AFRICAN WOMEN'S CARE REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS For the Year Ended 31 MARCH 2025
AFRICAN WOMEN'S CARE CONTENT Page Legal and administrative information Report of the trustees 4-10 Independent examiner report. Statement of Financial Activities 12 Balance Sheet 13 Notes forming part of the financial statements 14-17
AFRICAN WOMEN'S CARE CHARITY INFORMATION Management Committee: Yvonne Wilson Christine Atim Hadijah Kisembo Jackie Kipwola Lilian Olanya Interim Chair Treasurer Member Member Member Charity Number: 1083548 Registered Office: Canalside House 383 Ladbroke Grove London W10 SAA Independent Examiner: E Alli Lakubi Consulting Accountants & Business Advisors Unit 47B Park Royal Business Centre 9-17 &19-21 Park Royal Road London NW10 7LQ Bankers Lloyds Bank Willesden Green Branch 1 Walm Lane London, NW2 SSN
AFRICAN WOMEN'S CARE TRUSTEES, REPORT The Trustees present their report and financial slatements for the year ended 31 March 2025. Structure, Governance and Management African Women's care is governed by its committee who meets regularly to manage its affairs. The Gharity employs paid staff and uses paid consultants for specific projects. It It relies heavily on committee and volunteers for its day to day activities. AWC applies for funding of projecls through applications to Trusts, Local Government. Central Government and other funding bodies. Most of our projects are funded for 1- 3 years and are monitored through regular monitoring visits from the funders and quarterly project reports. Statement of Committee's Responsibilities The law requires the committee to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the Charity for that period. In preparing those financial statements, the committee are required to: select suitable accounting policies and the apply them consistently; make judgment and estimates that are reasonable and prudent. state whether applicable Accounting Standards and Slatements of Recommended Practice have been followed, subject to any departures disclosed and explained in the accounts- and prepare the financial statements on a going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the company will continue in business. The committee have overall responsibility for ensuring that the charity has appropriate syslems of control. financial and otherwise. They are also responsible for keeping proper accounting records which disclose with reasonable accuracy at any given time the financial position of the charity and to enable them ensure that Ihe financial statements comply with relevant regulations. They are also responsibSe for safeguarding Ihe assets of the charity and hence for taking reasonable steps for prevention of fraud and other irregularilies. Risk Management The risk to which the charity is exposed is reviewed regularly by its committee. At every committee meeting, the agenda would include among others, health and safety risk and compliance and, financial risk. The committee is certified thal appropriate steps have been taken to identify and manage major risk to which the charity is exposed. Objectives and Activities The principal objectives and activities of the charity are: a) To advance education., b) To preserve and protect public health., c) To relieve poverty and suffering of women, gids and, families who are refugees especially Ihose of African origin.
