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← Merton Somali Community (Mesco)

2025-03-31-accounts

Charity Registration No. 1071152 (England and Wales)

MERTON SOMALI COMMUNITY (MESCO)

CHARITY REGISTRATION No: 1071152

ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

1

MERTON SOMALI COMMUNITY (MESCO) ANNUAL REPORT AND UNAUDITED ACCOUNTS CONTENTS

Page
Legal and Administrative information 3
Trustees' report 4-5
Statement of financial Activities 6
Statement of financial position 7
Notes to the accounts 8-20
Independent Examiner's Report 21

2

MERTON SOMALI COMMUNITY (MESCO) CHARITY INFORMATION FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

Trustees at 31 March 2025 Abdullahi Addo-(Chairman) Mahad Mohamed-(Secretary) Ossob Ali-(Treasure) Zakaria Ali Hiis Abdulle Nasra Hassan Charity Number 1071152 (England and Wales) Date of Registration 21st August 1998 Start of Financial Period 1[st] April 2024 End of Financial Period 31[s] March 2025

Legal Status Standard Charity GOVERNING INSTRUMENT Constitution adopted 7th December 1997

Objects

1. To promote any charitable purposes for the benefit of the public, principally but not exclusively in the local government area of the London Borough of Merton and its environs (hereinafter called the “area of benefit”) and, in particular the advancement of education, the furtherance of health, and the relief of poverty, distress, and sickness. To build the capacity of third sector organisations and provide them with the necessary support, information, and services to enable them to pursue or contribute to any charitable purpose. To promote, organise, and facilitate cooperation and partnership working between third sector, statutory, and other relevant bodies in the achievement of the above purposes within the area of benefit.

Registered Office VESTRY HALL 336 LONDON ROAD MITCHAM SURREY CR4 3UD

Independent Examiners

AMZES ACCOUNTANTS Amzes Ltd 232-236 Green Street London London E7 8LE

3

MERTON SOMALI COMMUNITY (MESCO) TRUSTEES REPORT

FOR YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

The trustees present their report and accounts for the year ended 31 March 2025.

Trustees

The following trustees held office during the whole of the period:

Abdullahi Addo- (Chairman) Mahad Mohamed – (Secretary) Ossob Ali – (Treasure) Zakaria Ali Hiis Abdulle Nasra Hassan

Trustees Report: Performance and Activities (April 2024 - March 2025)

The trustees of Merton Somali Community (MESCO) are pleased to present the annual report for the year ended 31 March 2025 . This year, the charity continued to focus on supporting the local Somali community through tailored projects that address financial hardship, mental health awareness, and social inclusion.

Objectives and Activities

MESCO aims to provide essential support to the Somali community in Merton by addressing key challenges such as financial hardship, housing issues, and mental health stigma. Through community-led initiatives, the charity empowers individuals with knowledge and resources to improve their well-being and quality of life.

Key Achievements and Performance

1. Multilingual Debt Welfare and Benefits Advice Project

Funded by a £53,104 grant, this 18-month project aimed to reduce financial distress, evictions, fines, and bailiff actions by providing targeted advice in the Somali language. The project employed a temporary advisor who worked directly with service users to educate them on their rights, responsibilities, and long-term financial solutions. Additionally, the grant covered 12 months of office rent , providing a stable space for consultations. During the 2024-25 financial year , the charity utilized the remaining £15,135 to ensure the successful delivery of the project and the project has now been successfully ended this year in October 2024 benefiting numerous individuals and families facing financial difficulties.

2. Legends Get Fit-Over 50 ’ s Multi sports and fitness sessions

A grant of £13,009 funded by Sport England on 26 April 2024 w hich successfully delivered a multi-sports and fitness project for disadvantaged Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) men aged 50 and over in Merton and Lambeth. The project addressed health inequalities, social isolation, and the lack of inclusive physical activity opportunities for older men within these communities.

The project ran weekly at a local sports centre, with Saturday and Sunday sessions led by qualified coaches. Participants took part in structured, age-appropriate activities including low-impact sports, football, fitness training, and guided exercise. Sessions also included advice on healthy lifestyles, nutrition, and managing long-term health conditions such as obesity, hypertension, and type 2 diabetes

The project improved participants’ physical health, mental wellbeing, and social connections, reducing isolation and

4

increasing confidence. Many participants were motivated to continue being physically active beyond the project, helping to create lasting lifestyle changes and stronger community connections among older BAME men.

