations
18
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities
Cash flows from investing activities
Interest received
Payment to acquire tangible assets
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities
Change in cash and cash equivalents in the reporting period
Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the reporting period
Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the reporting period|2025
2024
£
£restated
37,075
(56,189)|
||37,075
(56,189)|
||1,802
3,835
0
0|
||1,802
3,835|
||38,877
(52,354)
373,003
425,357|
||411,880
373,003|
21
Charity Number 517352
Company Number 01992359
Equal Arts
## **Notes to the Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2025**
## **1. Accounting Policies**
## **1.1 Basis of preparing the financial statements**
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with 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) issued in October 2019, the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) , the Charities Act 2011, the Companies Act 2006 and UK Generally Accepted Accounting Practice.
The charity constitutes a public benefit entity as defined by FRS 102. The financial statements are prepared under the historical cost convention or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant accounting policy note (s). The financial statements are prepared in sterling, which is the functional currency of the charity and rounded to the nearest £.
The significant accounting policies applied in the preparation of these financial statements are set out below. These policies have been consistently applied to all years presented unless otherwise stated.
## **1.2 Going Concern**
The financial statements have been prepared in a going concern basis as the trustees believe that no material uncertainties exist. The trustees have considered the level of funds held and the level of income and expenditure for 12 months from authorising these financial statements. The budgeted income and expenditure is sufficient with the level of reserves for the charity to be able to continue as a going concern.
## **1.3 Fund accounting**
Unrestricted funds are available for use at the discretion of the trustees in furtherance of the general objectives of the charity and which have not been designated for other purposes. Designated funds comprise unrestricted funds that have been set aside by the trustees for particular purposes. The aim and use of each designated fund is set out in the notes to the financial statements.
Restricted funds are funds which are to be used in accordance with the specific restrictions imposed by donors or which have been raised by the charity for particular purposes. The cost of raising and administering such funds are charged against the specific fund. The aim and use of each restricted fund is set out in the notes to the financial statements.
## **1.4 Income**
All income is recognised in the Statement of Financial Activities (SoFA) when the charity has entitlement to the funds, any performance conditions have been met, the amount can be measured reliably, and it is probable that the income will be received.
Income from charitable activities includes income received under contract or where entitlement to grant funding is subject to specific performance conditions and is recognised as earned. Grant income included in this category provides funding to support performance activities and is recognised where there is entitlement, certainty of receipt and the amount can be measured with reasonable certainty. Income received to deliver services over a specific period covering more than one financial year is accounted for over the specific period; related expenditure is accounted when incurred.
Investment income relates to interest earned through holding assets on deposit.
22
Charity Number 517352
Company Number 01992359
Equal Arts
## **Notes to the Financial Statements (continued) for the year ended 31 March 2025**
## **1.5 Expenditure**
Liabilities are recognised as expenditure as soon as there is a legal or constructive obligation committing the charity to that expenditure, it is possible 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 costs 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.
## **1.6 Tangible fixed assets**
Depreciation is provided at the following annual rates in order to write off each asset over its estimated useful life.
Fixtures and fittings – Straight line over 6 years
Computer equipment – Straight line over 3 years
## **1.7 Debtors**
Debtors (including trade debtors and loans receivable) are measured in initial recognition at settlement amount after any trade discounts or amount advanced by the charity. Subsequently, they are measured at the cash or other consideration expected to be received.
## **1.8 Cash at bank and in hand**
Cash at bank and in hand includes cash and short term highly liquid investments with instant access from the date of opening of the deposit or similar account.
## **1.9 Creditors and provisions**
Creditors and provisions are recognised where the charity has a present obligation resulting from a past event that will probably result in the transfer of funds to a third party and the amount due to settle the obligation can be measured or estimated reliably. Creditors and provisions are normally recognised at their settlement after allowing for any trade discounts due.
## **1.10 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 with the exception of bank loans which are subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method.
## **1.11 Taxation**
The charity is exempt from corporation tax on its charitable activities.
