## AAINA WOMEN’S GROUP
Annual Report & Accounts 2024-2025
Registered Charity No. 1081537 **http//aainawomen.wordpress.com https://www.instagram.com/aainawomensgroup.peckham1/#**
## Chair Report
It is with great pride and joy that we present the Annual Report for this year. The past year has been a remarkable journey filled with in milestones, accomplishments, and impactful initiatives.
Supporting and promoting Women's Health and Wellness has always been a core value of our organization. Throughout the year, we organized workshops around healthy eating and mental health awareness, among others, to address the unique challenges women face. Additionally, we provided Chit Chat & Chai sessions. By doing so, we have played a significant role in enhancing the overall well-being of countless women in our community especially the ones who find themselves isolated.
I would like to say a massive thanks to Southwark Council as our main core funder, as well as the National Lottery who fund the mental health sessions.
As we look back on the last year, we are filled with immense gratitude for the collective efforts that have made it so successful. Together, we have made a lasting impact on the lives of countless women, empowering them to reach their full potential and embrace their true worth. We remain committed to our mission and look forward to an even more impactful year ahead. Our heartfelt appreciation goes out to all our management committee members, supporters, volunteers, and staff who have made this journey possible. With your continued support, we are confident that we can bring about lasting change and create a brighter, more equitable future for women everywhere.
This year marks yet another important milestone for Aaina. As we know that voluntary organisations and indeed women's organisations nationally are being forced to close down due to a lack of funding. I am proud that we are still standing and contributing to the greater good of our community.
We have also been very fortunate for having dedicated and competent staff such as Samina Akhtar who has kept us afloat with her funding expertise and Sundus Saqi who has co-ordinated the overall activities and kept them going.
Thank you all for being part of Aaina and making it such a positive and inspirational place to attend.
Nadia Saleemi Chairperson
## Vise Chair Report
It is with immense pleasure and a deep sense of fulfilment that I present this report as the Vice Chair of Aaina Women’s Group for the year 2024–2025. This year has been a remarkable journey of progress, em» powerment, and impact — a testament to our shared commitment to the women in our community.
## **Promoting Health and Wellbeing**
We understand that a woman’s wellbeing is the foundation of her confidence, strength, and ability to thrive. With this in mind, we delivered a wide range of health and wellness initiatives designed to support both physical and mental health. These included:
- Workshops on nutrition, gut health, and fitness
- Awareness sessions around mental health and memory support
- Informative talks on topics such as the carnivore diet, bone health, and plant-based health compounds
- like Salvestrols
Skin and beauty care workshops that promoted self-care and confidence
These events offered not just knowledge, but tools for women to make informed, empowered choices about their health.
## **Fostering Social Connection and Inclusion**
We also recognise the importance of belonging, friendship, and shared experiences. Our social activities created safe, welcoming environments where women could connect, relax, and enjoy each other’s company.
Some highlights included:
- **Pamper Day** – A self-care experience to unwind and rejuvenate
- **Chai & Chat** – Friendly conversation circles to reduce loneliness
- **One-Dish Community Gathering** – Celebrating culture through food
- **Drop-in Services** – Ongoing practical support for everyday needs
- These spaces helped break down barriers and nurture lasting community bonds.
## **Educational and Cultural Exploration**
Throughout the year, we organised enriching outings that combined culture, learning, and fun. These experiences broadened horizons, sparked curiosity, and created cherished memories. Our destinations included:
- The Wallace Collection – _Ranjit Singh Exhibition_
- Victoria & Albert Museum – _Mughal Empire Exhibition_
- Horniman Museum
- Tate Modern
- Kew Gardens
- O2 Cable Car Experience
- Greenwich Park
- Gaia Installation at Southwark Cathedral
- Sky Garden
- Pottery Workshop
These outings offered many women their first experience visiting cultural landmarks across London, helping to reduce social isolation while fostering new friendships.
## **Supporting Women Through Challenges**
Aaina Women’s Group remained a vital source of support for women facing personal, financial, or emotional difficulties. Our team responded with compassion and practical help, ensuring no woman felt alone in her struggles. The real impact of our work is reflected in the powerful stories of transformation: women who once felt voiceless and isolated are now standing tall with renewed confidence and purpose.
