2025-03-31-accounts - Helping Hands Autism Support Group

This text was generated using OCR and may contain errors. Check the original PDF to see the document submitted to the regulator.

The Charity Commission for Northern Ireland Registration No. NIC103164

HELPING HANDS AUTISM SUPPORT GROUP

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

Tony Clarke

53 Andersonstown Road

Belfast BT11 9AG

HELPING HANDS AUTISM SUPPORT GROUP

CONTENTS	PAGE
General Information	1
Annual Report of the Trustees	2-5
Independent Examiner Report	6
Statement of Receipts and Payments	7
Statement of Assets and Liabilities	8
Notes to the Financial Statements	9

HELPING HANDS AUTISM SUPPORT GROUP FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

GENERAL INFORMATION

CHARITY NAME

Helping Hands Autism Support Group

REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER

Charity Commision NI NIC105722

Approved 19 April 2016

CHAIRPERSON

Mrs Caroline Birch

CHARITY TRUSTEE'S

Mrs Gillian Caulfield Mrs Caroline Birch Chair Mrs Gillian Rigby Mr Jake Mccleery Mrs Sharon Cowen Vice Chair Ms Sharon Gamble

PUBLIC ADDRESS

Millars Lane Dundonald BT16 2DA

INDEPENDENT EXAMINER

Tony Clarke 53 Andersonstown Road Belfast BT11 9AG

BANKERS

Ulster Bank 1-2 King's Square, King's Road Belfast BT5 7EA

HELPING HANDS AUTISM SUPPORT GROUP FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

ANNUAL REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES

Structure

Trustees present their report and the unaudited financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31 March 2025.

Reference and Administrative Information

The name of the charity's trustees at the date this report was approved are listed on page 1, together with the address of the principal office of the charity and the charity's registration numbers.

Objectives and Activities

The first purpose of HHASG is to promote the health, welfare, care and education of children and young people that have Autistic Spectrum Disorder and their families and carers in the Belfast and North Down area. Children and Young people with ASD and their siblings will be healthier, happier and more confident. The direct benefits are: -Children and young people with ASD are better enabled, prepared, equipped and skilled for life educationally, emotionally and socially.

Children and Young people with ASD will develop skills to fulfil their potential. Parents are less isolated and have enhanced emotional well being.

Parents learn new skills and knowledge to create a more positive family environment.

The second purpose of HHASG is to promote understanding of Autism Spectrum Disorder within the wider community and to represent the views of those affected by autism. The direct benefits are:

Develop and understand ASD in the wider community to promote a positive image of ASD which will give communities and ASD families an increase in confidence

Increase knowledge of Autism Spectrum Disorder in the community to build confidence and capacity with those who are neurotypical.

In setting our objectives and planning our activities for the year, the trustees have given careful consideration to the Charity Commission for Northern Ireland's guidance on public benefit to ensure that the activities have helped to achieve the charity's purposes and provide a benefit to the beneficiaries.

Achievements and Performance

We have been continuing on with our fundraising efforts which included our annual golf charity event, Asda Sit out and the families taking part in sponsored walks etc to help raise funds for our centre. In the first 3 months of 2025 we have been focusing on fundraising towards a new playpark outside our centre, this will continue into the next financial year. We have developed a new proposal for outside area with LCCC Peaceplus programme which we hope will be successful in 2025/2026 to develop a fun area for the children and young people.

We are delighted that our centre is used 7 days a week now, with being open for Birthday party rentals on a Sunday, which is fully booked, we finally have got to fulfil our initial business plan, in ensuring that the centre is used everyday. We would like to focus on day time usage again with the nearby schools, but this is difficult as we also need time for the cleaning process to take place.

HELPING HANDS AUTISM SUPPORT GROUP FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

Achievements and Performance continued…

We were also supported this year again by Three Guineas Trust that we are so grateful for, this allows us to bring in facilitators and offer parents respite times and trips during the summer break this is an invaluable service to those families with ASD and with complex needs. This year we were able to self employ 8 members of staff over 3 weeks in the summer, plus 3 staff members at night time for a young peoples project.

We are delighted that Children In Need funding was successful in 2023 and we have a confirmed letter of offer for the next 3 years taking us to June 2026. This funding allows us to self employ 2 part time members of staff, one a project and activity coordinator in the youth clubs each week and the other as an outreach worker. We are very grateful for this opportunity and for Children in Need support.

Other support was achieved this year from the Clear Project supported by the PHA, for facilitation of extra programmes including, mindfulness, confidence building, life skills and calming skills, this programme allowed us to provide extra support in the groups each week for October to February.

Lisburn Castlereagh City Council have also continued to support our charity with help with equipment and running costs through the hardship fun and the community services grant, which is always needed to continue to support the children and young people each week. This year they also helped with the costs towards raising awareness during a Twinkle all the way - Sensory Christmas experience we held at the nearby park, we invited all the local schools and businesses to join us and learn something about sensory processing.

