Sensory Trust
Analysis
Sensory Trust is a registered charity in England and Wales, based in St Austell. It was registered in May 1993, 33 years ago. Its declared purposes cover education/training, the advancement of health or saving of lives, disability and environment/conservation/heritage, which this site groups under health and saving lives. Legally it is a charitable company (Companies House number 02811046). It says it provides services, provides advocacy/advice/information and acts as an umbrella or resource body.
In the financial year ending March 2025, Sensory Trust reported income of £576k and spending of £531k, spending 92% of its income. Across the 5 years on record, from March 2021 to March 2025, income fell from £610k to £576k (-5.6%), an average of -1.4% a year. The sharpest change came in the year to March 2025, when income rose by 24%. Over the whole period it spent 94% of the income it received.
Among 24,651 England and Wales charities whose main cause is health and saving lives and that reported income, Sensory Trust sits at the 85th percentile: it is larger than about 85% of them. Against every charity in England and Wales with reported income it ranks in the 91st percentile. Charities of a similar size with the same main cause include Ribble Valley Crossroads Care (£576k), Great Western Hospital NHS Foundation Trust Charitable Fund and Other Related Charities (£576k) and Coda Music and Arts Trust (£575k).
In its latest detailed accounts, income came from charitable activities 82%, trading 9.6%, investments 4.4% and donations and legacies 4.0%. Charitable activities took 98% of spending and raising funds 0.0%. Reserves of £382k would cover about 8 months of spending at that rate. It employed 12 people.
Income and spending
Where the income comes from
- Donations 4.0%
- Charitable activities 82%
- Trading 9.6%
- Investments 4.4%
In the charity's own words
Improving the lives of disadvantaged communities by increasing access to public spaces and creating richer, more memorable outdoor experiences. We work directly with beneficiaries, undertake design work and help organisations improve their services. We run community activities and training and develop sensory-rich activities, site evaluation tools, creative consultation techniques and guidance.
Similar-sized charities, same cause
| Charity | Location | Income |
|---|---|---|
| Ribble Valley Crossroads Care | Clitheroe | £576k |
| Great Western Hospital NHS Foundation Trust Charitable Fund and Other Related Charities | Swindon | £576k |
| Coda Music and Arts Trust | Christchurch | £575k |
| The Portrack Charitable Trust | [email protected] | £576k |