Halesowen/Dudley Yemeni Community Association Annual Report and Financial Statements For year ended 31 March 2025 Registered Charity No. 1034937 Halesowen/Dudley Yemeni Community Association INDEX 31 Iwlarch 2025 Page Information Executive Committee 's Report 2to8 Statement of Financial Activities Balance Sheet 10 Notes to the Financial Statements 11 to 18 Independent Examiners Report 19 Halesowen/Dudley Yemeni Community Association CHARITY INFORMATION Management Committee Mr Marwan Bakaili Mr Saiff Salih Mr Mo-Ammar Abdo Mr Mhmoud Thafer Mr Basheer Edhah Mrs tbtisam Kassim Mr Khaled Abdo Chair Vice Chair Secretary Treasurer Comm member Comm member and Ivomens Lead Vice Secretary Charity Number 1034937 Charlty Correspondence Address Halesowen Cultural Centre Highfield Lane Halesowen West Midlands B63 4SG Independent Examiner Gary Peter Brookes FCA Bsc 130 Woinboume Park Wombourne S Staffs WV5 OLY Bankers Barclays Bank PLC Halesowen Branch Dudley Area Group of Branches PO Box No 9 Dudley West Midlands DYI I PP page I Halesowen & Dudley Yemeni Community Association Executive Committees, Report for the year ended 31 March 2025 The Executive CorrLmittee present their report and accounts for the year ended 31 March 2025. Structure governance and management. The Charitable Trust is constituted by Trust Deed for the proinoling awareness of the Yemeni culture and the Islamic Faith, advancement of education, relief of poverty, and the provision of recreational facilities in the interest of social welfare with the object of improving the conditions of life for the said inhabitants. The prime focus of the associatton is to address all these issues as far as they relate to the requirement of the Yemeni population within the Halesowen and Dudley areas. This was done by the setting up of an interim community centre where various known activities can be arranged managed and performed. The Executive Committee named on P1( ITe one has served during the year. Appointment of F.xecutive Committee is govemed by the Trust Deed of the charity. The Board ot" Executive Committee is authorised to appoint new Executive Committee lo fill vacancies arising through resignation or death oran existing trustee. 7 trustees are chosen at the AGM by nomination and subsequent election. At the same time 3 more members are co-opted of which two will be women and will be required to be involved as specitic needs arise throughout the year. New trustees are inducted according to individual requirements they will be given a copy ot the constitution, recent accounts and newsletters, policies and procedures, roles and responsibilities together with board meeting minutes and papers. Appropriate training is made available where and when required. Objectives and Activities The policy of the CliaritableTrust continues lo seek additional finance and support lo continue to run the projects funded and to initiate a review process to ensure the Trust adequately complies with the changing environment of the charity world and sufficiently prepare to meet the challenges ahead. How ovr rdctivities deliver ublic benefit The trustees confLrn] that they have complied with the duty in Section 4 ot.the Charities Act 2006 to have regard to the Charity Commission's general guidance on public benefit "Charities and Public Benefit" Our main activities and who we try help are described below., _ Achievements performance The trust has continued to provide a valuable role to the local community in maintaining its high standards of service and benefits in meeting the increasing needs of the growing Yemeni community numbered at approximately over 5000. The success of the new centre built in April 2018 has continually resulted in a yearly increase of users from the wider diverse community. In 2022 the trust was honoured and proud to receive the Queens Award in recognition for its voluntary service to the community. This is the highest accolade a voluntary organisation receives in recognition of its outstanding work with the conununity. The trust has been busy throughout the financial year with a weekly series of programmes at the new modem facility. The excellenc modern facilities have provided the platforn] required to meet thc needs of its users and beneficiaries. It has provided the required capacity to continue with current programmes and implement new projects dependent on funding. page 2 Halesoiven & Dudley Yemeni Community Association Executive Committees, Report for the year ended 31 March 2025 (contd) The on-going prograrnmes are as follows.. Licenced Venue for Civil and Religious Marriages In late 2023 the trust was successfully granted a marriage licence to conduct civil and religious marriage ceremonies at the centre. This service has proved to be a