Association of Blind Asians (Leeds) Charity number 1042621 Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2024 [0] r•l £EEDS WYCAS "co¥Mviii¥Y Accoviiiiwa WÈST YOR¥SIII•È
Association of Blind Asians (Leeds) Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2024 Contents Page Trustees. report 2to10 Examiner's report Receipts and payments account 12 Statement of assets and liabilities 13 Notes to the accounts 14to 16 Prepared by West Yorkshire Community Accountancy Service CIO
Association of Blind Asians (Leeds) Trustees. report for the year ended 31 March 2024 Reference and administrative details of the charity. its trustees and advisors The trustees during Ihe financial year and up to and including the date the report was approved were: Name Position Dates Kuldeep Bajwa Chair Leena Inamdar Chair Shindi Dahri Treasurer Janice Brown Secretsry Cllr Eileen Taylor Catherine Mahoney Annette Morris Ballu Patel Ummer Daraz Asghar Khar Resigned 25 April 2023 ResHJned 23 Januar! 2025 Deceased July 2024 Resigned 23 January 2025 Appointed 23 Januarv 2024 Appointed 25 November 2024 Charity number 1042621 Registered in England and Wales Registered and principal address Touchstone Support Centre 53-55 Harehills Avenue Leeds LS8 4EX Bankers Sanlander UK plc 55 Ouey Road Headingley, Leeds LS6 3A8 Virgin Money 6 Otley Road Headingley, Leeds LS6 2AA Independent examiner Simon Bostrom FCIE West Yorkshire Community Accountancy Service CIO Stringer House 34 Lupton Street Leeds LS10 2QW Structure, governance and management The charity is governed by a constitution adopted on 13 October 1994 as amended on 26 November 2010. Method of recruitment and appointment of trustees The trustees of the charity are appointed by the members at the AGM.
Association of Blind Asians (Leeds) Trustees. report (continued) for the year ended 31 March 2024 The charity's objects To promote the welfare of blind and partially sighted people of Asian origin and lor olher BME communilies resident in the city of Leeds and ils neight)ourhood. The charity's main activilies Visit clients al their homes One to one support and provide advice and information on various issues including benefits Drop-in sessions for clients to access support closer to their homes Luncheon club to access freshly cooked food Support to carers Support to patients after hospital care Public benefit statement In setting our objectives and planning our activities our Trustees have given serious consideration to the Charity Commission's general guidance on public benefit and in parlicular Ihe relief of those in need by reason of disability. Achievements and perforniance ABA Chairperson's report- Ms Kuldeep Bajwa This has been a really great year for ABA. We have vffjrked on several different projects like the Aasra, Sahara, and the Roshni Project. which support individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds with sight loss and their carers. We find a lol of people we work wrth experience health complications due to nol knowing where to go for the support they need or what they need. For example, the Roshni Project aims to bridge the gap for our service users to understand what is available to them. ABA works with service users in different ways to ensure that the information gets to our diverse communities in Leeds via the different projects we are funded to deliver. ABA has a lot of projects which allow us lo find different ways to ensure we can share the information with diverse communilies about what they can do and where they are able to receive statutory services lo improve their quality of life. As you can see from the CEO'S report the outline of the different projects and events such as -The Chai Project. and the South Asian Heritage Month were de ivered successfully in liaison with varied partners including the Leeds Playhouse. Leeds City Council and Ihe Police. All of which demonstrated the diversity of the work carried out by ABA. I would like lo say a big thank you to all the staff who have worked tirelessly in ensLJring that ABA delivers a very high-qLJality service lo our service users, and lo our CEO who has worked hard to ensure Ihat ABA is continuously funded to carry on the good work of ABA. To our funders, thank you for allowing ABA to grow by funding us. ABA CEO'S report- Mrs Debbani Ghosh This year, we have a lot to celebrate and share, thanks to the dedication and generosity of our staff, volunteers, and funders. We have also observed the challenges that our seclor is currently facing and because of these obstacles, our efforts lo secure funding and maintain our serViS have become increasingly difficult. Nevertheless. ABA has demonstrated remarkable resilience, adaptability, and teamwork in addressing these chaIngeS. While our usual aim has been to achieve service outcomes that avert social isolation, we have now placed a greater focus on economic well-being. This shift is highly appropriate given the current cost of INing crisis. As a result, we have increased service users, access to welfare rights and benefits. and certain funds, such as household support funds, have been parlicularly beneficial to those slruggling to meet their needs.