## **Our Impact and Gratitude**
The success of our work would not be possible without our dedicated volunteers, supporters, and partners. Your belief in our mission has made all the difference. I extend my heartfelt thanks to everyone who contributed time, energy, resources, and encouragement throughout the year. We are especially grateful for the funding received:
- **£33,000 – Southwark Council**
- **£10,000 –Nationa; Lottery Community Fund.**
These funds enabled us to scale our outreach and deliver high-quality programmes that meet real community needs.
## **Looking Ahead**
As we reflect on the successes of this year, we also look forward with optimism and purpose. Our commitment to empowering women — especially the next generation of young leaders — remains stronger than ever. In 2025–2026, we aim to:
- Expand our outreach to more communities
- Strengthen collaborative partnerships
- Provide greater leadership opportunities for young women
- Deepen our impact through inclusive and transformative programming
Together, we will continue striving for a more equitable, supportive, and empowered society for women from all walks of life.
On behalf of the Aaina Women’s Group, thank you for being an essential part of this journey. Let us continue this work with passion, purpose, and unity.
Warm regards,
## **Khosi Manaka**
_Vice Chair, Aaina Women’s Group_
## Our Project
Aaina Women’s Group provides regular support and information surgeries, offering practical help and ongoing assistance to all clients. We offer a free drop-in service and free internet access three days a week for women from BME (Black and Minority Ethnic) communities. Information is provided on a range of issues including welfare benefits, education, childcare, health, immigration, and details about other community and council projects.
In addition to our information service, the drop-in sessions offer a confidential, non-judgmental support service for women. Aaina provides support regardless of background, religion, or culture, ensuring a safe space for all.
Our approach promotes cultural interchange, fostering mutual understanding and respect across different cultures, ethnic groups, and faiths.
We currently work with communities including Arabic-speaking, Turkish, Bengali, Pakistani, Indian, Somali, Iranian, Nigerian, and others. The majority of our clients face social exclusion due to language barriers, which are often compounded by lack of childcare, unemployment, poverty, and economic disadvantage. Many of our clients are refugees and asylum seekers.
## Services
## At Aaina we offer the following services:-
- Free internet access
- Information and reference area
- Referral service to other agencies.
- Translation service.
- Advice on courses available.
- Help with housing, immigration, health issues, domestic violence and education.
- provides a culturally sensitive environment where our members can discuss any problems in the strictest confidence.
- Health awareness workshops.
- Self development workshops.
- Social events and activities to share and exchange cultural experiences.
- Skill development courses.
## **Sewing Club**
Our club caters to people of all ages and backgrounds. Our experienced tutors specialise in freehand cutting, a technique that is particularly beneficial for African and South Asian women, for whom it is ideal for creating traditional attire.
Members have full access to domestic machines, as well as all necessary equipment. Women join the club not only to learn or refine their sewing skills but also to exchange ideas on the latest designs, explore various cultural concepts, and share styles and ideas for soft furnishings. The club offers lessons in knitting and crochet, covering techniques such as crochet stitches, working in rounds and rows, shaping, and following charts or instructions.
For many women, the sewing club has been a successful way to make new friends and socialise in a supportive environment. It provides a valuable opportunity to meet women from different religious and ethnic backgrounds and learn about each other’s cultures, fostering cultural diversity.
The club operates whenever funding is available.
## **Health Workshops**
Our Health Awareness workshops covered a wide range of topics in a relaxed and comfortable setting, making it easy for participants to engage and make new friends. We were fortunate to receive fund from the National Lottery to run our "Active 50 project" .
Additionally, we partnered with Holly Health and Age UK Lewisham & Southwark to conduct a research study that offered free support for adopting healthy habits.
The guest speakers at these workshops were all specialists in their fields from well-recognised organisations. We extend our thanks to Gilli Moorhawk for their informative sessions.
The feedback from women who participated in the mental health and well-being workshops has been very positive. The encouraging responses we have received have motivated us to plan for future funding applications to continue offering health information services. These workshops were conducted via Zoom.
## **Social Activities and Events**
Aaina is dedicated to community development, social justice, and empowerment, with a primary focus on identifying and addressing barriers to cultural inclusion and enhancing social and economic participation for our members. We celebrate cultural diversity and actively engage our members and the wider community in sharing and exchanging cultural experiences.
We organise a range of free social activities and events for our members, including celebrations for Eid, Black History Month, International Women's Day, and pampering sessions.
