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2025-03-31-accounts

Gateshead Visible Ethnic Minorities Support Group (Registered Charity No. 1008100)

Financial Statements

For the year ended 31 March 2025

Registered Charity No. 1008100

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Contents

Title Page
Legal and Administrative Information 3
Trustees Annual Report 4
Independent Examiners Report 13
Statement of Financial Activities 14
Balance Sheet 15
Notes to the Accounts 16-21

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Legal and Administrative Information

Name: Gateshead Visible Ethnic Minorities Support Group Charity No: 1008100 Principal Address: 89 Salcombe Gardens Low Fell GATESHEAD Tyne & Wear NE9 6UD Trustees: Manjit Singh Dhindsa (Chair) Angela Singh (Treasurer) Krishan Kant Attri MBE (Vice Chair) Michael Harte Birinder Singh Brar Ala Miah Stuart Bell

Governing Document: 2 November 1991, and is unincorporated. Bankers: HSBC plc 110 Grey Street Newcastle Upon Tyne NE1 3JG Independent Examiner: Keith Blackett FMAAT Beechwood Accounting NE Ltd 80 Beechwood Gdns GATESHEAD NE11 0DA

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Trustees Annual Report

Our Work:

Gateshead Visible Ethnic Minorities Support Group works with and for vulnerable and marginalised Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic, asylum-seeker and refugee communities. Many of the people we support face barriers at multiple levels including personal, family, community, and wider social and institutional and are at risk of isolation, exclusion, and face racism and discrimination.

We are an anti-racist charity. Through our work, we support communities to engage with and make representations to service providers, helping to ensure equal access to the services they offer. We create safe opportunities for communities to raise concerns, take positive action, and influence change, while developing effective partnerships with organisations and associations working locally on shared issues.

Equality, diversity, equity and inclusion are fundamental to everything we do.

Our projects contribute to strengthening the Minority Ethnic voluntary infrastructure through high quality activity, training and development, and capacity building.

Our projects increase community engagement amongst those who are at risk of exclusion and isolation, addressing racism and discrimination, helping to strengthen community cohesion, and go towards achieving a reduction in race inequalities.

Through providing access to engaging, high quality activity, including training, educational and cultural activities, led by professional practitioners, support workers and volunteers, our programmes aim to provide our beneficiaries with the opportunity to:

We work in partnership with Gateshead Council, Northumbria Police, Community Safety Team, NHS, Public Health, local schools and community groups, Gateshead Interfaith Forum, housing services, and Leisure/Cultural Services

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This year our charity lost two of our long serving trustees, community leaders and best of friends, who both devoted their life to family and community.

Memoriam of Founding Trustee and Chair Ashok Kumar (09/11/1945 – 05/10/2024)

It is with deep respect and gratitude that we remember Ashok Kumar, a true pillar of the Gateshead and Tyne and Wear community.

In 1990, alongside Mr Bahal Singh Dhindsa MBE, Ashok co-founded our charity Gateshead Visible Ethnic Minorities Support Group, serving as Chairperson for over 34 years. His leadership helped break down barriers for minority ethnic, asylum seeker, and refugee communities, championing equality and diversity, and in 2000 he played a pivotal role in establishing GemArts.

Ashok served the Newcastle Hindu Temple committee for over four decades as Vice President and Secretary. A champion of interfaith dialogue, he played key roles in the Gateshead Interfaith Forum, Race Equality Council, Northumbria Police’s Community Relations Group, and Positive Images. His influence extended into education and health through his service on the board of governors at Gateshead College and Queen Elizabeth Hospital. Honoured with the Mayor’s Award for Outstanding Community Service to the Borough of Gateshead in 2003, his legacy of unity, service, and bridgebuilding will continue to inspire generations.

Memoriam of Trustee and Vice-Chair Atma Singh Gill MBE (20/03/1937 – 26/01/2025)

We remember with deep respect and gratitude the life and service of Mr Atma Singh Gill MBE.

Mr Gill was a pillar of the Gateshead Visible Ethnic Minorities Support Group, serving with distinction as Vice Chair and Treasurer, where his integrity, wisdom, and calm leadership were deeply valued.

In recognition of his outstanding contribution to the community, Mr Gill was awarded an MBE by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth in 2009. He also served on the Board of Trustees of Gateshead Citizens Advice and was a member of the Patient and Public Involvement Forum, specialising in advising on the faith and cultural needs of people using the NHS, ensuring dignity and understanding in healthcare.

Atma Singh Gill leaves a lasting legacy of service, unity, and compassion. His memory will continue to inspire all who knew and worked with him.

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2024/25 – Activities & Achievements:

The COVID-19 pandemic exposed and deepened existing inequalities, and alongside the ongoing costof-living crisis has disproportionately impacted Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic communities, further amplifying racial and health inequalities.

In August 2024, England experienced some of the worst incidents of racism and violence in recent years. The vandalism and arson of hotels housing families seeking asylum in Rotherham and Tamworth, and racist attacks in Middlesbrough and Sunderland targeting Black and Asian residents, created widespread fear and anxiety within Global Majority communities.

As a result, many of our summer holiday sessions were cancelled, as people did not feel safe using public transport, being in public spaces, or allowing their children to attend activities. These sessions would have been a vital opportunity for communities to connect, and their absence increased isolation, loneliness and anxiety—particularly for women, older people, children and young people. Digital exclusion remains a significant barrier, and we have continued to respond to community needs.

