OpenCharities

This text was generated using OCR and may contain errors. Check the original PDF to see the document submitted to the regulator.

← Dostiyo- Asian Women And Girls Organisation

2025-03-31-accounts

ANNUAL REPORT 2025 - 2026

Registered charity number 1058077   Contents 62-66 DUNST ~~ER STREET NORTHAM~~ PTON NN1 3JY Telephone 01604 816080 Email: info@dostiyo.org.uk; Website: www.dostiyo.co.uk; Facebook: DostiyoNpton

1

Page no.
Introduction 3
Current Service Provision 3
Project Scope and Objectives 4
Dostiyo Management Committee and Staff 5
Chair’s Report Anjona Roy 6
Treasurer’s Report Farhat Lateef 6
Centre Manager Report Deepa Bakrania 7 - 17
Dostiyo Accounting Policies 18 - 19
Dostiyo Annual Accounts 19 – 25
Independent Examination Report 26

  Introduction

Dostiyo is a voluntary organisation run by and for Asian women and men and is governed by a signed Constitution. Over the past 48 years Dostiyo has become established as a service provider predominantly for Asian women in Northamptonshire and is gradually expanding both in number of workers and services provided.

The organisation has provided services to local Asian women and communities offering support and advice on a wide range of issues. It actively works towards enabling full participation of Asian women and men in social activities and overcome cultural, religious, physical and social barriers. It addresses the needs of local Asian women and girls in a relaxed and friendly manner in a sensitive, confidential and safe environment.

Dostiyo offers comprehensive overview of the needs for service development for Asian Communities and promoting access to services, transcending racial, religious, linguistic and cultural issues since 1979. Dostiyo also serves as an infrastructure development agency for Asian communities by supporting to set up Self Help groups managed by Volunteers, Constitution, gain

2

charity status etc within Northampton and Wellingborough including Zindgani Asian Men’s Group. Sakhi Milaap Ladies Group, Milaap Group Wellingborough, Saheli Group and Dostiyo Community Fridge.

Working to overcome barriers Asian men and women face in their daily lives, Dostiyo provides them with opportunities for self-development, build their confidence and capacity and most importantly, help them on the path of self-help.

MISSION STATEMENT:

“To promote effective citizenship of Asian women and men regardless of age, religion, ethnicity, cast or creed, by helping them overcome barriers to accessing much needed services”

 Current Service Provision 

Currently Dostiyo provides Advocacy, support, guidance, information and counselling through its main activities, including:

The organisation’s aim of ensuring a dedicated approach to a service request means that regularly members are encouraged and supported to access activities that meet their needs.

Dostiyo’s ultimate objective is to conciliate and improve this position, through close and active multi-agency working that would eventually provide effective citizenship and equality.

 Project Scope and Objectives 

Dostiyo aims to provide the highest quality services to Asian communities for the benefit of Asian women their families and extended families.

Its core principles are:

It does this by:

3

Dostiyo provides services in varied areas:

 Family  Housing  Mental Health Support  Befriending Service  Older People

 Volunteering  One to One Support  Community Fridge

DOSTIYO MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE

Chair

Anjona Roy

Secretary Saroj Padhiar Treasurer Farhat Lateef Committee Members Kusum Bakrania Akhtar Munir Balwinder Kaur Rashmi Raikundalia

4

DOSTIYO STAFF

Centre Development Manager

Deepa Bakrania

Advocacy Worker (Northampton) Kalsuma Begum Advocacy Worker(Northampton/ Wellingborough) Savita Paw

Day- Care Co-ordinator: Northampton Wellingborough

Indira Patel Sonal Patel Jaya Tailor

Community Fridge Workers

Saiyara Chowdhury Vanisha Patel

  CHAIR’S REPORT

Anjona Roy

Across the country 2024/25 delivered more concerns about the cost of living, more patchy delivery of public service (in particular social care), increases in inequalities in our communities and increased hostility toward all black communities. All of these factors created a challenging environment in which to function.

We have benefitted from signification core support and development which has enable us to move to a more formal and robust governance document for us to work within.

Our organisation has also responded by looking to develop further initiatives such as our community café which has brought in more people volunteering and taking advantage of our centre.

Our thanks as a committee as always go to the committed and dedicated staff not forgetting our essential and passionate volunteers without whom we simply would not achieve even a small proportion of what we have achieved.

5

  TREASURER’S REPORT

Farhat Lateef

The treasurer is responsible for keeping proper records which disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the organisation and to ensure that the accounts comply with the requirement outlined with the Accounting for Charities and policies for the Constitution.

The management have reviewed the internal controls during the year and found them to be in generally accordance with the charities commission guidelines and appropriate actions have been put in place in the few areas that required attention

Last year, we have secured our core services and endeavour to ensure that our services will continue to support women and the broader community. The organisation has been exploring various ways of generating income.

Members nominate trustees for Annual elections. Trustees are elected annually at the Annual General Meeting. New trustees are offered an induction meeting within 6 weeks. In this way we hope all staff, volunteers and trustees will benefit from formal induction into the organisation.

Balance at the end of year 2025 is £ out of which £ is Restricted Funds and rest are Designated Funds. Dostiyo has adopted a Reserves Policy with a rationale to maintain sufficient level of reserves to enable normal operating activities to continue over a period of up to 6 months should a shortfall in income occur and to take account of potential risks and contingencies that may arise from time to time.

Thanks to Lorraine Scullion for preparing the accounts efficiently and to Leo Book Keeping Services Ltd carrying out our independent examination.

Signed ..Farhat Lateef..........................................

