**Registered Charity Number:** **1085071** ## **FRIENDS OF ASHA (GB)** # **CHARITY ACCOUNTS** **FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2021** ## **FRIENDS OF ASHA (GB)** ## **REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION** ## **Trustees** The trustees during the year ended 31 March 2021 were as follows: David Finch Richard Hogben Sunil Raheja Godfrey Martin Helen Finch Nigel Rees Amanda Clegg Paul Weston ## **Principal Address** 36 Combe Street Lane, Yeovil, Somerset BA21 3PE ## **Independent Examiner** Bells Accountants, 10a High Street, Chislehurst, Kent, BR7 5AN **Charity Number** 1085071 - 1 - ## **FRIENDS OF ASHA (GB)** ## **REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES** ## **Governing instrument** Trust deed dated 1 November 1999, amended by supplemental deed dated 9 January 2001. New trustees are appointed by the board of trustees. The charity is a trust consisting of 8 trustees. ## **Objectives and Activities** 1. To relieve persons who are in conditions of need or hardship or who are aged or sick and to relieve the distress caused thereby in India and in such other parts of the world as the trustees may from time to time think fit. 2. To promote the protection and preservation of good health in India and in such other parts of the world as the trustees may from time to time think fit. 3. To promote and fulfil such other charitable purposes beneficial to the community in such locations as the charity may from time to time be operating. The objects of the charity have been achieved by supporting the Asha Community Health & Development Society (hereinafter Asha) in its work with people living in the slums of Delhi. As shown in the accompanying accounting report, the income of the charity has derived from donations received and has been spent in pursuit of the charity’s objectives. ## **Introduction** Friends of Asha(GB) has continued to raise funds and support the work of Asha this year. As a result of the Covid 19 global pandemic the usual visits from the UK have not been possible. However, the trustees have actively sought and received assurance through a variety of channels. Links with Delhi have continued with regular contact with a variety of individuals including the Founder and Director and senior staff via Zoom, Whatsapp, email, telephone and other technology links. This has proved an effective way for the trustees to give advice and to discharge their assurance role ensuring that the funds generated in Great Britain have been appropriately used for the benefit of the poor in India. The following is a summary of the work of Asha and our findings this year. Asha is an organisation that is dedicated to improving the lives of the urban poor through programs covering health, education, empowerment, environment, infrastructure development, and financial inclusion. Asha works amongst nearly one million slum inhabitants covering 95 slums in the city of Delhi. Asha’s interventions focus on the rights of slum dwellers and it works in partnership with them and the Government to bring about sustainable poverty reduction and positive change. The Asha model of urban health and development is in alignment with the UN sustainable development goals. The model incorporates 9 out of 17 SDGs in all its programs. To name some of them: Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages (SDG 3), Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all (SDG 4), Achieve gender equality, and empower all women and girls (SDG 5), Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all (SDG 6), Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable (SDG 11) leading to End Poverty in all its forms (SDG 1). - 3 - ## **FRIENDS OF ASHA (GB)** ## **REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES cont’d** The Asha values lie at the heart of all the programmes. Generosity, gratitude, compassion, joy, non-violence are just some of the values which steer the organisation to move forward with passion and determination towards its mission of transforming lives of unreached people living in the slums and successfully encounter new challenges. ## **The Challenges of the Covid-19 Pandemic and Asha’s response.