The work of our charity is more vital than ever. In the aftermath of the racial violence, we worked closely with communities and partners to provide dialogue facilitation and responsive, empowering activities. Our Community Bridgebuilder continued to support families seeking asylum, while our Chair Manjit Dhindsa and Director Vikas Kumar engaged with Northumbria Police through Joint Engagement Group meetings to address fear, seek accurance and support community safety. We worked in collaboration and resumed all our activities as soon as we could, ensuring that communities felt safe, heard and supported.

From our base at Bensham Grove Community Centre in Gateshead, we deliver a wide range of weekly support, advice and development sessions. In 2024/25, we engaged with and supported over 2,000 people across all ages, communities and ethnicities.

Alongside frontline delivery, GVEMSG has strengthened its organisational capacity, including governance, operations, monitoring, reporting and financial management. We continue to invest in the training and development of our trustees, staff and volunteers.

Mondays, 1–3pm – Feel Good Group - We deliver weekly health and wellbeing sessions for women from minority ethnic and wider communities who experience isolation. The group provides a safe, creative and welcoming space where women can build confidence, improve physical and mental health, and connect with others. Activities help participants overcome barriers to participation, access culturally relevant creative learning, and develop supportive peer networks. Women come from diverse faith and cultural backgrounds but find common ground through shared activities. The group receives GP referrals for women who would benefit from additional support and advice.

Weekly activities include visual arts, movement, dance and exercise sessions, group outings, skills training, and support to progress towards volunteering, education, employment and enterprise.

As part of GemArts Cultural Threads creative health programme, the group worked with professional artists throughout 2024. Between April and July, participants created decorative artworks across a range of materials with Emma Sheridan and took part in yoga and macramé workshops led by Palak Rastogi. From September to December, the group engaged in jewellery-making workshops with Brenda Owen, supported by GemArts mentee Zarifeh Peygar, followed by gilding and installation workshops with Zara Worth. Their work was exhibited at a Cultural Threads celebration event at Gateshead Multilingual Library.

From January to March, the group worked with Emma Sheridan on a textiles and multimedia project exploring themes of spring, renewal and new beginnings. The final artwork was exhibited at the GemArts Holi celebration at the Baltic on 15 March. Showing their work in an international gallery created a strong sense of pride, achievement, wellbeing and belonging for participants.

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Throughout the year, Tai Chi, yoga, Bollywood dance, Zumba and movement sessions were delivered with the Feel Good Group and during Wednesday drop-ins. These sessions offered a holistic approach to wellbeing, promoting mindfulness, reducing stress and enhancing both physical and emotional health in a structured, enjoyable environment .

Drop-In Centre (Wednesdays, 1–3pm) - Our weekly drop-in provides advice, advocacy and signposting on housing, health, education, employment, social services and community safety. We offer a welcoming, inclusive space with food, refreshments and multilingual support. The drop-in plays a vital role in social inclusion for both established communities and new arrivals.

English Language Support – Zahra Bazarganianpour (Community Bridgebuilder) supported by Harpal Sanghera (Community Development Worker) deliver beginner English classes for people seeking sanctuary on Tuesdays at Bensham Grove (10am–1pm) and Wednesdays and Fridays at St Chad’s Community Centre, engaging around 20–25 learners per session. We provide refreshments, cover travel costs and offer holistic support, including wellbeing and signposting, to reduce barriers to learning and access to wider services.

English Homework Club (Mondays, 4–6pm) - In September 2024 Zahra with support from Lily Daniels, GemArts Learning and Participation Manager, began our weekly term-time Homework Club at Gateshead Central Library which supports young people seeking asylum and refugees studying GCSEs. We provide refreshments and cover travel costs to ensure our sessions are accessible and welcoming. Led by GemArts Community Bridgebuilder, and in partnership with EMTAS and the Gateshead Library, the sessions provide academic support, pastoral care and creative opportunities, engaging around 25 young people from diverse backgrounds.

Together, these sessions have been essential in keeping people connected, supporting learning, improving health and wellbeing, and creating a strong sense of belonging.

Vikas Kumar MBE Deputy Lieutenant Commissioning Ceremony - On 12[th] March 2025 GVEMSG hosted the Commissioning Ceremony of Vikas Kumar MBE as Deputy Lieutenant for Tyne and Wear, appointed by His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant for Tyne and Wear, Ms Lucy Winskell OBE. The event was attended by family, friends and community from across the private, public, voluntary and cultural sector. A huge congratulations to Vikas from everyone!

Sector/Strategic Development - Trustees, staff and volunteers also contribute to other boards and forums including - Bensham Grove Community Centre, Citizens Advice Gateshead, Northern Stage, Newcastle University Court, Gateshead Voluntary Sector Leaders Group, plus others. GVEMSG has worked in partnership with local minority ethnic voluntary groups in Gateshead and Tyne and Wear to provide advocacy and support

Volunteer Development - Volunteers support the aims of our charity and play an integral part in meeting our vision and mission. 50 volunteers have supported our charity this year, and we have provided a whole range of support. We are truly grateful for their passion and commitment and value their contributions enormously.

