Lucy’s Lights ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Scottish charity No – SC053236 | For the year ending 31[st] March 2026
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Trustees annual report – for the year ended 31[st] March 2026
The trustees are pleased to present their annual report together with the financial statements for the year ended 31st of March 2026.
This year has marked a period or significant growth and development for Lucys Lights. The charity has expanded both its reach and the range of services offered, strengthening its role within the local community and continuing to provide vital support to autistic women and those seeking a diagnosis.
REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION
Charity name
Lucy’s Lights
Charity No
SC053236
Address
17 Pringle Road, Elgin, IV304HN
Current trustees
Millie Nicoll – Chair
Beccie Thornhill
Rosina Donald (appointed 13/10/2025)
Other trustees during the period
Rachel Mitchel (Dismissed on 13/10/2025)
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Structure, Governance and Management
Constitution
Lucys lights is a Scottish charitable Incorporated organisation (SCIO) and operates in accordance with its constitution. The SCIO structure provides a clear governance framework, ensuring that the charity is managed responsibly and in line regulatory requirements.
The trustees are responsible for setting the strategic direction of the charity, ensuring compliance with relevant legislation, and overseeing the effective delivery of its objectives.
Appointment of Trustees
The trustees meet every three months to review the charities activities, finances, and strategic direction. An annual general meeting (AGM) was not held during this period as other operational priorities required attention, particularly due to the absence of a formal handover from the previous chairperson. As a result, trustee appointments were made during board meetings and approved by a majority vote of existing trustees. The charity does not permit external organisations to appoint trustees, ensuring independence in governance. The board is committed to inclusivity and values lived experience, with Neurodiverse representation playing an important role in shaping decision-making and ensuring the charity remains responsive to the needs of its members.
Objectives and Activities
Charitable purposes
To provide and build a support network for females aged 16+ with or seeking a diagnosis of autism. To offer the chance to take part in new activities and attend events in an autism friendly environment. To offer a safe space to meet new people.
Activities
During the reporting period, Lucys lights significantly expanded its activity program to better meet the needs of its growing membership. The charity delivered two main group activities every month providing larger social opportunities in a structured and supportive setting. Two small group activities every month, offering a quiet and more tailored environment for those who may find larger groups overwhelming. A parent and carer group once per month, creating a space for support, shared experiences and guidance for those supporting autistic individuals. In addition, Lucys lights linked up with the “Bosie” to deliver a monthly cooking session, giving members the opportunity to develop practical life skills, build confidence, and engage in a collaborative and enjoyable activity.
All sessions are carefully planned and adapted to ensure they are accessible, inclusive, and responsive to sensory and communication needs. The charity places a strong emphasis on member feedback, using it to shape activities and ensure they remain relevant, engaging and beneficial.
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Achievements and performance
This year has been one of substantial progress, with the charity achieving strong growth in participation, activity delivery, and community recognition.
Lucys lights now supports over 40 women, doubling its reach compared to the previous year. We have delivered over 56 autism friendly activities, providing consistent opportunities for connection and engagement. We have seen increased participation across both main group and small group sessions, demonstrating demand for varied support formats. Members have reported improved confidence, reduced isolation, and stronger social connections as a result of attending activities. The introduction of smaller group sessions has been particularly impactful, enabling individuals who may not otherwise attend to access support.
Lucy’s Lights has also worked collaboratively with a number of other third sector organisations throughout the year, recognising the importance of partnership working in achieving the charity’s aims. This has included continued close engagement with TSI Moray, who have provided valuable guidance, advice, and practical support as the charity continues to grow and develop. These relationships have helped strengthen governance, improve opportunities for members, and raise awareness of the charity within the wider community.
The charity successfully delivered two major fundraising events during the year. A sponsored tree zone event and a glow walk which brought together members, supporters, and the wider community. Together these events raised over £1,160. Funds from the glow walk have been allocated towards a planned group trip to the enchanted forest at the end of 2026, providing members with a unique and memorable shared experience.
Additional financial support included a donation of £860 from a local business following their own fundraising efforts and a secured monthly donation of £100 from diamond logistics, providing reliable ongoing income.
A major milestone this year was securing over £14,800 from the National Lottery community fund. This funding has been in instrumental in establishing and running small group activities, launching the parent and carer support group, and sustaining the charities main activity program. This funding has allowed the charity to significantly broaden its impact and improve accessibility for a wide range of members.
Lucys lights has gained increasing recognition for its Work becoming a finalist in the Moray and Banffshire hero awards 2025 for charitable organisation of the year and being a finalist in the BIG Christmas gift back, a national competition. These achievements highlight the charities growing reputation and the positive impact it is making within both the local and wider community.
Financial review
The charities primary source of income during the year was a grant from the National Lottery community fund which supported the delivery of main group activities, small group activities and our parent and carer group.
Additional income streams included fundraising events, community events, community donations, and regular contributions from supporters. These funds have been used to deliver activities, purchased resources, equipment, games, crafts and ensured accessibility for members.
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The trustees continue to monitor income and expenditure carefully, ensuring that funds are used effectively and in line with the charity's objectives. Financial controls and oversight remain a key priority to support sustainable growth and responsible management.