Our members have thoroughly enjoyed the outings arranged by Aaina, which include visits to parks, restaurants, and picnics whenever the weather allows.
## **Fitness Classes**
The Yoga and aerobics classes will be held as long as funding permits.
These classes are highly popular because they offer a culturally sensitive environment for women who, due to religious or cultural reasons, may not be able to access mainstream activities. The classes cater to all ages and fitness levels, promoting well-being and healthy living while encouraging physical activity. Additionally, we organise a weekly walk day to help our members maintain good health.
A huge thank you to the ladies who participated and kept us motivated!
## **Chai and Chat**
To keep our members connected during the challenging period of lockdown and the pandemic, we organised Chai and Chat workshops. These workshops proved to be very successful, and we received positive feedback from members who requested that we continue them. Consequently, Aaina is now organising more workshops, sometimes
on Zoom and at other times in person.
A big thank you to all the ladies who participated!
## **ESOL CLASSES**
The project consists of an ESOL class for newly arrived women who have limited writing or speaking skills for various reasons. The tutor's feedback was very positive, noting that 95% of the women made significant progress, including speaking in longer sentences. The women were enthusiastic about learning, and the sessions were well-attended and highly valued by our members. The classes also fostered interaction among women from different cultural backgrounds, revealing that many had not previously engaged in education. Each woman received a personalised lesson plan to address her specific needs.
Alongside the lessons, members were given information and encouragement to participate in other activities, leading to their involvement in future projects. Many women are now seeking part-time or volunteer opportunities.
This activity will continue as long as funding permits .
## **MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE**
**CHAIR** Nadia Salimi
**VISE CHAIR** Khosi Manaka
**SECRETARY** Sajida Habib **TREASURER** Patricia Beckford
## **EXECUTIVE MEMBERS**
Nusrat Raja Mariam Mohamed Naseema Syed
Ruksana Khan Sham Raja Sofia Sheakh Aliya Sheikh
## Who’s Who
## Our Funders & Partners
## We would like to thank our partners for their support. a
London Councils Community Grant. The Peckham settlement Award for us Big Lottery. Southwark Community Refugee Forum. Volunteer Centre Southwark. British Red Cross. NHS Southwark. Community Southwark. LAP. STAG. Solace Women’s Aid. FSI. Cycle Confident. LOVO. Feminist Library. Kew Gardens.
On behalf of the Management Committee, staff and members we would like to thank our funders: Southwark Council. National Lottry
## Statement Of Financial Activities For The Year Ended 31st March
## **AAINA WOMENS GROUP**
## **FINANCIAL STATEMENTS**
**FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2025**
**CHARITY NUMBER 1081537**
**LONDON ACCOUNTANCY PRACTICE SOJOURNER TRUTH CENTRE 161 SUMNER ROAD LONDON SE15 6JL**
1
## **AAINA WOMEN’S GROUP FINANCIAL STATEMENTS YEAR ENDED 31[ST] MARCH 2025**
||**PAGES**|
|---|---|
|Contents|2|
|Administrative Information|3|
|Management Committee Report|4|
|Independent Examiner’s Report|5|
|Statement of Financial Activities (SOFA)|6|
|Balance Sheet|7|
|Notes to the Financial Statements|8-9|
|Detailed Income and Expenditure|10|
2
## **AAINA WOMEN’S GROUP**
## **ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION YEAR ENDED 31[ST] MARCH 2025**
|**COMMITTEE MEMBERS**Nadia Salimi …………………….............Chair|**COMMITTEE MEMBERS**Nadia Salimi …………………….............Chair|
|---|---|
||Khosi Manaka ……………………….…..Vice Chair|
||Patricia Beckford……………………......Treasurer|
||Sajida Habib………………………..........Secretary|
||Nusrat Raja…………………………........Member|
||Sham Raja….......................................Member|
||Naseema Syed………………………......Member|
||Sofia Sheakh**……………………………..**Member|
||Aliya Sheikh………………………………Member|
|**CHARITY NUMBER**1081537
||
|**REGISTERED**|**OFFICE**Sojourner Truth Centre|
||161 Sumner Road|
||London|
||SE15 6JL|
|**BANKERS**|Barclays Bank Plc|
||Dulwich Group|
||Dulwich|
||London|
|**INDEPENDENT EXAMINER**|London Accountancy Practice|
|---|---|
||Sojourner Truth Centre|
||161 Sumner Road|
||London|
||SE15 6JL|
3
## **AAINA WOMEN’S GROUP MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE REPORT YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2025**
The Management Committee present their annual report and the financial statements for the year ended 31st March 2025.