Date: ..10/11/2025.....................   CENTRE MANAGER Deepa Bakrania

I am pleased to present the Annual Report for the year 2024–25. This year has been one of steady progress, renewed engagement, and forward momentum for Dostiyo as we continue our longstanding commitment to empowering Asian women and girls in our community. Through our programmes in health, education, wellbeing, and cultural integration, we have fostered resilience, confidence, and meaningful connections among the women and families we serve.

While challenges remained, particularly the ongoing cost-of-living pressures and growing demand for support, we approached this year with greater strength and clarity. Funding constraints continued to test our capacity, yet through dedicated planning, successful grant applications, and strengthened relationships with partners, we were able to deliver a wide range of essential services. We expanded our wellbeing programmes, increased support for women facing financial hardship, and delivered targeted initiatives around physical and mental health to ensure no one felt isolated or unsupported.

Our work across Northampton and Wellingborough has continued to grow. We saw a significant rise in participation, with more women and girls attending activities, sharing experiences, and finding comfort and empowerment through community connection. The development of local selfhelp groups run and supported by volunteers remains a central part of our mission, and Dostiyo continues to act as an anchor organisation providing guidance, training, and infrastructure support to these grassroots efforts.

6

A major milestone this year has been our progress toward becoming a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO). This transition represents an important step in strengthening our governance, sustainability, and long-term impact.

Despite the challenges, our commitment remains unwavering. We move forward with pride in our achievements and deep gratitude to everyone who has supported us throughout the year. Below is the full report for 2024–25.

MILAP GROUP (Wellingborough)

The Milap Group has continued to grow in strength and community spirit throughout 2024–25. Now in its 13th year, the group remains managed and supported by dedicated volunteers, service users, and Dostiyo staff.

Milap is now a mixed-gender, inclusive group, open to all communities, bringing people together to promote cultural integration, wellbeing, and social connection.

The group meets every Wednesday and Friday, 10:30–12:30 at the Victoria Centre and currently has around 40 active members, with attendance steadily increasing as more people hear about our services.

RANGE OF SERVICES :

Activities and Achievements This Year

The steering group is always looking ways to secure funding for the rent, also to develop further services to responds to the needs of our members.

WELLINGBOROUGH ‘ MILAP’ USERS EQUAL OPPS MONITORING 2024 – 2025

Ethnicity 18- 59 60+ Disability Numbers
Bangladeshi 2 Mental Health 5
Indian 3 16 Heart problem 3
Pakistani 2 1 Hearing and Sight 3
Afro Caribbean 2 4 Mobility 7
Nigerian 2 Age related problems 26

7

White English 3 5 TOTAL 12 28

THERE IS STILL A GREAT NEED TO CONTINUE

Members are struggling to eat a healthy diet and keep warm (winter) due to increase in cost of living. We feel there is a need to develop further support such as:

FEEDBACK FROM MEMBERS AND FAMILIES

Families have expressed heartfelt appreciation for the way Dostiyo celebrates birthdays and marks significant moments with love and respect. New members have shared how welcome they felt, with many reporting improved confidence, reduced loneliness, and better overall wellbeing.

One participant shared:

“The support has kept me connected and positive. Without the group I would feel lonely and isolated. Being here has improved my wellbeing in every way.”

‘SAHELI’ GROUP (NORTHAMPTON)

Since the formation of Saheli group it continues to provide a very strong, sound and consistent platform to befriend and support to over 50 Asian older and disabled women. These women have more than one medical conditions, some of them have recovered or are recovering from serious illnesses. During the two-day group sessions Saheli provides a platform to forge new friendships befriend those who fall in dire circumstances. There has been remarkable improvement in their mental and physical health because of the social interaction and emotional warmth. They feel less lonely and depressed, much happier, motivated and valued. All members are encouraged and empowered to take an active part in group discussions which has given them the opportunities to build their self-confidence, self-esteem and rekindled their dormant skills in planning, organising and implementing their decisions.

Volunteers managing the project are encouraged to be involved in leading and developing the project. They feel more in control and sense of and ownership of the activities, through their contribution to the project design, delivery and development. The Saheli project demonstrates just how important their existence is. The absolute importance cultural protection alongside integration opportunities in wider groups. It further demonstrated how exercise is understood to help both physical and mental stability, but without a safe space (that enables those to remain fully clothed including head scarves) then this would not be an opportunity. The women recognised how detrimental this would be to not only themselves, but their wider family networks.

Building on the infrastructural development with the Saheli women’s group will ensure schemes such as community fridge, community cafe, service design and the addressing of everchanging disproportionality of challenges facing new and existing communities in Northampton are sustained and addressed.

COMMUNITY CAFE:

Dostiyo supported Saheli group to help shape their vision of developing a community café as a further development of community fridge. With the help of pilot funding from Northamptonshire community foundation and capital funding from Nationwide building society, we inaugurated a community cafe on 17/10/24 , opened by the Mayor of Northampton. Supported by passionate volunteers, it runs twice a week, offering freshly cooked Indian snacks and hot food that helps people bond over cultural flavours. The space encourages social integration, giving everyone a warm welcome and a taste of shared heritage. Alongside food access, the initiative creates meaningful opportunities, from skill-sharing in cooking to teamwork, confidence building, and community leadership. Volunteers help design the menu, making the café a true reflection of community needs, creativity, and collaboration.

8

The Saheli Group would like to thank the Reaching Communities-The National Lottery and Sarah Kent for the funding and support provided throughout the Saheli Women’s Project duration.

COMMUNITY FRIDGE:

The community fridge initiative aims to reduce food waste and support those in need by providing a shared space for donated food. Dostiyo Community Fridge is accessible to everyone and our fridges are stocked with surplus items from Co-op, Sainsbury’s. Lidl and Aldi. People in the community are encouraged to take what they need, ensuring that no one goes hungry while minimising food waste. Dostiyo Community Fridge were also awarded Lidl’s Toy Bank to distribute toys over Christmas.

