As Trustees, and Directors of the Charity for the purposes of the Companies Act 2006, it is our privilege to present the annual report and audited financial statements for the year ended 31st March 2024.
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out in note 1 to the financial statements and comply with the charity's governing document, the Companies Act 2006 and "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)".
To promote the welfare of older people with mental health needs and adults who are socially disadvantaged by delivering a person-centred approach to care, in Staffordshire and surrounding areas in a manner which is now and hereafter may be deemed charitable by law.
Approach have promoted the welfare of older people with mental health needs and those affected by dementia who, due to this, become socially disadvantaged.
These are challenging times for all voluntary sector organisations and in this environment Approach continues to be a leading organisation within the world of dementia care in Staffordshire.
The trustees have paid due regard to guidance issued by the Charity Commission in deciding what activities the charity should undertake.
THE DIFFERENCE WE MAKE: OUR ACHIEVEMENTS IN 2023/24
Approach’s main charitable services focus has been to provide support for people affected by dementia. The registered activities on Charity Commission are:
To promote the welfare of people affected by dementia, and associated conditions, in the North Staffordshire and surrounding areas.
Approach Dementia Support believes that everyone affected by dementia should be supported to live their life the way they choose.
Our vision is…… To be recognised as the central provider of quality dementia support services across our heartland of North Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent.
Our mission is…... Is to provide quality services and advice, promoting positive wellbeing and tailored support for people affected by dementia.
The last 12 months (2023/24) continued to be challenging for every business, charity and individual due to the ongoing effect of the cost of living crisis. However, we have continued to provide high quality services focusing on our key aim of supporting people living with dementia and their carers. Over the past 12 months, Approach has continued to build its service delivery through new Activity Group sessions and Carer Support and Advice sessions. We are proud to continue our partnerships with local organisations, such as Stoke City FC Community Trust, to deliver interactive supportive sessions. Despite difficult circumstances, Approach has made over 16,486 contacts (2022/23: 8,865 contacts) with 1,051 people (2022/23: 1,109 people) over the past 12 months: showing the tangible impact of its support during tough times for the sector. These figures demonstrate both the increasing local need for dementia support services as well as Approach’s ongoing progress in working towards its strategic goals of increasing service provision to face the local challenge of increasing dementia rates. These goals will be supported by Approach’s merger with the Douglas Macmillan Hospice – enabling the development and sustainability of impactful dementia services in the region.
In 2023/24:
1,051 people accessed at least one of the 505 events hosted by Approach during the financial year, with 4,806 attendances made.
107 people with dementia accessed 1:1 support in the My Day My Way service,
388 people attended one of the 91 Carer Advice and Support Sessions, making 1,434 attendances overall.
64 carers attended carer training courses delivered virtually, making a total of 360 attendances - giving them essential information and helping to prepare them for their caring journey.
296 people with dementia accessed Activity Groups hosted by Approach, with 3,030 attendances made in total – enabling local people affected by dementia to socialise and create peer support networks.
The financial statements for the year 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 Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2019)' and comply with all statutory requirements and Approach’s governing document.
In a challenging 12 months, the Trustees report a net increase to overall funds for the year of £67,449 and an overall funds balance of £240,502 as of 31st March 2024 (£270,585 at 1st April 2023). The financial position is set out in the balance sheet on page 8. Due to the financial position and increased demand for its services, at the balance sheet date the Trustees of Approach Dementia Support merged with the Douglas Macmillan Hospice to ensure continuity and development of services. This will enable the development of further services as well as the continuation of Approach’s dementia support in years to come.
INCOME AND EXPENDITURE
The Statement of Financial Activities is set out on page 8 of these financial statements. This year, Approach received fundraised income through donations and gifts totalling £82,554 (2022/23 £52,066). In a period of significant external uncertainty, this demonstrates the generosity and kindness of local people and organisations for which the Trustees express their gratitude. Total income in 2023/24 was £422,162 (2022/23: £354,897), an increase of 18.9%.
The cost of Charitable Activities in 2023/24 was £452,245 (2022/23: £325,472), an increase of 38.9% largely due to increased staffing costs in response to increasing demand.
Reserves policy
From the balance sheet date the charity merged with the Douglas Macmillan Hospice so there is no reserves policy moving forward.
The charity is a company limited by guarantee and is controlled by its governing document and a deed of trust.
The company was established under a Memorandum of Association which established the objects and powers of the charitable company and is governed under its Articles of Association. In the event of the company being wound up, members are required to contribute an amount not exceeding £10. On 1st April 2013 the charitable company commenced operations when it took over the assets and liabilities of the former charity, Approach, which was an unincorporated trust, constituted under a trust deed dated 1st April 1988 and was registered charity number 700226. This charity had changed its name on 29th January 2002 from The Potteries Elderly Support Group to Approach.