## **2. Legal status**
Equal Arts is a Company Limited by Guarantee in the United Kingdom. In the event of the charity being wound up, the liability in respect of the guarantee is limited to £1 per member of the charitable company. The address of the registered office is given in the charity information in the reference and administration pages of these financial statements.
23
Charity Number 517352
Company Number 01992359
Equal Arts
## **Notes to the Financial Statements (continued) for year ended 31 March 2025.**
## **3. Comparatives for the Statement of Financial Activities**
## **3.1 Prior Year adjustment**
Following the completion of a project to review historic unreconciled transactions it was identified that cumulative revenue was overstated in prior years. The trustees have therefore made a prior year adjustment to correct the error.
The restated and original statement of financial activities are shown in this note 3. The original and restated analysis of funds are shown in note 15. The amount of correction per each line item is as follows:-
|ollows:-||||
|---|---|---|---|
||£
restated|£
original|£
difference|
|2024 statement of financial activities||||
|Charitable activity income|103,867|117,115|(13,248)|
|01/04/23||||
|Reserves brought forward|445,187|483,178|(37,991)|
|01/04/24||||
|Reserves brought forward|375,944|427,183|(51,239)|
## **Restated Statement of Financial Activities year ended 31 March 2024**
|**Notes**
**Income from:**
Donations and legacies
4
Charitable activities
5
Investment income
6
**Expenditure on:**
Charitable activities
7
**Net**
**income/(expenditure)**
Transfers between funds
15
**Net movement in funds**
**Reconciliation of funds**
Total funds brought
forward
**Total funds carried**
**forward**|**Unrestricted**
**funds**
**Designated**
**funds**
**Restricted**
**funds**
**Total 2024**
**Total 2023**
**£**
**£**
**£**
**£**
**£**
10.945
0
209,085
220,030
194,120
103,867
0
0
103,867
171,307
3,835
0
0
3,835
6|
|---|---|
||118,647
0
209,085
327,732
365,433|
||182,435
0
214,540
396,975
325,823|
||182,435
0
214,540
396,975
325,823|
||(63,788)
0
(5,455)
(69,243)
39,610
48,000
(48,000)
0
0
0|
||(15,788)
(48,000)
(5,455)
(69,243)
39,610
42,727
351,500
50,960
445,187
405,577|
||26,939
303,500
45,505
375,944
445,187|
24
Charity Number 517352
Company Number 01992359
Equal Arts
## **Notes to the Financial Statements (continued) for year ended 31 March 2025.**
## **Original Statement of Financial Activities year ended 31 March 2024**
|**Notes**
**Income from:**
Donations and legacies
4
Charitable activities
5
Investment income
6
**Expenditure on:**
Charitable activities
7
**Net**
**income/(expenditure)**
Transfers between funds
15
**Net movement in funds**
**Reconciliation of funds**
Total funds brought
forward
**Total funds carried**
**forward**|**Unrestricted**
**funds**
**Designated**
**funds**
**Restricted**
**funds**
**Total 2024**
**Total 2023**
**£**
**£**
**£**
**£**
**£**
10.945
0
209,085
220,030
194,120
117,115
0
0
117,115
171,307
3,835
0
0
3,835
6|
|---|---|
||131,895
0
209,085
340,980
365,433|
||182,435
0
214,540
396,975
325,823|
||182,435
0
214,540
396,975
325,823|
||(50,540)
0
(5,455)
(55,995)
39,610
48,000
(48,000)
0
0
0|
||(2,540)
(48,000)
(5,455)
(55,995)
39,610
80,718
351,500
50,960
483,178