Association of Blind Asians (Leeds) Trustee5' report (continued) for the year ended 31 March 2024 This year has seen many highlights. including trips to the seaside, the Intemational Day of Older Disabled People. and the End of Year celebration. However, if I had to choose one stsndout experience, it would be the group activities that focused on co-production and engagement within the community. One of the most uplifting moments was when we collaborated to create a blankel for charity. This project truly captures our greatest achievement of the year. as reflected in the feedback we received= "Making a 'chakra' blanket for charity was our idea, but il was wonderful that ABA provided the wool for us to make the squares. We worked together, chatted, and laughed. It was my favourite activity." One of the most successful events was South Asian Heritage Month, which was attended by nearly 200 people, including many distinguished guesls from Leeds and beyond. This event, held at the Civic Hall in Leeds, provided a plarform for our service users lo take pride in their identity and the contributions made by immigrants in the city. Our service users are al the heart of everything we do at ABA. We consistentty listen to Iheir requests wilhin the group, and once those requests are acknowledged. we follow up on any feedback received. Although we were unable to bring the forum back to its full capacity since COVID-19. we continue to engage in consultations online, in-person. or in group settings. Finally. I would like to thank the Trustees for their clear leadership and direction. which enable me to focus on creating a better future for our organisalion. Leeds Playhouse- The Year of Culture Celebration As part of the Leeds 2023 Year of Culture. the Leeds Playhouse hosted an event called "Takeover by Older People., In April 2023. ABA facilitated a session titled "Make Your Own Chapali., During this session, service users demonstrated how to make authentic chapatis using family recipes. Attendees had the opporlunity to observe the process, taste the finished producls, and even try their hand at making chapatis themselves. A recipe was shared along with helpful tips for beginners. The session also covered budgeting aspects such as buying bulk, Icoking for offers on chapati flour. storing flour, online shopping for gluten-free options, avoiding impulse purchases, and freeng dough and chapatis. Additionally, participanls were encouraged to explore other recipes that use chapati flour, such as parathas and puris. The event involved 30 participants, including seniice users, guests. volunteers. and ABA staff. The Chai Project- funded by Awards for All ABA was awarded for The Chai Project. In a Joint initiative to celebrate the Queen's Platinum Jubilee, ABA partnered with the Balbir Singh Dance Company. We deltvered the project in three phases and completed it in three months. Service users had the opportunity to see and smell the tea before il was brewed. The groups discussed various brewing practices, from using a kettle to boiling tea in a pan. The facilitator shared information about different types of tea, induding black. green, and herbal tea. along with their benefits. The concluding celebration event was held on July 12, 2023, at the Bridge Community Centre in Leeds. A total of 30 participants, including service users, guests, volunteers, and ABA staff. attended the event. South Asian Heritage Month South Asian Heritage Month ISAHM) celebrates the rich cultural diversity of South Asian communities, highlighting their contributions to society. hislory, and traditions. ABA initiated the celebration of SAHM on 1 5th of August. This event promoted awareness of South Asian herilage through storytelling. music, art. dance, and the setting up of the Spice Corner. All people enjoyed SAHM. The event was followed by warm food at Leeds Civic Hall. Nearly 200 people attended the event. and 126 participated, including service users, guests, delegates, volunteers. and ABA staff
Association of Blind Asians (Leeds) Trustees. report (continued) for the year ended 31 March 2024 International Day of Older People International Day of Older People. a day dedicated to raising awareness aboul the issues affecting the elderly and celebrating their contributions. ABA secured funding and in partnership with Sikh Elders hosted a sports day at Ramgarhia Sports Centre for service users and their families. Activities were planned to meet the needs of the elderly, including egg and spoon races (we used ping pong balls) and playing catch with small bean bags. It was amazing to hear stories of gameslsports that brought back wonderful chiklhood memories - service users talked of games like hide and seek, hopscotch. and football. We had nearly 50 people who enjoyed taking part as well as watching and cheering others on. Lunch and refreshments were served. Forum Central Household Support Fund (HSF) In December 2023, ABA applied for a second round of funding from the Forum Central Household Support Fund (HSF) and was awarded funding lo assist vulnerable housenolds facing significanl increases in living costs, helping them meet immediate needs and addressing challenges related to energy and water bills, food, and other essentials. As a result, ABA provided support to 40 service users in the form of