GemArts

GemArts is one of a limited number of Arts Council England National Portfolio Organisations and an award-winning leader in South Asian and diversity arts. We create and programme high-quality concerts, events, festivals, workshops and commissions with regional, national and international artists across all art forms. GemArts specialises in culturally diverse, participatory arts projects of the highest quality, working with Global Majority and wider communities that are least engaged. We proactively share learning and best practice through regional and national networks and platforms.

In 2024/25, GemArts delivered an ambitious and inspiring artistic programme across all strands of our work. We collaborated with flagship venues, community spaces and national touring partners, supported artists at every stage of their careers, and ensured that talent and artistic excellence were diverse, thriving and celebrated. Our cultural offer included both free and ticketed events, with concessionary, discounted and complimentary tickets to ensure accessibility. We produced and programmed 40

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performances and exhibitions, employed 288 individual artists, welcomed over 36,000 live audience members from diverse communities, and engaged more than half a million online audiences.

GemArts expanded its critically acclaimed Riverside Ragas concert series at The Glasshouse, presenting outstanding classical, folk and contemporary music. The programme was enriched by preconcert talks, demonstrations, workshops and masterclasses with academics, musicians and journalists, alongside online content including podcasts. This was a particularly remarkable year for international programming. Highlights included performances by double Grammy Award winner Rakesh Chaurasia, accompanied by acclaimed tabla player Shahbaz Hussain; Carnatic vocalist Shantala Subramanyam from Chennai; and celebrated UK talent Jasdeep Singh Degun, the first British Asian sitarist to win the Royal Philharmonic Society Award for Best Instrumentalist, who returned for another stunning performance. In November, his guru Ustad Dharambir Singh MBE was joined by Kaviraj Singh on santoor and Pandit Sanju Sahai on tabla. These extraordinary performances played to capacity audiences and standing ovations.

We continued to reach new and diverse audiences through partnerships with venues of different sizes across the region. Working with long-term collaborators Jazz North East, we programmed an experimental performance by Amirtha Kidambi and Manon McCoy at Cluny 2, and later presented Myriad Streams – The Beautiful Storm at the Lit & Phil, exploring the intersection of contemporary jazz, Indian classical and Celtic music. At Gosforth Civic Theatre, GemArts supported the first Wye Aye Deaf Festival and presented local singer Asmita Dixit’s debut solo concert. We also expanded our reach southwards through a new partnership with Middlesbrough Town Hall, contributing to their Classical Café series with performances by emerging Carnatic violinist Aparna Raghuraman and renowned sitarist Baluji Shrivastav.

Strengthening our relationship with Durham University, GemArts co-produced the fourth edition of Indian Spring Colours, featuring a stellar line-up of Indian and UK classical musicians across two days. Highlights included sarod virtuoso Debasmita Bhattacharya, tabla player Gurdain Rayatt, and a special tribute to Pandit Bhimsen Joshi, led by his son-disciple Pandit Shrinivas Joshi, alongside his grandson Viraj Joshi. They were joined by UK-based vocalist Dr Vijay Rajput, with Saleel Tembe on tabla, Siddhiie Kapshikarr on harmonium, and Jay Rajput on tanpura and vocal support.

GemArts’ commitment to traditional and contemporary South Asian dance was powerfully demonstrated through an exceptional programme. The year opened at Northern Stage with Mehek, a deeply moving exploration of the human heart by Aakash Odedra and Aditi Mangaldas, two of the most influential South Asian dancers of their generations. Mehek later won the National Theatre Award for Best Dance Production. In partnership with Dance City, we presented two contrasting works: Amina Khayyam’s solo ONE, examining migrant narratives shaped by media and political fear-mongering, and Physical Production’s Bombay Superstars, a vibrant musical celebration of Bollywood’s disco era.

GemArts’ award-winning Masala Festival returned from 15th to 21st July 2024, celebrating South Asian cultural goodness! The festival launched with Pagrav Dance Company’s Aunusthan at Dance City, with a virtuosic performance and riotous rhythm. Visual arts featured Artful Struggles: Contemporary Art from Sri Lanka at The Gallery, Gateshead Central Library, featuring over 60 art works, marking the second anniversary of the Aragalaya/Porattam movement. Cities of Dreams – Beneath the Surface presented South Asian short films at BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art. GemArts commissioned New Ways of Moving in the Counterworlds at Cluny 2, bringing together jazz musicians John Pope and John Garner with poet Nisha Ramayya. Film audiences were treated to critically acclaimed Snow Leopard at Tyneside Cinema, followed by an incredible evening of spoken word and desi soul flow, Freespill at DiverCity Hub, hosted by Tahmina Ali. An outstanding line up of live music included the Rajasthan Heritage Brass Band in Newcastle City Centre, When Chai Met Toast at The Glasshouse, and Balladeste at St Mary’s Heritage Centre, Gateshead. The festival partnered with Tyne and Wear Metro and Dabbawal and a packed programme of workshops, pop-ups and food events culminated in the much-loved Mini Mela & Mini Book Fair at Bensham Grove Community Centre — a vibrant celebration of creativity and family fun!

For the fourth consecutive year, GemArts delivered the Holi Festival of Colours in partnership with BALTIC, attracting over 4,000 people. The event featured creative workshops, henna, dance, music,

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food and a joyous colour throw in Baltic Square. Now a firm fixture in the North East cultural calendar, tickets sold out in just three minutes, with extensive coverage from BBC and ITV Tyne Tees.