443,568|
||78,178
303,500
45,505
427,183
483,178|
25
Charity Number 517352
Company Number 01992359
Equal Arts
## **Notes to the Financial Statements (continued) for the year ended 31 March 2025**
## **4. Donations and legacies**
**2025 2024 £ £** Grants receivable 289,320 210,880 Donations 14,908 9,150 304,228 220,030
## **Grants receivable analysis:**
|||
|---|---|
|**Grants receivable analysis:**
Community Foundation Tyne and Wear &
Northumberland
National Heritage Lottery Fund
Sport England
County Durham Community Foundation
Arts Council England Lottery
Dulverton Charitable Trust
Barbour Foundation
North Tyneside Council (UKSPF)
Blyth Town Council
Sir James Knott Charitable Trust
Garfield Weston
Creative England
McCarthy Stone Foundation
Newcastle City Council
Point North
Innovate UK
Shears Foundation
Other|**2025**
**2024**
**£**
**£**
46,195
52,000
6,300
56,700
14,600
0
33,165
0
72,000
0
40,000
0
8,000
0
18,880
0
4,680
4,080
0
7,800
30,000
0
6,000
0
0
4,000
0
5,000
0
36,835
0
24,965
0
5,500
9,500
14,000|
||289,320
210,880|
## **5. Income from charitable activities**
Earned income
**2024 2025 £restated £** 147,692 103,867
## **6. Investment income**
Bank interest receivable
|**2025**|**2024**|
|---|---|
|**£**|**£**|
|1,802|3,835|
26
Charity Number 517352
Equal Arts Company Number 01992359
## **Notes to the Financial Statements (continued) for the year ended 31 March 2025**
## **7. Charitable activities costs**
|Wages and salaries
Staff travel and training
Direct project costs
Office costs
Comms
Professional fees
Other costs
Bad debt expense
Depreciation
**.**
**Support costs**
Wages and salaries
Governance costs (note 9)|**Total 2025**
**Total 2024**
**£**
**£**
224,184
178,491
1,902
4,608
132,986
88,161
30,669
58,027
2,139
795
1,000
12,049
23,774
48,954
8,063
5,627
246
263|
|---|---|
||424,963
396,975|
||**2025**
**2024**
**£**
**£**
21,659
19.699
1,000
2,000|
||22,659
20,071|
## **8. Support costs**
## **9. Governance costs**
Independent examiner’s fee
|**2025**|**2024**|
|---|---|
|**£**|**£**|
|1,000|2,000|
## **10. Net incoming/(expenditure)**
Net income/(expenditure) is stated after charging/ (crediting)
Independent examiners fee Depreciation – owned assets
|**2025**|**2024**|
|---|---|
|**£**|**£**|
|1,000|2,000|
|246|263|
27
Charity Number 517352
Equal Arts Company Number 01992359
## **Notes to the Financial Statements (continued) for the year ended 31 March 2025**
## **11. Staff costs**
|**1. Staff costs**||
|---|---|
|Wages and salaries
Social security costs
Pension costs|**2025**
**2024**
**£**
**£**
182,712
150,510
9,154
10,855
32,318
17,126|
||224,184
129,633|
The average monthly number of employees during the year was as follows:
|**2025**|**2024**|
|---|---|
|5|4|
No employees received emoluments in excess of £60,000.
The charity trustees were neither paid nor received any other benefits from employment in the year (2024 - £nil) neither were they reimbursed expenses during the year (2024 - £nil). No charity trustee received payment for professional services or other services supplied to the charity (2024 – nil).
The key management personnel of the charity comprise the trustees and one Director. The total amount of employee emoluments received by key management personnel of the charity is £ 69,835(2024 £65,125).
