FIRST STEP OPPORTUNITY GROUP
First Step provides support for families of children with special needs and/or disabilities and offers a range of services which support children to reach their individual potential, through developmental play and learning.
Financial health, per its FY2025 accounts
The accounts state that the charity achieved an unrestricted net surplus of £18,960 for the year ended 31st March 2025, while restricted funds showed a deficit of £60,349. Total net assets decreased to £569,913 from £611,302 in the previous year, with unrestricted funds standing at £213,258. The trustees report that current reserves are just under 9 months of operating costs, which they consider prudent against their policy target of 4 months.
What the accounts disclose
“Trustees have adopted a reserves policy whereby the charity needs to have a minimum of 4 months operating costs if no further income were to be received.” — page 6
Property (HM Land Registry)
Trustees
- Simon Richard Powellchair
- BRUCE MCLAREN ANDERSON
- David George Kinder
- Gillian Webb
- Ian Malcolm Gorsuch
- Lynn Topps
- Martin Roger Flower Mr
- ROISIN McCORRY
- Stephen Robert Whatling
Income and spending
| Financial year end | Income | Spending |
|---|---|---|
| 31/03/2025 | £294k | £335k |
| 31/03/2024 | £316k | £397k |
| 31/03/2023 | £352k | £393k |
| 31/03/2022 | £172k | £265k |
| 31/03/2021 | £360k | £307k |
Common questions
Is FIRST STEP OPPORTUNITY GROUP financially healthy?
Per its FY2025 accounts: The accounts state that the charity achieved an unrestricted net surplus of £18,960 for the year ended 31st March 2025, while restricted funds showed a deficit of £60,349. Total net assets decreased to £569,913 from £611,302 in the previous year, with unrestricted funds standing at £213,258. The trustees report that current reserves are just under 9 months of operating costs, which they consider prudent against their policy target of 4 months. Its FY2025 accounts were independently examined.
Who funds FIRST STEP OPPORTUNITY GROUP?
Funders whose own accounts filings name FIRST STEP OPPORTUNITY GROUP as a grant recipient include THE BUZZACOTT STUART DEFRIES MEMORIAL FUND.
Known funders
| Funder | Year | Amount | Purpose (as stated by the funder) |
|---|---|---|---|
| THE BUZZACOTT STUART DEFRIES MEMORIAL FUND | FY2024 | £3k | |
| THE BUZZACOTT STUART DEFRIES MEMORIAL FUND | FY2025 | £665 |
Government & lottery funding
| Funder | Date | Amount | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|
| The National Lottery Community Fund | 18/03/2022 | £231k | Family First |
| The National Lottery Community Fund | 10/09/2021 | £10k | First Step Opportunity Group |
| City Bridge Foundation | 02/12/2010 | £111k | Grant to First Step |