GemArts invested in R&D and encouraged artists to take risks, commissioning ground-breaking, innovative projects, artist talks and productions to raise both the profile and quality of South Asian arts and intercultural collaborations across England.

GemArts invested in and commissioned 3 new works this year. For Masala Festival: New Ways of Moving in the Counterworlds - John Pope and violinist John Garner collaborated with poet Nisha Ramayya in an experimental homage to their shared love of Alice Coltrane; and ROOH: Within Her by Pagrav Dance, a Kathak solo by Urja Desai Thakore exploring women’s heroism, agency, and storytelling across generations. For GemArts Holi Festival of Colours Payal Ramchandani, acclaimed Kuchipudi dance artist and choreographer based in the North East, responded to Mani Kambos exhibition Ax.is Mun-di at Baltic with a dynamic and expressive performance.

GemArts remains deeply committed to nurturing the next generation of artists and practitioners from under-represented groups, with a long-term aim of diversifying leadership within the arts. In 2024/25, GemArts’ artist development programme supported 18 artists whose work reflected creative and cultural diversity through training, developmental, participatory, and performance opportunities. Through our Cultural Threads programme, we embedded a cohort of eight mentees from global majority communities at the early stages of their participatory practice. We also continued to support eight regional music leaders through our East by North East programme, broadening further the cohort to achieve diversity and gender balance. Artists were supported to lead complex, multi-partner projects with young people living in challenging circumstances, alongside professional development, peer mentoring, training, and shared best practice. The programme continues to evidence clear progression routes from participants to young leaders, volunteers, and professional practitioners. In addition, we hosted three work experience placements over the year.

Learning and Participation

GemArts demonstrates considerable depth of knowledge and understanding around complex issues related to cultural diversity and arts. In 2024/25 we have continued to build on our excellent track record, further collaborating with the public and voluntary sector to expand our artistic programme to provide more opportunities for professional artists and Minority Ethnic and wider communities that are least engaged to work with one another, co-create, sustaining the arts regionally, and addressing community needs and issues.

This year we have employed and supported a culturally diverse workforce of 65 artists in participatory settings, and delivered, in formal education and community settings, 981 sessions with over 18,300 participants from minority ethnic and wider communities that are least engaged and across protected characteristics and age ranges.

Highlights include:

Cultural Threads is GemArts’ creative health programme, providing culturally relevant creative opportunities to reduce loneliness, isolation, build connection, and support wellbeing. Additional funding from UKSPF and the Gateshead Community Mental Health Fund enabled the programme to expand across Gateshead.

Over the year participatory workshops engaged minority ethnic, refugees, asylum seeker, and wider communities, co-produced with professional artists and supported by mentees Keira Ryan, Zarifeh Peygar, Afrooz Bayat, Karanjot Kaur, and James Wilkinson, with volunteer facilitator Hesam Mosfegh. Professional artists included Pui Lee, Donna Cheshire, Madhura Godbole, Will Steel, Jayamini de Silva, Emma Sheridan, Sabina Sallis, Sofia Barton, Beck Owen, Zara Worth and Palak Rastogi.

Workshops spanned mosaic, puppetry, painting, textiles, illustration, mixed media, jewellery, design, Bollywood dance and yoga at Hope House, Hillside Hub, Millin Centre, Action Foundation and our Feel Good Group at Bensham Grove, engaging over 1000 older people, adults, families, and young people across 87 sessions.

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The programme culminated in celebrations and exhibitions, including the Multilingual Library showcase, Holi at BALTIC, Masala Festival Mini Mela, Newcastle Sanctuary Forum Refugee Week, and Millin Centre’s Together We Create: A Display of Women’s Feelings, Thoughts & Experiences, highlighting creativity, community, and cultural expression engaging with a further 7000 people.

Cultural Threads @ Spring Bank Pavilion, Leazes Park, Newcastle

In partnership with Urban Green and Newcastle Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, GemArts delivered between April and August 18 Cultural Threads sessions, engaging 106 participants in creative, participatory activities. Workshops included natural dyeing with Katie Pollard, illustration with Benji Smith supported by mentees Sajil Kaleem and Sean Rodriguez, and family forestry school sessions led by Pui Lee with mentee Isabel Forbes. Sabina Sallis ran charm-making sessions, Lily Daniels led bird scarer workshops, and additional illustration workshops were delivered by Benji Smith with volunteer Hesam Mosfegh. The programme combined mentorship, creative skills, and community engagement, fostering connection, artistic exploration, and wellbeing across Newcastle.

Cultural Threads @ Culture Exchange Group, Byker

Visual artist Emma Sheridan worked with Barnardo’s Newcastle Family Hub East, a group for refugees and those seeking asylum. Over 7 weeks Emma delivered textiles, sewing and mixed media sessions. The women are from Sudan, Nigeria, Iraq, Syria, Turkey and Iran. They all created their own individual pieces to take home. The sessions also enable the group to develop English language skills, networks and access to further services.

GemArts Cultural Threads programme continues to reiterate our knowledge that the need for culturally relevant practitioners to deliver creative projects is significant. When working with historically marginalised communities, it is imperative to consider inclusivity, accessibility, lived experience and a sense of belonging within every aspect of the project to ensure that we are meeting the cultural and personal needs of participants in relation to improving mental health and wellbeing.

