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2024-03-31-accounts

Charity registration number 1058631

Company registration number 3252691 (England and Wales)

LEWISHAM REFUGEE AND MIGRANT NETWORK ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

LEWISHAM REFUGEE AND MIGRANT NETWORK

LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION

Trustees M Brooks
C Morris
D Namirembe
A Pacrami
J Panesar
L Clemett
J Nche (Appointed 13 February 2024)
F Elahi (Appointed 13 February 2024)
I Amelkina (Appointed 13 February 2024)
Z Zungu (Appointed 2 September 2024)
J Gibbs (Appointed 3 September 2024)
Charity number 1058631
Company number 3252691
Registered office 341 Evelyn Street
London
SE8 5QX
Auditor F J Wilde FCCA MBA DChA
Warner Wilde
4 Marigold Drive
Bisley
Surrey
GU24 9SF

LEWISHAM REFUGEE AND MIGRANT NETWORK

CONTENTS

Page
Trustees' report 1 - 14
Statement of trustees' responsibilities 15
Independent auditor's report 16 - 18
Statement of financial activities 19 - 20
Balance sheet 21
Statement of cash flows 22
Notes to the financial statements 23 - 41

LEWISHAM REFUGEE AND MIGRANT NETWORK TRUSTEES’ REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS’ REPORT)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

Message from the Chair

Bringing people together in solidarity is what LRMN does best.

In a year that brought historic elections, narratives of division, and riots that shocked the nation, investing in community is what we all need. For this, our partners are more important than ever.

The Rwanda Bill is no more, Bibby Stockholm has an end date in sight, and the nation rallied together against the far right's attempts to divide our communities. In a time of political change and financial insecurity, South London has come together to make it clear that welcoming and integrating refugees, asylum-seekers and migrants is at the core of what makes us strong.

But a movement needs momentum to keep going.

The theme of this year’s Refugee Week was ‘Our Home’ - and indeed we found that building strength in our immediate neighbourhoods has had positive ripples nation-wide. We joined national housing coalitions and pushed for digital inclusion in our home Borough of Lewisham. Lewisham’s new Mayor, Brenda Dacres, visited our office, and we visited the London Mayor, Sadiq Khan, at an electoral Assembly to seek representation for migrants. The Sanctuary movement is expanding rapidly and policy makers have taken note by reaching out to collaborate with us. From our signature Borough of Sanctuary campaigns to schools across Lewisham and Greenwich signing up to become Schools of Sanctuary and more and more GP surgeries becoming mobilised to work with us on access to healthcare and committing to being Safe Surgeries - our work on Streams of Sanctuary is growing steadily.

It might look bleak for migrant rights at first glance, but on a closer look charities such as LRMN and our partners have continued to cast a light on the benefits of connection. In the words of one of our clients:

“If you join LRMN, they will help you. When they spoke to me, I felt so cared for. And it's still ongoing, my adviser is still looking to help me even now.”

We are grateful for our staff, our volunteers, and our supporters for the resilience and dedication that is helping us to build a fairer and safer future for all.

Claire Morris, Chair of Trustees

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LEWISHAM REFUGEE AND MIGRANT NETWORK TRUSTEES’ REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS’ REPORT)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

Message from the CEO

The last year has been a year of change for LRMN but our efforts to build a community of welcome continue! We are proud of the many strides towards migrant justice that LRMN celebrated over the past year.

We’ve rallied with like-minded organisations to establish another Borough of Sanctuary in Greenwich, expanded our Safe Surgeries campaign, and celebrated our first Secondary School of Sanctuary in Lewisham. We are working hard to sustain and grow the support we offer, ensuring we can address the increase of insecure status and accommodation for the people we work with. We are particularly proud of our Community Embedded Worker, a pilot role due to come to an end that was, after community mobilisation and passionate testimonies, extended to a full-time position.

Through this role we have been able to support scores of sanctuary seekers, who otherwise would have found themselves locked out of healthcare services.

And our community shows up for us in turn: our fundraisers’ efforts at the London Legal Walk and our first ever LRMN Week, celebrating our anniversary as a registered charity, is proof that our voices when added together, echo loudly.

I am delighted to have taken over the role of CEO in April 2024 from Rosario GuimbaStewart who led and grew LRMN for 14 years. It is thanks to her dedication to LRMN’s community that we are able to celebrate our anniversary and the growing impact we have. Our more than 37 years of growing roots in our community have led to lasting partnerships, reunited families, and fostered friendships in the most unexpected places - but most of all in strength and connection in a world that sows division. And we’re looking forward to building out a world where solidarity is engrained in the very heart of our community.

Alan Robertson, LRMN CEO

Quotes from our Community Members

“They took me and my son in and made me feel like a family”

“On 25 December I was all alone and I didn't have food, and LRMN gave me two chickens. It's cheered me up, I felt so happy. It made my Christmas. I went to the Community Forum, and you made me feel like I belong. Thank you so much. A human being feels so welcome when we feel listen to. Outside there we feel like outcasts. But not here. Thank you LRMN.”

“LRMN has helped me and supported me whenever I needed it including getting help with Mental Health, Transport, SIM, and other advice, and I really appreciate that about them.”

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LEWISHAM REFUGEE AND MIGRANT NETWORK

TRUSTEES’ REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS’ REPORT)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

1. Structure, Governance and Management

Constitution

Lewisham Refugee and Migrant Network (LRMN) was formed in 1991/92 and was incorporated and became a registered charity and a company limited by guarantee in 1996. It was established under a Memorandum and Articles of Association and is governed under its objects and powers. Updated Articles were adopted on 14th April 2016.

Recruitment and Appointment of Board of Trustees

The management of LRMN is the responsibility of the Board of Trustees who are elected and co-opted under the terms of its Articles of Association.

Under the requirement of the Articles of Association, each Trustee shall be appointed for a fixed term of office. Each fixed term may not exceed three years. Each director whose term of office comes to an end at the end of a fixed term in accordance with these articles is eligible for re-appointment as a director unless he or she has ceased to be eligible for such re-appointment by reason of another provision of these articles. Provided that no director shall be re-appointed for a term which would cause his or her aggregate term of office to exceed 9 years. New Trustees are selected following a formal selection process.

The board aims to ensure that it is diverse, includes service user experience and reflects the communities we serve.

Induction and Training of Board of Trustees

Newly elected Board of Trustees are formally welcomed and provided with a structured induction programme and LRMN information (Welcome Pack). Arrangements are made to meet with staff and current Trustees. On-going training is available to existing and new members.

Risk Management

LRMN regularly carries out detailed risk assessments and addresses every area that is likely to pose a threat to the organisation, Board of Trustees, staff, visitors and users. Risks are divided in two: Strategic Risks which the Board of Trustees regularly review in meetings and Operational Risks which the staff, led by the CEO, examine in managers and staff meetings. Any significant Operational risks are escalated to the Strategic risk register.

Organisational structure and the decision making process

The Board of Trustees meets every quarter and is responsible for the strategic direction of LRMN. Each Trustee is a member of at least one sub-committee namely Finance, Risk and Compliance (FRC), Organisational Development (OD), and Fundraising and Marketing (F&M). Each sub-committee develops a plan for the activities within their remit and these form part of the Board annual plan, progress against which is monitored regularly.

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LEWISHAM REFUGEE AND MIGRANT NETWORK TRUSTEES’ REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS’ REPORT)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

LRMN employs a CEO who works closely with the Board of Trustees and is responsible for the day to day management of the organisation. We empower refugees, asylum seekers and other migrants facing destitution and vulnerable situations by advocating for their rights, campaigning for change, supporting their wellbeing and offering emergency assistance. Supporting the CEO in their management of the organisation is the Head of Operations, who manages administration staff, volunteers and five team managers. Team managers are responsible for immigration, housing and welfare benefits advice, women’s wellbeing, community wellbeing and mental health and admin and operations. The CEO manages the Finance Manager, Campaigns and Communications Manager and the Fundraising Officer. LRMN also employs a variety of freelance staff, supporting our services.

The 7 managers of LRMN and the CEO form the management team and meet formally every 6 weeks. A staff meeting is held every 6 weeks, managers conduct staff supervision meetings at least every month and staff performance reviews are held annually.