## **PRINCIPAL ACTIVITIES**
The principal activities of the organisation are to promote any charitable purpose for the benefit of South Asian, Muslim and Refugee women and children, including the relief of poverty, sickness and distress, the advancement of education and the provision of facilities for recreation and other leisure activities in the interest of social welfare and in order to improve the quality of life of the said beneficiaries.
## **STATEMENT OF MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE RESPONSIBILITIES**
The Management Committee is required to prepare financial statements which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the project and of the income and expenditure of the project for that period. In preparing those statements the Management Committee are required to:
- select suitable accounting policies and apply them consistently;
- make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
- state whether applicable standards and statement of recommended practice have
- been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements; and
- prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the project will continue in operation.
The Management Committee are responsible for keeping proper records which disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the project. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the project and hence for taking reasonable steps to prevent and detect fraud and other irregularities.
4
## **AAINA WOMEN’S GROUP INDEPENDENT EXAMINER’S REPORT TO THE MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2025**
I report on the accounts of the Charity for the year ended 31[st] March 2025, which are set out on pages 5 to 9.
## **Respective responsibilities of trustees and examiner**
The charity's trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. The charity's trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year under section 144(2) of the Charities Act 2011 (the 2011 Act) and that an independent examination is needed.
## **It is my responsibility to:**
- examine the accounts under section 145 of the 2011 Act;
- to follow the procedures laid down in the general Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act; and
- to state whether particular matters have come to my attention.
## **Basis of independent examiner's report**
My examination was carried out in accordance with the general Directions given by the Charity Commission. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts, and seeking explanations from you as trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit and consequently no opinion is given as to whether the accounts present a 'true and fair view' and the report is limited to those matters set out in the statement below.
## **Independent examiner's statement**
In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention:
(1) which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect the requirements:
- to keep accounting records in accordance with section 130 of the 2011 Act; and
- to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and comply with the accounting requirements of the 2011 Act have not been met; or
(2) to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
Signed……………………………………………… Date …………………
A. Adebambo MBA, ACIS, ACMA, London Accountancy Practice 161 Sumner Road, London SE15 6JL.
5
AAINA WOMEN'S GROUP
STATEMENTOF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2025
INCOMING RESOURCES
Incoming Resources From Generated Funds:
Voluntary Income
Total Incoming Resources
RESOURCES EXPENDED
Charitable Activities
Total Resources Expended
Net Incoming Resources
Prior year adjustment
Fund Balance Brought Forward
Fund Balance Carried Forward
Unrestricted Restricted
Fund
Fund
€
€
35,323
0
35,323
2025
Total
€
35,323
35,323
35,067
35,067
256
625
3,257
4,138
0
0
6,921
6,921
35,067
35,067
256
625
10,178
11,059
2024
Total
44,047
44,047
35,790
35,790
8,257
0
1,921
10,178
AAINA WOMEN'S GROUP
BALANCE SHEET
AS AT 31 MARCH 2025
CURRENT ASSETS
Cash at Bank
Cash in Hand
2025
11,707
127
11,834
CURRENT LIABILITIES
CREDITORS:
Accruals
NET ASSETS
775
11,069
FINANCED BY:
Restricted Funds
Unrestricted Funds
6,921
4,138
11,059
Approved by the Management Committee and signed on its behalf by
....Chairperson
.......Treasurer
ON..............
2025
7
2024
10,900
103
11,003
825
10,178
6,921
3,257
10,178
**AAINA WOMEN’S GROUP NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2025**
## **1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES**
## 1.1 **Basis of preparation of Financial Statements**
The financial statements are prepared under the historic cost convention and include the results of the charity’s operations which are described in the Management Committees Report and all of which are continuing.
The accounts have been prepared in accordance with the Statements of Recommended Practice for charity accounts.
The charity has taken advantage of the exemption of Financial Reporting Standard No1from the requirements to produce a cash flow statement on the grounds that it qualifies as a small charity
## 1.2 **Incoming Resources**
- 1.2.1 Revenue grants are credited to the Statement of Financial Activities on the earlier date of when they are received or when they are receivable, unless they relate to a specific future period, in which case they are included on the Balance Sheet as deferred income to be recognised in the future accounting period.