Alongside numerous community sessions, GemArts partnered with Gateshead Arts Team on Riverside Routes , delivering community workshops including Jayamini de Silva’s wildlife textile sessions with the Feel Good Group at Bensham Grove and paper puppetry with young people at Side by Side.

At Sunderland Unity Festival, responding to summer race riots, diverse community groups came together to celebrate diversity and unity, with Madhura Godbole leading interactive Bollywood performances and Lily Daniels delivering Rangoli workshops for families.

During Refugee Week, Rapasa Nyatrapasa Otieno, singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist performed and led drumming sessions at St Mary’s Heritage Centre, engaging audiences in participatory music. We also delivered a range of African drumming workshops with musician Fanuel engaging adults and carers across South Shields and Sunderland.

Through these initiatives, GemArts fostered creativity, connection, and cultural exchange, combining artistic practice with social engagement across the region.

Children and Young People

GemArts expanded the reach and depth of our rich cultural offer for Children and Young People across the North East within schools and community settings offering unparalleled access to high quality culturally diverse arts opportunities. Working in some of the most deprived areas/wards in the region GemArts schools programme supported curriculum topics, diversity weeks, arts weeks, anti-racism, respect agenda, summer transition and contributed towards SMSC development. We worked with 36 schools (primary and secondary) and supported 8 schools across the North East to achieve and maintain Arts Mark as well as delivering creative CPD sessions with teachers in 2 primary schools.

GemArts supported 10 young people to achieve Arts Award (Discover and Bronze). From experience, we know accessible, accredited learning like Arts Award makes a huge difference to young people from minority ethnic communities and starts to address the balance in attainment gaps. Highlights include:

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GemArts worked in partnership with Durham Council International Office to offer schools in rural communities artists residencies and a diverse cultural offer to support them to work towards gaining accreditation under the British Council’s award scheme. Belmont secondary school hosted a transition project for Year 6 and 7’s. Madhura Godbole, Breeze George, Fanuel Kaphuma, Jayamini de Silva, Lip Lee, Payal Ramchandani and Mestre Pelicano delivered a carousel of dance, visual arts and music activity. They then worked with small groups (2-4 students) to deliver the same individual workshop in six feeder schools engaging with 1200 pupils.

As in previous years we worked in partnership with South Tyneside Music Hub. This year we worked with more schools across South Shields and Fanuel delivered African drumming workshops and assembly performances with students at 17 schools. Feedback has been outstanding from schools and young people, enging with 1160 participants in workshops and 5638 assembly audience members.

We continued to deliver Music Production and DJ’ing sessions at Woodlands PRU in Durham during term time with music leader Adam Cogdon every Wednesday. These are one to one session with 13 young people who are SEN. April Olatunji continued to deliver vocal, choir and piano sessions on Thursday and Friday’s at Excelsior Academy ensnaring with 38 students per week.

Other schools’ projects included visual arts workshops with Emma Sheridan and African drumming with Fanuel at Roman Road, and creative workshops with year 5 and 6 at Caedman School (Gateshead) led by Sofia Barton and Jayamini de Silva for Masala Mini Mela. Diwali and Comic Con activities took place at Leadgate Primary in Consett, while Grange View hosted Tai Chi and African drumming sessions. At Dilston College (Northumberland), young people with learning disabilities, Autism Spectrum Disorder, and complex needs engaged in tailored arts activities. In Sunderland, Pui Lee delivered seven weeks of Chinese art workshops for reception through year 5 students, both during class time and in after-school sessions, providing accessible, hands-on creative opportunities across the region.

GemArts’ flagship East by North East youth music programme continued to engage over 200 young people each week, strengthening partnerships across six host organisations—North Benwell Youth Project, Life Transformational Church, Excelsior Academy, Benfield School, Side by Side, and others— across Newcastle and Gateshead. The programme provides young people from Global Majority and wider communities, often living in challenging circumstances, with high-quality, culturally diverse musicmaking opportunities.

The programme is youth-led, offering regular weekly sessions, accreditation, progression routes, sharing events, and performances. A key element is diversifying the regional music workforce through CPD, training, and development for practitioners.

Young participants formed The Compass Group to shape the programme, organise events, and lead marketing, including performances at community festival Benstock, Pride, and creative initiatives such as a silent disco litter pick in Byker.The annual Christmas EBNE Celebration showcased performances from across the programme, attended by around 100 family members and friends.

GemArts continued music provision to Peterlee in County Durham in partnership with Creative Youth Opportunities. Music leaders Adam Cogdon delivered music production, rap and lyric writing workshops with young people to prevent anti-social behaviour. Music leaders April and Holly delivered workshops at Ash Green Way, a permanent traveller site during June and July with 15 participants.

We supported Dhol Drumming session led by music leader Rosh Landa every Friday (term time) at Diversity Hub, Newcastle with 15 young people and 10 adults attending each week.

In partnership with St Chads in Gateshead a successful bid to the Holiday Action Fund enabled GemArts music leaders: Fred Phethean, George Otigbah, Georgia May Turnbull, Holly McGrath and Kema Kaye to deliver lyric writing, music recording and singing workshops at St Chad’s for young people during summer holidays.

GemArts have collaborated with Gateshead Music Hub on Youth Voice: Reverberate, a group of young people shaping Gateshead’s cultural scene. Members organise events, attend gigs, and help influence

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how arts and music are taught in schools. The programme develops skills, gives young people a voice in decision-making, and makes the cultural landscape more accessible and vibrant for their peers. In July the group of young people delivered a 1 day event at Glasshouse involving 10 schools and 16 musicians/workshop leaders.