vital and successful addition in meeting the needs of the community in central Halesowen. Place of Worship. In 20? I the centre has part of the tacility registered as a place ot religious worship. Arabic Lanouage classes This is a vital long-tem] programme that meets the demands of the community from both Arabic and Non- Arabic speaking individuals. It serves a high number of beneficiaries from younu children to adults. GCSE Arabic Classes. Working in partnership with a local high school, providingy an opportunity for young people lo gain a qualification in spoken and written Arabic. lathematics Support clas.ses. Extra support lor young people outside schools, hours to assist with their GCSE ambitions for such a vital subject. Quran Classes A proiTrrainine of classes that teaches tlie re¢iding and uiiderslanding of Islam's Holy Scripture in the classical Arabic langyuage. The sesbions include adulib and children's classes. ESOL Classes (Women) This programme is English Language classes for women held weekly in partnership with a local college. Day Trips Activities The trust atTangyes day trips activities for families and children which have proved very successful and enjoyable for the community. Shaw Trust The trust has built a strong relationship working in partnership in helping the unemployed return to employment. The facilities are used over a period of 2 to 3 dayb during the working week providing advice, assessnients and training. This partnership will complete its course and end by March 2025. Slimming World The trust worked in partnership Slimming World by allowing th¢ facility for a short-tenn period to be available for two sessions a week. This has proved very popular with increasing numbers registering. The trust is platming to work with Slimming World on a longer-tenn basis. NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme. An important partnership educating and providing valuable advice and guidance in preventing Diabetes. Cultural Activities An important activity with the participation of the local Yemeni community who socialise and meet at the centre to celebrate Yemeni culture. This creates and builds bridges of understanding with the local community. The return of Cultural and Social events are invaluable with activities held in partnerships with the police, community and educational organisations to celebrate educational and inspirational achievements. page 3 Halesowen & Dudley Yemeni Community Association Executive Committees, Report for the year ended 31 March 2025 (contd) Interfaith Dialogue. The trust has built close friendship and trust working in partnership with local churches, schools, colleges and police in building bridges of understanding. This includes having meetingys, arrangring visits and providing presentations of the work and services available to all. Advice & Information Service This is a vital and important service to the both the Yemeni and the wider community due to the language barrier. It provides an access to the community to help resolve problems and hardship. Advice is giving on various issues such as.. Employment Weltare Benefits Housing & Council Benefits Housing Acconimodatioii Education Training Courses Ith AdviLe Imtnigyration Passports Translation (English to Arabic) Debi Advice. British Nationality Job Search Opportunities The centre is also used as a drop-in facility for members of the community to access infonnation for employment. Health Awareness Sessions Sessions held with Mental Health advice, healthy eating, and advice on fasting during the holy of Ramadic n especially to individuals with health issues. Trainin¢y sessions The Management Cornmittee, staff and volunteers attended relevant Iraining courses to help further improve the running of the orgyanisation. This includes sategyuarding, teacher training, health and safety and first aid training. Youth Project Activities The trust has provided activities and awareness sessions for young people covering a wide area of issues. The trust was successful in receiving tunding of £25,000 from the Heart of England also £20.000 from The National Lottery Community Fund. The youth centre building is currently leased from the local authority. The trust is currentLy in final discussions with the local authority in renegotiating a new lease agreement to find a solution that will help the trust develop the youth centre facility and its surroundings area. The trust is proposing a new development of a sporting facility and a youth centre. Elderly and Disabled Luncheon Club The Elderly and Disabled Luncheon Club service has returned to the centre however at present the numbers are very Eow due to the lack of funding. page 4 Halesowen & Dudley Yemeni Community Association Executive Committees, Report