Put you first – we are flexible and inclusive, everything about our people and each other matters to us
Work together – we collaborate to build our teams, communities, friendships and how we engage with you matters to us
Have integrity – you can trust us to be honest, treat you equally, respectfully and with empathy
Determined to see potential thrive – our commitment means we stay with you and take pride in your success
Are enterprising – we solve problems, adapt to your needs and take care with your money
A letter from the CEO YE 2024 annual report (April 23 – March 24)
Welcome to People Matters annual report
This report saw Tina step down as Chief Executive in May 2023 after 10 years with the organisation and me (Elissa) taking over. Although this was a big change for the organisation, everyone has been very supportive of the change and my promise was to continue to grow People Matters into a sustainable and robust organisation. With the funding landscape very challenging, we focussed our efforts into diversifying our income with fundraising; our first efforts proved successful with our raffle and match funding raising over £10K!
This period was also the first time our annual income has gone over £1million, this meant we had a full audit by new accountants Brown Butler.
As we reflect on the past year, I am proud to highlight the significant progress we have made in delivering a diverse array of services to our members. Our employment service, initially supported by the Henry Smith Charity and subsequently by the Julia and Hans Rausing Trust, has been instrumental in empowering individuals and fostering growth within our community for our members. Our day opportunity and micro social enterprise, Nourishing People, has continued to make a significant impact. By doubling the number of healthy snack flavours it produces, it has furthered its mission to support those furthest from employment.
The Teens and Twenties project, funded by the National Lottery Community Fund, has continued to thrive, providing essential support and experiences for our members. Along with our long standing adult groups that have continued to go meet up weekly engaging in exciting activities that give opportunities to learn new skills, gain confidence and foster friendships. Although our Health and Wellbeing Groups, funded by Leeds Charities Together, concluded in December 2023, we embarked on an exciting health inequalities project in January 2024. This initiative, funded by the West Yorkshire Cancer Alliance, aimed to address and reduce health disparities experienced by individuals with learning disabilities and/or autism. The project’s success stands as a testament to our commitment to inclusivity and excellence.
Our Individual Support Service, which is our longest running provision, delivered over 3,000 additional support hours compared to the previous year. This remarkable achievement underscores the dedication and complexity of the work carried out daily, earning it a prominent place in our project highlights this year.
These accomplishments would not have been possible without the unwavering support of our dedicated staff, volunteers, funders, partners, and, of course, our members.
We hope you find this annual report as inspiring and informative as we found it fulfilling to write. Together, we look forward to another year of growth, innovation, and positive impact.
Elissa Matley CEO Martin Dean Chair
Organisational Numbers and Stats:
Key:
Throughought this annual report, People Matters is referred to as PM
Our Projects
1-1 Individual Support
Nourishing people
Employment Service
Teens and Twenties
Adult social groups
(partly funded by positive changes)
Cancer Awareness Poject
Health and Wellbeing Groups (ended Dec 23)
Developing You
Project highlight: HPV / cervical cancer and learning disabilities engagement project
People Matters were commissioned by Leeds City council (funded by the west Yorkshire cancer alliance) to run the project over 3 months.
The project aim was to address the health disparity by increasing awareness of HPV, its links to cervical cancer, and the importance of cervical screening amongst people with learning disabilities in Leeds.
We held our groups twice weekly over the 3 months reaching over 20 members directly. We had initial and final assessment to measure knowledge levels on cervical cancer and HPV. We explored perceptions of cancer, identified low levels of knowledge about cervical screenings and gathered feedback on educational resources. Our educations sessions covered cancer statistics, cervical cancer symptoms, screening procedures and prevention methods. We used lots of visual aids and easy read materials.
The groups did lots of activities which illustrated keeping healthy as a preventative measure.
Using the knowledge they gained, the groups produced a padlet resource link to support learning and reach the learning disability and autistic community.
The groups did lots of activities which illustrated keeping healthy as a preventative measure.
The project successfully increased awareness of HPV, cervical cancer, and the importance of screenings. It created a open dialogue about cancer amongst people with learning disabilities and despite its small scale, the project produced a valuable resource which highlighted the need for ongoing efforts to reduce health inequalities.