GemArts creative practice highlights the confidence, skills, and cultural identity young people gain through music and engaging with diverse positive role models. The programme continues to demonstrate the power of music to foster social change, community cohesion, empowerment, improving health and wellbeing, belonging, leadership, talent development and progression.

This year, GemArts developed two new partnerships to expand creative opportunities. With South Tyneside Libraries, workshops celebrated the Great North Run. Lily led a flags workshop at The Word, Pui Lee ran print and award sessions at Cleadon Park Library, Fanuel delivered African drumming at the Finisher’s Pavilion for 500 school children, and Sofia Barton led bookmark-making workshops for families.

With Young Women’s Outreach Project, Gateshead, GemArts delivered a diverse programme of arts workshops for young women. African drumming was delivered by Mark Barfoot and Fanuel Kaphuma, watercolours by Pui Lee, illustration by Sofia Barton, Chinese ink by Lip Lee, and rangoli by Jayamini de Silva. Sessions engaged 6–28 participants each, offering immersive experiences in global arts practices and creative skill development.

Our Mini Mela at Masala Festival in July and at Caedmon Hall during February half term were both a great success attracting children and family audience of over 900 to both; we extended the Mini Mela offer and programmed a full day of culturally diverse arts activities at Darlington Hippodrome and Hullabuloo Theatre on 8 April attracting 700 children and families.

GemArts celebrated diverse cultural and faith festivals throughout the year. For India Independence Day at Newcastle Civic, Emma Sheridan led South Asian-inspired collage workshops, and Mani Kambo ran gem rangoli sessions. Our Diwali programme was highly popular: at Middlesbrough Hippodrome Madhura Godbole delivered Bollywood dance workshops, Jayamini led mandala sessios for families, and Emma Sheridan created lanterns for Newcastle Hindu Temple fireworks parade attended by over 3,500 people. In January 2025, Lunar New Year of the Snake was marked in Durham with visual arts workshops led by Lip Lee and Pui Lee, alongside Tai Chi sessions, offering creative and cultural engagement for the community.

GemArts participatory arts programme has continued to engage with diverse communities that are marginalised and least engaged, we have offered culturally relevant arts opportunities and have demonstrated the positive impact of our artistic practice in keeping people connected, creative, reducing isolation and improving their health and wellbeing.

Sector-wide, GemArts has taken a leadership role in advocating for the value of creativity and diversity at a strategic level. Through exemplary practice, the organisation has supported the development of minority ethnic communities, artists, practitioners, and leaders, and continues to be recognised as a leading voice in the diversity arts sector.

Despite ongoing challenges, GemArts has demonstrated resilience, adaptability, and innovation, responding effectively to local, regional, and national policy agendas. Strong partnerships with local authorities, educational institutions, children’s and adult services, and cultural, voluntary, and public sector organisations have strengthened the reach and long-term impact of our work. These relationships have also enabled us to secure commissioning opportunities and funding from trusts and foundations to deliver shared strategic objectives.

We thank our funders, trusts and foundations, donors, sponsors, and partners for their continued support, and extend our gratitude to our artists, volunteers, staff, trustees, communities, participants, and audiences for their generosity, commitment, and resilience.

www.gemarts.org

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Signed on behalf of the Trustees

Name Manjit Singh Dhindsa Position Chair
Signature Manjit Singh Dhindsa Date 28thJanuary 2026
Name Angela Singh Position Treasurer
Signature Angela Singh Date 28thJanuary 2026

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Independent Examiners Report

Report to the trustees/members of Gateshead Visible Ethnic Minorities Support Group on Accounts for the year ended 31 March 2024 set out on pages 13-20.

Respective responsibilities of trustees and examiner

The charity’s trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. The charity’s trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year under regulation 3(3) and section 144(2) of the 2011 Act do not apply and that an independent examination is needed.

Having satisfied myself that the charity is not subject to audit under company law and is eligible for independent examination; it is my responsibility to:

Basis of examiner’s statement

My examination was carried out in accordance with General Directions given by the Charity Commissioners. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with these records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts, and seeking explanations from the trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit, and consequently no opinion is given as to whether the accounts present a ‘true and fair view’ and the report is limited to those matters set out in the statement below.

Independent examiner’s statement

In connection with my examination no matter has come to my attention:

Keith Blackett FMAAT

Date 28/01/2026 Signed K Blackett (Electronically Signed)

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Consolidated Statement of Financial Activities For the year ended 31 March 2025

Income and Endowments from:

Donations and Legacies Charitable Activities Other Trading Activities Investments Total Income and Endowments

Expenditure on: Raising Funds Charitable Activities Other resources expended Total Expenditure Income less Expenditure before transfers Transfers Total Funds brought forward Total funds carried forward

Note Unrestricted Designated
Restricted
Funds
Funds
Funds
£
£
£		 Total
Funds
2024-25
£		 Total
Funds
2023-24
£
15,550
0
0
103,495
0
275,970
0
0
1,574
0
0		 15,550
379,465
0
1,574
11,060
400,772
0
1,013
120,619
0
275,970		 396,589 412,845
54,712
277,124		 0
331,836
0
300,768
0
55,366
0
277,124		 331,836 300,768
65,907
0
(1,154)		 64,753 112,077
0
0
0
132,598
170,500
395,109		 0
698,207		 0
586,130
198,505
170,500
393,955		 762,960 **698,207 **