for the year ended 31 March 2025 (eontd). Wotnen's Group Project. The trust was successful in receiving funding of £15,400 to cover a range of activities such as sewing classes and Infom]ation Technology classes and exercise sessions t.or women. This was a great success which the trust is sourcing further funding to meet demand. Children Summerlwinter activities The trust was successful in receiving t"unding from Dudley CVS of £4,000 for summer activities and £1,500 for the winter period. The programmes included day trips, outdoor recreation activities, arts and cratls, paintball trip, trampoline park trip and fun day events. IWIediationlSupport Service The trust is now providing a mediation and support service lo the community to help discuss and resolve various issues wiihin the community. This has proved lo be constructive and welcomed by the beneficiaries and wider community. Bereavement Support. A valuable support service to help and assist individuals and t"amilies during the dI￿lcult period ot bereavement by offering guidance and support Ihrougyhoul when required. Other activities The trust hi1S been successful in m<1king the facilities available tor hire. The centre has been used for cornmunily meetings by other diverse groups includingi visits by local Meinber ot Parliament, Councillors, NHS staE't" and educational seminars etc. The trust also works in partnership with West Midlands police as a third-parly reporting cenlre. The trust would not be able lo provide such an extensive service to our beneficiaries without the willing support staff who gyive their services voluiitarily. page 5 Halesowen & Dudley Yemeni Community Association Executive Committees, Report for the year ended 31 March 2025{contd) Review of business The gross overall income for the year was higher al £210,627 (Cp £144,867 2024) this was predominately donations specifically received towards the construction of the new Community Building The overall day to day expenditure increased to £169,941 (cp £146,628 2024) in line with additional youth income and related expenditure However, in recent years the mainly restricted surplus funds resources have been used to acquire and develop the facilities shown in the balance sheet al £1,014,472 to date. Future Plans The trust continues lo develop aiid be ambitious in its plans to meet the new demands and challenges ahead of an ever changing social and economic climate. The Queens Award achievement in 20?2 is an important recognition in the vital work tlie trust provides to all ils beneticiaries. The trust recognises the importance ot niaintaining a high level of service. Since tlie openingy of the new Lenlre in 2018 the opportunities this has created have been immeasurable. The trust is in discussions clnd is due lo tinalise an agrreeinent with the Ioc<11 authority of a neiv much iniproved land lease agreemeiii that will seLure th¢ long-term tuture ot, the trust tor many gTeneralions. The trust continues to develop and be ambitious iii its plans to meet the new demands and challengy¢s ahead of an ever chaiiging social and economic climate. The trubl has contiiiued to sourLe funds to cover the operational costs. The centre provides a modern higli-lech facility that is a viti11 requireinent in altrc1Cting organisations lo Iiire lor tr1( ining and conferences providing a valuable income stream. Tlie trust has a made a coinmitnient lo continue the Luncheon Club Prograrnme on a voluntary basis. FundingF will continue lo be sourced. The trust is working on a 5-year Business plan from July 20?4 in targelingF the future opportunities and chc2llenges ahead. It is ainbitious in its plan of continuous growth and improving ils services and operations to cater t.or the ever-changying social eiivironmeni. The increasing Yemeni population within the borough has resulted in ever increasing pressures on the association to cater the needs and demands of the community. The Yemeni community is still a poor conllnunity. and the association has a vital role in improving the future prospects and opportunities of the current and future genercilion of Yemenis withiii the Dudley Borough. This is especially true in the fields of education, training and t'uture employment. However, we are now witnessing a 2 generation of young Yemenis achieving academic success graduating from top universities. The trust is confident that they will aspire to step up and be the role models to become community leaders to take the trust forward, the trust also has the increased responsibility of catering the needs of other Arabic speaking communities from Iraq, Syria and North Africa. The numbers are increasing each year with many requiring urgent assistance of support to help settle in a new environment. The trust