supermarket vouchers. Roshni Project - Overview of the Project The Henry Smith Project, led by ABA, supports individuals from culturally diverse and deprived communities facing sight loss or al risk of vision loss. The projecl addresses health complications caused by a lack of accessible information and healthcare by providing personalized support. advocacy, and promoting social inclusion. Between April 2023 and March 2024, ABA engaged the community through various methods, including face-to-face sessions, home visits. and outreach events, focusing on emotional and practical support, such as accessing benefits and navigating healthcare. Key aspects included promoting eye health awareness through community group sessions and weekly luncheon gatherings. These served as social outlels while providing valuable information on managing heallh and finances. ABA also collaborated with local organisations to host evenls that raised awareness and built a supportive nelwork for those experiencing sight loss. Activities Organised". Luncheon Groups.. Held l¢e weekly. these groups provide hot vegetarian meals. an opportunity to socialise, and access to workshops on topics such as eye health, cost of living. heallhy living, etc. This yeaf, we served 1590 hot vegetarian mea,s while providing M'o,"kshops on eye health and healthy living. Health Awareness Roadshows". We organised four roadSh0v covering blood pressure checks and assislive technology. which were attended by over 250 people. These roadshows were Ofganised in partnership with local organisalions and olher slakeholders. Group Sessions.. 78 total sessions from April 2023 to March 2024 focused on glaucoma awareness. budgeting. and well-being, as well as raising awareness of the importance of regular eye check-ups by visiting their opticians or Ophthalmologists at the eye clinics. Advocacy Support.. The team assisted 69 individuals with tasks like applwng for benefits and renewing bus passes. Key figures include 9 successful PIP applications and numerous sucSsful applications for carer's allowance. a blue badge, capacity for work and child benefits. along with 27 signposts lo other organisations. Trips- Organised a Summer trip to Bridlinglon in Augusl 2023 with 33 parlicipants and their families. Overall, the project has significantly impacled the community by providing essential support and fostering connections among those affected by sight loss.
Association of Blind Asians (Leeds) Trustees. report (continued) for the year ended 31 March 2024 Service User Case Study G has been a long-term Servi user with diabetes that affected her feet and eyes, and she was recently diagnosed with cancer. She became isolated due to her health condition and fear of infection, particularly during her chemotherapy Ireatmenl. ABA slaff supported G by booking hospital appointments, arranging interpreters, and Organing home visits. 'Staff ensured that she had both emotional and practical support, regularly checked in on her well-being, and arranged hospital transport for chemotherapy sessions. The ongoing contact has helped G feel less isolated and more confident about managing her care. Service User Case Study Mrs. 8, aged 84, faced tnulliple health challenges, including diabetes. blood pressure issues, and macular degeneration. She was admitted to hospital for five weeks and later received carer's allowance for her personal care. ABA support workers provided essential information and emotional support to her and her family about Direct Payments, ensuring they were fully infomied about their options. Although they ultimately chose not to proceed with Direct Payments, the family was grateful for the ongoing assistance. Preventing Sight Loss- Funded by Big Lottery Fund ABA secured funding from the Big Lottery Fund to strengthen operational activities and improve community engagement by recruiting Iwo individuals for this project= a Business Development Officer and a Community Engagement Worker. This year. we reviewed and enhanced our HR systems to support staff well-being and monitored HR-related documents. The Business Development Manager played a key role in this process, which was crucial during a challenging period. Until September 2023. the Business Development Manager worked with a recruitment agency bul later took over responsibilities for advertising and conducting interviews. By March 2024, following renewed funding from the Henry Smith Fund, part-time Support Workers were hired. accompanied by newjob descriptions and salary structures. This period was particularly challenging for recruiting and retaining staff due to the competitive job market. Out of the 15 individuals involved in the recruilment process, only five remain, indicating a high attrition rate and significant resource loss. To improve our visibility, we are diligently working on enhancing our website to ensure better accessibility and a more user-friendly experience. The Busir.ess Development Vianage,- has also focused on identity'ng long-term contracts and funding for the sustsinable future of ABA. Funding from Live Well Leeds was secured for the Carers Project. and a successful appointment was made for the Carers Coordinator position. The Business Developmenl Manager has been at the forefront of most funding applications this year. demonslrating her commitment