Our weekly sessions continue and are now offered 8 times per week, we aim in 2025/2026 to increase our volunteer opportunities and possibly bring in more facilitators to help with weekly programmes, this will give the committee time to focus on other things. We desperately need new outdoor space for the children and young people as they love spending time out there, and its great to get outside too and we hope that SEUPB Peace Plus programme through LCCC will help with this.

Feel Good Friday mums & carers group continues to meet each week, providing activities that support parents through challenging weeks, with the provision of art and crafts, cooking projects, therapies etc. Our plans for this group is to achieve funding for the group to be supported by facilitated programmes and a residential to build confidence and resilience skills, we are grateful this year to avail of funding from National Lottery Awards for All programme for our weekly mum and carers group.

We are also providing facilitated sessions to those young people with high levels of anxiety, who are waiting on appointments with the Health Trust mental health services, we are finding a lot of younger people struggling with their feelings and how to manage them. We also have expanded our services and partnership working with Hanwood Gym and the Tullycarnet Boxing Club to give teenagers some active fitness each weekend. .

HELPING HANDS AUTISM SUPPORT GROUP FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

2025/2026 Priorities:

Fundraise for an extra funds needed for the play area outside and gain funding from LCCC Peace to develop a fun and vibrant area.
Staff and volunteers to feel supported, offer training and expenses to attract more volunteers
Continue to receive funding for programmes and activities through facilitation but mainly for the running costs of the centre.
Support the new members of the committee to feel included (3 in total)
Gain support for a new Friday club when time is free for registered members
Residential for FGF group
Aim to full fill each group to capacity.
Offer training to volunteers each month and keep up to date with Safeguarding
New policies and update of policy file
Seek online accounts package
Keep advertising birthday parties each week to avail of unrestricted income for the centre.
Support CIN staff /Facilitators to develop new ideas for the programmes and for the young people.
Seek a new accountant for the charity for charities returns.
Replace old and tired equipment, also the contents of the centre that are not serving their purpose anymore.
Gain Feedback from parents about moving forward after CIN funding is complete.

Outcomes

Across the year to 31 March 2025, the club had 150+ players from Primary School to All Ireland Superleague team.

Plan for the future

Continue to grow participation within the club across teams and age groups.

Financial review

The results for the year are set out on page 7 & 8. The charity returned net receipts/payments for the year of £56,460 (2024 net receipts/payments £13,095). At 31 March 2025 the total funds the charity held amounted to £97,919 (2024: £41,459) of which restricted funds were £Nill (2024:£Nill) and £97,919 (2024: £41,459) were unrestricted.

Reserves policy and going concern

Of the total funds reported above, £97,919 (2024: £41,459) is made up of cash at the bank. The trustees are confident that the cash reserves, together with expected future incomes, will be sufficient to meet the working capital requirements for the forthcoming year. The trustees have also considered the extent to which existing activities and expenditure could be curtailed, should the need arise.

HELPING HANDS AUTISM SUPPORT GROUP FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

ANNUAL REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES (CONTINUED)

Plan for the future

To maintain the same level of services in the area.

Structure, goverance and management

Belfast Star Basketball Club is a registered charity, number NIC103164 and is governed by its constitution.

New trustees are appointed when appropriate. Suitable candidates are considered on the basis of their skills, experience and sympathy with the aims of the charity. New trustees will be agreed at a trustees meeting before being invited to join.

Responsibilities of Trustees

As the charity's trustees we are aware of our responsibilities for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the Charities Act (Northern Ireland) 2008.

It is also our responsibility to:

select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently
make judgements and estimates that are responsible and prudent
prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the company will continue in business.

The Trustees are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that are sufficient to show and explain the charity's transactions and disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with CCNI guidelines. The Trustees are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charity and hence to take reasonable steps to prevent and detect fraud and other

Disclosures of Information to Independent Examiners

To the knowledge and belief of the Trustees there is no relevant information of which the organisation's independent examiners are not aware. The Trustees have taken all the necessary steps of which they are aware, provided relevant information and established that the organisation's independent examiners are aware of the information.

Signed on behalf of the board of the Trustees

Mrs Gillian Caulfield Date: 27/01/2026

Mrs Caroline Birch Date: 27/01/2026

HELPING HANDS AUTISM SUPPORT GROUP FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF HELPING HANDS AUTISM SUPPORT GROUP ON THE UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

I report on the accounts of Helping Hands Autism Support Group for the year ended 31 March 2025, which are set out on pages 7 and 8.

Respective responsibilities of charity trustees and the examiner

As the charitys trustees you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the Charities Act (Northern Ireland) 2008.