AFRICAN WOMEN'S CARE TRUSTEES. REPORT cont'ed Over recent years, African Women's Care (AWC) has remained steadfast in its commitment to supporting vulnerable Black and minoritised women during an increasingly challenging period. Our communities have faced profound hardship arising from destitution and the ongoing cost of living crisis. These intersecting challenges have disproportionately affected the women we serve, resulting in an unprecedented demand for our services. Despite these pressures. AWC has continued to uphold its mission to empower women and girls a commitment we have sustained since our establishment in 1998. Working across West London and beyond, we provide vital frontline crisis intervention, advocacy, and practical support to African and other Black and minoritised women who are experiencing, or are at risk of, domestic abuse, harmful practices, stalking, and harassment. Alongside this, we deliver workshops. seminars, outreach initiatives, community roadshows, one-lo-one mentoring, and accredited training programmes. Each year, we support approximately 280 women through intensive information. advice, and guidance services. Our strength lies in our deep-rooted presence within the communities we serve. This connection fosters trust, credibility. and accessibility qualities that many external organisations find difficult to establish. Local women see AWC as a safe, welcoming, and culturally responsive organisation. We listen attentively and continually adapt our services to meet the complex and evolving needs of our clients, which often include mental health challenges, isolation, bereavement, financial insecurity, and a lack of trust in statutory services. Among all, AWC remains firmly driven by its mission to empower women and create safe, inclusive, and supportive spaces for those most in need. l am confident that, through the dedication of our staff and volunteers, the support of our partners, and the resilience of the women we serve, we will continue to make a lasting and meaningful difference in many ne Wilson Interim Chair 15th November 2025
AFRICAN WOMEN'S CARE TRUSTEES. REPORT cont'ed Coordinator's Reports African Women's Care (AWC) is a registered charity established in July 1998 to alleviate the suffering and trauma experienced by Black and minoritised women, girls, and children. For over two decades, AWC has provided vital, culturally responsive support to those facing multiple disadvantages, helping them rebuild their lives with dignity, safety, and confidence. Mission Statements To provide high-quality support services and empower African women, girls, and children living in the UK to reach their full potential. Core Services AWC delivers free, confidential crisis intervention, advocacy, and guidance to women and girls at risk of domestic abuse and violence. Our holistic approach extends beyond crisis response and includes support with health. education, housing, training. and employment-enabling individuals to achieve long-term stability and independence. Our services primarily operate across the London boroughs of Brent, Kensington and Chelsea, Westminster, Hammersmith & Fulham. and neighbouring West London areas. All services are delivered by qualified staff and trained volunteers, guided by robust safeguarding practices and strict legal and ethical standards. Cultural sensitivity and tnJst remain central to our work. Impact Overview Key Demographics 85°/0 of service users are from refugee and migration communities. 45 % have no Recource to Public Funds Primary Challenges Addressed: a) Domestic abuse and violence against women and girls b) Social isolation, poverty and mental health challenges c) Health and wellbeing inequalities affecting vulnerable communities Programs and Services Women's Centre Drop-ln Services This service provides accessible information, advice, and practical support to address everyday needs. Women are supported to navigate education systems, family services, welfare benefits. and healthcare, reducing barriers to essential services.
AFRICAN WOMEN'S CARE TRUSTEES. REPORT cont'ed Women's Support Services Our one-to-one support service assists survivors of domestic abuse through tailored interventions, including- Cricis intervention and safety planning Support to access legal guidance and solicitors Assistance with housing pathways and financial independence On average, caseworkers support clients for up to six months, addressing physical, emotional, and psychological abuse while empowering women to regain control of their lives. Young People's Services This service supports children and young people aged 6-18 who are victims of or witnesses to domestic abuse. We work closely with social workers and partner agencies to ensure safety and wellbeing, promote resilience and ensure appropriate support is in Therapeutic and Peer Support Groups Our therapeutic and peer-led programmes, including The Change and Positive Image, Feel Great, focus on breaking cycles of abuse, improving self-esteem, and promoting emotional wellbeing. These groups foster peer learning. mutual support. and community Our Achievements in 2025 Expansion of Domestic Abuse Support Face-to-face support was provided to 196 BME women and girls who were victims of violence against women and girls (VAWG), leading to improved quality of life and renewed hope for the future. Immediate access to safety: Women were supported to move away from perpetrators. 