3. Cost of Living Emergency Assistance Grant 24 – 25

A grant of £4814.86 funded by London Borough of Merton on 19 Feb 2025 Merton for their Pot 2: Emergency Assistance Grants – support for organisations grant.

Between January and June 2025, the grant enabled us to successfully respond to growing demand for debt and welfare advice services among Merton residents affected by the cost-of-living crisis. The funding supported additional running costs and allowed us to extend our part-time Debt and Welfare Adviser’s hours by 8 hours per week, significantly increasing our capacity to manage a rising caseload and deliver timely, high-quality support.

The grant also funded advanced training for our volunteers, strengthening their knowledge of welfare policies, debt management techniques, and practical support approaches. As a result, volunteers were better equipped and more confident in providing effective assistance to residents in need.

In addition, the funding helped cover increased heating and electricity costs, ensuring our office remained a warm, safe, and welcoming space for residents accessing our services. Overall, the project strengthened service delivery, improved resilience within our team, and enhanced support for some of the most financially vulnerable people in Merton

Impact on the Community

Both projects had a significant impact on the local community by addressing crucial issues that affect Somali individuals and families. The Debt Welfare and Benefits Advice Project helped service users navigate complex financial challenges, reducing the risk of homelessness and legal action due to unpaid debts.

Meanwhile, the Mental Health Awareness Workshops contributed to breaking down barriers and misconceptions around mental health, promoting emotional well-being and encouraging ongoing discussions within families and social circles.

5

Future Plans

Looking ahead, MESCO aims to expand its outreach efforts by securing additional funding for long-term financial advice services and mental health support programs. The charity also plans to develop partnerships with other local organizations to enhance service delivery and extend its reach within the community.

Acknowledgements

The trustees extend their gratitude to all funders, staff, volunteers, and community members who contributed to the success of MESCO’s initiatives during the year. Their dedication and support have been instrumental in making a meaningful difference in the lives of many individuals.

Statement of Trustees' Responsibilities

The Charities Act 2011 imposes on trustees the duty to diligently prepare financial statements annually, ensuring they accurately reflect the Charity's financial status and surplus for the given period. In fulfilling this obligation, trustees are entrusted with several key responsibilities. They must carefully select appropriate accounting policies and consistently apply them. Furthermore, trustees are expected to exercise prudent judgment when making estimates and judgments, ensuring they are both reasonable and sound. Moreover, it is the trustees' responsibility to prepare financial statements based on the assumption that the charity will continue operating as a going concern, unless circumstances dictate otherwise.

In addition to financial reporting, trustees are accountable for maintaining comprehensive accounting records that provide a clear and transparent overview of the Charity's transactions. These records should be detailed enough to accurately portray the Charity's financial position and ensure compliance with legal requirements outlined in the Charities Act 2011. Furthermore, trustees are entrusted with the vital task of safeguarding the Charity's assets, necessitating the implementation of adequate measures for fraud prevention and detection.

Signed on behalf of the trustees ............................................................................ Abdullahi Adde

Abdullahi Addo

Chairman

Approved by the trustees on: 31 Jan 2026

6

MERTON SOMALI COMMUNITY (MESCO) STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

Incoming resources (Note 1)
Income and endowments from:
Donations and legacies
Charitable activities-(Grants & Contracts)
Other trading activities
Investments
Separate material item of income
Other
Total
Resources expended (Note 2)
Expenditure on:
Raising funds
Cost of Charitable activities
Governance Costs
Other
Total
before investment
gains/(losses)
Net gains/(losses) on investments
Net income/(expenditure)
Extraordinary items
Transfers between funds
gains/(losses):
Loans & Advances
Other gains/(losses)
Net movement in funds
Reconciliation of funds:
Total funds brought forward
Total funds carried forward		 Unrestricted
funds
£
F01		 Restricted
income funds
£
F02		 Endowment
funds
£
F03		 Total funds
31 March 2025
£
F04		 Prior year
funds
31 March 2024
£
F05
- - - - -
- 32,959 - 32,959 42,921
- - - - -
- - - -
- - - - -
- - - - -
- 32,959 - 32,959 42,921
- - - - -
- 32,959 - 32,959 42,921
- - - - 130
- - - -
- 32,959 - 32,959 43,051
- - - - 130
- - - - -
- - - - 130
- - - - -
- - -
- - - -
-
- - - - -
- - - - 130
- - - 4685
- - - - 4555