and leadership in securing the projecys financial stability. Community engagements Throughout the year, our outreach activities have been both successful and impaclful, positively influencing individuals and the broader community. The dedicated efforts of our Community Engagement worker, who actively engages with diverse groups. have significantly strengthened connections, provided essential support, and promoted our services. This has resulted in meaningful and lasting benefits for those we serve. Our focus on promoting ABA services and health awareness has led to 25 sessions. reaching over 670 individuals in various community groups. We delivered health awareness presenlalions lo groups including the Leeds Refugee Forum, Beeston Community Cenlre, Asha Women's Group, Shantona, Nuban Community Group, Women's Health Group Lincoln Green, Bahar Community Group, the Middle Eastern and Mediterranean Community (MEMECI. Better Health Group Barca Leeds, Hong Kong Community Group, Red Lychee Group, and Beetey Din Community Group, among others. These often hard-to-reach and isolated groups have greatly benefitted from our consistent efforts to engage and connect with the community.
Association of Blind Asians (Leeds) Trustees. report (continued) for the year ended 31 March 2024 Our community engagement efforts successfully connected over 61 individuals with our services through collaborations with Primary Care Networks {PCNs). Adult Social Care, health awareness initiatives. neorking, and community outreach. We established partnerships with 10 to 15 PCNS across Leeds, including Woodhouse, Bellbrooke Surgery ILS8 and LS9), Middleton & Hunslet. Armley PCN Network, as well as Seacroft PCN and developed referral pathways with community groups and organisations. Aasra Carers, Project- Funded by Live Well Leeds Overview of the Project The Aasra Project provides vital support lo unpaid carers. especially those from diverse communities, who often face significant challenges in their caregiving roles. These challenges include isolation alongside physical and emotional exhaustion and the difficulty of balancing caregiving with work and family responsibilities, which can leave little lime for selfacare. Recognising the importance of carers, well-being, the project offers a variety of services desigr,ed to alleviate Ihese pressures. ensuring that carers receive the support they need to continiJe in their roles without compromising their own health and emolional stability. The Aasra Project. launched in the summer of 2023. is a relatNely new initiative aimed at providing crucial support to unpaid carers. Initially, the project offered only one-on-one telephone-based guidance, prioritising personalised care. However, in November 2023. structured support groups were introduced. providing a new layer of assistance. The core mission of the Aasra Project is to evolve and grow in response to the changing needs of carers, with a strong focus on promoting their mental and physical well-being. Despite this, carers often face significant barriers, particularly in cultures where caregiving is seen as a famity obligation. In such contexts, seeking external help can be viewed as inappropriale or even stigmatised, which adds further stress to their role. The Aasra Project aims to address these challenges by enhancing the availability of support and making it more accessible. Similarly, another obstacle faced by the carers from diverse backgrounds is the lack of awareness aboul the range of services available, including respite care. financial assistance. and legal rights. This gap is oflen the result of poor outreach efforts or a lack of reSoUrS in languages that carers are most comfortable with. The introduction of support groups has created a space where carers can share their experiences, challenges, and coping strategies wilh others in similar situations. These groups foster social inleraction, reduce isolation. and provide a sense of communitv. allowino carers to feel SUDDOrted and connected. Activities organised Engaging in arts and crafts, massage therapy. yoga. and Pilates has significantly benefited carers and service users. For example. Arts & Crafts sessions have helped carers reduce stress, promote relaxation, and enhance mindfulness while fostering a sense of accomplishment. These therapeutic activities have also aided service users in managing their mental health. Service users have enjoyed massage therapy. which offers deep relaxation and relief from physical tension, especially around the neck and shoulders. This trealment alleviates discomfort and emotional stress, promoting overall balance and well-being. Other popular activities were Yoga and Pilates, which uplifted participants through stretching and breath control. These activities effectively promote relaxation, release tension. and improve flexibility and mental calmness. Together. these activities foster a holisb'c mental and physical health approach for both carers and service users. During this period, we conducted 25 sessions and provided one-on-one support to 25 individuals regarding their enquiries about benefits, carer s allowance. form filling, and more. Additionally. we carried out 21 outreach activities to promole our services and raise awareness of the Aasra projecl through various evenls and roadshows.