Responsibilities of the Board of Trustees

Company and charity law applicable to charities in England and Wales requires the Trustees (who are also directors of Lewisham Refugee and Migrant Network for the purposes of company law) to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give an accurate view of the state of affairs of LRMN and of the surplus or deficit for that period. In preparing those financial statements the Trustees have:

The Trustees have overall responsibility for ensuring that LRMN has appropriate financial control systems. They are also responsible for keeping proper accounting records which disclose, with reasonable accuracy at any time, the financial position of LRMN and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of LRMN and hence for taking reasonable steps for the detection and prevention of fraud and other irregularities.

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LEWISHAM REFUGEE AND MIGRANT NETWORK

TRUSTEES’ REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS’ REPORT)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

Members of the Board of Trustees

Members of the Board of Trustees are directors for the purpose of company law and trustees for the purpose of charity law, who served during the year and up to the date of this report.

I Amelkina (appointed 13 February 2024) M Brooks L Clemett F Elahi (appointed 13 February 2024) C Morris D Namirembe J Nche (appointed 13 February 2024) A Pacrami J Panesar E Mosley (resigned 14 May 2024) V Scott (resigned 13 February 2024) A Lake (resigned 14 November 2023) C Hardaker (resigned 7 June 2023)

In so far as the Trustees are aware:

● there is no relevant information of which LRMN’s Auditor is unaware, and

● as the directors of LRMN they have taken all the steps that they ought to have taken in order to make themselves aware of any relevant information and to establish that

LRMN’s Auditor is aware of that information.The Trustees are responsible for the maintenance and integrity of the corporate and financial information included on LRMN’s website.

2. Public Benefit

Our Vision

People from all backgrounds belong and thrive and are treated with respect and dignity in a just and welcoming society.

Our Mission

To enable refugees, asylum seekers and migrants (RASM) to know and exercise their rights, thrive, integrate and engage in activities to bring about change for a better future.

Our Values

Collaborative - We know we are stronger together. We will involve the people we serve, our team and our partners in designing and delivering our work.

Refugee and Migrant Justice – rights and justice primarily for refugees and migrants are at the heart of everything we do.

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LEWISHAM REFUGEE AND MIGRANT NETWORK TRUSTEES’ REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS’ REPORT)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

Integrity - We will be honest and do the right thing

Equity, Diversity and Inclusion – We are committed to building a community that removes barriers, embraces people from all backgrounds and provides opportunities for them to rebuild their lives."

Our Goal

To reduce poverty, increase inclusion and engagement and improve mental health and wellbeing amongst the RASM community in London.

Our Strategic Goals

Strategic Goal 1 – Effective and Modern Governance, Leadership, Management, Financial and Organisational systems and Operations. Strategic Goal 2 - Grow and improve our services

Strategic Goal 3 – Develop and sustain effective and relevant partnerships, collaboration and influence.

Strategic Goal 4 – Resilient, competent and compassionate workforce

Public Benefit Statement

The Trustees confirm that they have complied with the duty in Section 4 of the Charities Act 2006 to have due regard to the Charity Commission’s general guidance on public benefit, ‘Charities and Public Benefit’.

LRMN’s charitable purpose is enshrined in its objects, which include ‘the advancement of education, the furtherance of health and the relief of poverty, distress and sickness’, especially through advice, support and information given to our clients.

The Trustees ensure that this purpose is carried out for the public benefit by delivering services that are valued by our refugee, asylum seeking and migrant clients. These enable those with immigration, housing and welfare and other issues to access the right legal advice, those with health issues, both mental and physical to access the right health services for quality treatment, women who have survived gender-based abuse and men to receive counselling and therapeutic support, and those seeking employment or furthering their skills are supported. Our services are free, confidential and independent, thanks to the support received from statutory and charitable sources and individual donors.

3. Our Achievements

Highlights 2023/2024

In 2023/2024 LRMN supported 1621 people across our broad range of services.

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LEWISHAM REFUGEE AND MIGRANT NETWORK TRUSTEES’ REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS’ REPORT)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

Immigration

We understand that supporting individuals with their immigration claims requires a team that prioritises hands-on and long-term help. Sanctuary seekers in our community want to move forward in their lives. Our dedicated immigration team works hard to ensure that all who seek our assistance have equal access to justice and necessary support, especially when experiencing homelessness, poverty, or mental health issues.

While we continue to campaign against the systematic barriers and hostile environment facing asylum-seekers and refugees, we are seeing more and more requests for immigration advice at LRMN.

We know that accessing immigration support is vital, especially in the face of heightened demand. In 2023/2024 we helped clients submit 184 applications aimed at regularising or preserving their immigration status. Additionally, we provided support in avoiding burdensome Home Office fees and removing restrictive conditions on immigration status. Often, the sanctuary seekers we support are struggling with destitution or are caregivers.

We are proud to be a key hub in South East London for migrants, with over 509 people supported through our immigration service. We’ve also been working collaboratively with AFRIL, Southwark Law Centre, Citizens Advice Lewisham, Citizens Advice Bexley,

Plumstead Law Centre and others to ensure individuals are able to access safe and wellrounded immigration advice. At our Greenwich Migrant Hub 210 people received immigration advice from our partner Plumstead Law Centre.

Our immigration department continues to be a backbone of our services at LRMN, and we will keep offering advice to our most vulnerable neighbours to ensure they feel safe and welcomed.

“They help me with my immigration status! Now I can work and provide for my little one! Thank you LRMN.”

Housing and Welfare

When we ask our community with lived experience which issue affects them the most, the answer is always housing. Unfortunately, there is far too little housing, particularly with working appliances and without damp and mould. On top of that, we hear again and again that welfare benefits are difficult to access, and that issues with welfare benefits are impossible to escalate.

Thankfully, we are able to refer sanctuary seekers to our Housing and Welfare Benefits team that chases cases through until they are resolved.

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LEWISHAM REFUGEE AND MIGRANT NETWORK TRUSTEES’ REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS’ REPORT)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

We have been able to provide 107 people housing advice and support, and 59 people benefits advice and support.

In addition to self-referrals, we now have weekly Migrant Hubs drop-ins in both Lewisham and Greenwich where individuals can access housing advisors (along with other specialists). In the Greenwich Hub alone we have welcomed 451 sanctuary seekers and given out 321 food parcels over the past year. 175 people received housing advice from our partner Greenwich Housing Rights.

Through the Asylum Hub, we have begun organising regular activities for asylum-seekers such as trips to the Horniman Museum and outdoor activities at Creekside Discovery Centre, which are then opened to all sanctuary seekers.

Case study: Finding dignity and support

The Home Office told Joanne to leave London, but she couldn’t just leave her home.

Joanne had already told her caseworker about her mobility issues and diabetes diagnosis. Despite that, the Home Office still attempted to disperse Joanne to accommodation in Portsmouth that did not meet her disability needs.

In her time of crisis, she called LRMN. One of our Immigration Solicitors advised her to stand her ground and seek help. Terrified of what the Home Office could do to her if she did not

comply, Joanne reluctantly agreed to leave. She did not even have time to take her necessary dose of insulin before a car whisked her away.

Once in Portsmouth, the accommodation providers refused to let Joanne get water or use the toilet. Though her health had deteriorated, Joanne felt most hurt that the authorities left her ‘without dignity and support’.

Thankfully, our Immigration Solicitor was advocating for her every step of the way. He called and provided evidence of her disability to the accommodation manager, her caseworker, and Migrant Help, consistently following up throughout the day so Joanne’s needs would be met.

His persistence resulted in Joanne being placed back into safe and accessible accommodation in London, as well as receiving much-needed urgent medical attention. Migrant Help and the Home Office have since apologised for how they treated Joanne. The government’s ‘no choice’ and dispersal policies work against people seeking sanctuary - and even more so against migrants who face additional barriers to inclusion, like Joanne. Organisations like LRMN provide essential support to migrants with intersectional identities when navigating the hostile environment, so Joanne and others like her can live with dignity.

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LEWISHAM REFUGEE AND MIGRANT NETWORK TRUSTEES’ REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS’ REPORT)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

Campaigning for Change

To tackle the systemic barriers that impact our community members, we not only offer emergency support and advice, but also campaign for a better world. Together with our community members, we come together once a month to co-produce campaigns that enact lasting change for everyone. Over the past year we have been to Parliament to hear from our campaigners with lived experience how immigration policies keep migrants in poverty, and we have marched to Lewisham Council to demand free Internet access in temporary accommodation.