7

MERTON SOMALI COMMUNITY (MESCO) STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION

AS AT 31 MARCH 2025

Unrestricted Restricted
Endowment
Total
Total last year
funds
income funds
funds
31 March 2025 31 March 2024
£
£
£
£
£
Fixed assets F01
F02
F03
F04
F05
Intangible assets
Tangible assets
Total fixed assets
Current assets
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
~~=—————~~
Stocks
Debtors
Cash at bank and in hand (Note 9)
Total current assets
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
4685
-
-
-
-
4685
~~——~~
Creditors:amounts falling due within
one year
(Note 8)
Net current assets/(liabilities)
-
-
-
-
130
-
-
-
-
4,555
~~——~~
Total assets less current liabilities -
-
-
-
4,555
Creditors:amounts falling due after
one year
(Note 8)
Total net assets or liabilities
Funds of the Charity
Restricted income funds(Note 10)
Unrestricted funds
Revaluation reserve
Total funds
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
4,555
-
-
3315
-
-
-
-
1240
-
-
-
-
-
4555
~~———~~
~~==————~~
Signed by one or two trustees on behalf of all
the trustees
Print Name
Date of approval
30/01/2026
Abdullahi Addo
31/01/2026
Chairman
~~pO~~

8

MERTON SOMALI COMMUNITY (MESCO) NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

==> picture [498 x 522] intentionally omitted <==

----- Start of picture text -----
Note 1 Analysis of income
Unrestricted Restricted Total funds
funds income funds 31 March 2025
Analysis £
Donations and Donations and gifts - - -
legacies: Gift Aid - - -
Legacies - - -
General grants provided by
government/other charities - - -
Total - - -
Charitable INCOME FROM CHARITABLE
activities: ACTIVITIES
Grants & Contracts received
are as follows
Sport England
13,009 13,009
London Borough of Merton
4814.86 4814.86
TNLCF 15,135 15,135-
-
-
-
-
Total - 32,959 32,959
Investement
Income - - -
Interest - -
Dividend - -
Total - - -
TOTAL INCOME - 32,959 32,959
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9

MERTON SOMALI COMMUNITY (MESCO) NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

Note 2 Analysis of expenditure

==> picture [491 x 424] intentionally omitted <==

----- Start of picture text -----
Unrestricted Restricted
funds income funds Total funds
Analysis £
Expenditure on Incurred seeking donations - - -
raising funds: Incurred seeking grants
- - -
Total expenditure on raising funds
Expenditure on During the year ended 31 March 2025, the charity
charitable delivered two key projects funded by restricted grants.
activities A grant of £15135, supported an 18-month
Multilingual Debt Welfare and Benefits Advice Project,
covering the salary of a temporary advisor and 12
months of office rent, with £15,135 spent in the year
to help reduce evictions, fines, and financial distress
through education and advice. Additionally, a
£4,814.86 grant funded for their plot:2 emergency
assistance grant supports for organizations
Additionally a grant of £13,009 was funded by sport
England to successfully deliver a multi sport fitness
project for disadvantaged Black, Asian and Minority
Ethnic (BAME) men aged 50 and over in Merton and
Lambeth. The project addressed health inequalities, - 32,959 32,959
social isolation, and the lack of inclusive physical
activity opportunities for older men within these.
Governence Accountancy Fees - -
Costs
- - -
- - -
Total - - -
Other
Admin Expenses - - -
Total other expenditure - - -
TOTAL EXPENDITURE - 32,959 32,959
----- End of picture text -----

10

MERTON SOMALI COMMUNITY (MESCO) NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

Note 3 Basis of preparation

This section should be completed by all charities .

3.1 Basis of accounting

These accounts have been prepared under the historical cost convention with items recognised at cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant note(s) to these accounts.