The trustees, who are also the directors for the purpose of company law, and who served during the year and up to the date of signature of the financial statements were:
The trustee board considered that the number of directors at any time and the composition of the board is critical. It is acknowledged that these aspects vary from time to time depending on the circumstances.
The total number of directors was determined by the board and took into account the skills and experience required for the board to complete its duties given the scale and complexity of the charity's operations. The minimum number of directors did not fall below 6 at any time.
The full board of directors assumed responsibility for the selection an appointment of directors.
Potential board members were approached by the Chair of Approach and asked to complete an application form where they will be required to provide two references. These references were taken up by the Company Secretary and, if suitable, an interview arranged with the Chair, Vice-Chair and one other board member, along with the Head of Charity. The appointment would then be put forward for acceptance by the board at the next meeting and, if this agreed, then a DBS check undertaken and a full induction process appropriate to the role completed with input from the board of directors and management team.
If accepted, the applicant would then be co-opted onto the board and be asked to attend the next board meeting of the year until they stand for election at the next Annual General Meeting.
The trustees met quarterly, this included the Chair, Treasurer and Head of Charity, with specialist co-optees also attending.
The trustees' report was approved by the Board of Trustees.
I report to the trustees on my examination of the financial statements of Approach Supporting Your Life Your Way (the charity) for the year ended 31 March 2024.
As the trustees of the charity (and also its directors for the purposes of company law) you are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 (the 2006 Act).
Having satisfied myself that the financial statements of the charity 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 the charity’s financial statements carried out under section 145 of the Charities Act 2011 (the 2011 Act). In carrying out my examination I have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act.
Since the charity’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 Institute of Chartered Accountants in England & Wales, which is one of the listed bodies.
I have completed my examination. I confirm that no matters have 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 charity as required by section 386 of the 2006 Act; or
the financial statements do not accord with those records; or
the financial statements 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 financial statements 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 financial statements to be reached.
The statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year. All income and expenditure derive from continuing activities up to 31st March 2024.
Approach Supporting Your Life Your Way is a charitable company limited by guarantee incorporated in England and Wales.
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the charity's governing document, the Companies Act 2006 and "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)". The charity is a Public Benefit Entity as defined by FRS 102.
The charity has taken advantage of the provisions in the SORP for charities applying FRS 102 Update Bulletin 1 not to prepare a Statement of Cash Flows.
The financial statements are prepared in sterling, which is the functional currency of the charity. Monetary amounts in these financial statements are rounded to the nearest £.
The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention. The principal accounting policies adopted are set out below.
At the balance sheet date the remaining assets of the company were transferred to the Douglas Macmillan Hospice (Charity Registration Number 1071613).
Unrestricted funds are available for use at the discretion of the trustees in furtherance of their charitable objectives.
Restricted funds are subject to specific conditions by donors as to how they may be used. The purposes and uses of the restricted funds are set out in the notes to the financial statements.
Further explanation of the nature and purpose of each fund is included in the notes to the financial statements.
Cash donations are recognised on receipt. Other donations are recognised once the charity has been notified of the donation, unless performance conditions require deferral of the amount. Income tax recoverable in relation to donations received under Gift Aid or deeds of covenant is recognised at the time of the donation.
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 the transfer of economic benefits will be required in settlement and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably. Expenditure is recognised on an accrual basis as a liability is incurred. Expenditure includes any VAT which cannot be fully recovered and is reported as part of the expenditure to which it relates.
Cost of raising funds comprise the costs associated with attracting voluntary income and the costs of trading for fundraising purposes,
Charitable expenditure comprises those costs incurred by the charity in the delivery of its activities and services for its beneficiaries. It includes both the costs that can be allocated directly to such activities and those costs of an indirect nature necessary to support them.
Governance costs include those costs associated with the constitutional and statutory requirements of the charity and include the audit fees and costs linked to the strategic management of the charity.
Overhead and support costs have been allocated first between charitable activity and governance. Overhead and support costs relating to charitable activities are allocated on a basis designed to reflect the use of the resource. Costs relating to a particular activity are allocated directly, others being apportioned on an appropriate basis (e.g. staff time, estimated usage or transaction).
Tangible fixed assets are initially measured at cost and subsequently measured at cost or valuation, net of depreciation and any impairment losses.
Depreciation is recognised so as to write off the cost or valuation of assets less their residual values over their useful lives on the following bases:
The gain or loss arising on the disposal of an asset is determined as the difference between the sale proceeds and the carrying value of the asset, and is recognised in the statement of financial activities.