Association of Blind Asians (Leeds) Trustees. report (continued) for the year ended 31 March 2024 Service User Case Study The service user ISU) is a caregiver for her daughter, who has mobility and disability challenges. After resigning from her full-time job to provide care, Ihe SU is facing financial stress and struggling to manage household expenses for her five children. She is also on the waiting list for council housing but lacks guidance on navigating this process, increasing her stress. Through ABA, the SU received valuable support in several areas: .4BA facilitated the Su's application for council housing, reducing her stress significantly. Aft¥er moving in, the bu lacked essential ilems. ABA worked wilh external agencies to secure free furniture. alleviating her financial and mental burden, including helping her wilh Household Support Fund, providing food vouchers to ease her family's financial strain. ABA'S assistance significantly lowered the Su's stress and anxiety about her family's basic needs. Joining ABA'S carer support group also provided her with an outlet for self-care and socialization. Over time, the SU built a trusting relationship with ABA, feeling comfortable seeking further help, which boosted her confidence and emotional well-being. Testimonies: "Thank you for everylhing" "l enjoyed the yoga activities so much" "I don't want to leave this group,. I wish I could stay Sahara Project- Funded by BID Services Overview of the Project The pro}ect was sel-up to deliver seTvices to South Asian visually impaired people and their carers and is funded by BID Services. a Sensory Support Service in Leeds to provide comprehensive information sessions. aclivities and advocacy. The name itself suggests support (Sahara =Support). The word is associated in Hindi with the meaning of comfort or encouragement i.e providing assistance. As part of this project we run one session on Tuesdays at Chapeltown BAME Centre, Reginald Terrace. These sessions are very popular among service users. They get information and support in a friendly, sociable envirGnment. The&, also receive advice on benefits and accessing various serviceslevents within Leeds. Activities organlsed The range of activities offered in the community has proved to be incredibly beneficial, fostering creativity. health, and connection among participants. The Bead and Slrings Workshop and Card Making Session facilitated artistic expression, allowing individuals to explore their crealivily while developing fine motor skills. Similady, the Cross Stitching and Origami sessions provided a serene environment for relaxation and mindfulness, which is essential for mental well-being. The Flower Arranging with Healing Music and Paper Flower Making not only beautified spaces but also promoted emotional wellness through the therapeutic power of art and nature. Cultural awareness was celebrated during events like the Asian Heritage Month and Black History Monlh activities, enriching participants with knowledge and fostering a sense of community. The "Eyes and Nature- Walk further enhanced this conneclion with nature, promoting mindfulness and apprecialion for the environment. Workshops like Stone Painling and Spoon Colouring encouraged creativity in a relaxed setting. while sessions for crochet squares for charity blankets and cushion cover embroidery illustrated the spirit of giving back to the community. During Christmas, service users planned for a meal out and a Candle Decoration workshop that added a festive touch, bringing people together to celebrate an(J share joy. Overall, these aclivities have not only cultivated individual skills and well-being but have also strengthened community bonds, highlighting the profound impact of creative and cultural engagement in enhancing our lives.