Saheli group volunteers help maintain the fridge, ensuring cleanliness and safety. The project promotes a spirit of generosity and solidarity, fostering connections among neighbours while addressing food insecurity and environmental concerns. Community fridges play a vital role in building stronger, more resilient communities and is hoping to develop into a warm space, community café as future aspiration.

In year 2024-25, Total of 3600 kg of Food has been rescued and redistributed with nearly 50-60 people very week.

DAYCARE AND WELLBEING ACTIVITIES :

At Dostiyo Day Care Services, our mission is to empower elderly members of our community to maintain their independence and live fulfilling lives. We recognize that there are few mainstream organizations offering similar services but not tailored specifically for the Asian community, and our goal is to fill that vital gap.

Many of our members face language barriers, which can make it challenging to access the support they need. Our services provide a welcoming environment where they can meet new people, make friends, and build a sense of community.

In addition to physical activities, we organise adult learning classes, wellbeing workshops and engaging activities such as day trips, holidays abroad, and various social events, helping our members stay active, connected, and joyful.

We are dedicated to supporting individuals in preserving, enhancing, and relearning essential life skills and social abilities. Our services are customized to meet the unique needs of each person, including those with physical disabilities, mental health conditions, or dementia, ensuring they receive compassionate and respectful support

Our Services Include:

Referrals to the Dostiyo Day Centre are received from a range of healthcare professionals, including social prescribers. However, a significant portion of our referrals comes through word-ofmouth, underscoring the strong community trust and reputation we have established.

9

Educational Courses and Strategic Partnerships

In collaboration with the NNC and WNC Adult Learning teams, we offer a diverse range of educational courses throughout the year. These courses provide our members with the opportunity to develop new skills, form meaningful friendships, and alleviate feelings of isolation. Feedback from participants has been overwhelmingly positive, particularly regarding our mathematics courses, which have proven exceptionally popular.

Over the past year, we have recruited a substantial number of new members because of these successful programs.

Trips

Dostiyo has a tradition of arranging short and long trips for the members at a very competitive price.

Our seaside trip to Bournemouth was a huge success and our members have always supported these trips in large numbers. We organised for very first time self-funded Mediterranean cruise holiday in June 2024 was well attended by 20 people giving them a unique opportunity they would not otherwise have been able to experience

Volunteer Help and Activities

The Centre is grateful for the services of its Volunteers, whose commitment and time, freely given, greatly assists the work of our staff. Thanks also to other staff, supporters, and the community, who enable us to continue with our much-needed service.

This year more than 45 volunteers have been actively involved supporting the group activities, befriending, emotional support, or checking in on people, and your efforts have proved to be invaluable. The relevant support worker provided much needed supervision to enable the volunteers to gain much needed valuable experience in administrative duties and through their active participation supporting service users they acquired people and communication skills. This opened the gates to explore opportunities in paid employment. Last year the volunteers supported nearly 3700 volunteering hours at Dostiyo

6 volunteers attended Food and Safety Hygiene course and received accreditation. 3 volunteers attended Basic First Aid training.

Celebratory Events

We observe all important cultural events at Dostiyo which have always ensured good attendances and interest. We provide regular weekly physical activity and variety of other activities and workshops. Some of the health-related activities we have provided over the past year include:

NORTHAMPTON’SAHELI’ GROUP USERS EQUAL OPPS MONITORING 2024 – 2025

Ethnicity 18- 59 60+ Disability Numbers
Bangladeshi 14 4 Mental Health 9
Indian 9 72 Heart problem 17
Pakistani 12 8 Hearing and Sight 2
Other 3 Mobility 28
Age related problems 63
TOTAL 35 90

NORTHAMPTON: Day Care Activities 1[st] April 2024 - 31[st] March 2025

DATE ACTIVITIES
May 2nd, 9th 16th 23rd Computers for beginners by Judy and Hazzel Adult
Learning

10

June 13th, 20th, 27thJuly 4thand 11th Cookery classes by Rashmita and Hazel, Adult learning
Sept 14th, 21st, 28th, Oct 3rd, 10th&
17th		 Dress making by Nicola /Hazel Adult Learning
Nov 7th, 14th, 21st, 28th& 5th
December		 Arts and Crafts by Hazel Adult Learning
Jan 16th, 23rd, 30th & Feb 6th 13th Cookery classes by Rashmita and Hazel, Adult learning
Feb 20th, 27th Dress making by Nicola /Hazel Adult Learning
March 6th, 13th, 20th 27th Jewellery making by Nicola/ Hazel Adult Learning
April 17th Jewellery making by Nicola/ Hazel Adult Learning
April 2024-March 2025

10.00am-12.00pm		 ESOL every Monday
11am-12.00pm Keep Fit Class every Wednesday
12.00pm-1.00pm Wellbeing Café Every Wednesday
11am–1.00 pm Community Fridge Every Wednesday
11am–12.00 pm Yoga /Bollywood dance classes every Thursday
12pm–2.00 pm Various workshops and classes
11am–1.00 pm Community Fridge Every Thursday
Training

23rd2024-31stMarch 2025		 Employability course
Celebrations
13/02/2025 Valentines’day
13/13/2024 Mother’s Day
18/04/2024 Eid Party
22/08/2024 Raksha bandhan celebrations
29/08/2024 Janmashtami celebration
10/10/2024 Navratri Celebrations
10/11/2024 Diwali Party
Trips
27/07/2024–02/07/2024 Self funded 7 day Mediterranean Cruise
23/08/2024 Bournemouth Sea Side Day Trip

Employability Project

We received funding from West Northants Council and the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) to support individuals on their journey towards employment and greater independence. Our project focused on assisting unemployed and economically inactive individuals to build confidence and develop skills that improve their employability. Through personalised support, we have helped participants access educational opportunities, relevant training courses, and work experience placements tailored to their needs.