** The period of April 2020 to March 2021 was extremely challenging for the Asha slum community residents. The outbreak of Covid-19 created an unprecedented public health crisis in the slum communities. In addition, the lockdown imposed by the government resulted in a severe socio-economic crisis especially for the poor and vulnerable residents of Asha’s slum communities across Delhi. The slum dwellers who depend mostly on daily wages or temporary part-time jobs lost their income because of lock down restrictions. The families had very little in the way of savings to fall back on and quickly started facing starvation and an acute livelihood crisis. This crisis accentuated the enormity of the health risk because of the pandemic. Asha immediately formed an Emergency Response team which included the formation of a dedicated team of Asha Corona Warriors who, covering each of the slum areas worked with residents to spread awareness and sensitise the residents about the safety and precaution measures against Covid-19. The activities of the Asha team and the Asha warriors included: - Providing emergency food rations, medicines and cash to vulnerable members of the community who lost their income because of lockdown. - Providing essential medicines, masks and supplements including vitamins, iron, calcium, zinc, and other supplements as part of healthcare services from its slum clinics focusing on the elderly aged 65 and above, widows who live alone, pregnant women, the disabled, and patients suffering from serious medical conditions. - Visiting every home and educating the residents on wearing masks, social distancing, proper handwashing, avoiding crowded places and other safety measures. - Home-to-Home surveillance and referring residents to hospital if they developed serious symptoms. - Working hand in hand with the local police. - Providing residents with PPE kits including masks and hand sanitiser and making residents aware of how to protect themselves with reference to the WHO covid19 protocols. - Helping the community to access government social welfare schemes. - Supporting the Government’s vaccination drive by spreading awareness and motivating the community on the importance of vaccination to protect against the virus and accompanying them to the nearby vaccination centre as required. - 4 - ## **FRIENDS OF ASHA (GB)** ## **REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES cont’d** As a result of the Asha team’s activities through the pandemic, the following outcomes have been achieved: - Effective awareness-raising of the risks associated with Covid-19. - Improved access to healthcare services to the neediest and most vulnerable such as the elderly, malnourished women and children, pregnant women, nonCovid patients. - Increased awareness of various Government schemes for the welfare of the people during the period of crisis. - Increased access to healthcare services. - Controlled malnutrition and anaemia amongst women and children through nutritional supplements and high-calorie, high-energy sweets and drinks. Since the government lockdowns, Asha continues to support their communities towards compliance with Covid-19 appropriate behaviour especially with emerging new variants of the virus and educating people on the changing Government guidelines and usual Asha programmes have now resumed. ## **Asha’s Health Programmes** Health programmes operate in most Asha communities from community centres. The health care provided includes childhood immunisation, nutritional and vitamin supplementation, management of long-term conditions and care of the elderly. This primary care provision in the community is supported by the central polyclinic with diagnostic and laboratory facilities. ## The maternal health programme as part of Asha’s integrated approach Asha’s health care programme is one of six programmes which together improve the quality of life and life chances for Asha populations. The six programmes are sanitation & environment, health, financial inclusion, land rights, empowerment and education. This integrated approach is the reason for the success of Asha’s health care programme and in particular the maternal health programme. The diverse needs of a woman expecting a baby for example – accessible ante natal care, a safe home, helpful information and access to clean water and toilet blocks, demonstrate just why an integrated approach is essential. The maternal health programme’s success As a result of Asha’s integrated approach and because of the effective maternal health programme, the neonatal mortality rate is significantly lower in communities where Asha operates, with 11 cases for every 1000 live births in comparison with 23 cases for India as a whole. Maternal deaths in Asha communities have been steadily falling in recent years and no maternal deaths were recorded for the year 2019-2020. CHVs are supported and supervised by a team of nurse-midwives who manage the ante-natal clinics. They work to Asha’s maternal and newborn health programme guidelines, identifying high risk pregnancies and referring to the polyclinic or local hospital as required. - 5 - ## **FRIENDS OF ASHA (GB)** ## **REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES cont’d** ## Antenatal Care Antenatal clinics are held at Asha community centres located within the communities. The CHVs encourage expectant mothers to register early and have a minimum of three antenatal checks, two doses of tetanus toxoid injection and iron/folic acid supplements. Expectant mothers are monitored to assess the development and wellbeing of mother and baby. Checks include