is working with bid writers to source the required funding for a centre manager to manage a growing operation at the trust facility that has now become a major Iiub serving the local cotnmunity. page 6 Halesojven & Dudley Yemeni Community Association Executive Committees, Report for the year ended 31 March 2025(contd) The trust has worked extremely hard and contributed to a leading role in helping to nurture young people to academic success. The trust is in the process of completing and sourcing funding applications to help meet the demaiids and increased services of the new centre. The trust has taken on an ambitious project in developing and further increasing the required services to meet the demands of an ever-increasing Yemeni population. The new centre has given the trust the ambition and confidence to meet the chaLlenges ahead. This provides a tough challenge for the association which the management COtTllnittee and members alike will work hard in ensuring thal the association will achieve its targets in safeguarding the well-being of the community. The trust is in negotiations with the local authority to discuss a new lease arrangement covering a much wider are<1 that includes the current new build and adjacent land that includes a youth centre and an outdoor sporting facility. The trust is looking lo source fijnding lo regenerate an area of land with a new recreational and n]odem sporting tacility that will become a major venue to a wider comtnunity. The trust is continuously assessed by working parties made up of Executive Committee, Volunteers and External parties, acting in a consultative capacity. These reviews cover all aspects of the 'l'rust includingy the groverning document, management and policies ofthe trust. Current Strategy The trust is always in the process oE'completing fundintr applicc1tions lo meet the needs and demands of running a modern facility. The trust has a steady income stream from the Iiire ot the facililies. The centre has bL¢n dependant on many volunteers to work at the centre to continue the necessary services urgTenily required by the community. Core funding is imperative for the continuation and the buildingr up of thib emergiiig valuable resource. The trust has maintained lo continue V21 rious projcLts such as the luiicheon club voluntarily until further fundingy is sourced. The trust has been successful in sourcing tunding for youth projects and is Lurrenlly working with bid writers with applications to secure funding to continue current projects and also tor tuture projects. The trust Is currently renegotiating a new longy lenn lease agreement that will turther strengthen its position to source long lem] funding on vital services and projects. A major priority will be the potential redevelopment of the Youth Centre site and its surroundings. Negyotiations are still on-going with the local authority with regyards lo its future and the tunding source required for tlie necessary work to regenerate the site and to build a new youth and sporting facility. The trust will always continue to maximise the huge potential of the new centre by marketing its excellent conference facilities for hire. This will potentially increase the income revenue substantially over the next financial year. The ambitious plans for the development of the association are of paramount importance to its future long- tern] success in improving the current and providing the urgent services required catering for the ever- changing needs of the Yemeni community and also the wider local diverse communities. The new modem facility with a comfortable accessible environment for all will provide the injection required in helping the assoctation to achieve its aims and objectives by providing a platfonn t.or the Yemeni and the wider community in helping to improve their quality of life. page 7 Halesowell & Dudley Yemeni Community Association Executive Committees, Report for the year ended 31 March 2025(contd) Risks and Reserves Policy The trust would value embracing projects and schemes that leave scope for some <1ccumulation of funds for working capital and contingent liability requirements. As the cash backed reserves are relatively low the reserves policy is to fuLly utilise these funds as working capital given the familiar problems ot grants after financial commitments have been made. The invaluable long temi statutory core funding is imperative for the continuation and the building up of this emerging valuable cotnmunity resource. Goin(v Concern The Executive Committee consider that after making enquires, they have a re> no trust¢e received personal expenses other than minor travel costs and one grass cutting event 10 Staff Costs No remun¢ration was paid to the Irusteeb Ln the year