Many individuals have benefitted from guidance in job searching and applications, resulting in successful paid employment in diverse sectors including Banking, Cleaning, and Retail. Additionally, several participants have gained valuable experience through volunteering placements across a variety of settings.

Recognising that some participants required more holistic support, we also provided Advocacy services, assistance with claiming Benefits, Mentoring, and wellbeing support to address personal and systemic barriers to employment.

In partnership with Adult Learning, we delivered an Employability course covering essential topics such as CV writing, covering letters, job searches, job applications, and interview skills, equipping participants with practical tools to enhance their job readiness.

11

SERVICES PROVIDED: OUTCOMES TOTAL NUMBER OF
PARTICIPANTS
Number of people supported to build CV and help with form filling 23
Number of people supported to engage in active job searching 35
Effective working between keyworkers and additional services 31
Number of economically inactive people engaging with keyworker
support services		 18
Number of socially excluded people accessing support 18
Number of active or sustained participants in community groups
because of support		 35
Number of people accessing mental and physical health support
leading to employment		 1
Number of people supported to participate in education 15
Number of people with basic skills (English, maths, digital and
ESOL)		 35
Number of people receiving support to gain employment 35
Number of volunteering opportunities supported 3
Number of people attending training sessions 15
Number of economically inactive individuals in receipt of benefits
they are entitled to following support		 18

ESOL CLASSES

We have continued to offer weekly English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) classes at both basic and intermediate levels. These classes are conducted in partnership with Adult Learning, which provides a qualified tutor, alongside our dedicated volunteer tutor.

Our learners are highly motivated to improve their language skills, and the classes provide not only educational benefits but also an opportunity to build friendships and integrate into the local community. This supportive environment fosters both personal and social development, empowering participants to engage more confidently in their everyday lives.

Black Women’s Domestic Abuse Group (BWDAG)

As part of our ongoing commitment to supporting women in need, Dostiyo is an active member of the Black Women’s Domestic Abuse Group (BWDAG), a coalition of organisations dedicated to supporting Black women who have experienced domestic abuse. Our committee meets every two months to coordinate efforts, organise events, and stay updated on both national and local developments. The group’s mission is to improve access to services and remove the barriers that Black women face when seeking support for domestic abuse.

On 8[th] March, we celebrated International Women’s Day with a successful brunch event at the Franklin Gardens. The event featured guest speakers, an artist, and ample networking opportunities. We are planning further events this year to continue our efforts. BWDAG remains “United to make all women’s voices heard,” with Dostiyo working alongside partners such as Creating Equalz, Eve, NDAS, NREC, Northants Police, and Power of the Mind.

12

Food Hampers

We received funding from Northamptonshire Community Foundation, and we were able to provide culturally appropriate food hampers to our service users who were in receipt of means tested benefits. The hampers included essential items such as spices, pulses, cooking oil, rice, and lentils; foods that reflect the dietary preferences and cultural needs of the communities we support. This initiative helped to ease some of the financial pressures faced by low income households, ensuring that families had access to nutritious and familiar food during challenging times.

We distributed 52 hampers ensuring that families receive the right nourishment, delivered with respect for their unique traditions and needs.

Mayor’s Fund for the Housebound

This year marked our fifth participation in the Mayor’s Fund for the Housebound initiative, through which a £30 gift and a Christmas card from the Mayor were personally delivered to 20 of our most vulnerable service users. The recipients, all residents of Northampton, met strict criteria, including being isolated, housebound, and living in their own homes. We are proud to be part of this initiative, and the heartfelt appreciation from those who received the gifts speaks to the positive impact it has on the community.

Vodafone Everyone Connected Initiative

As part of our efforts to promote digital inclusion, we partnered with Vodafone’s Everyone Connected initiative, which provided free SIM cards to our clients and volunteers. This support has been instrumental in enabling service users to access essential online services, manage benefit claims, search for employment, and stay in touch with family and support networks. These factors contribute significantly to overall wellbeing and social connections.

The initiative has also had a notable impact on children within our service users’ households by supporting their ability to complete schoolwork, develop digital skills, and participate more fully in education. This partnership has helped address digital exclusion and delivered meaningful, practical benefits across different age groups within the community.

ADVOCACY and ADVICE:

This year has been another particularly demanding period for our advice services, largely due to the continued rollout of Universal Credit and the transition from legacy Benefits. Many of our service users face significant barriers, including limited digital skills and language difficulties, making it harder for them to navigate these complex changes independently. As a result, tailored, one-to-one support has been critical in helping individuals understand and navigate the new system.

We have also seen a marked increase in individuals seeking support with disability related Benefits, including Personal Independence Payment (PIP) and Attendance Allowance. These Benefits are vital for those living with long term physical/mental health conditions, and our assistance has been instrumental in helping clients access the financial support they need and are entitled to.

In addition, the sustained rise in the cost of living, including increases in food prices, energy bills, and general household expenses has left many households facing acute financial hardship. In response, we have prioritised income maximisation strategies, ensuring clients are fully informed about their entitlements and supported in accessing all available sources of financial assistance.

13

As the population continues to age, there is a growing demand for support services to address increasing care needs. Our organisation has played a key role in facilitating access to Adult Social Care services for older adults, ensuring they receive appropriate assistance. Additionally, we have enabled individuals to obtain essential aids and adaptations that promote independent living and enhance safety within their own homes. These interventions contribute significantly to improving quality of life and reducing the need for institutional care. In addition to supporting individuals requiring care, carers themselves have been provided with targeted support aimed at enhancing their health and wellbeing. Recognising the critical role of carers, these measures aim to alleviate caregiver strain and foster sustainable caregiving, ensuring carers are better equipped to continue their vital role within the community.