weight and height, urine, blood pressure and foetal heart rate. Blood tests are offered to all expectant mothers for screening and to test for gestational diabetes and iron deficiency anaemia. All the tests are done at subsidised rates at the polyclinic. Mothers receive free medication and nutritional advice. ## Intrapartum Care Women are encouraged to have their baby in hospital or at home with a trained midwife. As a result almost 100% of deliveries across the slums are now hospital deliveries or home births supported by trained professionals. Women with high-risk pregnancies are advised to attend hospital for their confinement. It is these changes that account for the reduction of infant and maternal deaths. ## Postnatal care The maternal health team conduct postnatal visits within 24 hours of delivery at home to monitor the health of mother and baby. Early breast-feeding is encouraged, mothers are supported and the baby is weighed. Regular postnatal visits are done by the CHVs to keep track of progress. ## Babies and Children - 100% of children in Asha slums receive BCG vaccination, compared to 97% - nationally. - 99% of the Asha children receive the DPT vaccine. - 91 % of Asha slum children receive Vitamin A supplements, compared to 30% - nationally. - Vaccination against measles is provided after 9 months. ● Vitamin A is provided every 6 months until 5 years. ## Special Clinics for Malnourishment and Anaemia Since the pandemic Asha is running special clinics for malnourished women and children. Asha’s healthcare experts have developed a high-calorie, high protein drink offered to all malnourished women and this has resulted in significant positive health outcomes. Malnourished children are regularly provided calcium, minerals, vitamins, and other micronutrient supplements, and their growth parameters were regularly monitored. Innovative high energy, high protein sweetmeats were given daily to malnourished children, which have shown encouraging results. Care of the elderly Asha offers health care tailor-made for their elderly population. The care includes medical check-ups, medicines and nutritional supplements. Those with eye, ear or orthopaedic-related problems are referred to the hospital. Glasses and hearing aids are offered and the mental and emotional well-being of the elderly is addressed. - 6 - ## **FRIENDS OF ASHA (GB)** ## **REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES cont’d** ## Management of long-term conditions Patients with diabetes and hypertension are offered regular screening and treatment and are advised on nutrition, exercise, and lifestyle modifications. In summary Asha’s healthcare model has impacted the lives of slum dwellers in terms of access, connectivity, quality, and increased health-seeking behaviour in the community. ## **Asha’s Education programme** Education has been one of the biggest challenges during the pandemic. The platform for providing education changed completely to online medium which presented a serious challenge to Asha’s slum community students as they lacked high-speed connectivity and proper equipment like advanced smartphones, laptops along with proper infrastructure. Asha immediately provided the necessary IT infrastructure along with high-quality laptops, modems, high-speed connectivity, and dedicated study spaces for school and college students across the centres ensuring that their studies were not disrupted during these difficult times. The Asha team and the student ambassadors supported the students in their online education and dedicated time slots were provided to each category of students so that everyone gets a fair opportunity. The key highlights of Asha’s Education programs during the project period were: - More than 3500 students have secured admission to the Delhi University to date including 82 students in the year 2020. - More than 60 students have secured admission in vocational and skill development courses in the year 2020 and more than 760 students to date. - Provided Digital platforms for online education to the Asha students with highspeed internet connectivity and good computers/laptops. - 470 dedicated Student Ambassadors spreading the light of Education across Asha’s slums. ## Strict implementation of the Child Protection Policy Asha strictly implemented the Child Protection Policy at its slum resource centres, other contact points, and all the persons associated with the organisation. The policy ensures that the system is in place to protect children benefited from the organisation against any abuse and exploitation. This policy puts in place a mechanism to protect children, staff members, and the organisation itself. Asha has developed a transparent implementation plan concerning the policy guidelines with: - a) Strict compliance to staff recruitment procedure in respect of screening procedure, checking of criminal records, reference checking, and