The accounts have been prepared in accordance with:

The charity constitutes a public benefit entity as defined by FRS 102.*

Yes

3.2 Going concern

If there are material uncertainties related to events or conditions that cast significant doubt on the charity's ability to continue as a going concern, please provide the following details or state "Not applicable", if appropriate:

An explanation as to those factors that The charity's continued financial stability, positive growth support the conclusion that the charity is a trends, and strategic plans affirm its status as a going going concern; concern. Disclosure of any uncertainties that make the Not applicable going concern assumption doubtful; Where accounts are not prepared on a going Not applicable concern basis, please disclose this fact together with the basis on which the trustees prepared the accounts and the reason why the charity is not regarded as a going concern.

3.3 Change of accounting policy

The accounts present a true and fair view and the accounting policies adopted are those outlined in note { }.

Yes * -Tick as appropriate No Please disclose: (i) the nature of the change in accounting policy; Not applicable (ii) the reasons why applying the new accounting policy provides more reliable and more relevant information; Not applicable and

Please disclose:

11

MERTON SOMALI COMMUNITY (MESCO) NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

(iii) the amount of the adjustment for each line affected Not applicable in the current period, each prior period presented and the aggregate amount of the adjustment relating to periods before those presented, 3.44 FRS 102 SORP.

3.4 Changes to accounting estimates

No changes to accounting estimates have occurred in the reporting period (3.46 FRS 102 SORP).

Yes
No		 ✓ * -Tick as appropriate

Please disclose:

(i) the nature of any changes; Not applicable
(ii) the effect of the change on income and expense or
assets and liabilities for the current period; and		 Not applicable
(iii) where practicable, the effect of the change in one or
more future periods.		 Not applicable

1.5 Material prior year errors

No material prior year error have been identified in the reporting period (3.47 FRS 102 SORP).

Yes
No		 ✓ * -Tick as appropriate

Please disclose:

Please disclose:
(i) the nature of the prior period error; Not applicable
(ii) for each prior period presented in the accounts, the
amount of the correction for each account line item
affected; and		 Not applicable
(iii) the amount of the correction at the beginning of the
earliest prior period presented in the accounts.		 Not applicable

12

MERTON SOMALI COMMUNITY (MESCO) NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

Note 4 Accounting policies
4.1 INCOME
Recognition of income These are included in the Statement of Financial Activities (SoFA) when:
•
the charity becomes entitled to the resources;
·
it is more likely than not that the trustees will receive the resources; and
•
the monetary value can be measured with sufficient reliability.
There has been no offsetting of assets and liabilities, or income and expenses, unless required
Offsetting or permitted by the FRS 102 SORP or FRS 102.
Grants and donations are only included in the SoFA when the general income
Grants and donations recognition criteria are met (5.10 to 5.12 FRS102 SORP).
In the case of performance related grants, income must only be recognised to the extent
that the charity has provided the specified goods or services as entitlement to the grant
only occurs when the performance related conditions are met (5.16 FRS 102 SORP).
Legacies Legacies are included in the SOFA when receipt is probable, that is, when there has
been grant of probate, the executors have established that there are sufficient assets in
the estate and any conditions attached to the legacy are either within the control of the
charity or have been met.
Government grants The charity has received government grants in the reporting period
Gift Aid receivable is included in income when there is a valid declaration from the
Tax reclaims on donor. Any Gift Aid amount recovered on a donation is considered to be part of that gift
donations and gifts and is treated as an addition to the same fund as the initial donation unless the donor or
the terms of the appeal have specified otherwise.
Contractual income and This is only included in the SoFA once the charity has provided the related goods or
performance related services or met the performance related conditions.
grants
Donated goods Donated goods are measured at fair value (the amount for which the asset could be
exchanged) unless impractical to do so.
The cost of any stock of goods donated for distribution to beneficiaries is deemed to be
the fair value of those gifts at the time of their receipt and they are recognised on
receipt. In the reporting period in which the stocks are distributed, they are recognised
as an expense at the carrying amount of the stocks at distribution.
Donated goods for resale are measured at fair value on initial recognition, which is the
expected proceeds from sale less the expected costs of sale, and recognised in 'Income
from other trading activities' with the corresponding stock recognised in the balance
sheet. On its sale the value of stock is charged against 'Income from other trading
activities' and the proceeds from sale are also recognised as 'Income from other trading
activities'.
Goods donated for on-going use by the charity are recognised as tangible fixed assets
and included in the SoFA as incoming resources when receivable.
Gifts in kind for use by the charity are included in the SoFA as income from donations
when receivable.
Donated services and Donated services and facilities are included in the SOFA when received at the value of
facilities the gift to the charity provided the value of the gift can be measured reliably.
Donated services and facilities that are consumed immediately are recognised as
income with an equivalent amount recognised as an expense under the appropriate
heading in the SOFA.