Reserves policy
The trustee's policy is to maintain reserves equivalent to approximately four months of normal operating costs. This ensures that the charity can continue to meet its commitments and respond to any unforeseen expenditure or changes in funding. At the end of the reporting period, four months expenditure acquainted to £2119.00. The trustees considered this to be an appropriate and prudent level of reserves and will continue to review this position regularly as the charity grows.
Plans for future period
The trustees are committed to continuing the growth and development of Lucy’s Lights, ensuring that the charity remains responsive to the needs of its members and the wider community. Over the coming year, the charity intends to increase its presence within the local community by attending more events to raise awareness of its services and generate additional fundraising opportunities. This will help ensure that more individuals who may benefit from support are aware of how to access the charity.
A key priority for the charity is to improve accessibility for members who face barriers to attending activities. Trustees will therefore seek to secure funding to provide transport options for individuals living in rural locations who are unable to drive or access public transport due to their needs. This will help ensure that the support offered by Lucy’s Lights is inclusive and accessible to all.
In response to ongoing demand, trustees will also begin discussions around the potential development of a support group for individuals aged 11–16. This would allow the charity to extend its reach and provide early support to younger individuals who would benefit from a safe and understanding environment.
Additionally, the charity plans to explore the introduction of monthly guest speaker sessions. These sessions would provide members with opportunities to learn about other groups and support services available to them, as well as topics relating to hobbies, careers, wellbeing, and individual support needs. This initiative aims to empower members with knowledge, build confidence, and support personal development.
The trustees will continue to review these plans regularly to ensure that the charity remains sustainable, inclusive, and effective in delivering meaningful support.
Signature:
Full names: Millie Nicoll
Position: Chairperson
Date: 16/04/2026
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Statement of receipts and payments for the year ended 31st March 2026
| Receipts Donations Fundraising Grants Refund Cancellation fee income Merchandise revenue Bank interest Total receipts Payments Activities (main group, small group and parent & carer group) Equipment Fundraising costs Governance costs Insurance IT Marketing Merchandise costs Subscription Training Consumables Bank charges Refund Total payments |
Unrestricted funds Restricted funds 1,305.00 1,575.00 455.00 14,800.00 2.00 50.00 256.54 3,188.54 15,255.00 305.48 4,932.15 878.39 203.14 120.00 181.44 19.00 40.18 146.50 28.00 236.40 2,158.53 4,932.15 |
Year ended 31/03/2026 1,305.00 2,030.00 14,800.00 2.00 50.00 256.54 18,443.54 5,237.63 878.39 203.14 120.00 181.44 19.00 40.18 146.50 28.00 236.40 7,090.68 |
Period ended 31/03/2025 721.00 700.00 1000.00 3.55 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2,424.55 | |||
| 2,099.67 1,423.84 629.65 60.00 248.85 51.90 348.09 320.83 15.70 10.00 |
|||
| 5,208.53 |
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11,352.86 (2,783.98)
1,030.01 10,322.85
Surplus/(Deficit) for the year
Statement of Balances - As at 31st March 2026
| Opening Cash at bank / in hand Surplus/(Deficit) for the year Closing cash at bank and in hand Bank and Cash balance Bank Deposit Savings Account Other Assets iPads x 3 |
Unrestricted funds Restricted funds 1749.06 0.00 1,030.01 10,322.85 2,779.07 10,322.85 2,779.07 10,322.85 0.00 0.00 2,779.07 10,322.85 |
Total 2026 1,749.06 11,352.86 13,101.92 13,101.92 |
Total 2025 4,533.04 (2,783.98) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1,749.06 | |||
| 1,749.06 | |||
| 987.00 |
Notes to the accounts - for the year ended 31st March 2026
1. Basis of accounting
These accounts have been prepared on the receipts and payments basis in accordance with the charities and trustee investment (Scotland) act 2005 and the charities accounts (Scotland) regulations 2006 (as amended)
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2. Nature and purpose of funds
Unrestricted funds are those that may be used at the discretion of the trustees in furtherance of the objects of the charity. The trustees maintain a single unrestricted fund for the day-today running of the charity.
Restricted funds may only be used for specific purposes. Restrictions arise when specified by the donor or when funds are raised for specific purposes. During the year the charity received a grant of £14,800 towards their activities the charity also raised £455 through fundraising towards a trip to the enchanted forest.
3. Related party transactions
The charities insurance policy includes trustee indemnity and liability for all its trustees. No other remuneration was paid to the trustees or any connected persons during the year.
| 4. Donations Highland Jive Kirkie Bar Diamond Logistics Other donations 5. Grants received Arnold Clark community fund National lottery community fund |
Unrestricted Funds Restricted Funds 860.00 100.00 345.00 1,305.00 Unrestricted Funds Restricted Funds 14800.00 14,800.00 |
Total 2026 860.00 100.00 345.00 1,305.00 Total 2026 14800.00 14,800.00 |
Total 2025 500.00 221.00 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 721.00 | |||
| Total 2025 1,000.00 |
|||
| 1,000.00 |
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| Unrestricted | Restricted |
|||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6. Governance costs | Funds | Funds | Total 2026 | Total 2025 |
| Board meetings (room hire) | 120.00 | 120.00 | 60.00 | |
| 120.00 | 120.00 | 60.00 |
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