Gross Salaries NHI Employers Pension Costs 385 202) 670 2024 60,199 2,278 581 63,058 61,427 2,278 1,030 64,735 There were a number of part lime (pt) workers during the year Tutors all pt Admin Centre Cleaner I Caretaker (both pt) io 10 page 15 HalesowenlDudley Yemeni Community Association Notes to the Accounts for the Year to 31st March 2025 11 Fixed Assets Leasehold land Furniture & and premises Equipment Total Costlvalue as at l April 2024 1,126,202 35.760 1.161.962 additions at cost Disposal as al 31 March 2025 1.126,202 35,760 1,161,962 Depreciation as at l April 2024 90,096 34,648 l24,744 charge for the year Disposal as al 31 March 2025 22,524 222 22,746 112,6?0 34,870 147,490 Net book vftlue at as at 31 Nlarch 2025 1,013,582 890 1,014,472 Net book value at as at l April 2024 1 ,036.106 1,037,218 12 Debtors and Prepayments 2025 2024 Trade Debtors 4,904 4,904 4,411 4,411 13 Creditors: Amounts fallino due within one year. 2025 2024 Trade Creditors PAYE Accruals 2,050 2,050 1,900 1.900 pag¢ 16 Halesowen/Dudley Yemeni Community Association Notes to the Accounts for the Year to 3 1st March 2025 14 Bank & Cash Accounts 2025 2024 Current Account 35,586 3,158 Deposit account ( Building fund) Petty Cash 147.809 117,148 99 183,494 99 120,405 15 Restricted Fund Movements Fund Balances carried forward Fund Balances carried forward Incoming Resources Outgoing Resources Capital BuildingF tund 996,923 996,923 GenerY41 Projects Lunclieon Club BL Awards For All & West Midlands Police Commibsioner Youtli Projects New projects Arabic Scliool and Classes l14 114 1,000 45,000 20,900 47,251 113,151 32,294 5,500 41,674 79,468 13,706 15,400 45,838 1,071,981 40,261 1,038,298 Unreslricled Funds 21,836 97,476 90,473 28,839 Designated i 00,000 100,000 Total funds 1,160,134 210.627 169,941 1,200,820 Designated Funds These tunds havc been eamarked to complement funding applications for redevelopment of the youth and community centre annex 16 Related Party Transactions Nora Tliafer, one of the trustees relative, received £3,306 for the work carried out in the Arabic School Saiah Abdo is a relative of trustee Mo-Ammar Abdo and received £4,162 for the work carried out in the Arabic School Marwan Bakaili project reimbursed expenses 1755 including for ￿asS cutting £690 and £95 for travel Ibtisatn Kassim reimbursements for Youtli Project Activites £3,931 Other trustee relatives A Bakalli reimbursemcnts of £3,689 Y Bakalli reimbursements of £206 page 17 IlalesowenlDudley Yemeni Community Association Notes to the Accounts for the Year to 3 1st March 2025 17 Prior yeAr SOFA comparison Statement of Financial Activities for the Year to 31st March 2024 Restrlcii UnrestrlLted Toi#l Fundg 2024 2024 2024 2n24 Income Donations 13,500 63,791 77,291 Charitable activities 39,219 28,357 67,576 TOTAL 52.719 92,148 144,867 Expenditure Cliarilabl¢ Acliviti¢s 51,904 94,724 l46,628 TOTAL 51,904 94,724 146,62 Net Income 815 (2,5 76) (1,761) Reconcili￿ltIO￿ of fu nds Transfer of funds (59,000) (16,000) 75,000 Total funds brought forward 1,096,483 40,412 25,000 1,161,895 Total funds carried forward 1,038,298 21,836 100,000 1,160,I34 18 Aggregate Donations from Trustees In line with the requirement of Paragraph 9. l8 of FRS 102 Aggregate donations from trustees, related and connecled parties (7 in total) are of the order of £2,487 All were received without conditions page 18 Halesowen & Dudley Yemeni Community Association Independent Examiner's Report to the Executive Committee for the year ended 31 March 2025 I report to the charity trustees on my examination of the accounts of the charity for the year ended 31 March 2025, which are set out on the pages 9 to 18 Responsibilities and bvdsis of the report As the Charity's trustees you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts; and consider that the audit requireinent of section 144 (2) of the Charities Act 2011 (the ALt) does not apply and that an independent examination is needed. It is my responsibility to examine the accounts under section 144 (2) of the Act and state on the basis of procedures specified in the Directions given by the Cliarity Commissioners under section 145 {5) (b) of the Act, whether particular matters have come to my attention. Independent examiner's statement In connection with my completed examination. I confinn that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving cause to believe that in any material respect: Accounting records were not kept in respect of the charity as required by section 130 of the The accounts do not accord with those records. or The accounts do not coinply with the applicable reqiiireiments concerning the form and content of accounts set out in the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 other tlian any requirement th