We connect with partners such as Citizens UK to mobilise our community resources effectively. With the support of our partners at Citizens, we marched to Laurence House to demand a state of emergency to be called on housing in Lewisham. Another key collaboration is with City of Sanctuary, and we were thrilled to celebrate Greenwich’s Borough of Sanctuary status this year. In both Lewisham and Greenwich, we work with Councils as well as charities, business and sanctuary seekers to ensure we are building a home without borders. We also started taking on Schools of Sanctuary in Greenwich along with Lewisham ones to further the movement for migrants across all ages!

“Partners like LRMN are doing real work on the ground when building sanctuary in the borough.”

We spent the last year building on our healthcare campaigns after hearing from Community Forum members about issues of access. We conducted Secret Shopper actions in GP surgeries targeting every single practice in Lewisham, following up on last year’s successand for the first time in Greenwich, too! Led by people with lived experience, we tested

whether surgeries held to Safe Surgery guidelines and allowed individuals to register without proof of ID or address. We are also closely working on issues around migrant charging with the South East London Integrated Care Boards to create and distribute an Advocacy Guide for our community, as well as on reviewing training and resources with the Lewisham and Greenwich Trust.

Campaigning for migrant justice often means remaining flexible when new challenges arise. In a summer struck by far-right violence, we held a listening space at our Community Forum, and quickly organised resources to disseminate with partners and clients. And we were overwhelmed with the solidarity we received back from our community. We’re looking forward to empowering sanctuary seekers to find their own voice in campaigning, in our home borough and beyond.

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LEWISHAM REFUGEE AND MIGRANT NETWORK TRUSTEES’ REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS’ REPORT)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

Access to healthcare

Over the years we have witnessed the need for a staff member dedicated to supporting migrants to have their health concerns addressed in a safe and timely manner. This includes contesting NHS fees, helping people find and register with GPs, and fill out often complicated forms together. Our Access to Healthcare Advisor assisted 98 people in 2023/2024, five of whom had NHS debt written off thanks to our advocacy

In an inspiring win for our community, a pilot role for our Community Embedded Worker was extended, allowing for sanctuary seekers in Lewisham to access crucial mental health support, often after struggling to access statutory mental health services.

“I still needed to bring my papers. It felt like I was applying for a job. At that moment, it clicked for me that I wasn’t going to go far in England. Because if this was just the doctor, how did the rest of society view me?”

Yet we understand that in order to tangibly break down borders within healthcare, we can’t work alone. Along with our partnerships with the NHS and ICB, we also work closely with Save Lewisham Hospitals and Patients Not Passports campaigns so that everyone is able to access affordable healthcare.

Women’s* Wellbeing

Our Women Together projects allows us to offer holistic services to women who have experienced sexual and gender based violence. Once a week our team holds a peer support group where women learn new skills and empower each other to build well-being.

122 individuals have accessed counselling through the women’s project and 79 attended our group sessions, developing their voice and their community resources. Across our women’s

project, 104 women felt more confident and 93 felt better able to self-advocate. Our summer sessions in the LRMN Garden encouraged parents to bring their children out for the holidays and spread the fun to the whole family.

“If you join the organisations like LRMN, they help you mentally. Through their referrals you can get therapy, and access other services. At LRMN I had an adviser and when they spoke to me I felt so cared for. And it's still ongoing, he's still looking to help me even now. There's many places you can go for help. Keep going.”

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LEWISHAM REFUGEE AND MIGRANT NETWORK TRUSTEES’ REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS’ REPORT)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

*Note: Please be aware that LRMN values inclusion. Therefore, when we refer to “women”, we are referring to any person who identifies as a woman.

Emergency Support

In light of the worsening cost of living crisis, LRMN also offers hardship funds for people who are experiencing extreme circumstances. Facing uncertain and poor housing conditions, and often unable to work due to the hostile environment, people are relieved to know that LRMN can step in to help out.

Not only have we given out 412 food vouchers - we also distributed £9,224.17 in hardship funds to 269 people to fund travel to urgent medical appointments, medication, essential items for parents and babies, and more. Thanks to funding from Lewisham Local we were able to provide 35 people with grants for essential items. Homework, immigration appointments or paying bills - these would have been impossible without the digital inclusion enabled by 32 laptops, 50 mobile phones and 170 sim cards that we were able to provide people who stepped through our doors. Thanks to Catbytes, the National Data Bank and Vodafone’s Charities Connected for their digital support.

Case Study: Going above and beyond - always

Victor came to LRMN as someone who was rough sleeping with many medical issues, hoping to get help with his immigration case. As he is NRPF, many obvious routes were closed to him.

After helping Victor access temporary accommodation and advising him on Adult Social Care, our dedicated service navigator knew that Victor needed more help.

Our team went above and beyond to safeguard Victor through this difficult time of limbo, and provided Victor with hardship payments to get to hospital appointments. At the same time, we referred him to our Access to Healthcare advisor to receive travel advice. We also referred Victor to local services to support him with sleeping bags and more, as well as a Freedom Pass to travel to the hospital more easily. Foodbank vouchers and hot food supplied at the Migrant Hub finally allowed Victor to feel welcome by his new neighbours.

Each one of these referrals takes hours of compassionate listening, chasing up and creative problem solving. Addressing all of a client’s concerns does not fall into one department - it takes staff members from across the organization to safeguard the people we support. And we are incredibly grateful for them!

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LEWISHAM REFUGEE AND MIGRANT NETWORK TRUSTEES’ REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS’ REPORT)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

4) Behind our Services Organisational Health

As our organisation grows, we continue to ensure that we have the capacity and resources to deal with the challenges a charity of our size faces. We have improved our HR resources, developed our fundraising and communications strategies and continued to review and update our policies.

We continued our work on Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI), developing our EDI strategy and identifying next steps.

5) Financial Overview

The Trustees have a responsibility for ensuring the financial health of LRMN. A quarterly meeting of the Finance, Risks and Compliance committee provides an opportunity for detailed examination of the annual budget, regular reviews of the financial position of the charity and to examine the financial implications of any changes that may occur during the year. The committee’s findings and any recommendations are reported to the full Board of Trustees meeting for decision. Despite the continuing economic challenges and the hostile environment in which we work, we are pleased to say that our income streams in 2023 /24 were maintained at a similar level to 2022/23. Total income was £1,116,667 in the year ending 31st March 2024 compared to £1,204,581 in the year ending 31st March 2023, and total expenditure was £1,078,805 in the year ended 31st March 2024 compared to £1,067,178 in the year ended 31st March 2023. Overall LRMN activities in the financial year 23/24 resulted in an increase of £37,862 in total funds held compared with an increase of £137,303 in 2022/23 and these funds are held as reserves.

Principal Funding Sources

The principal funding sources were AB Charitable Trust, Advice Lewisham/ LBL Core Allen & Overy Foundation, Anna Heinz Foundation, Asda, Ben & Jerry's Foundation, Atelier Armonico, Ben & Jerry's Foundation, City Bridge Trust (City of London), Community Justice Fund, DePaul UK, GLA Funding - Covid 19, Rough Sleeping Response, Goldsmith University Natural Environment Research Council (NERC), Greater London Authority, Henry Smith Charity, Justice Collaboration, Landlaid Charitable Trust, Lewisham Homes, Lewisham Local, Lloyds Bank Foundation for England & Wales, London Borough of Bexley, London Borough of Greenwich, London Borough of Lewisham, London Borough of Hackney, London Legal Support Trust, London Refugee Churches Fund, Oak Foundation, Peabody, Phoebe Centre, South East London Integrated Care System, South East London Strategic Alliance, Southall Black Sister, Sports England, St. Martin In The Field, The 29th of May 1961 Charitable Trust, The Charity of Sir Richard Whittington, The Refugee Council and Trust for London - Housing & Welfare

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LEWISHAM REFUGEE AND MIGRANT NETWORK TRUSTEES’ REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS’ REPORT)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

We are very grateful for all the funding received which has enabled us to continue to support our clients and deliver our services.