zero tolerance to any violation - b) A copy of the Child Protection Policy was provided to each employee. - c) Regular training was provided to all the staff and volunteers of Asha as part of the ongoing training program. - d) Strict Compliance was ensured towards documented Code of Conduct and Behavioural Protocols by every Asha staff. - 7 - ## **FRIENDS OF ASHA (GB)** ## **REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES cont’d** - e) Guidelines on Communication with the children were followed and any inappropriate messaging and depiction of children strictly prohibited. Any text or pictures concerning children were published with the consent of parents. - f) Sensitised and created awareness on presentation and management of risks. - g) Ensured a culture of openness and transparency when issues were raised and discussed. - h) Empowerment of children to make them aware and vigilant to any wrongdoings. ## **Conclusion** Asha has faced overwhelming challenges this year but has responded admirably. As trustees we have been very impressed and humbled by the diligence and courage of Asha staff and the generosity of all the friends of Asha in Great Britain. We commend the work of Asha and recognise the vital role that Friends of Asha (GB) plays in raising funds to support this vital work. ## **Reserves policy** It is the policy of Friends of Asha (GB) not to retain significant reserves but to distribute income when appropriate recipients and projects are identified. Dr D Finch - Chair 25 September 2021 - 8 - ## **FRIENDS OF ASHA (GB)** ## **Independent Examiner’s Report to the Trustees of Friends of Asha (GB)** I report on the accounts of the Trust for the year ended 31 March 2021, which are set out on pages 8 to 10. ## **Respective responsibilities of the 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 Commissioners (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 Commissioners. 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 disclosure 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 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 s130 of the 2011 Act: and - - to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and to 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. Bells Accountants 10a High Street Chislehurst Kent BR7 6LH 25 September 2021 - 9 – ## **FRIENDS OF ASHA (GB)** **RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS ACCOUNT** _**FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2021**_ ||**Unrestricted **|**Restricted**|**Total**|**Total**| |---|---|---|---|---| ||**Funds**|**Funds**|**Funds**|**Funds**| ||||**2021**|**2020**| ||**£**|**£**|**£**|**£**| |**Receipts**||||| |Donations received|204,707|24,374|229,081|152,693| |Tax reclaimed|9,402|-|9
,402|10,441| **Total receipts 214,109 24,374238,483** 163,134 |**Payments**|||||| |---|---|---|---|---|---| |**Charitable expenditure**|||||| |_Direct charitable expenditure_|||||| |Grants payable|-|236,547|236,547|135,000|| |Hope and Spice cookbook|-||-|6,550|| |Student expenses|-||-|3,764|| |Supper Club|-||-|1,715|| |Stall fee|-||-|175|| |_Support costs_|||||| |_Administration:_|||||| |Postage and stationery|31||31|420|| |Travel|-||-|1,646|| |Bank charges|320||320|347|| |Advertising/marketing|10,274||10,274|-|| |Ofce and computer expenses|-||-|232|| |Professional fees|234||234|1,555|| |Sundries|60
||||60| |180|||||| ||10,919

|236,547
|247,466|151,684|| |_Governance costs:_|||||| |Accountancy fees
|900

|-
|900|900|| |**Total payments**
|**11,819**
|**236,547**|**248,366**|152,584|| |**Net receipts/(payments)**
|**202,290**

|**(212,173)**
|**(9,883)**|10,550|| |Cash and bank balances b/f|||38,319|27,769|| |**Cash and bank balances c/f**|||**28,436**|**38,319**|| - 10 - ## **FRIENDS OF ASHA (GB)** ## **STATEMENTS OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES** _**AS AT 31 MARCH 2021**_ **2021 2020 £ £ Cash funds** Bank current account 28,436 38,319 ## **Assets retained for own use** Tax refundable 13,945 9,402 ## **Liabilities** Accountancy fees (900) (900) We approve the accounts on pages 10 to 12 and confirm that we have made available all relevant records and information for their compilation. Signed on behalf of the trustees Mr D Finch Trustee 25 September 2021 - 11 - ## **FRIENDS OF ASHA (GB)** ## **NOTES TO THE RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS ACCOUNT** _**FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2021**_ These represent specific gifts from supporters towards various programmes undertaken by Asha. The amount comprises: **1 Restricted funds** |Training and education
5,110
Relief fund and elderly care
CHVs and midwives
Blankets
Vaccinations
Riverbed project

17,000
|**2021**
**£**
3,240
-
3,134

-
-
18,000

24,374|**2020**
**£**
560
1,972
350
100
25,092| |---|---|---| ## **2 Trustees transactions** There were no transactions with trustees during the year that require disclosure. - 12 -