Registered Charity No. 1008100

Page 15 of 22

Consolidated Balance Sheet

As at 31 March 2025

Note
Current Assets
Stocks and Work in Progress
Debtors
Investments
Cash at Bank and In Hand
Total Current Assets
Liabilities
Creditors: Amounts falling due within one year
Total Current Assets less Current Liabilities
Creditors: Amounts falling due after one year
Net assets or liabilities including pension asset or
liability
The Funds of the Charity:
Restricted income funds
Designated Funds
Unrestricted income funds
TOTAL CHARITY FUNDS		 Total
Funds
2024-25
£
0
0
0
762,960		 Total Funds
2023-24
£
0
0
0
698,207
762,960 698,207
(300) (300)
(300) (300)
0 0
762,660 697,907
394,609
170,500
197,851		 395,109
170,500
132,598
762,960 698,207

Signed by one or two of the Trustees on behalf of all the Trustees:

Name Manjit Singh Dhindsa Position Chair Signature Date 28[th ] January 2026 Manjit Singh Dhindsa Name Angela Singh Position Treasurer Signature Date 28[th] January 2026 Angela Singh

Registered Charity No. 1008100

Page 16 of 22

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the period to 1 April 2024 to 31 March 2025

1 Accounting Policies

Basis of Preparation

Basis of Preparation

These Financial Statements have been prepared in accordance with Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective January 2015) – Charities SORP (FRS 102).

Gateshead Visible Ethnic Minorities Support Group meets the definition of a public benefit entity under FRS 102. Assets and liabilities are initially recognised at historical cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant accounting policy note(s).

Incoming Resources

These are included in the Statement of Financial Activities (SOFA) when:

Donations are only included in the SOFA when the charity has unconditional entitlement to the resources.

Capital Grants are released over the economic useful life of the asset to which they relate

Resources Expended and Liabilities

Resources expended have been analysed using a natural classification.

Liabilities are recognised as soon as there is a legal or constructive obligation committing the charity to pay out resources.

Taxation

The charity is exempt from corporation tax on its charitable activities.

Registered Charity No. 1008100

Page 17 of 22

2 Funds

The Charity has 3 funds, an unrestricted general fund, a designated fund, comprising 3 months running costs and redundancy liabilities as per the reserves policy, and a restricted fund used for

Restricted Funds
Fund Name
GVEMSG
MEMCO and Warm Spaces
GVEMSG Total
GEM ARTS
Arts Council England - NPO
Catalyst
National Foundation for Youth Music
Gateshead Council - ESF - CLLD
Town Hall
ACE - Culture Against Racism
GMBC - Gateshead Covid Champions
Programme
Bluestone Collaborative -
WellNewcastleGateshead
Cumbria NHS
Lankelly Chase - Bridgebuilder
Lankelly Chase - English Language Enquiry
GMBC - Gateshead VCS Community Health
Lankelly Chase - Deaf Festival
Lankelly Chase - Homework Club
UKSPF
VCSE Health Alliance Fund
GEM ARTS Total
TOTAL RESTRICTED FUNDS
Designated Funds
Fund Name
Contingency and Redundancy Liability
TOTAL DESIGNATED FUNDS
Unrestricted Funds
Fund Name
GVEMSG - General Fund
GEM Arts - General Fund
TOTAL UNRESTRICTED FUNDS
TOTAL FUNDS		 Incoming
Outgoing
Balances
b/f
Resources
Resources
Transfers
Balance
c/f
£
£
£
£
£
4,440
500
(405)
0
4,535
4,440
500
(405)
0
4,535
102,233.00
202,208.00
-
(170,924.00)
133,517
95,688.00
0.00
0.00
95,688
19,152.00
15,000.00
(28,632.00)
5,520
27,044.00
0.00
0.00
27,044
7,770.00
0.00
0.00
7,770
2,517.00
0.00
0.00
2,517
15,324.00
0.00
0.00
15,324
4,948.00
0.00
0.00
4,948
26,345.00
0.00
0.00
26,345
66,188.00
0.00
(35,306.00)
30,882
10,184.00
0.00
(3,999.00)
6,185
7,194.00
10,000.00
(4,541.00)
12,653
6,082.00
15,840.00
(21,922.00)
0
0.00
13,600.00
(1,992.00)
11,608
0.00
10,000.00
(9,076.00)
924
0.00
8,822.00
(327.00)
8495
0.00
0.00
0.00
0
390,669
275,470
(276,719)
0
389,420
395,109
275,970
(277,124)
0
393,955
Incoming
Outgoing
Balances
b/f
Resources
Resources
Transfers
Balance
c/f
£
£
£
£
£
170,500
0
170,500
0
170,500
0
0
0
170,500
Incoming
Outgoing
Balances
b/f
Resources
Resources
Transfers
Balance
c/f
£
£
£
£
£
6,540
0
(60)
6,480
126,058
120,619
(54,652)
0
192,025
132,598
120,619
(54,712)
0
198,505
698,207
396,589
(331,836)
0
762,960

purchasing items of a specific: hence all movements on each fund are disclosed.