Individual fixed assets costing £1,000 or more are capitalised at cost.
At each reporting end date, the charity reviews the carrying amounts of its tangible assets to determine whether there is any indication that those assets have suffered an impairment loss. If any such indication exists, the recoverable amount of the asset is estimated in order to determine the extent of the impairment loss (if any).
Cash and cash equivalents include cash in hand, deposits held at call with banks, other short-term liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less, and bank overdrafts. Bank overdrafts are shown within borrowings in current liabilities.
The charity has elected to apply the provisions of Section 11 ‘Basic Financial Instruments’ and Section 12 ‘Other Financial Instruments Issues’ of FRS 102 to all of its financial instruments.
Financial instruments are recognised in the charity's balance sheet when the charity becomes party to the contractual provisions of the instrument.
Financial assets and liabilities are offset, with the net amounts presented in the financial statements, when there is a legally enforceable right to set off the recognised amounts and there is an intention to settle on a net basis or to realise the asset and settle the liability simultaneously.
Basic financial assets, which include debtors and cash and bank balances, are initially measured at transaction price including transaction costs and are subsequently carried at amortised cost using the effective interest method unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where the transaction is measured at the present value of the future receipts discounted at a market rate of interest. Financial assets classified as receivable within one year are not amortised.
Basic financial liabilities, including creditors and bank loans are initially recognised at transaction price unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where the debt instrument is measured at the present value of the future payments discounted at a market rate of interest. Financial liabilities classified as payable within one year are not amortised.
Debt instruments are subsequently carried at amortised cost, using the effective interest rate method.
Trade creditors are obligations to pay for goods or services that have been acquired in the ordinary course of operations from suppliers. Amounts payable are classified as current liabilities if payment is due within one year or less. If not, they are presented as non-current liabilities. Trade creditors are recognised initially at transaction price and subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method.
Financial liabilities are derecognised when the charity’s contractual obligations expire or are discharged or cancelled.
The cost of any unused holiday entitlement is recognised in the period in which the employee’s services are received.
Termination benefits are recognised immediately as an expense when the charity is demonstrably committed to terminate the employment of an employee or to provide termination benefits.
Payments to defined contribution retirement benefit schemes are charged as an expense as they fall due.
In the application of the charity’s accounting policies, the trustees are required to make judgements, estimates and assumptions about the carrying amount of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. The estimates and associated assumptions are based on historical experience and other factors that are considered to be relevant. Actual results may differ from these estimates.
The estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognised in the period in which the estimate is revised where the revision affects only that period, or in the period of the revision and future periods where the revision affects both current and future periods.
There are no critical accounting estimates or judgements in these financial statements.
My Day My Way
Grants
Dementia Support Groups
Carer Support Cafe
My Day My Way
Social Support Activity
None of the trustees (or any persons connected with them) received any remuneration or benefits from the charity during the year. There were neither any expenses paid to the trustees in the year (2023 - £Nil).
No trustee or other person related to the charity had any personal interest in any contract or transaction entered onto by the charity during the year (2023 - £Nil).
The average monthly number of employees during the year was:
The key management personnel of the charity comprise the trustees and three members of staff (2023: the trustees and one member of staff). The total employee benefits of the key management personnel of the charity were £61,800 (2023- £35,678).
The charity is exempt from taxation on its activities because all its income is applied for charitable purposes.
The charity operates a defined contribution pension scheme for all qualifying employees. The assets of the scheme are held separately from those of the charity in an independently administered fund.
The restricted funds of the charity comprise the unexpended balances of donations and grants held on trust subject to specific conditions by donors as to how they may be used.
Sport England
A project to deliver physical activities for people with dementia in Stoke-on-Trent & Staffordshire.
Staffs Chambers of Commerce
Funding for staff training.
Together Active
This is a tackling inequalities fund to support physical activities for people with dementia.
Community Investment Fund
This is a grant to cover the purchase of pop up reminiscence rooms for people affected by dementia.
Prince of Wales Trust
A grant towards the provision of Dementia singing groups.
National Lottery Community Fund
To increase socialisation for people affected by dementia and giving opportunities for carer respite and for people with dementia to engage with activities which improve their wellbeing and reduce the negative impacts of isolation.
The unrestricted funds of the charity comprise the unexpended balances of donations and grants which are not subject to specific conditions by donors and grantors as to how they may be used. These include designated funds which have been set aside out of unrestricted funds by the trustees for specific purposes.
At the reporting end date the charity had outstanding commitments for future minimum lease payments under non-cancellable operating leases, which fall due as follows:
There were no disclosable related party transactions during the year (2023 - none).