ASSIST
Assist is a volunteer-led charity based in Withington, (est 1969). Our main focus is to reduce social isolation and loneliness in our local elderly population.We host a weekly lunch club and exercise classes, monthly Film Club,Tea and Talks and Positive Living sessions, weekly Digital Drop in, regular day trips, befriending, advocacy, volunteer driving and general support.
Financial health, per its FY2025 accounts
The accounts state that unrestricted reserves were £73,308, which the trustees note equates to 10 months of running costs against a policy target of covering statutory obligations and contingency. The independent examiner confirmed that no material matters came to their attention during the examination of the accounts.
What the accounts disclose
“Our main source of funding is Manchester City Council.” — page 8
“We have a reserves policy within our financial policy, and currently hold reserves of £39,000, which equates to 10 months of running costs. The reserves are in place to cover our statutory obligations, redundancy and contingency should a situation occur where our income is affected, or our costs increase.” — page 8
Trustees
- Barbara Astonchair
- David Lamb
- Emma Horridge
- Gavin White
- Gemma Glennon
- JACQUELINE KIRKBY
- Sarala Gunawardena
- Vicky Wharmby
Income and spending
| Financial year end | Income | Spending |
|---|---|---|
| 31/03/2025 | £91k | £93k |
| 31/03/2024 | £86k | £72k |
| 31/03/2023 | £100k | £97k |
| 31/03/2022 | £122k | £99k |
| 31/03/2021 | £53k | £54k |
Common questions
Is ASSIST financially healthy?
Per its FY2025 accounts: The accounts state that unrestricted reserves were £73,308, which the trustees note equates to 10 months of running costs against a policy target of covering statutory obligations and contingency. The independent examiner confirmed that no material matters came to their attention during the examination of the accounts. Its FY2025 accounts were independently examined.
Who funds ASSIST?
Funders whose own accounts filings name ASSIST as a grant recipient include Pharo Foundation, NEWBY TRUST LIMITED, ForRefugees, THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL FOR THE ECCLESIASTICAL PARISH OF ST MARK'S, BROOMHILL, SHEFFIELD, THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF THE ECCLESIASTICAL PARISH OF ST TIMOTHY'S CROOKES.
Known funders
| Funder | Year | Amount | Purpose (as stated by the funder) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pharo Foundation | FY2021 | £25k | Scholarships and school placements for Abaarso students in the United States. |
| NEWBY TRUST LIMITED | FY2025 | £10k | Welfare |
| ForRefugees | FY2022 | £9k | |
| THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL FOR THE ECCLESIASTICAL PARISH OF ST MARK'S, BROOMHILL, SHEFFIELD | FY2022 | £1k | Home Donation |
| THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF THE ECCLESIASTICAL PARISH OF ST TIMOTHY'S CROOKES | FY2024 | £136 | |
| THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF THE ECCLESIASTICAL PARISH OF ST TIMOTHY'S CROOKES | FY2023 | £67 | |
| THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF THE ECCLESIASTICAL PARISH OF ST TIMOTHY'S CROOKES | FY2021 | £10 |
Government & lottery funding
| Funder | Date | Amount | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|
| The National Lottery Community Fund | 30/11/2023 | £10k | The Positivity Project |
| The National Lottery Community Fund | 17/09/2021 | £10k | The Positive Living Project |
| Southway Housing Trust | 01/09/2021 | £750 | Winter Bags – Withington, Old Moat and Ladybarn |
| Southway Housing Trust | 01/12/2020 | £500 | Withington Assist |
| Southway Housing Trust | 01/10/2020 | £500 | Winter Bags - Withington Old Moat |
| Southway Housing Trust | 01/04/2020 | £500 | Withington Assist |
| The National Lottery Community Fund | 06/09/2018 | £8k | The Positivity Programme |
| The National Lottery Heritage Fund | 19/10/2012 | £7k | "Sheffield Asylum Voices" |
| The National Lottery Community Fund | 28/04/2006 | £5k | Chair Based Exercise Class |