Reserves Policy

The Trustees have an amended policy whereby the unrestricted funds not committed or invested in tangible fixed assets (the free reserves) held by LRMN should be between three and nine months of annual expenditure. At this level, the Trustees feel that they would be able to continue the current activities in the event of significant drop in funding, providing flexibility in achieving our objectives or covering our liabilities if LRMN is to be closed down.

At the end of the year the general reserve increased to £619,245 and represents 7 months of expenditure in line with the reserves policy of holding three to nine months to manage the day-to-day activities of the charity. The three designated reserves did not change in the year and are held at £175,000, for (a) staffing costs in the event of an unplanned income loss (£100,000), (b) premises costs associated in the event of an unplanned income loss (£15,000), and (c updating office equipment (£60,000). The restricted reserves increased from £268,896 at the start of the year to £288,031 at the end of the year and they will be carried over to 2024/25, and spent on the various purposes for which they were donated.

The Trustees recognise that this year, the designated reserves levels provide for redundancy costs to meet contractual obligations, and premises costs in the event of a wind down and a further reserve for equipment updating. The £619,245 of general unrestricted funds provides a sensible buffer against any short term funding for a strategically important service while we continue to look for replacement funding. The Trustees review this policy in accordance with the Charity Commission’s guidelines on a regular basis, at least once a year.

6. Acknowledgments

LRMN is extremely grateful to our funders, volunteers, staff, trustees and clients for supporting us as we provide vital services. It is the generosity, hard work, and commitment of our community that allows us to respond to the needs of refugees, migrants and sanctuary seekers across London.

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LEWISHAM REFUGEE AND MIGRANT NETWORK

TRUSTEES’ REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS’ REPORT)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

Declaration

Each of the trustees has confirmed that there is no information of which they are aware which is relevant to the audit, but of which the auditor is unaware. They have further confirmed that they have taken appropriate steps to identify such relevant information and to establish that the auditor is aware of such information.

The Trustees declare that they have approved the Trustees Report above. Signed on behalf of the Trustees.

Claire Morris (Chair of Board) (Dec 13, 2024 11:51 GMT)

………………………..

Claire Morris Trustee…………….

13/12/2024 Date……………..

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LEWISHAM REFUGEE AND MIGRANT NETWORK

STATEMENT OF TRUSTEES' RESPONSIBILITIES

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

The trustees, who are also the directors of Lewisham Refugee and Migrant Network for the purpose of company law, are responsible for preparing the Trustees' Report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).

Company Law requires the trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charity and of the incoming resources and application of resources, including the income and expenditure, of the charitable company for that year.

In preparing these financial statements, the trustees are required to:

The trustees are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charity and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.

LEWISHAM REFUGEE AND MIGRANT NETWORK

INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT

TO THE TRUSTEES OF LEWISHAM REFUGEE AND MIGRANT NETWORK

Opinion

We have audited the financial statements of Lewisham Refugee and Migrant Network (the ‘charity’) for the year ended 31 March 2024 which comprise the statement of financial activities, the balance sheet, the statement of cash flows and notes to the financial statements, including significant accounting policies. The financial reporting framework that has been applied in their preparation is applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards, including Financial Reporting Standard 102 The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).

In our opinion, the financial statements:

Basis for opinion

We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK) (ISAs (UK)) and applicable law. Our responsibilities under those standards are further described in the Auditor's responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements section of our report. We are independent of the charity in accordance with the ethical requirements that are relevant to our audit of the financial statements in the UK, including the FRC’s Ethical Standard, and we have fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with these requirements. We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion.

Conclusions relating to going concern

In auditing the financial statements, we have concluded that the trustees' use of the going concern basis of accounting in the preparation of the financial statements is appropriate.

Based on the work we have performed, we have not identified any material uncertainties relating to events or conditions that, individually or collectively, may cast significant doubt on the charity’s ability to continue as a going concern for a period of at least twelve months from when the financial statements are authorised for issue.

Our responsibilities and the responsibilities of the trustees with respect to going concern are described in the relevant sections of this report.

Other information

The other information comprises the information included in the annual report other than the financial statements and our auditor's report thereon. The trustees are responsible for the other information contained within the annual report. Our opinion on the financial statements does not cover the other information and we do not express any form of assurance conclusion thereon. Our responsibility is to read the other information and, in doing so, consider whether the other information is materially inconsistent with the financial statements or our knowledge obtained in the course of the audit, or otherwise appears to be materially misstated. If we identify such material inconsistencies or apparent material misstatements, we are required to determine whether this gives rise to a material misstatement in the financial statements themselves. If, based on the work we have performed, we conclude that there is a material misstatement of this other information, we are required to report that fact.

We have nothing to report in this regard.

Matters on which we are required to report by exception

We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters in relation to which the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 require us to report to you if, in our opinion:

LEWISHAM REFUGEE AND MIGRANT NETWORK

INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT (CONTINUED) TO THE TRUSTEES OF LEWISHAM REFUGEE AND MIGRANT NETWORK

Responsibilities of trustees

As explained more fully in the statement of trustees' responsibilities, the trustees, who are also the directors of the charity for the purpose of company law, are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements and for being satisfied that they give a true and fair view, and for such internal control as the trustees determine is necessary to enable the preparation of financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error. In preparing the financial statements, the trustees are responsible for assessing the charity’s ability to continue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going concern and using the going concern basis of accounting unless the trustees either intend to liquidate the charitable company or to cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so.

Auditor's responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements

We have been appointed as auditor under section 144 of the Charities Act 2011 and report in accordance with the Act and relevant regulations made or having effect thereunder.

Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements as a whole are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an auditor's report that includes our opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance but is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with ISAs (UK) will always detect a material misstatement when it exists. Misstatements can arise from fraud or error and are considered material if, individually or in the aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to influence the economic decisions of users taken on the basis of these financial statements.

The extent to which our procedures are capable of detecting irregularities, including fraud, is detailed below.

Our approach to identifying and assessing the risks of material misstatement in respect of irregularities, including fraud and non-compliance with laws and regulations, was as follows:

•the engagement partner ensured that the engagement team collectively had the appropriate competence, capabilities and skills to identify or recognise non-compliance with applicable laws and regulations;

•we identified the laws and regulations applicable to the charity through discussions with trustees and other management, and from our knowledge and experience of the charity sector;

•we focused on specific laws and regulations which we considered may have a direct material effect on the financial statements or the operations of the charity, the Charities Act 2011, taxation legislation, data protection, employment, environmental and health and safety legislation;

•we assessed the extent of compliance with the laws and regulations identified above through making enquiries of management; and

•identified laws and regulations were communicated within the audit team regularly and the team remained alert to instances of non-compliance throughout the audit.

We assessed the susceptibility of the company’s financial statements to material misstatement, including obtaining an understanding of how fraud might occur, by:

•making enquiries of management as to where they considered there was susceptibility to fraud, their knowledge of actual, suspected and alleged fraud;

•considering the internal controls in place to mitigate risks of fraud and non-compliance with laws and regulations; and

LEWISHAM REFUGEE AND MIGRANT NETWORK

INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT (CONTINUED) TO THE TRUSTEES OF LEWISHAM REFUGEE AND MIGRANT NETWORK

•testing controls with walk through procedures and substantive transaction testing;

To address the risk of fraud through management bias and override of controls, we:

•performed analytical procedures to identify any unusual or unexpected relationships;

•tested journal entries to identify unusual transactions;

•assessed whether judgements and assumptions made in determining any accounting estimates were indicative of potential bias;

•investigated the rationale behind significant or unusual transactions; and

In response to the risk of irregularities and non-compliance with laws and regulations, we designed procedures which included, but were not limited to:

•agreeing financial statement disclosures to underlying supporting documentation;

•reading the minutes of meetings of those charged with governance;

•reviewing correspondence with HMRC and relevant regulators such as the Charity Commisison

There are inherent limitations in our audit procedures described above. The more removed that laws and regulations are from financial transactions, the less likely it is that we would become aware of non-compliance.

Auditing standards also limit the audit procedures required to identify non-compliance with laws and regulations to enquiry of the directors and other management and the inspection of regulatory and legal correspondence, if any.

Material misstatements that arise due to fraud can be harder to detect than those that arise from error as they may involve deliberate concealment or collusion.

A further description of our responsibilities is available on the Financial Reporting Council’s website at: https:// www.frc.org.uk/auditorsresponsibilities. This description forms part of our auditor's report.