Screenshot from PM Padlet:
Project highlight: Outreach
Outreach is People Matters’ largest support service, offering one-to-one support from Monday to Saturday. This year, we provided 34,053.5 hours of support to 91 members
We offer support with every aspect of life, both at home and in the community. This can include attending leisure activities (such as going to the gym, attending art courses, or gardening) applying for benefits, cooking meals, paying bills, seeking employment or volunteering, finding and making friends, building independent travel skills, providing personal care, and dealing with big changes in life, such as bereavement, leaving education, or managing illness, just to name a few!
We’ve had many successes this year. We assisted three members, including Kirsty, in moving house. With the help of her support staff, Kirsty moved just in time for her 50th birthday!
Gareth DJ’d at our 2023 Christmas party with support from his support worker Luke. To gain confidence, Gareth firstly did a few trial run discos for our very lucky Tuesday Adult Social Group.
Shadrach and Lee stayed healthy by incorporating fitness into their support sessions. Last year, they ran a 6-mile route around Hyde Park together.
Michael and David worked on travel training. Michael can now independently take two buses from home and navigate through town to meet David for their sessions.
Some of our members have formed an informal bowling group on Wednesdays. Many attend with their support workers, and some now come independently.
Testimonials from our members:
“The bowling group is an opportunity to meet new people. The group is self-run by members. Sometimes after bowling, we go for lunch and celebrate birthdays.” – Laura
“I passed my swimming lessons with people matters support and felt more confident. I’m pushing my limits so I can do this with my nieces and nephews” - Yasir
“It’s an important part of my life, and gives me a stability in my weekly routine. A good way to make memories and have quality time with friends.” - Matt
Every year, we conduct a member survey to gather feedback. This year, we asked which People Matters staff members would speak to if they had any worries. Seventy percent of members chose “a support worker” as one of their selections, highlighting the importance of our outreach service and its staff.
Members reported gaining confidence, learning new skills, making friends, improving existing relationships, visiting new places, and enhancing their health and wellbeing through one-on-one support.
Member Story: Holly
Why did you join PM?
To meet new people, make friends and to have fun in the social groups
What is your biggest achievement?
I’ve joined some courses and workshops, made lots of new friends, and learnt new things. I think I’ve grown as a person.
What difference does PM make?
I get out of the house more, I’ve learned to travel by myself, I have become a lot more confident and have more friends!
Describe PM in 3 words Fun, Helpful and Life changing
Anything else to add?
I don’t know what I’d do without the support from PM
Member Story: Paul
What is your biggest achievement?
This year it has been getting a paid job as a cleaner at a local school.
What do you like most about PM?
I think that the staff are nice, friendly, and helpful.
I think they are fantastic people. I like the fact that I received support from the employment team to find a paid job and they helped me with my job applications and interview skills practice.
Without the support from job coaching and my support staff, I don’t know what I would do.
Describe PM in 3 words Great, Kind, and Respectful.
Fundraising:
Our first big Christmas raffle raised £1200, we were lucky enough to have lots of amazing prizes donated. Our 1st prize was Leeds United hospitality tickets, which were donated by our friends at Dataflow!
Volunteer Story: Eilish
What is your biggest achievement?
I am super proud as I have managed to achieve a first in my Adult Nursing Degree and I have also ran my first 10k race this year.
What do you like most about PM?
People Matters really does believe that all people matter, there are great learning and social opportunities to be had. I was able to learn new things myself and was welcomed with open arms. I love than no one is left out, people are encouraged to always try their best in a judgement free environment.
Describe PM in 3 words Inclusive, Friendly, Opportunities
Fundraising:
We were lucky enough to secure match funding through Aviva in Dec 23, where every donation was matched by them – this raised a massive £10k!
Trustee Story: Max
What is your role at PM?
My role is Trustee and member of the fundraising committee.
What do you most like about working with PM?
I love that the work we do at People Matters helps people enjoy life to the fullest extent and gives people opportunities to learn and grow. I’m really proud that our work helps people fulfil their potential.
What is your biggest achievement?
So far I think I have helped us take our fundraising to the next level and improve the culture of fundraising at People Matters. Our Christmas fundraising last year was a great example of what we can achieve when we all pull together.