43 women and their children were rehoused in private rented accommodation, and 6 survivors secured permanent social housing. Client feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with participants demonstrating readiness to move forward with their lives in homes free from abuse. Many have formed new friendships and begun considering English classes or skills training to support employment. Increased awareness of rights and options: Women were supported to understand their legal rights and options relating to housing, finances. and child residence. 39 women with No Recourse lo Public Funds (NRPF) received support. 18 applicants, along with their children, were successfully granted Indefinite Leave to Remain under the Domestic Violence Concession. The remaining applications are pending
AFRICAN WOMEN'S CARE TRUSTEES. REPORT cont'ed Reduction in trauma, destitution, and anxiety: 125 women and their children were supported with welfare benefit applications. resulting in immediate financial stability and reduced stress. Legal protection and empowerment: 11 survivors were supported to obtain DIY injunctions and Non-molestation Orders, enabling them to live free from abuse and fear while remaining safely in their communities. Improved wellbeing: Women reported increased self-confidence, motivation, emotional resilience, and hope for the future. 9 victims of trafficking and modern-day slavery were supported with first responder applications for National Referral Mechanism (NRM) support. All reported feeling safer and more optimistic about their futures. Reduced abuse and increased safety: Closing assessments showed an immediate reduction in abuse as a result of timely support and advice. Feedback indicated decreased abuse among both new and repeat clients. with women feeling fully supported to exit abusive relationships. Benefits to children included: Immediate reduction in trauma and anxiety Immediate access to safe accommodation Stabilised school arrangements Resettlement into more permanent housing Improve(J welloeing, Including seii-conti(Jence. motivation. emolional resilience, and hope for the future Overall improved quality of life Child protection and advocacy: Child protection compliance and advocacy support was provided to 18 women and their children, resulting in two contact court orders being granted. Clients also benefited from group work sessions, training opportunities, and social events. Growth of the Dry Food Package Program Provided essential food support to 600 families experiencing food insecurity.
AFRICAN WOMEN'S CARE TRUSTEES, REPORT cont'ed Doubled food distribution capacity. reducing financial pressure and ensuring access to nutritious meals. Therapeutic Peer Support Groups Since their inception, these activities have proven highly popular. A total of 168 women benefited from participating in fun, enjoyable. and structured group sessions that helped reduce isolation, improve mental health, and strengthen community bonds. Enhanced Financial Stability Secured continuation funding from key sources, including, Lloyds Foundation, Community Foundations. ROSA, and the National Lottery. Enabled service expansion, improved capacity, and strengthened organisational sustainability. 5. Frontline Team Development Support from an Operational Manager post, helped to rectify the management imbalance and strengthen the organisational structure. The new post played a key role to enhanced the capacity of frontline team, ensuring the support for staffs and standard of support offered to client is highly maintained. Staffs benefited from regular supervision, monitoring. and case management support. Staffs are also benefiting from an added specialist mentoring support in working with some of our clients with complex multiple needs. Staffs have reported feeling less stress while dealing with clients and being more confident with handling complex cases Looking Ahead: Challenges and Goals: Challenges: Growing Demand: Rising living costs and economic instability continue to intensify food insecurity, housing need. and mental health pressures among Black and minority women. Funding Sustainability: Expanding services requires reliable. long-term funding amid increasing operational costs.