Use of our report

This report is made solely to the company’s members, as a body, in accordance with section 391 of the Companies Act 2014. Our audit work has been undertaken so that we might state to the company’s members those matters we are required to state to them in an auditor's report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the company and the company’s members as a body, for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed.

Frances Wilde (Dec 13, 2024 13:04 GMT)

F J Wilde Senior Statutory Auditor For and on behalf of Warner Wilde

13/12/2024

.........................

Chartered Certified Accountants

Statutory Auditor

Warner Wilde 4 Marigold Drive Bisley Surrey GU24 9SF

F J Wilde FCCA MBA DChA is eligible for appointment as auditor of the charity by virtue of its eligibility for appointment as auditor of a company under section 1212 of the Companies Act 2006.

LEWISHAM REFUGEE AND MIGRANT NETWORK

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES INCLUDING INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

Current financial year
Unrestricted
Unrestricted
Restricted
funds
funds
funds
general
designated
2024
2024
2024
Notes
£
£
£
Income and endowments from:
Donations and legacies
3
206,366
-
894,839
Other trading activities
4
1,681
-
-
Investments
5
10,599
-
-
Other income
6
3,182
-
-
Total income
221,828
-
894,839
Expenditure on:
Charitable activities
Immigration
7
88,408
-
331,190
Campaign and Advocacy
7
34,923
-
177,412
Refugee Resettlement
7
23,903
-
88,618
Mental Health
7
-
-
-
Housing and Welfare
7
13,739
-
55,657
Women Together
7
15,171
-
71,099
Other
7
26,621
-
151,728
Total charitable expenditure
202,765
-
875,704
Other expenditure
12
336
-
-
Total expenditure
203,101
-
875,704
Net income
18,727
-
19,135
Net movement in funds
9
18,727
-
19,135
Reconciliation of funds:
Fund balances at 1 April 2023
600,518
175,000
268,896
Fund balances at 31 March 2024
619,245
175,000
288,031		 Total
2024
£
1,101,205
1,681
10,599
3,182
1,116,667
419,598
212,335
112,521
-
69,396
86,270
178,349
1,078,469
336
1,078,805
37,862
37,862
1,044,414
1,082,276		 Total
2023
£
1,188,044
576
3,879
11,982
1,204,481
364,438
122,220
233,695
90,801
67,007
75,834
111,681
1,065,676
1,502
1,067,178
137,303
137,303
907,111
1,044,414

The statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year. All income and expenditure derive from continuing activities.

LEWISHAM REFUGEE AND MIGRANT NETWORK

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES (CONTINUED) INCLUDING INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

Prior financial year
Unrestricted
Unrestricted
Restricted
funds
funds
funds
general
designated
2023
2023
2023
Notes
£
£
£
Income and endowments from:
Donations and legacies
3
183,029
-
1,005,015
Other trading activities
4
576
-
-
Investments
5
3,879
-
-
Other income
6
11,982
-
-
Total income
199,466
-
1,005,015
Expenditure on:
Immigration
7
40,056
-
324,382
Campaign and Advocacy
7
2,574
-
119,646
Refugee Resettlement
7
36,918
-
196,777
Mental Health
7
1,282
-
89,519
Housing and Welfare
7
12,912
-
54,095
Women Together
7
5,147
-
70,687
Other
7
25,021
-
86,660
Other expenditure
12
1,502
-
-
Total expenditure
125,412
-
941,766
Net income
74,054
-
63,249
Transfers between funds
36,611
-
(36,611)
Net movement in funds
9
110,665
-
26,638
Reconciliation of funds:
Fund balances at 1 April 2022
489,853
175,000
242,258
Fund balances at 31 March 2023
600,518
175,000
268,896		 Total
2023
£
1,188,044
576
3,879
11,982
1,204,481
364,438
122,220
233,695
90,801
67,007
75,834
111,681
1,502
1,067,178
137,303
-
137,303
907,111
1,044,414

LEWISHAM REFUGEE AND MIGRANT NETWORK

BALANCE SHEET

AS AT 31 MARCH 2024

Notes
Fixed assets
Tangible assets
14
Investments
15
Current assets
Debtors
16
Cash at bank and in hand
Creditors: amounts falling due within
one year
17
Net current assets
Total assets less current liabilities
The funds of the charity
Restricted income funds
20
Unrestricted funds - general
22
Unrestricted funds - designated
21		 2024
£
£
15,671
199,922
215,593
26,768
1,020,988
1,047,756
(181,073)
866,683
1,082,276
288,031
619,245
175,000
1,082,276		 2023
£
£
16,391
-
16,391
34,686
1,140,175
1,174,861
(146,838)
1,028,023
1,044,414
268,896
600,518
175,000
1,044,414		 2023
£
£
16,391
-
16,391
34,686
1,140,175
1,174,861
(146,838)
1,028,023
1,044,414
268,896
600,518
175,000
1,044,414
16,391
1,028,023
1,044,414
268,896
600,518
175,000
1,044,414

The company is entitled to the exemption from the audit requirement contained in section 477 of the Companies Act 2006, for the year ended 31 March 2024, although an audit has been carried out under section 144 of the Charities Act 2011.

The directors acknowledge their responsibilities for complying with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 with respect to accounting records and the preparation of financial statements.

The members have not required the company to obtain an audit of its financial statements under the requirements of the Companies Act 2006, for the year in question in accordance with section 476.

These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to companies subject to the small companies regime.

13/12/2024

The financial statements were approved by the trustees on .........................

.. ~~............................~~ Claire Morris (Chair of Board) (Dec 13, 2024 11:51 GMT) C Morris

Trustee

Company registration number 3252691 (England and Wales)

LEWISHAM REFUGEE AND MIGRANT NETWORK

STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

Notes
Cash flows from operating activities
Cash generated from operations
26
Investing activities
Purchase of tangible fixed assets
Proceeds from disposal of tangible fixed
assets
Purchase of investments
Investment income received
Net cash used in investing activities
Net cash used in financing activities
Net (decrease)/increase in cash and cash
equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year		 2024
£
£
73,955
(3,821)
-
(199,922)
10,599
(193,144)
-
(119,189)
1,140,175
1,020,988		 2023
£
£
225,146
(3,010)
(1,502)
-
3,879
(633)
-
224,513
915,662
1,140,175

LEWISHAM REFUGEE AND MIGRANT NETWORK

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

1 Accounting policies

Charity information

Lewisham Refugee and Migrant Network is a private company limited by guarantee incorporated in England and Wales. The registered office is 341 Evelyn Street, London, SE8 5QX.

1.1 Accounting convention

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the charity's governing document, the Companies Act 2006, FRS 102 “The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland” (“FRS 102”) and the Charities SORP "Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102)" (effective 1 January 2019). The charity is a Public Benefit Entity as defined by FRS 102.

The financial statements are prepared in sterling, which is the functional currency of the charity. Monetary amounts in these financial statements are rounded to the nearest £.

The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention, [modified to include the revaluation of freehold properties and to include investment properties and certain financial instruments at fair value]. The principal accounting policies adopted are set out below.

1.2 Going concern

At the time of approving the financial statements, the trustees have a reasonable expectation that the charity has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. Thus the trustees continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting in preparing the financial statements.

1.3 Charitable funds

Unrestricted funds are available for use at the discretion of the trustees in furtherance of their charitable objectives.

Restricted funds are subject to specific conditions by donors or grantors as to how they may be used. The purposes and uses of the restricted funds are set out in the notes to the financial statements.

Endowment funds are subject to specific conditions by donors that the capital must be maintained by the charity.

1.4 Income

Income is recognised when the charity is legally entitled to it after any performance conditions have been met, the amounts can be measured reliably, and it is probable that income will be received.

Cash donations are recognised on receipt. Other donations are recognised once the charity has been notified of the donation, unless performance conditions require deferral of the amount. Income tax recoverable in relation to donations received under Gift Aid or deeds of covenant is recognised at the time of the donation.

Legacies are recognised on receipt or otherwise if the charity has been notified of an impending distribution, the amount is known, and receipt is expected. If the amount is not known, the legacy is treated as a contingent asset.