28
Charity Number 517352
Company Number 01992359
Equal Arts
## **Notes to the Financial Statements (continued) for the year ended 31 March 2025**
## **12. Tangible Fixed Assets**
|**Cost**
At 1 April 2024
Additions
Disposals
At 31 March 2025
**Depreciation**
At 1 April 2024
Charge for the year
Disposals
At 31 March 2025
**Net book value**
At 31 March 2024
At 31 March 2025|**Fixtures & Fittings**
**Computer Equipment**
**Total**
**£**
**£**
**£**
2,935
3,824
6,759
0
0
0
0
0
0|
|---|---|
||2,935
3,824
6,759|
||2,689
3,824
6,513
246
1
246
0
0
0|
||2,935
3,824
6,759|
||246
0
246|
||0
0
0|
## **13. Debtors**
**Trade debtors Other debtors Accrued income**
|**2025**|**2024**|
|---|---|
|**£**|**£**|
|13,103|8,073|
|468|4,687|
|0|11,960|
|13,572|24,720|
## **14. Creditors: amounts falling due within one year**
Social security and other taxes Accruals Other creditors
|**2025**|**2024**|
|---|---|
|**£**|**£**|
|4,850|8,427|
|1,000|6,030|
|14,899|7,568|
|20,749|22,025|
29
Charity Number 517352
Company Number 01992359
Equal Arts
## **Notes to the financial statements (continued) for the year ended 31 March 2025**
## **15. Analysis of funds**
## **Year ended 31 March 2025**
|**Unrestricted funds**
General fund
**Designated funds**
Redundancy & Wind-up reserve
Development Fund
Creative Ageing Programme
**Total unrestricted funds**
**Restricted funds**
The Dulverton Charitable Trust
Arts Council England Lottery
National Heritage Lottery Fund
Community Foundation Tyne &
Wear and Northumberland
Move and Groove
County Durham Community
Foundation
North Tyneside UKSPF
Sport England
Creative Ageing
Sir James Knott Charitable Trust
Other grants receivable
**Total restricted funds**
**Total funds**|**At 1 April**
**2024**
**Income**
**Expenditure**
**Transfers**
**At 31 March**
**2025**
**£restated**
**£**
**£**
**£**
**£**
26,939
180,902
(126,818)
(4,000)
77,023
226,000
0
0
4,000
230,000
65,000
0
(32,500)
0
32,500
12,500
0
(12,500)
0
0|
|---|---|
||303,500
0
(45,000)
4,000
262,500|
||330,439
180,902
(171,818)
0
339,523
0
40,000
(20,000)
0
20,000
0
72,000
(44,000)
0
28,000
35,000
6,300
(41,300)
0
0
0
46,195
(46,195)
0
0
0
9,500
(9,500)
0
0
0
33,165
(33,165)
0
0
0
18,880
(18,880)
0
0
0
14,600
(4,600)
0
10,000
5,000
13,500
(15,000)
0
3,500
2,300
0
(2,300)
0
0
3,205
18,680
(18,205)
0
3,680|
||45,505
272,820
(253,145)
0
65,180|
||375,944
453,722
(424,963)
0
404,703|
30
Charity Number 517352
Company Number 01992359
Equal Arts
## **Notes to the Financial Statements (continued) for the year ended 31 March 2025**
## **Designated funds**
Redundancy and Wind-up reserve – the fund has been set up to cover contractual redundancy costs and estimated 6 months operational costs the charity would have to meet should it be required to wind up. This calculation is reviewed annually.
Development fund – fund relates to project developments in relation to creating a dementia-friendly publishing imprint.
Creative Ageing Programme – to support creative well-being programmes in supported housing schemes, care settings and cultural venues.
## **Restricted funds**
The Dulverton Charitable Trust -this relates to delivery of creative ageing programmes.
Tyne and Wear and Northumberland Community Foundation – this relates to the delivery of creative ageing programmes in Newcastle and across Tyne and Wear.