Our Advice services continue to play a crucial role in helping people improve their financial resilience, physical and mental wellbeing during increasingly challenging times.

Independent Age Grant

Dostiyo secured funding for 3 year contract to provide welfare and debt advice service that helps maximise household income, promote good practice, and support clients in accessing essential services for older people over 60 years.

The support offers:

STATISTICS FOR 2025 – 2026 NORTHAMPTON and WELLINGBOROUGH

National Origin Number Female Male Linguistic Background
Bangladeshi 151 125 26 Bengali
Indian 119 99 20 Gujarati, Hindi, and Punjabi
Pakistani 25 22 3 Urdu
Other 20 9 11 Dari, English, Pashto,
Somali, Turkish
Total 315 255 60

BREAKDOWN OF SERVICE DELIVERY NORTHAMPTONSHIRE 2024 – 2025

SERVICES PROVIDED NUMBERS
Community Care 12
Cost of Living 146
Debt 36
Disability 27
Domestic Abuse 14
ESOL 27
Employability 47
Housing 54
Mayor’s Fund for the Housebound 20
Mental Health 72
Safeguarding 2
Occupational Therapy referrals 7

14

Bereavement Support 5 Welfare Benefits Casework 192 Other 53

CASE STUDIES:

1. Accessing Social Care

We have been supporting a widow who lives alone and recently experienced a fall at home, resulting in a hand injury that left her temporarily housebound. This significantly impacted on her ability to manage daily tasks and personal care, leading to a decline in her emotional wellbeing, as she had previously been quite independent. In response, we helped her access a short term care package through Adult Social Care and have continued to provide both practical and emotional support. To ease the burden, we also delivered a food hamper and provided freshly cooked meals from our Community Café.

We are pleased to share that she is now gradually recovering and feeling more positive. Her outlook has improved, and she is regaining some of her independence with ongoing support.

2. Employability

We are providing ongoing support to a family who came to the UK on the Afghan resettlement scheme. When we first met the mother, a single parent, she was experiencing low self esteem and feelings of isolation. With gentle encouragement and consistent support, she enrolled in our Employability Project. Since joining the programme, her confidence has grown significantly. She has built a network of new friends and taken proactive steps toward her personal and professional development. Most recently, both she and her grown up daughter have successfully taken up the Level 2 Exercise Qualification, delivered in partnership with Northamptonshire Sport. This certification qualifies them to become exercise instructors, a major milestone in their journey toward independence and community involvement. Their achievement highlights the positive impact of targeted support and access to local opportunities, and we're excited to see what they accomplish next.

3. Welfare Benefits

We have been supporting a client with significant mental health needs. Following her Personal Independence Payment (PIP) review, her claim was initially refused. This decision had a detrimental impact on both her mental health and financial stability. In response, we worked closely with the client to gather comprehensive medical evidence to support her case. We submitted a request for Mandatory Reconsideration, ensuring that all relevant information was clearly presented.

As a result, the decision was overturned, and her PIP entitlement was reinstated without the need to progress to a formal appeal. She is now receiving the support she is entitled to, which has helped to alleviate some of the financial and emotional strain she was experiencing.

4. PIP Tribunal Appeal Success

We recently supported a 60 year old client with her Personal Independence Payment (PIP) tribunal appeal. Her initial claim was refused, and the decision remained unchanged following

15

the Mandatory Reconsideration. We assisted her in gathering additional medical evidence to support her case, which proved instrumental during the appeal process. As a result, the tribunal ruled in her favour, awarding her both the Daily Living and Mobility components of PIP. She has now received backdated payments totalling £8,563. The client is extremely grateful for the support she received and is relieved to finally be receiving the financial help she is entitled to.

NORTHAMPTONSHIRE USERS EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES MONITORING 2024- 2025

Ethnicity 18- 59 60+
Bangladeshi 284 151
Indian 480 321
Pakistani 80 89
Turkish 4
West Indies 2 6
Afghan 9 -
Other 78 52
Total 937 619

GENDER STATISTICS 2024-2025

Female Male
926 630

WAY FORWARD:

16

I would like to extend our gratitude to:

In conclusion, this year has been one of growth, resilience, and positive impact for our centre. Through the collective efforts of our dedicated staff, volunteers, and community members, we have successfully implemented key programs, expanded services, and fostered stronger connections within our community. While challenges remain, we are committed to continuously improving and adapting to meet the evolving needs of those we serve.

Looking ahead, we are excited to build on our successes and explore new opportunities to make a lasting difference in the lives of individuals and families in our community.

Accounting Policies:

Legal form

Dostiyo is an unincorporated charity registered with the Charity Commission for England and Wales. Its registered address is 62-66 Dunster Street, Northampton, NN1 3JY.

Basis of Accounting

The charity is a public benefit entity and the financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention and in accordance with the Statement of Recommended Practice Charities SORP (FRS 102), issued in January 2019, and applicable UK Accounting Standards and the Charities Act 2011.

No material uncertainties exist in relation to going concern.

Incoming Resources

17

All incoming resources are recognised once the charity has entitlement, probability of receipt and the amount can be measured with sufficient reliability.

Investment income is recognised on a receivable basis.

Donations received and organised trips are credited on the statement of financial activities in the year to which they relate. Donated services and facilities are included as income and expenditure where the amounts are reasonably quantifiable and measurable.

Grants received are recognised using the performance model.