LEWISHAM REFUGEE AND MIGRANT NETWORK

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

1 Accounting policies

(Continued)

1.5 Expenditure

Expenditure is recognised once there is a legal or constructive obligation to transfer economic benefit to a third party, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefits will be required in settlement, and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably.

Expenditure is classified by activity. The costs of each activity are made up of the total of direct costs and shared costs, including support costs involved in undertaking each activity. Direct costs attributable to a single activity are allocated directly to that activity. Shared costs which contribute to more than one activity and support costs which are not attributable to a single activity are apportioned between those activities on a basis consistent with the use of resources. Central staff costs are allocated on the basis of time spent, and depreciation charges are allocated on the portion of the asset’s use.

1.6 Research and development expenditure

Research expenditure is written off against profits in the year in which it is incurred. Identifiable development expenditure is capitalised to the extent that the technical, commercial and financial feasibility can be demonstrated.

1.7 Tangible fixed assets

Tangible fixed assets are initially measured at cost and subsequently measured at cost or valuation, net of depreciation and any impairment losses.

Depreciation is recognised so as to write off the cost or valuation of assets less their residual values over their useful lives on the following bases:

Fixtures, fittings and equipment 20% Reducing Balance

The gain or loss arising on the disposal of an asset is determined as the difference between the sale proceeds and the carrying value of the asset, and is recognised in the statement of financial activities.

1.8 Fixed asset investments

Fixed asset investments are initially measured at transaction price excluding transaction costs, and are subsequently measured at fair value at each reporting date. Changes in fair value are recognised in net income/(expenditure) for the year. Transaction costs are expensed as incurred.

1.9 Impairment of fixed assets

At each reporting end date, the charity reviews the carrying amounts of its tangible assets to determine whether there is any indication that those assets have suffered an impairment loss. If any such indication exists, the recoverable amount of the asset is estimated in order to determine the extent of the impairment loss (if any).

1.10 Cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents include cash in hand, deposits held at call with banks, other short-term liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less, and bank overdrafts. Bank overdrafts are shown within borrowings in current liabilities.

LEWISHAM REFUGEE AND MIGRANT NETWORK

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

1 Accounting policies

(Continued)

1.11 Financial instruments

The charity has elected to apply the provisions of Section 11 ‘Basic Financial Instruments’ and Section 12 ‘Other Financial Instruments Issues’ of FRS 102 to all of its financial instruments.

Financial instruments are recognised in the charity's balance sheet when the charity becomes party to the contractual provisions of the instrument.

Financial assets and liabilities are offset, with the net amounts presented in the financial statements, when there is a legally enforceable right to set off the recognised amounts and there is an intention to settle on a net basis or to realise the asset and settle the liability simultaneously.

Basic financial assets

Basic financial assets, which include debtors and cash and bank balances, are initially measured at transaction price including transaction costs and are subsequently carried at amortised cost using the effective interest method unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where the transaction is measured at the present value of the future receipts discounted at a market rate of interest. Financial assets classified as receivable within one year are not amortised.

Basic financial liabilities

Basic financial liabilities, including creditors and bank loans are initially recognised at transaction price unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where the debt instrument is measured at the present value of the future payments discounted at a market rate of interest. Financial liabilities classified as payable within one year are not amortised.

Debt instruments are subsequently carried at amortised cost, using the effective interest rate method.

Trade creditors are obligations to pay for goods or services that have been acquired in the ordinary course of operations from suppliers. Amounts payable are classified as current liabilities if payment is due within one year or less. If not, they are presented as non-current liabilities. Trade creditors are recognised initially at transaction price and subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method.

Derecognition of financial liabilities

Financial liabilities are derecognised when the charity’s contractual obligations expire or are discharged or cancelled.

1.12 Employee benefits

The cost of any unused holiday entitlement is recognised in the period in which the employee’s services are received.

Termination benefits are recognised immediately as an expense when the charity is demonstrably committed to terminate the employment of an employee or to provide termination benefits.

1.13 Retirement benefits

Payments to defined contribution retirement benefit schemes are charged as an expense as they fall due.

LEWISHAM REFUGEE AND MIGRANT NETWORK

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

2 Critical accounting estimates and judgements

In the application of the charity’s accounting policies, the trustees are required to make judgements, estimates and assumptions about the carrying amount of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. The estimates and associated assumptions are based on historical experience and other factors that are considered to be relevant. Actual results may differ from these estimates.

The estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognised in the period in which the estimate is revised where the revision affects only that period, or in the period of the revision and future periods where the revision affects both current and future periods.

3 Income from donations and legacies

Unrestricted
Restricted
funds
funds
2024
2024
£
£
Donations and gifts
15,186
-
Grants
191,180
894,839
206,366
894,839
Grants
AB Charitable Trust
10,638
-
Bromley Lewisham
Greenwich Mind/Community
Wellbeing
-
-
City Bridge Trust
-
130,955
GLA Funding - Covid 19 -
Rough Sleeping Response
-
-
The Refugee Council
-
66,262
Oak Foundation
100,000
21,000
Advice Lewisham/ LBL Core
50,000
-
The Charity of Sir Richard
Whittington
11,573
-
Trust for London - Housing &
Welfare
-
45,000
Other
18,969
631,622
191,180
894,839		 Total
Unrestricted
Restricted
funds
funds
2024
2023
2023
£
£
£
15,186
12,052
-
1,086,019
170,977
1,005,015
1,101,205
183,029
1,005,015
10,638
20,000
-
-
-
125,950
130,955
-
-
-
-
25,746
66,262
-
164,124
121,000
50,000
34,399
50,000
50,000
21,000
11,573
28,000
-
45,000
-
50,000
650,591
22,977
583,796
1,086,019
170,977
1,005,015		 Total
2023
£
12,052
1,175,992
1,188,044
20,000
125,950
-
25,746
164,124
84,399
71,000
28,000
50,000
606,773
1,175,992

LEWISHAM REFUGEE AND MIGRANT NETWORK

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

3 Income from donations and legacies

(Continued)

'Other' includes:

2024 Unrestricted: London Legal Support Trust £11,350; South East London Strategic Alliance £2,400; Justice Colllaboration £150; Greenwich Council £2,923.94; Atelier Armonico £2,144.30.

2024 Restricted: Ben & Jerry's Foundation £9,667; Community Justice Fund £7,534; DePaul UK £13,750; Greenwich Council £30,000; Henry Smith - Access to Healthcare £38,000; Henry Smith - Improving Lives £59,800; Sports England £5,600; London Borough of Lewisham - ILR service

2023 Unrestricted: London Legal Support Trust £12,851; The 29th of May 1961 Charitable Trust £4,000; Goldsmith University Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) £3,000 and Lloyds Bank Foundation for England & Wales £2,250.

2023 Restricted: Allen & Overy Foundation £10,000; Ben & Jerry's Foundation £19,333; Community Justice Fund £4,662; DePaul UK £68,750; GLA £18,000; Greenwich Council £29,638; Henry Smith - Access to Healthcare £29,175; Henry Smith - Improving Lives £59,075;London Borough of Lewisham - ILR service. £47,946; Landlaid Charitable Trust £5,000;London Borough of Lewisham - NCIL £33,326; London Borough of Lewisham - Ukraine Fund £33,333; Lewisham Homes £2,500; Lewisham - Local Essential Grant £5,000; LLST £52,654; London Borough of Bexley CAB/TFL £30,000; London Borough or Hackney £31,722; Awards for All £2,500; Peabody - Community Advice £24,678; Phoebe Centre £5,875; GLA £62,387; Royal Borough of Greenwich - Ukraine Small Grants £2,991; Royal Borough of Greenwich - Warm Spaces. £2,961; Asda £1,440; London Refugee Churches Fund £850.