AFRICAN WOMEN'S CARE TRUSTEES, REPORT cont'ed Cultural Barriers: Stigma, language barriers, and mistrust of mainstream services persist, requiring continued culturally sensitive engagement. Increased demand for support for women with No Recourse to Public in terms of housing, financial support puts massive pressure on our services and staffs. Goals Expand Services: Increase access to therapeutic groups and food support programmes. Increase Advocacy: Strengthen policy and advocacy efforts addressing systemic inequalities affecting Black and minoritised women and girls. Build Capacity: Recruit additional frontline staff to respond effectively to rising demand. Acknowledgments We extend our heartfelt thanks to our donors, partners, trustees, staff, and volunteers whose unwavering support makes our work possible. Your commitment has empowered countless women, children, and families to move toward safer, healthier, and more secure fi Iti Irp.8. Together, we are building brighter futures for African women and families accross the UK. Financial Review During the year, AWC received incoming reSoUrS of £166,380 (2024: £327,751) and had outgoing resources of £231,852 (2024: £247.509) in delivering its objectives as well as for management administration of the charity. Reserve Policy One of the financial objectives of AWC is to build up reserves. It is therefore seeking to established a level of reserves that would allow it to increased its activities as well as to enable it maintain long-term viability. 10
AFRICAN WOMEN'S CARE INDEPENDENT EXAMINERS REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF AFRICAN WOMEN'S CARE I report on the accounts of the Charity for the year ended 31 March 2025. Respective Responsibilities of Trustees and Examiner. As the charity's Trustees, you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. You consider that the audit requirement of section 43(2) of the Charities Act 1993 does not apply. It is my responsibility to state, on the basis of procedures specified in the General Direction of the Charity Commissioner under section 43(7)(b) of the Act, whether particular matters have come my attention. Basis of Independent Examiner's Report My examination was carried out in accordance with the General Direction given by the Charity Commissioners. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts with those records. It includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts, and seeking explanations from you as Trustee, concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit, and consequently I do not express an audit opinion on the view given by the accounts. Independent Examinerfs Statement In connection with my examination. no matter has come to my attention: which give me reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect the requirements: to keep accounting records in accordance with section 41 of the Act.. and to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and to comply with the accounting requirement of the Act, have not been met.. or to which in my opinion. attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached. 20th November 2025 Lakubi Consulting Accountants & Business Advisors Unit 478 Park Royal Business Centre 9-17 &19-21 Park Royal Road LONDON NW10 7LQ 11
AFRICAN WOMEN'S CARE STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 Notes Unrestricted Restricted Funds Funds Total 2025 Total 2024 Incoming Resourses Grant Other Income 136,359 136,359 30,021 320,229 7,522 30,021 Total Incoming Resources 30,021 136,359 166,380 327,751 Resources Expended Cost of generating voluntary income Charitable activities Governan costs 1.065 23.396 2,250 1,065 228,537 2,250 1,784 243,475 2,250 205.141 Total Resources Expended 26,711 205.141 231,852 247,509 Net Incomingl(Outgoing) Resources for the Year 3.310 (68,782) (65.4721 80,242 Movement of Funds Balances blf al 1 April 2024 306 85.015 85,321 5,079 Balances clf at 31 March 2025 3.616 16,233 19,849 85,321 12
AFRICAN WOMEN'S CARE BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31 MARCH 2025 Notes 2025 2024 Fixed Assets Tangible Assets 12,012 8,062 Current Assets Debtors Cash at Bank & in Hand 20,181 1,003 21.184 2,554 100,330 102,884 Creditors Amount falling due within one year 8,332 15,595 Net Current Assets 12,852 87,289 Creditors Amount falling after more than one year 5,015 10,030 Total Assets Less Current Liabilities 19.849 85,321 Restricted Funds Unrestricted Funds 16,233 3,616 19.849 85,015 306 85,321 Director's Statements The Trustees considers that the organisation is entitled to audit exemption under Section 43(2) of the Charities Act 1993. The Trutees acknowledges their responsibility for ensuring that the organisation keeps accounting records which comply with the provisions of the Charities Act 1993, and for preparing accounts which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the organisation at 31 March 2024 and of its result for the period then ended. ne Wilson Interim Chair 15th November 2025 13
