People Matters (Leeds) CIC

Transcription

1 People Matters (Leeds) CIC Annual Report

2 2 Established in May 2002, People Matters (Leeds) CIC is a Community Interest Company and a Company limited by Guarantee that develops inclusive communities through leisure, learning and employment. People Matters is a not for profit, organisation that has proven social aims. Our registered address: 68a Barkston House, Leeds LS11 9RT Our Directors over the period: Robert Rae, Jenny Bradbury, Paul Jackson, Becky Farren, Ben Appleby Our Company Secretary: Maureen Bielska, Our Bank: Co-operative Bank, PO Box 101, Balloon Street, Manchester M60 4EP. Our Insurers: Zurich Insurance, Zurich House, Stanhope Road, Portsmouth, PO1 1DU Our Accountants: Rothwell and Co.

3 3 Chief Executive s report. After the difficulties of last year, has been a very good year for People Matters. Our new development workers for the projects funded by the Big Lottery Fund - Craig, Taking the Lead and Sarah, Teens n Twenties have responded to the steady flow of referrals for these popular projects with energy and enthusiasm, developing new activities and opportunities that expand our capacity to respond to people s interests and needs. The continuation of these projects is hugely important to everyone involved, and poses a challenge for the coming year. In May, Jeneba and Alexa were appointed to job share the post of development worker for the Community Outreach project. Their combined experience and skills, which include counselling, art therapy and social care, make them an effective team in responding to the varying needs of people needing support. This area of our work is gaining recognition for its professionalism and capacity to respond to a wide range of needs, in particular, autism. The expansion of the Community Outreach project, and also our supported living project, is extremely important for the future wellbeing of People Matters and the continuation of popular projects. This is because they generate income that can be used as needed to further the organisation s aims, such as the continuation of the projects currently funded by the Big Lottery Fund. Over the coming year, we hope to put into practice the plans we have for development, and so achieve continuity for the activities that are important to everyone. However, we are aware that this could be an uphill struggle due to the economic climate and cutbacks in expenditure on social care. Maureen Bielska

4 Taking the Lead There s always something going on with Taking the Lead.making friends, learning new skills, getting things organised and having fun! During the past year, group members have organised all sorts of exciting activities and trips -10 pin bowling, meals out, Karaoke, cinema and theatre, bingo nights, laser quest, the list is endless! They have also enjoyed keeping fit and healthy. We have our very own football team, People United FC, so watch out Leeds United! - as well as a group that regularly visits the leisure centre to enjoy swimming and going to the gym. Sadly, the funding ends in January During the coming months, we will be trying to find ways to ensure it continues. This project is supported by the Big Lottery Fund 4

5 Teens 'n' Twenties Another successful year with the young people developing greatly in maturity, confidence and independence as well as making new friends and having a great time! Young people are increasingly taking charge of the project and performing important roles in the organisation, such as staff recruitment and helping in the office. They have enjoyed terrific activities, such as the barge trip. The day was filled with laughter and excitement, everyone worked as a team and encouraged one another! This is what they said: The lochs were really good fun and I loved being able to drive! Amazing day out, I loved spending time with people from other groups The best day ever Driving is fun I ve loved spending a whole day with my friends and have had lots of fun. This project is supported by the Big Lottery Fund. 5

6 Support to live life the way you choose Our support work is steadily increasing and we are earning a good reputation for thoroughness and imaginative approaches. This year has seen an increase in our work with individuals who have a diagnosis of autism, and we are enjoying the challenge of supporting them to contend with the barriers they face. I An innovation this year is Art Therapy, delivered by Alexa, and our Buddy Up group, which provides opportunities for the individuals we support to meet and enjoy activities together. This is proving a very successful development and people look forward to joining others for a game of bowling, snooker, football or whatever they choose to do. 6

7 Support to live life the way you choose Our supported living project has progressed well over the year, with the people we support increasing in skills, confidence and well being. As they extend their experience of activities, people and places, they are becoming increasingly proactive in suggesting things they want to do, places they want to go, and people they want to spend time with. This is increasingly important with the closure of day centres and we are working hard to ensure that friendships and activities that are important to them continue, as well as exploring new activities and opportunities. 7

8 Courses for fun and learning Our contract with Leeds City Council s Adult and Community Learning has once again ensured that we have offered an exciting range of courses that have given people the chance to learn useful skills, make friends, and have fun! Whether it s art, cooking, drumming, make up, nail art, massage, health and well being, people are becoming more confident, have higher self esteem, are more skilled and have a wider circle of friends through attending the courses.. 8

9 Walking Groups A fun group of people have been meeting each week to explore the beautiful countryside on our doorstep! As well as getting fitter, they have made new friends and increased their skills in getting to places independently. This group is very important to me. It gets me out and meeting people. I didn t realise walking could be such fun! We are very grateful to Walking for Health for funding this group. 9

10 10 Income and Expenditure April 2011 March 2012 Income from all sources 391, Contracts Grants Expenditure 366, Staff and volunteers + training Office costs Events and other costs Company costs Balance at end of year: 109,305

11 11 A big thank you to all our staff and volunteers for ensuring a successful year! Lucy Ellis Administrator (and lots more!) Tara Holmes Admin Assistant Maureen Vollans, Finance worker Alexa Holloway Community Outreach Development Worker, Art therapist, and Art Tutor Jeneba Seray-Wurie Community Outreach Development Worker Sarah Culllen Teens n Twenties Development Worker Craig Darlington Taking the Lead Development Worker Harvinder Raytt, supported living manager, left his post in February 2012.

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