4 Income from other trading activities

Unrestricted Unrestricted
funds funds
2024 2023
£ £
Fundraising events 1,681 576
5 Income from investments
Unrestricted Unrestricted
funds funds
2024 2023
£ £
Interest receivable 10,599 3,879

LEWISHAM REFUGEE AND MIGRANT NETWORK

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

6 Other income

Unrestricted Unrestricted
funds funds
2024 2023
£ £
Other income 3,182 11,982

LEWISHAM REFUGEE AND MIGRANT NETWORK

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

7 Expenditure on charitable activities

Immigration
Campaign
and
Advocacy
Refugee
Resettlement
Housing and
Welfare
2024
2024
2024
2024
£
£
£
£
Direct costs
Staff costs
256,066
101,398
53,970
40,648
Depreciation and impairment
1,457
481
330
189
Staff expenses and training
6,742
3,396
8,113
877
Project costs
6,024
3,442
1,949
1,700
Premises
12,525
8,532
3,024
2,877
Office costs
9,736
8,639
2,730
1,170
292,550
125,888
70,116
47,461
Share of support and governance costs (see note 8)
Support
120,725
83,943
40,691
20,949
Governance
6,323
2,504
1,714
986
419,598
212,335
112,521
69,396
Analysis by fund
Unrestricted funds - general
88,408
34,923
23,903
13,739
Restricted funds
331,190
177,412
88,618
55,657
419,598
212,335
112,521
69,396		 Women
Together
2024
£
42,041
209
2,833
9,727
2,272
1,951
59,033
26,149
1,088
86,270
15,171
71,099
86,270		 Other
2024
£
55,013
367
4,713
62,843
6,511
6,636
136,083
40,357
1,909
178,349
26,621
151,728
178,349		 Total
2024
£
549,136
3,033
26,674
85,685
35,741
30,862
731,131
332,814
14,524
1,078,469
202,765
875,704
1,078,469

LEWISHAM REFUGEE AND MIGRANT NETWORK

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

7 Expenditure on charitable activities

(Continued)

"Other" includes Destitution & Community; Migrant Hub; LLST Cost of Living advice. Please refer to Restricted Funds note 17 and the Donations and Legacies note 3 for more detailed information regarding income and expenditure relating to these activities.

LEWISHAM REFUGEE AND MIGRANT NETWORK

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

7 Expenditure on charitable activities

(Continued)

Previous year:
Immigration
Campaign
and
Advocacy
Refugee
Resettlement
Mental Health Housing and
Welfare
2023
2023
2023
2023
2023
£
£
£
£
£
Direct costs
Staff costs
240,850
80,602
156,519
59,905
43,308
Depreciation and impairment
1,047
323
766
270
241
Staff expenses and training
2,968
363
1,941
2,214
431
Project costs
20,562
4,351
4,789
1,250
6,208
Premises
9,888
5,356
5,316
3,810
1,818
Office costs
8,721
5,439
4,202
2,110
721
284,036
96,434
173,533
69,559
52,727
Share of support and governance costs (see note 8)
Support
75,698
24,336
56,721
20,027
13,198
Governance
4,704
1,450
3,441
1,215
1,082
364,438
122,220
233,695
90,801
67,007
Analysis by fund
Unrestricted funds - general
40,056
2,574
36,918
1,282
12,912
Restricted funds
324,382
119,646
196,777
89,519
54,095
364,438
122,220
233,695
90,801
67,007		 Women
Together
2023
£
44,016
209
782
8,881
2,831
2,669
59,388
15,505
941
75,834
5,147
70,687
75,834		 Other
2023
£
33,772
263
3,196
35,727
1,875
3,464
78,297
32,200
1,184
111,681
25,021
86,660
111,681		 Total
2023
£
658,972
3,119
11,895
81,768
30,894
27,326
813,974
237,685
14,017
1,065,676
123,910
941,766
1,065,676

LEWISHAM REFUGEE AND MIGRANT NETWORK

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

8 Support costs allocated to activities

Staff costs
Depreciation
Finance & admin: Project costs
Finance & admin: Premises
Finance & admin: Office costs
Finance & admin: Other costs
Sundry expenses
Governance costs
Analysed between:
Immigration
Campaign and Advocacy
Refugee Resettlement
Mental Health
Housing and Welfare
Women Together
Other
Governance costs comprise:
Audit fees
Legal and professional
9
Net movement in funds
The net movement in funds is stated after charging/(crediting):
Fees payable for the audit of the charity's financial statements
Depreciation of owned tangible fixed assets
Loss on disposal of tangible fixed assets		 2024
£
269,084
1,170
3,887
3,003
3,325
52,117
228
14,524
347,338
127,048
86,447
42,405
-
21,935
27,237
42,266
347,338
2024
£
7,150
7,374
14,524
2024
£
7,150
4,205
336		 2023
£
213,570
978
1,935
2,620
11,917
-
6,666
14,017
251,703
80,402
25,786
60,162
21,242
14,280
16,446
33,384
251,702
2023
£
8,190
5,827
14,017
2023
£
8,190
4,097
1,502

10 Trustees

None of the trustees (or any persons connected with them) received any remuneration or benefits from the charity during the year.

LEWISHAM REFUGEE AND MIGRANT NETWORK

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

11 Employees

The average monthly number of employees during the year was:

Management
Immigration
Advisory
Finance and Administration
Total
Employment costs
Wages and salaries
Social security costs
Other pension costs		 2024
Number
2
7
8
3
20
2024
£
718,840
64,633
34,747
818,220		 2023
Number
2
9
10
3
24
2023
£
775,519
68,237
28,786
872,542

The total cost to the charity of Key Management Personnel (which is defined as the Senior Leadership Team), is £123,981 (2023: £116,624). This includes gross salaries, employer's national insurance and employer's pension contributions.

The number of employees whose annual remuneration was more than £60,000 is as follows:

2024 2023
Number Number
60,001 - 70,000 1 1
12 Other expenditure
Unrestricted Unrestricted
funds funds
2024 2023
£ £
Net loss on disposal of tangible fixed assets 336 1,502

13 Taxation

The charity is exempt from taxation on its activities because all its income is applied for charitable purposes.

LEWISHAM REFUGEE AND MIGRANT NETWORK

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

14
Tangible fixed assets
Cost
At 1 April 2023
Additions
Disposals
At 31 March 2024
Depreciation and impairment
At 1 April 2023
Depreciation charged in the year
Eliminated in respect of disposals
At 31 March 2024
Carrying amount
At 31 March 2024
At 31 March 2023
15
Fixed asset investments
Cost or valuation
At 1 April 2023
Additions
At 31 March 2024
Carrying amount
At 31 March 2024
At 31 March 2023
16
Debtors
Amounts falling due within one year:
Other debtors
Prepayments and accrued income		 Fixtures,
fittings and
equipment
£
32,419
3,821
(559)
35,681
16,028
4,205
(223)
20,010
15,671
16,391
Cash in
portfolio
£
-
199,922
199,922
199,922
-
2024
2023
£
£
14,143
22,129
12,625
12,557
26,768
34,686

LEWISHAM REFUGEE AND MIGRANT NETWORK

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

17 Creditors: amounts falling due within one year

Notes
Other taxation and social security
Deferred income
18
Trade creditors
Other creditors
Accruals
18
Deferred income
Other deferred income
Deferred income is included in the financial statements as follows:
Deferred income is included within:
Current liabilities
Movements in the year:
Deferred income at 1 April 2023
Released from previous periods
Resources deferred in the year
Deferred income at 31 March 2024
19
Retirement benefit schemes
Defined contribution schemes
Charge to profit or loss in respect of defined contribution schemes		 2024
£
15,977
135,093
5,388
2,860
21,755
181,073
2024
£
135,093
2024
£
135,093
98,392
(98,392)
135,093
135,093
2024
£
34,747		 2023
£
18,082
98,392
8,850
2,613
18,901
146,838
2023
£
98,392
2023
£
98,392
80,174
(80,174)
98,392
98,392
2023
£
28,786

The charity operates a defined contribution pension scheme for all qualifying employees. The assets of the scheme are held separately from those of the charity in an independently administered fund.

LEWISHAM REFUGEE AND MIGRANT NETWORK

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

20 Restricted funds

The restricted funds of the charity comprise the unexpended balances of donations and grants held on trust subject to specific conditions by donors as to how they may be used.