The charity has incurred expenditure on support costs.

Support costs

13

MERTON SOMALI COMMUNITY (MESCO) NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

The value of any voluntary help received is not included in the accounts but is described Volunteer help in the trustees’ annual report. Income from interest, This is included in the accounts when receipt is probable and the amount receivable can royalties and dividends be measured reliably.

Income from membership Membership subscriptions received in the nature of a gift are recognised in Donations subscriptions and Legacies.

Insurance claims are only included in the SoFA when the general income recognition Settlement of insurance criteria are met (5.10 to 5.12 FRS102 SORP) and are included as an item of other claims income in the SoFA. Investment gains and This includes any realised or unrealised gains or losses on the sale of investments and losses any gain or loss resulting from revaluing investments to market value at the end of the year.

4.2 EXPENDITURE AND LIABILITIES

Liability recognition Liabilities are recognised where it is more likely than not that there is a legal or constructive obligation committing the charity to pay out resources and the amount of the obligation can be measured with reasonable certainty.

Support costs have been allocated between governance costs and other support. Governance and support Governance costs comprise all costs involving public accountability of the charity and its costs compliance with regulation and good practice. Support costs include central functions and have been allocated to activity cost categories on a basis consistent with the use of resources, eg allocating property costs by floor areas, or per capita, staff costs by the time spent and other costs by their usage. Where the charity gives a grant with conditions for its payment being a specific level of Grants with performance service or output to be provided, such grants are only recognised in the SoFA once the conditions recipient of the grant has provided the specified service or output. Where there are no conditions attaching to the grant that enables the donor charity to Grants payable without realistically avoid the commitment, a liability for the full funding obligation must be performance conditions recognised. Redundancy cost The charity made no redundancy payments during the reporting period. Deferred income No material item of deferred income has been included in the accounts. Creditors The charity has creditors which are measured at settlement amounts less any trade discounts A liability is measured on recognition at its historical cost and then subsequently Provisions for liabilities measured at the best estimate of the amount required to settle the obligation at the reporting date The charity accounts for basic financial instruments on initial recognition as per Basic financial paragraph 10.7 FRS102 SORP. Subsequent measurement is as per paragraphs 11.17 instruments to 11.19, FRS102 SORP. 4.3 ASSETS Tangible fixed assets for These are capitalised if they can be used for more than one year, and cost at least use by charity

They are valued at cost.

14

MERTON SOMALI COMMUNITY (MESCO) NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

The depreciation rates and methods used are disclosed in note 9.2.

Intangible fixed assets The charity has intangible fixed assets, that is, non-monetary assets that do not have physical substance but are identifiable and are controlled by the charity through custody or legal rights. The amortisation rates and methods used are disclosed in note 9.5

They are valued at cost.

Investments Fixed asset investments in quoted shares, traded bonds and similar investments are valued at initially at cost and subsequently at fair value (their market value) at the year end. The same treatment is applied to unlisted investments unless fair value cannot be measured reliably in which case it is measured at cost less impairment.

Investments held for resale or pending their sale and cash and cash equivalents with a maturity date of less than 1 year are treated as current asset investments

Stocks and work in Stocks held for sale as part of non-charitable trade are measured at the lower or cost or net progress realisable value.

Goods or services provided as part of a charitable activity are measured at net realisable value based on the service potential provided by items of stock.

Debtors (including trade debtors and loans receivable) are measured on initial recognition at Debtors settlement amount after any trade discounts or amount advanced by the charity. Subsequently, they are measured at the cash or other consideration expected to be received.