It is my responsibility to:

examine the accounts under section 65 of the Charities Act
follow the procedures laid down in the general Directions given by the Commission under section 65(9)(b) of the Charities Act
state whether particular matters have come to my attention.

Basis of Independent Examiner's report

I have examined your charity accounts as required under section 65 of the Charities Act and my examination was carried out in accordance with the general Directions given by the Charity Commission for Northern Ireland under section 65(9)(b) of the Charities Act.

My examination included a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It was also included consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts, and seeking explanations from you as charity trustees concerning any such matters.

My role is to state whether any material matters have come to my attention giving me cause to believe:

1 That accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 63 of the Charities Act
2 That the accounts do not accord with those accounting records
3 That the accounts do not comply with the accounting requirements of the Charities Act
4 That there is further information needed for a proper understanding of the accounts to be

Independent examiner’s statement

I have completed my examination and have no concerns in respect of the matters (1) to (4) listed above and, in connection with following the directions of the Charity Commission for Northern Ireland, I have found no matters that require drawing to you attention.

27/01/2026

Tony Clarke Date: 53 Andersonstown Road Belfast BT11 9AG

HELPING HANDS AUTISM SUPPORT GROUP FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

STATEMENT OF RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS

Receipts Fundraising TGT Foundation LCCC Tullycarnet Neighbourhood Project PHA Clear Project Awards for All - Lottery Education Authority CFNI RTE Toy Appeal BBC Children in Need Misc. Income Membership Fees Donations Total Receipts Payments: Programmes Facilitation Equipment Misc Costs Expenses Staff/Volunteers Marketing/ Publicity/ Advertising Bank Charge Fundraising Costs Accounts Administration Insurance Utilities Maintenance Total Payments: Net receipts/(payments) Transfers to/(from) funds Surplus/(deficit) for the year Reconciliation 31.03.25 Cash at bank & in hand 31.03.24 Surplus/(deficit) for this year end Cash at bank & in hand 31.03.25	Year to Year to Unrestricted Restricted Mar-25 Mar-24 Funds Funds TOTAL TOTAL £ £ £ £ 45,262 - 45,262 23,821 14,891 - 14,891 10,000 19,258 - 19,258 11,942 2,898 - 2,898 6,481 2,133 - 2,133 2,094 20,000 - 20,000 - 3,000 - 3,000 3,577 9,350 - 9,350 - 14,235 - 14,235 12,287 1,600 - 1,600 640 13,120 - 13,120 12,759 2,342 - 2,342 8,524
	148,089 - 148,089 92,124
	40,874 - 40,874 21,829 15,258 - 15,258 17,711 7,993 - 7,993 10,925 75 - 75 150 1,920 - 1,920 2,072 34 - 34 690 291 - 291 71 6,293 - 6,293 6,681 1,373 - 1,373 1,806 2,262 - 2,262 2,008 14,787 - 14,787 13,270 470 - 470 1,817
	91,629 - 91,629 79,029
	56,460 - 56,460 13,095 - - - -
	56,460 - 56,460 13,095
	41,459 - 41,459 28,364 56,460 - 56,460 13,095
	97,919 - 97,919 41,459

The statement of receipts and payments includes all gains and losses recognised in the year. All incoming resources and resources expended derive from continuing activities.

HELPING HANDS AUTISM SUPPORT GROUP FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES

	Unrestricted	Restricted	Total	Total
Funds Reconciliation	Funds	Funds	2025	2024
	£	£	£	£
Cash at bank & in hand 31.03.24	41,459	-	41,459	28,364
Surplus/(deficit) for this year end	56,460	-	56,460	13,095
Cash at bank & in hand 31.03.25	97,919	-	97,919	41,459
	Unrestricted	Restricted	Total	Total
Bank & Cash Balances	Funds	Funds	2025	2024
	£	£	£	£
Cash at Bank	97,619	-	97,619	41,459
	97,619	-	97,619	41,459
	Unrestricted	Restricted	Total	Total
Liabilities	Funds	Funds	2025	2024
	£	£	£	£
	-	-	-	-
	-	-	-	-

The financial statements were approved by the board Trustees on 27/01/2026 and were signed on their behalf by:

Mrs Gillian Caulfield

Mrs Caroline Birch

HELPING HANDS AUTISM SUPPORT GROUP FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS (CONTINUED)

1 Independent examiner's remuneration

The independent Examiner's remuneration amounts to an Independent Examination fee of £320.

2 Post-Balance Sheet Events

None.

3 Related Parties

The Charity does not have any related parties.

4 Trustees remuneration & expenses

During the year, no Trustees received any remuneration (2024 - £NIL).

During the year, no Trustees received any benefits in kind (2024 - £NIL). During the year, no Trustees received any reimbursement of expenses (2024 - £NIL).