Creative Ageing – also supported by McCarthy Stone, NADFAS Arts Society and Blyth Town Council
National Lottery Heritage Foundation – for the B is for Berwick Programme
Sir James Knott Charitable Trust – creative activities for people living in sheltered housing in Gateshead
31
Charity Number 517352
Company Number 01992359
Equal Arts
## **Notes to the Financial Statements (continued) for the year ended 31 March 2025**
## **15. Analysis of funds (continued)**
## **Year ended 31 March 2024**
## **Restated**
|**Unrestricted funds**
General fund
**Designated funds**
Redundancy & Wind-up reserve
Development Fund
Creative Ageing Programme
**Total unrestricted funds**
**Restricted funds**
The Dulverton Charitable Trust
Newcastle City Council
National Heritage Lottery Fund
Community Foundation Tyne &
Wear and Northumberland
Point North
National lottery Community Fund
Innovate UK
Shears Foundation
Creative Ageing
Sir James Knott Charitable Trust
Other grants receivable
**Total restricted funds**
**Total funds**|**At 1 April**
**2024**
**Income**
**Expenditure**
**Transfers**
**At 31 March**
**2024**
**£**
**£**
**£**
**£**
**£**
42,727
118,647
(182,435)
48,000
26,939
166,000
0
0
60,000
226,000
125,500
0
0
(60,500)
65,000
60,000
0
0
(47,500)
12,500|
|---|---|
||351,500
0
0
(48,000)
303,500|
||394,227
118,647
(182,435)
0
330,439
40,000
0
(40,000)
0
0
0
5,000
(5,000)
0
0
0
56,700
(21,700)
0
35,000
10,960
39,000
(49,960)
0
0
0
36,835
(36,835)
0
0
0
10,000
(10,000)
0
0
0
24,965
(24,965)
0
0
0
5,500
(5,500)
0
0
0
11,080
(6,080)
0
5,500
0
7,800
(5,500)
0
2,300
0
12,205
(9,000)
0
3,205|
||50,960
209,085
(214,540)
0
45,505|
||445,187
327,732
(396,975)
0
375,944|
32
Charity Number 517352
Company Number 01992359
Equal Arts
## **Notes to the Financial Statements (continued) for the year ended 31 March 2025**
## **Original**
|**Unrestricted funds**
General fund
**Designated funds**
Redundancy & Wind-up reserve
Development Fund
Creative Ageing Programme
**Total unrestricted funds**
**Restricted funds**
The Dulverton Charitable Trust
Newcastle City Council
National Heritage Lottery Fund
Community Foundation Tyne &
Wear and Northumberland
Point North
National lottery Community Fund
Innovate UK
Shears Foundation
Creative Ageing
Sir James Knott Charitable Trust
Other grants receivable
**Total restricted funds**
**Total funds**|**At 1 April**
**2024**
**Income**
**Expenditure**
**Transfers**
**At 31 March**
**2024**
**£**
**£**
**£**
**£**
**£**
80,718
131,895
(182,435)
48,000
78,178
166,000
0
0
60,000
226,000
125,500
0
0
(60,500)
65,000
60,000
0
0
(47,500)
12,500|
|---|---|
||351,500
0
0
(48,000)
303,500|
||432,218
0
0
0
381,678
40,000
0
(40,000)
0
0
0
5,000
(5,000)
0
0
0
56,700
(21,700)
0
35,000
10,960
39,000
(49,960)
0
0
0
36,835
(36,835)
0
0
0
10,000
(10,000)
0
0
0
24,965
(24,965)
0
0
0
5,500
(5,500)
0
0
0
11,080
(6,080)
0
5,500
0
7,800
(5,500)
0
2,300
0
12,205
(9,000)
0
3,205|
||50,960
209,085
(214,540)
0
45,505|
||483,178
340,980
(396,975)
0
427,183|
33
Charity Number 517352
Company Number 01992359
Equal Arts
## **Notes to the Financial Statements (continued) for the year ended 31 March 2025**
## **16. Pension costs**
Pension contributions payable for the year ended 31 March 2025 were £32,318 (2024 £17,126)
## **17. Related party disclosures**
There were no related party transactions for the year ended 31 March 2025 (2024 none)
## **18. Reconciliation of net income/(expenditure) to net cash flow from operating activities**
|**8. Reconciliation of net income/(expenditure) to net cash**|**flow from operating activities**|
|---|---|
|Net income/(expenditure) for the reporting period
Adjustments for:
Depreciation charges
Interest received
Decrease/(increase) in debtors
Increase/(decrease) in creditors
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities|2025
2024
£
£restated
28,759
(69,243)
246
263
(1,802)
(3,835)
11,148
10,694
(1,276)
5,932|
||37,075
(56,189)|
34