The charity has has investments which it holds for resale or pending their sale and cash and Current asset cash equivalents with a maturity date less than one year. These include cash on deposit and investments cash equivalents with a maturity date of less than one year held for investment purposes rather than to meet short term cash commitments as they fall due.

15

MERTON SOMALI COMMUNITY (MESCO) NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

Note 5 Details of certain items of expenditure 5.1 Fees for examination of the accounts

Please provide details of the amount paid for any statutory external scrutiny of accounts and other services provided by your independent examiner. If nothing was paid please enter '0' in the appropriate box(es). Independent examiner’s fees Assurance services other than audit or independent examination Tax advisory fees

This year
£		 Last year
£
- 130.00
- -
- -
Note 6
Paid employees
6.1 Staff Costs
Salaries and wages
Social security costs
Pension costs (defined contribution scheme)
Other employee benefits
Total staff costs
This year
£		 Last year
£
- -
- -
- -
- -
- -

16

MERTON SOMALI COMMUNITY (MESCO) NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

Note 7 Debtors and prepayments

7.1
Analysis of debtors
Trade debtors
Other debtors		 This year
£
Last year
£		 This year
£
Last year
£
-
-
-
-
- -

Total

7.2 Analysis of debtors recoverable in more than 1 year (included in debtors above)

Trade debtors
Prepayments and accrued income
Other debtors
Total		 Thisyear
Lastyear		 Thisyear
Lastyear
£
£
-
-
-
-
-
-

-		 -

Note 8 Creditors and accruals

8.1 Analysis of creditors

8.1Analysis of creditors

Accruals for grants payable
Bank loans and overdrafts
Trade creditors
Payments received on account for contracts or
performance-related grants
Accruals and deferred income
Taxation and social security
Other creditors
Total		 Amounts falling due
Amounts falling due after
This year
£
Last year
£
This year
£
Last year
£
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
130

-		 - - 130

Note 9 Cash at bank and in hand

Note 9
Cash at bank and in hand		 Note 9
Cash at bank and in hand		 Note 9
Cash at bank and in hand
Short term cash investments (less than 3 months maturity date)
Short term deposits
Cash at bank and on hand
Total		 This year
£
Last year
£
-
-
-
-
-
4,555
- 4,555

17

MERTON SOMALI COMMUNITY (MESCO) NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

Note 10 Charity funds

10.1 Details of material funds held and movements during the CURRENT reporting period

* Key: PE - permanent endowment funds; EE - expendible endowment funds; R - restricted income funds, including special trusts, of the charity; and U - unrestricted funds

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----- Start of picture text -----
Fund Fund
Type PE, balances balances
EE R or Purpose and Restrictions brought carried
UR * forward Income Expenditure Loans forward
Fund names £ £ £ £ £
Unrestricted charity funds are financial contributions
given to a charitable organization without specific
earmarks or restrictions on their use. These funds
Donations & Gifts UR
provide flexibility for the organization to allocate
resources based on immediate needs, ongoing
programs, or unforeseen challenges, enhancing
adaptability and responsiveness to their mission. 1,240 - - - 1,240
During the year ended 31 March 2024, the charity
delivered two key projects funded by restricted
grants. A grant of £53,104 supported an 18-month
Multilingual Debt Welfare and Benefits Advice
Project, covering the salary of a temporary advisor
and 12 months of office rent, with £37,969 spent in
Charitable
R the year to help reduce evictions, fines, and 3,315 - - - 3,315
Activities/Projects
financial distress through education and advice.
Additionally, a £4,952 grant funded six two-hour
mental health workshops for 50 local Somali men,
aimed at raising awareness, challenging cultural
stigmas, and providing a safe space for open
discussions. The funding covered staff, volunteers,
venue hire, materials, and refreshments, ensuring
17
the success of both community-focused initiatives.
- -
Total Funds 4,555 32,959 32,959 4,555
----- End of picture text -----

Note 12 Transactions with trustees and related parties If the charity has any transactions with related parties (other than the trustee expenses explained in guidance

11.1 Trustee remuneration and benefits

This year

None of the trustees have been paid any remuneration or received any other benefits from

TRUE

In the period the charity has paid trustees remuneration and benefits. Please give the amount of, and legal

==> picture [571 x 126] intentionally omitted <==

----- Start of picture text -----
Amounts paid or benefit value
Remunerati Pension Redundancy Other TOTAL
Legal authority (eg
on contribution (including
Name of trustee order, governing
loss of
document)
office)/ex
gratia
£ £ £ £ £
- - - - -
- - - - -
----- End of picture text -----

Please give details of why remuneration or other employment benefits were paid.