Association of Blind Asians (Leeds) Trustees. report (continued) for the year ended 31 March 2024 Outreach and roadshows Outreach and promotion of services play a crucial role in engaging diverse audiences and fostering community participation. Effective outreach strategies. such as using social media and local community engagement raise awareness about sKJnificant events and initiatives, like Asian Heritage Month and Black History Month. We have worked with various partners and cornmunity groups in different parts of Leeds, ensuring that everyone has access to meaningful experiences and resources. To enhance the events and provide additional value to the community, stsll holders such as NHS and many community organisations. resulting in approximately 34 stalls offering health information. This year, we have supported 62 individuals wilh various services, including one-to-one support and 240 advocacy sessions. We have worked closely with individuals. providing comprehensive support with aids and equipment. 93 sessions were delivered, including various activities and information sessions. We organised six events, including four roadshows, and we engaged with 545 people through these events demonstrating successful outreach. 60 % of these people have been supported with translation support on letters. communication received by a medical or a council service- others have been offered individual attention in group activities, whether to listen to their needslconcerns or assist with the activity. Co-production Our outcomes were achieved through a combination of increased community awareness and parlicipation in various workshops. fostering social connections and creativty among service users. With increased conversation and engagement, we have noticed a significant increase in participation across creative workshop leading to individuals experiencing a renewed sense of accomplishment and connection within the community. Service users consistently provided positive feedback about the social impact of these activities. as they enhanced menlal health and f05tered a sense of contribution through service users, forum. Additionally, throughout all aclivilies, service users felt empowered through co-production and active participation, which was key to achieving these positive outcomes. Case Study - 2 Mr HB was referred by one of our partner organisations (Linking Leeds). He is man of Arab ethnicity and speaks very little English. He was feeling very isolated. low and lacking friends or companionship. A referral form was first completed for him, followed by an assessment on his needs. He was informed about the different groups that ABA ran including the times. days and locations. He chose a group on Monday morning at Mary Sunley House. The Support Worker went with him for Ihe first time to introduce him to the other participants so that he did not feel nervous.11 did nol take him long lo feel part of the session as other residents and attendees made him feel ivelcome. Despite the language differences. he engaged with body Idnguage. laughter and empathy. The hot lunch provided was welcomed by him and enabled further connection with the other group members. Followng this the Support Worker arranged to put in place in a support plan. He was very happy with the support received. Case Study- 1 JA is a South Asian woman. She had been suffering with low vision and other health issues such as diabetes blood pressure for several years. Like many women in her community. she neglected her health issues along with her eye condition due to lack of awareness and limited access to support groups and other health Seices. She was referred to ABA. JA faced numerous challenges in addressing her health issues. She fell isolated and disconnected with the community, leading to feeling of loneliness and low Se*steeM. She joined the Sahara group. She attended various wellbeing activilies in the Sahara group each week. Improved Heatth and wellbeing- Through attending groups and tsking part in well-being activities she learnt to manage her stress and anxiety. She said she felt more relaxed and calmer. Engaging in art and craft sessions allowed her to express herself creatively.
Association of Blind Asians (Leeds) Trustees. report (contlnued) for the year ended 31 March 2024 Limited health awareness- JA said she has been experiencing health issues such as diabetes and high blood pressure. By participating in regular health workshops with ABA. JA learnt about the importance of a healthy diet, exercise, medications and regular check-ups to manage her diabetes and high blood pressures. As a result of her participation in the health groups, JA experienced a significant improvement in her health and overall wellbeing. By applying the knowledge gained from the workshops she was able to better control her diabetes and high blood pressure. She shared the knowledge with family and friends and fell more confident about herself. Increased social neork- JA said she was socially isolaled before. When she started A8A's Sahara group she made good friends from the same community. She took part in the gfOUP discussions. She allended ABA roadshows which helped her to gain more