Destitution & Community
Immigration
Campaign & Advocacy
Housing & Welfare
Mental Health
Women Together
Migrant Hub
Refugee Resettlement
Advice Cost of Living
Previous year:
Destitution & Community
Immigration
Campaign & Advocacy
Housing & Welfare
Mental Health
Women Together
Migrant Hub
Refugee Resettlement
Advice Cost of Living		 At 1 April
2023
Incoming
resources
Resources
expended
£
£
£
6,169
22,658
(25,789)
80,381
300,094
(331,189)
15,706
238,485
(177,413)
25,675
45,000
(55,657)
59,481
-
-
9,155
65,400
(71,100)
17,641
43,322
(48,609)
37,153
72,929
(88,618)
17,535
106,951
(77,329)
268,896
894,839
(875,704)
At 1 April
2022
Incoming
resources
Resources
expended
£
£
£
43,865
10,513
(11,599)
50,489
354,603
(324,711)
25,395
110,233
(119,922)
29,447
50,000
(53,772)
23,050
125,950
(89,519)
18,267
61,575
(70,687)
23,272
34,039
(39,670)
28,473
205,448
(196,768)
-
52,654
(35,118)
242,258
1,005,015
941,766		 Transfers
At 31 March
2024
£
£
-
3,038
-
49,286
-
76,778
-
15,018
-
59,481
-
3,455
-
12,354
-
21,464
-
47,157
-
288,031
Transfers
At 31 March
2023
£
£
(36,611)
6,168
-
80,381
-
15,706
-
25,675
-
59,481
-
9,155
-
17,641
-
37,153
-
17,536
(36,611)
268,896

LEWISHAM REFUGEE AND MIGRANT NETWORK

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

20 Restricted funds

(Continued)

Notes on 2024 Funds/Projects

Destitution & Community

We provided emergency support to 269 people. This included providing 412 food vouchers and over 170 sim cards. Principal funders included Community Justice Fund, UKAWJ, London Refugee Churches, Lewisham Council and Southall Black Sisters.

Immigration

We provided 509 people with immigration advice. We worked closely with partners including Southwark Law Centre, St Mungos, Thamesreach, the 999 Club and Depaul UK. Principal funders included GLA IARS, Hackney Council, London Borough of Bexley, London Borough of Lewisham, Southwark Law Centre, Depaul UK, the Peabody Trust and Hackney Chinese Community Advice.

Campaign & Advocacy

In 2023/24, we continued to focusing on Lewisham and Greenwich Borough of Sanctuary groups, as well as continuing our work on Access to Healthcare, ending NRPF and challenging the hostile environment. Our Access to Healthcare Advisor also supported 98 people with getting the healthcare they need. Principal funders were the Ben & Jerry's Fund Foundations, LB Lewisham, the Henry Smith Charity and the City of London-City Bridge Foundation.

Housing & Welfare

In 2023/24, we supported 107 people with housing advice and 59 people with benefits advice. Principal funders were Trust for London.

Cost of Living Advice

Our Service Navigator supported 133 people. This service was funded by the GLA.

Women Together

We provided counselling to 122 women and 79 women attended our women's group. Principal funders are the Henry Smith Foundation.

Migrant Hub

At our Migrant Hub in Greenwich we provided information and advice to 451 people. The principal funders are Greenwich Council.

Refugee Resettlement

In partnership with Lewisham Council and Refugee Council, we delivered life-changing support to 49 resettled refugee families from Syria, Iraq, Afghanistan, and other countries. The principal funder is the Refugee Council and Lewisham Council.

LEWISHAM REFUGEE AND MIGRANT NETWORK

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

20 Restricted funds

(Continued)

Notes on 2023 Funds/Projects

Destitution & Community

We provided white goods, food parcels and vouchers to those in need of help and provided hardship funds and emergency support to those in most urgent situations in 2022/23. Principal funders included Community Justice Fund, UKAWJ, London Refugee Churches Fund and Southall Black Sisters.

Immigration

We provided 809 people with immigration advice.We were successful with 315 applications. We made 243 applications to support people to regularise their immigration status in 2022/23. Altogether, we supported about 135 homeless clients through our partnerships, such as with Southwark Law Centre, St Mungos, Thamesreach, the 999 Club and Depaul UK. Principal funders included GLA IARS, Hackney Council, London Borough of Bexley, London Borough of Lewisham, Southwark Law Centre, GLA, Depaul UK, the Peabody Trust and the Oak Foundation.

Campaign & Advocacy

In 2022/23, we continued to focusing on Lewisham and Greenwich Borough of Sanctuary groups, as well as continuing our work on Access to Healthcare and ending NRPF. We also continued our Building People, Changing Minds project, where we partnered with Lewisham Local and Lewisham Speaking Up and were funded by Lewisham Council. Our Access to Healthcare Advisor also supported 45 people with getting the healthcare they need. Principal funders were the Ben & Jerry's Fund Foundations, LB Lewisham, the Henry Smith Foundation and the Oak Foundation.

Housing & Welfare

In 2022/23, we supported 221 people with housing and welfare benefits advice. Principal funders were Trust for London and Oak Foundation.

Mental Health

In 2022/23, we supported over 190 clients to improve their mental health and wellbeing. We offer a small but mighty clinical counselling service for men to alleviate complex mental health challenges. Working with our Community Embedded Worker at South London and Maudsley, we also referred 30 people into mental health services. Funding is through the Lewisham Mental Health Project and the Henry Smith Foundation.

Women Together

We helped 41 women and girls receive counselling and 55 women actively attended our women’s group meetings. Over the summer of 2022, we ran summer activities for 16 women and their children. Principal funders are the Henry Smith Foundation.

Migrant Hub

At our Migrant Hub in Greenwich we provided information and advice to 357 people. The principal funders are Greenwich Council.

Refugee Resettlement

In partnership with Lewisham Council and Refugee Council, we delivered life-changing support to 13 resettled refugee families from Syria, Iraq, Afghanistan, and other countries. In 2022/23, we helped resolve 96 cases on everything from accessing welfare support to helping children access education. We were also glad to see 10 people start training, volunteering and ESOL classes. We provided 35 people across our services a supportive, friendly, and informal environment for students to improve their English level and build their confidence. The principal funder is the Refugee Council.

LEWISHAM REFUGEE AND MIGRANT NETWORK

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

21 Unrestricted funds - designated

These are unrestricted funds which are material to the charity's activities.

At 1 April At 31 March
2023 2024
£ £
Staffing 100,000 100,000
Equipment updates 15,000 15,000
Premises 60,000 60,000
175,000 175,000
Previous year: At 1 April At 31 March
2022 2023
£ £
Staffing 100,000 100,000
Equipment updates 15,000 15,000
Premises 60,000 60,000
175,000 175,000

22 Unrestricted funds

The unrestricted funds of the charity comprise the unexpended balances of donations and grants which are not subject to specific conditions by donors and grantors as to how they may be used. These include designated funds which have been set aside out of unrestricted funds by the trustees for specific purposes.

At 1 April Incoming Resources Transfers At 31 March
2023 resources expended 2024
£ £ £ £ £
General funds 600,518 221,828 (203,101) - 619,245
Previous year: At 1 April Incoming Resources Transfers At 31 March
2022 resources expended 2023
£ £ £ £ £
General funds 489,853 199,466 (125,412) 36,611 600,518

LEWISHAM REFUGEE AND MIGRANT NETWORK

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

23 Analysis of net assets between funds

Unrestricted
Unrestricted
Restricted
funds
funds
funds
general
designated
2024
2024
2024
£
£
£
At 31 March 2024:
Tangible assets
15,671
-
-
Investments
199,922
-
-
Current assets/(liabilities)
403,652
175,000
288,031
619,245
175,000
288,031
Unrestricted
Unrestricted
Restricted
funds
funds
funds
general
designated
2023
2023
2023
£
£
£
At 31 March 2023:
Tangible assets
16,391
-
-
Current assets/(liabilities)
584,127
175,000
268,896
600,518
175,000
268,896		 Total
2024
£
15,671
199,922
866,683
1,082,276
Total
2023
£
16,391
1,028,023
1,044,414

24 Related party transactions

There were no disclosable related party transactions during the year (2023 - none).

25 Analysis of changes in net funds

The charity had no material debt during the year.

LEWISHAM REFUGEE AND MIGRANT NETWORK

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

26
Cash generated from operations
Surplus for the year
Adjustments for:
Investment income recognised in statement of financial activities
Loss on disposal of tangible fixed assets
Depreciation and impairment of tangible fixed assets
Movements in working capital:
Decrease in debtors
(Decrease)/increase in creditors
Increase in deferred income
Cash generated from operations		 2024
£
37,862
(10,599)
336
4,203
7,918
(2,466)
36,701
73,955		 2023
£
137,303
(3,879)
3,004
4,097
60,279
6,124
18,218
225,146