Resourses Expended

Expenditure is recognised on an accruals basis as a liability is incurred. Expenditure is allocated on the statement of financial activities between restricted and unrestricted funds. Expenditure that is directly attributable to specific activities has been included in these cost categories. Where costs are attributable to more than one activity they have been apportioned across the cost categories on a basis consistent with the use of these resources

Charitable expenditure comprises those costs incurred by the charity in the delivery of its activities and services for its beneficiaries. It includes both costs that can be allocated directly to such activities and those costs of an indirect nature necessary to support them.

Governance costs include those costs associated with meeting constitutional and statutory requirements of the charity and the management of its assets.

Fixed Assets

Tangible fixed assets are shown at cost less depreciation.

Depreciation is calculated to write off their cost or valuation less their estimated residual value over their expected useful lives as follows:

Freehold property 25 years straight-line basis Computer equipment 25% reducing balance Other equipment 25% reducing balance Motor vehicles 25% reducing balance

Fund Accounting

Funds held by the charity are either:

Unrestricted General Funds – funds, which can be used in accordance with the charitable objects at the discretion of the Executive Committee.

Designated Funds – funds set aside by the Executive Committee out of unrestricted funds for specific future purposes or projects.

Restricted Funds – funds that can only be used for particular restricted purposes within the objects of the charity. Restrictions arise when specified by the donor or when funds are raised for particular restricted purposes.

Further explanations of the nature and purpose of each fund are included in the notes to the financial statements.

Financial Instruments

18

Cash and cash equivalents in the balance sheet comprise cash at banks and in hand and short term deposits with an original maturity date of three months or less.

Debtors and creditors with no stated interest rate and receivable or payable within one year are recorded at transaction price. Any losses arising from impairment are recognised in the statement of comprehensive income under administrative expenses.

Financial liabilities are classified according to the substance of the contractual arrangements entered into.

Where the contractual obligations of financial instruments are equivalent to a similar debt instrument, those financial instruments are classed as financial liabilities. Financial liabilities are presented as

such in the balance sheet. Finance costs and gains or losses relating to financial liabilities are included in the profit and loss account. Finance costs are calculated so as to produce a constant rate of return on the outstanding liability.

19

DOSTIYO ASIAN WOMEN AND GIRLS ORGANISATION STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 Total Total Notes Unrestrlcted Restrlcted 2025 Unrestrlcted Restrlded 2024 Income from: Donations and Legacies Charitable Activities Investment Income Total Income 3,049 3,049 68,182 135,643 203,825 2.057 2,057 73,288 135,643 208,931 1,412 49,456 1,839 52,707 1,412 85,339 134,795 1,839 85,339 138,046 Expenditure on: Raising Funds Charitable Activities Other Total Expenditure 70.400 117.168 187,568 63.573 97,776 161,349 70,400 117,168 187,568 63,573 97,776 161,349 Net Incomel(expenditure) Transfers between funds 2,888 3,529 18,475 3,529) 21,363 (10,866) (12.437) (23.303) 9,616 (9,616) Net movement in funds 6,417 14,946 21,363 (1.250) {22,053) (23,303) Reconciliation of funds: Total funds brought forward Funds transferred to DOSTIYO ASIAN COMMUNITY ORGANISATI CIO Number 1212801 151,359 28,847 180.206 152,609 50,900 203,509 (157,776) (43.793) (201,569) Total funds carried forward 151,359 All income and expenditure derive from continuing activities 28,847 180,206 The statement of financial activittes include all gains and losses recognised during the year

DOSTIYO ASIAN WOMEN AND GIRLS ORGANISATION STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION AS AT 31 MARCH 2025 Pag• 21 Not88 2025 2024 Flxed Assets Tangible Assets 24.758 34,956 Current assets Debtors Cash at bank and in hand Funds Held by CVS 7,779 197.990 15.732 130,423 2,784 148,939 205.769 Creditors: Amounts falling due within one year (28,958) (3.689) (28,958) (3.689) Net Current Assetsl{Liabillties) 176,811 145,250 Assets transferred to DOSTIYO ASIAN COMMUNITY ORGANISATION CIO Number 1212801 {201,569) Net Assetsl(Llablllties) 180,206 Charlty Funds Unrestricted Funds General Reserve Designated funds - Other 63,175 94.601 46.600 104,759 157,776 43,793 151,359 28,847 Restricted funds Funds transferred to DOSTIYO ASIAN COMMUNITY ORGANISATION CIO Number 1212801 (201,569) 180,206 The a¢￿Unts have been prepared In accordance wlth SORP (FRS102) effectlve January 2019 and relevant UK Accounting standards. Approved by the Executive Commlttee on 18th November 2026 and slgned on thelr behalf by. AROY Chalrporfjon

DOSTIYO ASIAN WOMEN AND GIRLS ORGANISATION NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 Page 22 Unrestrlcted Restrlcted 2025 2024 Income from Charltable Actlvltles Grants: Independent Age Fund WNC - Employment Support & Training Awards 4 All - Community Fridge NCF - Food Aid Commsortia - Working Progress (NEP) Neighbourly B&Q Hubbub Foundation - Community Fridge Lloyds Bank Foundation National Grid NCF- Community Café DOSTIYO Community Fridge NCF - Constance Travis Trust Community Justice Fund Nationwide Colleague Grant Comic Relief Womens Resource Centre Lottery Community Fund - Saheli Women's Group NCF- HSF4 Hubbub Investment Fund Neighbourly Community Fridge Organised Trlps Other 14,173 18,673 14,173 18,673 2.000 2,000 5,000 5,000 1,000 27,500 25,000 7,592 27,500 4,668 4.668 2,950 5,975 230 91,129 47,807 4,286 5,000 500 31,537 16,601 9,145 4,865 135.643 203.825 134,795 91,129 31,537 9,145 68,182 Charltable Activltles Unrestrlcted Restrlcted 2025 2024 Staff costs Depreciation Other costs 21,267 10,169 38,365 69,801 2,548 (1,949 70,400 77,867 99,134 90,874 29 10,198 10,224 22,767 61,132 44,610 100,663 170,464 145,708 9,330 11,878 10,888 7,175 5.226 4,753 117,168 187,568 161.349 Support Costs - Staffjng Support Costs - Other Other costs Indude Independent Examinatlon fee of £360 Staff Costs 2025 2024 Wages and salarles NIER ER Penslon DBS Check8 106.215 97,925 2,8fj1 2,054 1,936 1,783 111,012 101,762