- 1.2.2 Grants received for specific purposes are accounted for as restricted funds in the Statement of Financial Activities.
- 1.3 **Restricted Funds**
- Restricted funds are to be used for specific purposes as laid down by the donor. Expenditure which meets these criteria is identified to the fund, together with a fair allocation of management and support costs.
Please note that restricted income were carried forward from the previous year to cover the activities carried out in the current year.
## 1.4 **Unrestricted Funds**
- Unrestricted funds are donations and other incomes received or generated for the objects of the organisation without further specified purpose and are available for general funds.
- 1.5 **Designated Funds**
- Designated funds are unrestricted funds earmarked by the Management Committee for particular purposes.
## **AAINA WOMEN’S GROUP**
8
**NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2025**
## 1.6 **Resources Expended**
All expenditure is accounted for gross and when incurred. Direct charitable expenditure includes the direct costs of the activities and depreciation on related assets. Management and administration comprise those costs relating to the Charity’s central management and administration as opposed to its charitable activities.
## 1.7 **Capital Equipment -Depreciation**
- The cost of equipment/furniture is written off in the year in which it is incurred.
## **2. FIXED ASSETS**
A register of equipment/furniture is kept by the organisation.
|**3.**|**CREDITORS**||**2025**|**2024**|
|---|---|---|---|---|
||||**£**
|**£**|
||Accountancy|Fees
|550|550|
||Bookkeeping||225|225|
||Bookkeeping|underpayment|0|50|
||||**775**|**825**|
4. We understand the organisation owes some money on rent to the council. The amount has not been confirmed.
5. Prior year adjustment: Cheque number 300942 issued last year that was never presented and has now been written back into the accounts.
9
AAINA WOMENS GROUP
DETAILED INCOME AND EXPENDITURE
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2025
INCOMING RESOURCES
London Borough of Southwark - Revenue Grant
The National Lottery
Total Incoming Resources
Unrestricted Restricted
Fund
Fund
35,323
35,323
0
0
OUTGOING RESOURCES
Charitable Activities
Salaries
HMRC
Pensions
Room Hire
Coordinator
Rent and Service charge
Workshop/Training
Admin Expenses
Software
Telephone & Internet
Payroll Services
Book-keeping
Accountancy Fees
Refreshment
Travel
Zoom Subcription
Social Media
Insurance
Parking
Garden
Event/ Catering
Hall Hire
Office Sundry Expenses
Total Resources Expended
Unrestricted Restricted
Fund
Fund
24,415
893
0
1,500
3,474
800
177
152
700
340
225
550
52
0
156
610
462
42
72
380
69
0
35,067
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
10
2025
Total
35,323
35,323
2025
24,415
893
0
1,500
3,474
800
177
152
700
340
225
550
52
0
156
610
462
42
72
380
69
35,067
2024
Total
34,047
10,000
44,047
2024
Total
24,415
110
1,136
1,249
1,900
1,893
700
0
80
742
345
225
550
362
465
156
850
442
153
0
0
0
17
35,790
11
AAINA WOMENS GROUP
DETAILED INCOME AND EXPENDITURE
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2025
INCOMING RESOURCES
London Borough of Southwark - Revenue Grant
The National Lottery
Total Incoming Resources
OUTGOING RESOURCES
Charitable Activities
Salaries
HMRC
Pensions
Room Hire
Coordinator
Rent and Service charge
Workshop/Training
Admin Expenses
Software
Telephone & Internet
Payroll Services
Book-keeping
Accountancy Fees
Refreshment
Travel
Zoom Subcription
Social Media
Insurance
Parking
Garden
Event/ Catering
Hall Hire
Office Sundry Expenses
Total Resources Expended
Unrestricted Restricted
Fund
Fund
€
35,323
35,323
0
Unrestricted Restricted
Fund
Fund
24,15
€
72
69
35,067
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
• 0
0
2025
Total
€
35,323
35,323
2025
Total
0
69
35,067
2024
Total
€
34,047
10,000
44,047
2024
Total
24,415
110
1,136
1,249
1,900
1,893
700
80
742
345
225
550
362
465
156
850
442
153
No0o
35,790