Describe PM in 3 words Welcoming, Dedicated and Communal.
Staff Story: Ann
What do you do at PM?
I joined People Matters in October 2023 as a part-time funding lead. I work with the SLT to secure funding from grants and other sources. To do this, I need to understand all aspects of our work to align our projects with potential funders’ priorities. I enjoy crafting grant applications that tell our story using case studies, comments, and real-life examples of our impact.
What have you achieved in the reporting period?
This year, I helped secure £12.5k in funding, including £10K from our first Aviva Community Fund crowd funder. The support from everyone was incredible, and all funds went to Nourishing People. We’ll definitely do this again next year!
Funding applications are competitive and can take months to review, so some of my applications may take a while to yield results.
What do you like most about PM?
I love how approachable and knowledgeable the team is. We work without judgment, always putting our members first. I work remotely from 60 miles away and joined because I wish there was a similar service for my son, who has multiple learning difficulties and hidden disabilities. I appreciate our holistic approach, adapting to our members’ needs and wants.
Describe PM in 3 words
As a bid writer I’m used to a word count but three words is a stretch even for me! I’d have to simply say they Make People Matter.
Staff Story: Lynsey
What is your biggest achievement? After wanting a change of career, I was moved by a video of one of our members on the website. I joined in Nov 22 and have worked in most of the services PM provides.
What do you like most about PM? PM feels like a big inclusive family where everyone is valued, I love making a difference whether by listening, supporting or teaching new skills.
Describe PM in 3 words
Inclusive, Supportive, Impactful
Fundraising: Bowlathon
Our first fundraising event of the year was the Bowlathon. The aim was to reach 1000 points. I’m pleased to say the wonderful members smashed this target with 1841 points!
Staff Story: Jess
What is your biggest achievement?
Working at People Matters I have met people from all different aspects of life. I have also gained new friends and got a chance to learn new skills.
What do you like most about PM?
I’ve gained more confidence in myself. Helping other people and having a better understanding of diversity has taught me only great things. People Matters has provided me with all of the training required to absorb my new role in society that I am truly grateful for.
Describe PM in 3 words Empathetic, Flexible and Inclusive
With sponsors, donations and a mini easter raffle we have raised a massive £571!
Member Story: Tess (written by Dad, Chris)
Why did you choose PM?
We wanted Tess to become more independent and make friends. Tess stayed in the house with us and usually retreated to her room to play on her tablet alone before joining.
What has Tess achieved since joining PM? Tess now goes out with friends, she pays for her own food/activity independently and is more chatty about what she enjoys. This new independence has spread into her personal life, she likes going shopping, choosing her own items and paying for them herself; something she would never do before.
How has it impacted the family?
Myself and my wife get a chance to spend some time together, walking our dog, having something to eat and just being able to talk to each other.
Describe PM in 3 words Inspiring, Encouraging, Engaging
Anything else?
More young people should have a chance at using this service as it is life changing.
Funder and Partner Story:
Louise Cresswell
Health Improvement Principal
(Cancer),
Public Health, Leeds City Council
What Work have you done with People Matters?
The Leeds Cancer and Learning Disabilities task group, led by Public Health, Leeds City Council, collaborates with partners to prevent cancer, raise awareness, and increase screening uptake among people with learning disabilities. Evidence shows lower cervical screening uptake among people with learning disabilities. The task group secured funding from the West Yorkshire Cancer Alliance to address this disparity.
People Matters was commissioned to deliver a project to enhance awareness of the HPV vaccine, its links to cervical cancer, and the importance of screening. The 3 month project, involved developing a co-produced resource to increase understanding among people with learning disabilities.
What has the impact been?
The project raised awareness of HPV and cervical cancer among participants. Before the project, twothirds of participants did not know what cervical cancer was; nearly all could identify it afterward. Over half had not heard of HPV initially, but all could name transmission methods by the end.
The project also increased participants’ confidence to discuss cancer, request reasonable adjustments in primary care, and share information with others.
A ‘padlet’ resource was created by and for people with learning disabilities, supporting ongoing education in Leeds. Findings from the project are informing future work and are being built upon to increase cervical screening uptake and address inequalities.
Describe PM in 3 words Dedicated, Trusted, Skilled