DOSTIYO ASIAN WOMEN AND GIRLS ORGANISATION NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 Pag• 23 Average number employed by head count Centre Management and administration No employee received remuneration amounting to more than £60,000 In elther year. No trustees received any remuneration during the year. Trustee indemnity Insurance paid in the year amounted to £nil. (2024: £nil). Trustees received reimbursed expenses for travet and other costs amounting to £nil (2024:£nil) Flxed Assets Freehold Mlnlbus Computer Other Property Equipment Equipmenl Totsl Cost Brought forward Additions Disposals Carried fopNard 280,939 13,480 4,973 299,392 280,939 13,480 4,973 299,392 Depreclatlon Brought forward Charge for year Disposals Carried fortrvard 246,180 10,158 13,303 29 4,953 264,436 11 10,198 256,338 13,332 4,964 274,634 Net Book Value Balance at 31.03.245 24,601 9 24.758 Balance at 01.04,24 34,759 177 20 34,956 Included in freehold property is land with an estimated cost of £27,000 to which depreciation is not being applied in accordance with relevant accounting standards. Unre8trlcted Restrlcted 2025 2024 Debtors Sundry Debtor8 Prepayments 3.666 482 4,148 3,631 7,297 14,999 482 733 7,779 15,732 3.631 Credltors: Amounts falllng duo wlthln one year Sundry creditors Accruals Deferred Income (6,207) (1,405) (494) (8,701) (2,064) (1,405) (1,625) 20,852) 28,958) 20,852) 21,346 7,612 3,689)

DOSTIYO ASIAN WOMEN AND GIRLS ORGANISATION NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 Pago 24 Opening Closlng Balance Incoming Outgolng Balance 01.04.24 Resources Resources Transfers 31.03.25 Designated Funds Freehold Propety General reserve Designated-Property Repair & Maintenar Designated-communications & IT Equipr Designated-Fixtures & Fittings 34,759 46,600 50,000 15,000 5,000 151,359 (10,158) (60,242) 24,601 3,529 63.175 50,000 15,000 5,000 3,529 157,776 73,288 73,288 (70,400) The balance on the designated fund represents the net book value of the freehold propety held by the charity. The intention is to generate a general reserve of six months running costs. Designated - Property R&M - Provision for repairs and maintenance to the building Designated - Communications & IT Equip - Provision for upgrading communications & IT equipment Designated - Fixtures & Fittings - Provision for replacement or upgrading fixtures & fittings Comparative Designated Funds Opening Closing Balance Incoming Outgolng Balance 01.04.23 Resources Resources Transfers 31.03.24 Designated Funds Freehold Property General reseNe Designated-Property Repair & Maintenar Designated-communications & IT Equipr Designated-Fixtures & Fittings 44,917 37,692 50,000 15,000 5,000 152,609 (10,158) (53,415) 34,759 9.616 46.600 50,000 15,000 5,000 9.616 151,359 52,707 52,707 (63,573) Restrlcted Funds Opening Closing Balance Incomlng Outgolng Balance 01.04.24 Resources Resources Transfers 31.03.25 Advice UK WNC - Employment Support & Training National Grid - Community Matters Neighbourly - Community Fridge Hubbub Communlty Fridge Lottery Communlty Fund - Saheli Womei Awards 4 All - Communtty Frldge Independent Age Foundation Western Power Distribution Nationwide Colleague Grant NCF - Communlty Café Hubbub Investment Fund NCF - Food Ald 117 (29) (18.673) 18,673 154 500 (154) 5,000 91,129 (4,604) 396 (71 ,349) (3,375) 25,855 (6,513) 1,979 (4,642> 9,531 9,450 8,492 14,173 1,000 5,419 (5,419) (630) (3,309) 2,000) 117,168 4,668 4,038 3,715 2,000 28,847 135,643 3,529 43,793 Advlce UK - To employ advocacy workers providlng advice and support to the Aslan community under the age of 60 years old. and to purchase equipmenl