knowledge. JA said all these group activities and wellbeing sessions boosl her confidence and self*steem. She feels more positive now. Volunteering with ABA - Encouraged by the supportive atmosphere of the ABA service JA decided to take a step further and explore volunteering opportunities. She participated in volunteering training. She made a great connection with other service users. These connections provided her emotional support and passion towards her work. Engaging in volunteering activities further boosted her confidence and sekf-esteem. She would like to help other service users who are suffering with the same situation. "ABA has changed my life mentally and physically. I have improved my health wellbeing. I would like to recommended ABA service for other people who need the support." Financial review The net payments for the year were £74,416. including net receipts of £3,282 on unrestricted funds and net payments of £77.698 on restricted funds after transfers. Reserves policy The reserves policy is to aim lo hold reserves equivalent lo 6 month- approximately £55,000. The charitvs free reserves, at the year end were £91 ,097. payroll costs. This would equate to Approved by the board of trustees on . Signed.. (Trustee) Name: . 10
Association of Blind Asians (Leeds) Independent examiner's report to the trustees of Association of Blind Asians (Leeds) I report to the charity trustees on my examination of the accounts of the charity for the year ended 31 March 2024, which are set out on pages 12 to 16. Responslbilities and basis of report As the charity trustees you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 ('the Act,). I report in respect of my examination of the charitys accounts as carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act. In carrying out my examination I have folk)wed all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Act. Independent examinefs statement I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe Ihat in any material respect.. 1 accounting records were not kept in respect o! the chanty as required by section 130 of the Charities Act, 2 the accounts do not accord with those records. I have no concerns and have come across no other matlers in connection with the examination to which attention should be dravm in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached. Signed-. Name.. Simon Bostrom FCIE Date: West Yorkshire Community Accountancy Service CIO Stringer House 34 Lupton Street Leeds LS10 2QW
Association of Blind Asians (Leeds) Receipts and payments account for the year ended 31 March 2024 Notes 2024 Unrestricted funds 2024 Restricted funds 2024 Total funds 2023 Total funds Receipts Grants, contracts and donations Sales. fees and contributions Total receipts {21 36.786 5.166 41.952 123.802 160,588 5,166 165,754 245,956 2,841 248.797 123.802 Payments Salaries and on costs Freelance work Travel and transport Catering costs Events and activities Hardship donations Rent and room hire Insurance Office and administration Equipment and resources Accountancy Training Memberships Advertising. events and publications Consultsncy Recruitment Website Other expense Independent examination Subconlracted delivery Grants repaid Total payments Net receipts l (payments) Transfers between funds Net movement in funds 40.920 109,073 149,993 108,989 2,093 2,726 7,767 5.097 5,577 874 1,180 6,332 2,368 2,817 3,341 384 7,087 549 11,334 1,685 30 600 12,000 32 744 741 1,464 10,604 5,573 4,525 3,409 814 4,151 542 45G 595 268 3.502 2.735 4.220 1,803 1,496 11,348 6,314 4.525 3,409 1,018 5,565 891 204 1,414 349 189 360 126 955 394 3.502 3.727 4,278 2,252 992 58 449 198 $94 13,581 25,485 193.394 {69,592> 8,106 (77,698) 792 13,581 25,485 240,170 174,4161 46,776 14,824) 182.830 65,967 131 3.282 (74,416) 65,967 Fund balances brought foThvard Fund balances carried forward 87.815 91.097 110,634 32.936 198,449 124,033 132,482 198,449 131 12
Association of Blind Asians (Leeds) Statement of assets and liabilities as at 31 March 2024 2024 Unrestricted 2024 2024 2023 Restricted Total Total Cash funds Cash at bank Cash in hand Total cash funds 90,338 759 91.097 32.936 123,274 759 124.033 198,139 310 198,449 32,936 Debtors and prepayments 2024 Other debtors 4.072 4,072 Assets retained for the charity's own use 11 desktop computers 3 printers 2 laptops 3 second hand laptops for service users 1 netbook 3 tablets General office furniture Camera Video camera Projector 261 pads 3 i phones Liabilities 2024 Creditors Accruals 738 792 1,530 The financial statements were approved by the board of trustees on Signed: (Trustee) &J4 13
Association of Blind Asians (Leeds) Notes to the accounts for the year ended 31 March 2024 1 A¢¢ounting policies Basis of accounting The trustees have taken advantage of section 133 of the Charities Act 2011 and have prepared the accounts on a receipts and payments basis. There has been no change to the accounting policies since last year. No changes have been made to the accounts for previous years. Taxalion As a charity the organisation benefits from rates relief and is generally exempt from income tax and capital gains tax but not from VAT. Irrecoverdble VAT is included in the cost of those items to which it relates. Fund accounting Unrestricted funds are available for use at the discretion of the trustees in furtherance of the general objeclives of the charity. Restricted funds are subjected to restrictions on their expenditure imposed by the donor or through the tems of an appeal. Further explanation of the nature and purpose of each fund is included in the notes to the accounts. 14