Where an ex gratia payment has been made to a trustee, provide an explanation of the nature of the payment.

==> picture [297 x 102] intentionally omitted <==

----- Start of picture text -----
N/A
----- End of picture text -----

Last year

None of the trustees have been paid any remuneration or received any other benefits from an employment with their charity or a related entity (True or False)

TRUE

In the period the charity has paid trustees remuneration and benefits. Please give the amount of, and legal authority for, any remuneration or other benefits paid to a trustee by the charity or any institution or company connected with it.

==> picture [571 x 166] intentionally omitted <==

----- Start of picture text -----
Amounts paid or benefit value
Remunerati Pension Redundancy Other TOTAL
Legal authority (eg
on contribution (including
Name of trustee order, governing
loss of
document)
office)/ex
gratia
£ £ £ £
- - - - -
- - - - -
Please give details of why remuneration or other N/A
Where an ex gratia payment has been made to a
----- End of picture text -----

18

12.2 Trustees' expenses

If the charity has paid trustees expenses for fulfilling their duties, details of such transactions should be No trustee expenses have been incurred (True or False)

No trustee expenses have been incurred (True or False) TRUE TRUE
Type of expenses reimbursed Thisyear
Lastyear
£
£
Travel -
-
Subsistence -
-
Accommodation -
-
Phone -
-
-
-
TOTAL - -

Please provide the number of trustees reimbursed for expenses or who had expenses paid by the charity

12.3 Transaction(s) with related parties

Please give details of any transaction undertaken by (or on behalf of) the charity in which a related party has a material interest, including where funds have been held as agent for related parties. If there are no such transactions, please enter 'true' in the box provided.

This year

There have been no related party transactions in the reporting period (True or False)
TRUE		 There have been no related party transactions in the reporting period (True or False)
TRUE		 There have been no related party transactions in the reporting period (True or False)
TRUE		 There have been no related party transactions in the reporting period (True or False)
TRUE		 There have been no related party transactions in the reporting period (True or False)
TRUE		 There have been no related party transactions in the reporting period (True or False)
TRUE		 TRUE TRUE
Name of the
trustee or
related party		 Relationship
to charity		 Description of the
transaction(s)		 Amount Balance at
period end		 Provision for bad
debts at period end		 Amounts
written off
during
reporting
period
In relation to the transactions above, please provide
the terms and conditions, including any security and
the nature of any payment (consideration) to be
provided in settlement.
N/A

For any related party, please provide details of any guarantees given or received.

N/A

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Last year

Last year Last year Last year Last year Last year Last year
There have been no related party transactions in the reporting period (True or False)
TRUE		 TRUE
Name of the
trustee or
related party		 Relationship
to charity		 Description of the
transaction(s)		 Amount Balance at
period end		 Provision for bad
debts at period end		 Amounts
written off
during
reporting
period
£ £ £ £

In relation to the transactions above, please provide

For any related party, please provide details of any

N/A N/A

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MERTON SOMALI COMMUNITY (MESCO)

Independent examiner's report on the accounts

A Independent Examiner’s Report Report to the trustees MERTON SOMALI COMMUNITY (MESCO) On accounts for the yearended 31st MARCH 2025 Charity no(if any)[1071152 ] Set out on pages I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of the above charity (“ MERTON SOMALI COMMUNITY (MESCO) ”) for the year ended 31 / 03 / 2025. Responsibilities and basis of report As the charity's trustees, you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011.

I report in respect of my examination of the Charity’s accounts carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination, I have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Act.

Independent examiner's I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have statement come to my attention in connection with the examination which gives me cause to believe that in, any material respect:

 the accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 130 of the Charities Act; or

I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.

Z Munawar 232-236 Green Street London London E7 8LE

30 Jan 2026

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