DOSTIYO ASIAN WOMEN AND GIRLS ORGANISATION NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 Page 25 WNC - Employment Support & Training - To support people with CV building and into paid employm, National Grid - Community Matters - To offer a community warm space and equipment for those in tl local community struggling with heating their homes in the cold seasons Neighbourly- Community Fridge - Towards community fridge costs Hubbub Community Fridge - Support to run and manage Community Fridge Lottery Community Fund - Saheli Women's Group - to enable more people from the BME population to access health and wellbeing services Awards 4 All - Community Fridge - To provide a community fridge for users to take free food & provii cooking sessions to show how to cook on a budget. Independent Age Foundation - Offer Advocacy and Advice services to older women Western Power Distribution - Supporting individuals to access support with fuel payments to combat fuel poverty Nationwide Colleague Grant - Towards the cost of hampers for day to day essentials and a wellbing café providing a safe, warm place to meet. NCF Community Café- Support to run and manage Community Café Hubbub Investment Fund - Support towards cooking workshops and arrfyers NCF Food Aid - Supply culturally appropriate food ham[ers Fund transfers relate to overhead costs as per grant agreements Comparative Restrlcted Funds Opening Closing Balance Incoming Outgoing Balance 01.04.23 Resources Resources Transfers 31.03.24 Advice UK NCF - Constance Travis Trust National Grid - Community Matters Neighbourly- Community Fridge Hubbub Foundation Lottery Community Fund- Saheli Womei Awards 4 All - Community Fridge Neighbourly- B&Q Western Power Distribution Communlty Justice Fund Nationwide Colleague Grant Comic Relief- Womens Resource Centri Northamptonshire Sport NCF- Povety Hurts Hubbub Investment Fund NCF - HSF4 176 (59) (2,950) (5.038) (2.400) 117 2,950 7,592 500 1,000 47,807 9,999 154 (1,000) (65,459) (7,374) 9.450 (1,507) 8.492 (2,816) 34.476 2,660 1,000 8,129 156 (8,131) (556) (230) (1,497) (2,962) (1,285) 4,286) 97,776) 6,975 230 5,419 1,497 2,962 6,000 4,286 85,339 3,715 50,900 9,616) 28,847 NCF - Constance Travls Trust - Towards the cost of providlng a Welfare benefits odvlsor Hubbub Foundatlon . To provlde a community fridge for the loeAI community Neighbourly B&Q - Towards refurblshment costs Community Justice Fund - To fund a part-time member of staff durlng the pandemlc Comlc Relief. Womens Resource Centre - Support to contlnue providing cruGial 8ervlce8 for South Aslan Women Including Advocacy, Advlce, Support, Guldance and Information. Northamptonshire Sport . To provide keep fit sesslons for the community. NCF - Poverty Hurts - Towards cost of livlng & poverty advice service NCF - HSF4 - Wraparound support service to contine the dellvery of HSF vouchers

DOSTIYO ASIAN WOMEN AND GIRLS ORGANISATION NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 P 026 Analy818 of Net Assets Batween Funds Fund balances at 31 March 2025 are represented by: General Deslgnated Restrlcted Total Funds Funds Funds Tangible fixed assets Current Assets Current Liabilities 24,670 88 24.758 140,718 65,051 205.769 (7,012) (21,346) (28,358) 158,376 43,793 202.169 Fund balances at 31 March 2024 are represented by: General Designated Restricted Total Funds Funds Funds Tangible fixed assets Current Assets Current Liabilities 34.839 120,209 (3,689) 151,359 117 34.956 28.730 148,939 (3,689) 28,847 180.206 10 Ultlmato Controlllng Party The charity is under the ultimate control of its Executive Commlttee. whose names are shown at the front of the financlal statements. 11 Related party transactions There were no related party transactlons durlng the year or prior year.

DOSTIYO ASIAN WOMEN AND GIRLS ORGANISATION INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 Pago 27 2025 2024 Income Grants Receivable Donations and gifts Investment income Organised Trips Other Income 163,143 3,049 2,057 31,537 9.145 208.931 113.329 1,412 1,839 16,601 4,865 138,046 Expenditure Centre Runnlng Costs Salaries Depreciation of freehold propety Depreciation of motor vehicles Depreciation of equipment Motor and travel expenses Organised Trips Other project expenses Heating and Ilghting Hall hire Repairs and renewals - equipment Repairs and renewals - premises Cleaning 87,256 10,158 76,866 10,158 11 964 32,920 13,667 3,997 97 16,097 7,721 5,636 3,695 815 950 5,826 2,897 4,135 Support Costs Salaries Printing, postage and stationery Telephone Insurance 11,878 686 2,962 1,578 10,888 659 2,570 1,524 Governance Costs Salaries Depreciation of computer equipment Bank charges Professional fees incl. accountancy Management expenses Incl.AGM 11.878 29 201 3.923 10,888 59 137 5,184 (187,568) (161,349) 6urplusl(DofiGIt) for tho Year 21,363 23,303)

CHARITY COMMISSION FOR ENGLAND AND WALES Independent examlnerf8 report on the accounts Section A Independent Examiner's Report Report to the Iritsteesl members of Dostiyo Asian lfilomen & Girls Organisation On accounts for the year ended 31st March 2025 Charity no (rf any) 1058077 Set out on pages (re￿*m68r to inclado the pagA numbers of add'lional S￿eats i I report to the trustees on My examination of the accounts of the aboN charrty (Ihe Tnjstl for the year ended .' j I n.s ' }(, 25. Responsibilities and As the charity trustees of the Tn￿t. you are responsible for the preparation basis of report of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities A(X 2011 nhe Act). I report in respect of my examination of the Trust's accounts caffied out under sedion 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination. I have followed the applicable Directions given by the Charity Cornmisslon under se(Xion 145(5)(b) of the Act. I have ￿Mpleted my examination. I confirm that no material rnattefs have come to my attention (otherthan that dBdosed below ? in conne(Xion with the examination whlch gives me cause to believe that in, any material respect: accounting records were not kept in accordance with se(aK)n 130 of the Acl or the accounts do not accwd with the accountiro recorts Independent examinerfs statement I have no concems and have come acmss no other matters in connection wtth the examination to which attention should be drawn In order to enable proper understandlng of the accounts to be reached. ease delete the words In the br8¢kets Mthey do not appty. 81gned: 18111125 Lucle Howard Relevant professional qualrfkation(s) or body (rf any): Assod8tlon of Accountlng Technlcians MAAT Addrnss: 34 Britten's Court Cllfton Reynes Olney MK46 5LG Octob•r 2018