Association of Blind Asians (Leeds) Notes to the accounts continued for the year ended 31 March 2024 2 Grants, contracts and donations 2024 Unrestricted funds 2024 Restricted funds 2024 Total funds 2023 Total funds Henry Smith Charity Leeds City Council (LCC) contract Leeds Community Foundation Leeds Older Peoples Forum ILOPFI National Lottery Community Fund Touchslone Leeds City Council (LCC) Covid-19 Leeds Mind National Lottery Community Fund {A4A) Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) Councillors contributions Other donations 25,000 25.000 36,656 4.685 30.200 31,250 32,117 52,500 32,042 4,360 82,345 63,135 36,656 4,685 30,200 31.250 32.117 3,250 1,000 5,500 1,500 550 550 130 160,588 130 36,786 324 245,956 123,802 3 Restrlcted funds Balance blf Incoming Outgoing Transfers Balance clf Awards for All Big Lottery Fund Councillors Contribution Forum Central Henry Smith Charity Leeds Mind Live Well Leeds LOPF - IDOP LOPF - Enhance Funding Lunch club RNIB Sir George Martin Thomas Pocklington Trust 15,485 35,817 3.001 55.525 237 4,557 49,304 (12.484) 31,250 550 5.000 25,000 11,542 313 125 15,674 374 (568) 10,484 1,854 374 11,235 32,117 200 25.000 4,685 20,882 200 54.680 3,882 726 35,218 (5.5381 803 274 353 6,188 32.936 1.000 353 6.588 110.634 400 193,394 123.802 18.106) Fund name Awards for All Purpose of restriction Towards the 'Fair Ride. transport project. Funding was awarded during COVID-19, and the projecl was not delivered due to the circumstances. The funder gave the go ahead for the funds to be utilised as appropriate and so the femaining balance of £12.484 was transferred into the Henry Smith fund to extend that work. Funding for a 2 year project to enable people living with visual impairments from South Asian and other BAME communities to access support through a vanety of aclivities and also to enable the charity lo develop plans for its longer term financial stability- Towards events at the Civic Hall. Housing Support Fund to be dislributed to vulnerable people struggling due to the increase in cost of living. The transfer relates to a contribution to overheads. Big Lottery Fund Councillors Contribution Forum Central 15
Association of Blind Asians (Leeds) Notes to the accounts continued for the year ended 31 March 2024 3 P.estricted funds continued Fund name Henry Smith Charity Purpose of restriction Towards the running costs of a 1-2-1 support, advocacy and advice service for vulnerable BAME individuals with visual impainnent in Leeds. To provide activities and support SeICe users with mental health. To provide support to unpaid carers from diverse communities. Towards the Internalional Day of Older People. Contract to work with the elderty BAME community in Leeds lo support them to slay well at home. and have improved health and well being through a person-centred approach and a culturally appropriate service. Whilst being contractual, the funding is also restricted. The transfer relates to a contribution to overheads. To provide freshly cooked food to blind and partially sighted people. To deliver training 'Living with sight loss,. To support the organisation during Covid-19. To support the organisation during Covid-19. Leeds Mind Live Well Leeds LOPF - IDOP LOPF - Enhance Funding Lunch club RNIB Sir George Martin Thomas Pocklington Trust 4 Related party transactions Trustee expenses No trustee received any expenses during this year or the previous year. Trustee remuneration and benefits No Irustee received any remuneration or benefit during this or the previous year. 16
Association of Blind Asians (Leeds) Independent examinerfs report to the trustees of Association of Bllnd Asians (Leeds) I report to the charity trustees on my examination of the accounts of the charty for the year ended 31 March 2024, which are set out on pages 12 to 16. Responsibilities and basis of report As the charity trustees you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charilies Act 2011 {'the Act,). I report in respect of my examination of the charitys accounts as carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act. In carrying out my examination I have folk)wed all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5){b> of the Act. Independent examinerfs statement I have completed my examination. I confirm Ihat no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect.. 1 accounting records were not kept in respect of the charity as required by section 130 of the Charities Act,. 2 the accounts do not accord with those records. I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order lo enable a proper understanding of the accounts lo be reached. Signed.. Name: Simon Bostrom FCIE 2710112025 West Yorkshire Community Accountancy Service CIO Stringer House 34 Lupton Street Leeds LS10 2QW