AFRICAN WOMEN'S CARE BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31 MARCH 2025 Notes 2025 2024 Fixed Assets Tangible Assets 12,012 8,062 Current Assets Debtors Cash at Bank & in Hand 20,181 1,003 21,184 2,554 100,330 102,884 Creditors Amount falling due within one year 8.332 15,595 Net Current Assets 12.852 87.289 Creditors Amount falling after more than one year 5.015 10,030 Total Assets Less Current Liabilities 19,849 85,321 Restricted Funds Unrestricted Funds 16,233 3.616 19,849 85,015 306 85,321 Director's Statements The Trustees considers that the organisation is entitled to audit exemption under Section 43(2) of the Charities Act 1993. The Trutees acknowledges their responsibility for ensuring that the organisation keeps accounting records which comply with the provisions of the Charities Act 1993, and for preparing accounts which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the organisation at 31 March 2024 and of its result for the period then ended. nne Wilson nterim Chair 15th November 2025 13
AFRICAN WOMEN'S CARE NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 Accounting Policies a) The financial statements are prepared under the historical costs convention and with the Charities Act 1993 and related regulations. b) Depreciation is provided on straight line basis over estimated useful life of the assets which is four years. c) These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the Statement of Recommended Practi Accounting by Charities and applicable accounting standards d) Voluntary income received by way of donations is included in full in the account when they are receivable e) Grants are recognised in full in the accounts in the year in which they are receivable f) Funds received for specific purpose are funds restricted for use for that purpose. These funds are shown separately in the accounts. g) Costs of generating funds are cost associated with attracting voluntary income. h) Charitable expenditure are those costs incurred in the delivery of the charitws activities and these costs includes direct support costs. l) Governance costs include those associated with meeting the constitutional and statutory obligations. 14
AFRICAN WOMEN'S CARE NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 2. Resources Expended Cost of generating funds Unrestricted Restricted Total 2025 Total 2024 Publicity & related costs Volunteer Expenses sub-tolal 552 513 1,065 552 513 1,065 866 918 1,784 Charitable Activities Volunteer Expenses Sessional Work Workshops, Welfare & Training Community Costs of Living Support Recruitment Consultancy Bookkeeping & Payroll Rent Salary & Wages Telephone, Fax & Internet Subscriptions Information Resources Prinl, Postage & Stationery Publicity Travel Repairs & Maintenance Bank Charges Insurance Conduit Depreciation sub-total 4.049 12,796 52.774 36.609 16,845 52,774 36,609 14.987 39,425 29,777 32,977 953 28,312 3,150 9,570 49,779 3,416 2,219 7.981 4,160 4,015 5,249 2,497 375 981 470 3,182 243,475 1.124 25,873 1,124 25,873 3,150 7,094 57,270 3.165 3,151 6,013 2,310 2,260 3,949 1,912 355 1,501 3.150 7,094 57,270 1,603 2,054 1,888 983 1.750 1.822 1,562 1,097 4,125 1,327 510 2,127 1.912 355 1.501 3,182 23,396 3,182 228,537 205,141 Governance Management Committee meeting Independent Examination Fee sub-total 2,250 2.250 2,250 2,250 2,250 2,250 Total Resources Ex ended 26,711 205,141 231,852 247,509 15
AFRICAN WOMEN'S CARE NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 3. Tangible Fixed Assets Furniture & Equipment Toial Costs At 1 April 2024 Addilions in Year At 31 March 2025 29.124 7.132 36,256 29,124 7,132 36,256 Depreciation At 1 April 2024 Charge for the Year At 31 March 2025 21,062 3,182 24,244 21,062 3,182 24,244 Net Book Value At 31 March 2025 12.012 12,012 At 31 March 2024 8,062 8,062 IDeficit)ISurplus for the year 2025 2024 This is staled after charging- Depreciation of Tangible fixed Assets 3,182 3,182 5. Incoming Resources Unrestricted Funds Restricted Funds Tolal 2025 Total 2024 Big Lottery (Award for all) Nalional Lottery Imkhan Charity Rosa Fund The Albert Hunt Trust GLA High Street Challenge Fund Lloyds Bank Foundation UK Government Community Organisation The London Community Foundation Southall Black Sisters NHS Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea London Borough of Barnet Other Income Total 10,000 100,919 290 32,850 2,000 5,000 25,000 58,700 29,000 470 2,000 54.000 7,522 327,751 51,859 51.859 27,500 27,500 57.000 57,000 30,021 166,380 30,021 30,021 136,359 16
AFRICAN WOMEN'S CARE NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 6. Creditors Amount falling less than one year: PAYE & NIC 2025 2024 7,838 494 7.838 494 7,263 15,595 Pension Accruals Total 8,332 Amount falling after more than one year: BB Loan 5,015 10,030 17