Registered Charity No. 1008100

Page 18 of 22

Purpose of Funds GVEMSG a) MEMCO transfer

GemArts

Analysis of Income and Expenditure 2024-25

Income and Endowments from:
Donations and Legacies
GEM ARTS
Sponsorship and Donations
GEM ARTS Donations and Legacies Total
GVEMSG
Box Office - Cash
Grants
GVEMSG Charitable Activities Total
GEM ARTS
Arts Council England - NPO
National Foundation for Youth Music
UKSPF
GMBC - Gateshead VCS Community Health
Lankelly Chase - Deaf Festival
Lankelly Chase - Homework Club
VCSE Health Alliance Fund
Other incoming resources
GEM ARTS Charitable Activities Total		 Unrestricted
Designated
Restricted
Total		 Unrestricted
Designated
Restricted
Total

15,550		 -
15,550
0
0
15,550
0
0		 15,550
0
0
500		 0
0
500
0
0
500		 500
202,208
15,000
10,000
10,000
15,840
13,600
8,822		 202,208
15,000
10,000
10,000
15,840
13,600
8,822
0
0
0
275,470		 275,470
0
0
275,970		 275,970

Registered Charity No. 1008100

Page 19 of 22

Fundraising Income
Fundraising Income
Investment Income
Bank Interest Earned
Other Incoming Resources
Total Income and Endowments
Expenditure on:
Charitable Activities
GVEMSG
Refreshments/Catering
Bank Charges
Rent/Telephone/Internet
Training and Development
Venue Hire
Volunteer Expenses/travel/transport
Community Worker wages
GVEMSG Total Charitable Activities
GEM Arts
Artist Fees, Materials & Production
Food Deliveries, Refreshments and Volunteer
Expenses
Venue & Tech
Org Dev and Catalyst
Marketing/PR/Doc
Evaluation
IT and Equipment
Stationery/Printing/Postage
Insurance
Phone/Internet
Rent
Expenses
Wages and Pensions
Payroll Admin
Independent Examination of Accounts
Bank Charges
GEM ARTS Total Charitable Activities
Raising Funds
Total Resources Expended		 0
0
0		 0
0
0
0
0
0		 0
1,574
0		 1,574
1,574
0
0		 1,574
103,495
0
0		 103,495
103,495
0
0		 103,495
120,619
0
275,970		 396,589
60
0
0
0		 0
60
0
0
0
0
0
60
0
0		 60
54,652
106,366
5,573
5,065
4,525
4,298
0
2,444
543
1,133
750
3,492
1,898
140,298
0
379
300
60		 161,018
5,573
5,065
4,525
4,298
0
2,444
543
1,133
750
3,492
1,898
140,298
379
300
60
54,652
0
278,167		 331,776
0
0
0
0		 0
54,712
0
277,124		 331,836

Registered Charity No. 1008100

Page 20 of 22

Support Costs

Support Costs
Support Cost Type
GVEMSG
Insurance
Rent/Telephone/Internet
Sessional Staff
Stationery/Equipment
Training and Development
Volunteer Expenses/travel/transport
Community Worker wages
GVEMSG Total Support Costs
GEM ARTS
Venue & Tech
Marketing/PR/Doc
Evaluation
IT and Equipment
Stationery/Printing/Postage
Insurance
Phone/Internet
Expenses
Wages
Payroll Admin
Independent Examination of Accounts
GEM ARTS Total Support Costs
Total Support Costs
3
Staff Costs		 Fundraising
Charitable
Governance
Activity
Activity
Activity
£
£
£
-
Total
Cost
£
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-- -
5,065
4,298
-
2,444
543
1,133
750
1,898
140,298
379
300		 -
5,065
4,298
2,444
543
1,133
750
1,898
140,298
379
300
156,808
300		 157,108
156,808
300		 157,108
Employees
GVEMSG
Salaries and NI		 Unrestricted
Restricted
Funds
Funds
£
£
0		 2024-25
Total
£
0
0
GVEMSG Total Employee Costs 0 0
GEM ARTS
Salaries and NI
Pension
Child Care Vouchers
Payroll Fees		 134,053
6,245
379		 134,053
6,245
0
379
GEM ARTS Total Employee Costs 0
140,677		 140,677
Total Employee Costs 0
140,677		 140,677

Registered Charity No. 1008100

Page 21 of 22

2024-25 Number 6

3 full time and 3 part time employees

These costs were for the employment of 3 full time and 3 part time members of staff and include Employer’s NI. All other staff are casually employed tutors/facilitators. No member of staff was paid remuneration of £60,000 or more.

4 Trustees remuneration, benefit and expenses

There were none during this period.

5 Debtors

There are no debtors at this time.

6 Creditors

Independent Examination Fee Unrestricted
Restricted
Funds
Funds
£
£
300		 2024-25
Total
£
300
-
300- 300

7 Related Party Disclosures

There were no related parties during this period.

8 Taxation

Due to the nature of its activities, the charity is exempt from tax on income and gains falling within section 505 of the Taxes Act 1988 or s256 of the Taxation of Chargeable Gains Act 1992 to the extent that these are applied to its charitable objects. Accordingly, there is no taxation charge in these accounts.

9 Transfer

Due to increased costs there was a requirement to transfer additional funds to the designated fund, to ensure that the reserves policy would be met.

Registered Charity No. 1008100

Page 22 of 22