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2022-03-31-accounts

Registered Charity Number: 1085071

FRIENDS OF ASHA (GB)

CHARITY ACCOUNTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2022

FRIENDS OF ASHA (GB)

REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION

Trustees

The trustees during the year ended 31 March 2022 were as follows:

David Finch Richard Hogben Sunil Raheja (resigned 23.08.2021) Godfrey Martin Helen Finch Nigel Rees Amanda Clegg Paul Weston David Briggs (appointed 28.01.2022)

Principal Address

36 Combe Street Lane, Yeovil, Somerset BA21 3PE

Independent Examiner

Bells Accountants, 10a High Street, Chislehurst, Kent, BR7 5AN

Charity Number 1085071

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 timeto-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. FOA(GB) income has increased significantly during the year predominantly due to the generosity of donors in response to the humanitarian needs resulting from the pandemic. The trustees have further developed communication with donors using social media and email as well as attending a variety of fund-raising opportunities. The Hope and Spice book and merchandise continue to be well received.

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 aligns with the UN sustainable development goals (SDGs). The model incorporates 9 out of 17 SDGs in all its programmes. These include:

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, and nonviolence 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 overcoming new challenges.

Asha India is dedicated to improving the lives of the urban poor through programmes 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.

Covid-19 Pandemic in the slums- The devastating second wave of the Covid-19 pandemic struck India in March 2021 and reached its peak in April-May 2021, causing a trail of destruction and deaths. Lockdown was imposed across the city. More than 400,000 cases were reported daily in India during the peak period. Delhi’s positivity rate (percentage of all people tested who were found to be positive) went up to 36%, with more than 28,000 cases and a significant mortality rate. Hospitals and Covid centres became full within days. The health infrastructure was on the verge of collapse, with long lines of Covid positive patients waiting desperately in front of the hospitals, hoping for a bed. There were no hospital beds available with ICU and ventilator support.

The entire country faced a colossal oxygen crisis as there was an acute shortage of oxygen supply in the hospitals, and many patients died gasping for breath. Large-scale black marketing and hoarding of oxygen cylinders, essential Covid medicines, and other lifesaving medical supplies made them beyond the reach of poor and vulnerable slum community residents. Oxygen cylinders were being sold for ten times the usual price.

The PCR (Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction) testing facilities were saturated entirely, and patients were refused Covid tests across the city. Moreover, fear of social boycott and stigma led to many people not disclosing their symptoms which led to significant morbidity and mortality in huge numbers. Even the crematoriums were full which was profoundly distressing to bereaved families.

During the last week of December 2021, the third wave of the Covid pandemic struck Delhi and the rest of India. It was dominated by the variant of the virus named Omicron, which was more infectious and spread faster than the Delta variant. In a very short period, case numbers started rising exponentially, and more than 20,000 infections per day were recorded in Delhi.

Asha’s Treatment Strategy -During this desperate time, the Asha team did not lose hope and organised an emergency response to the pandemic across the communities. The Asha team comprised of health practitioners and 300 'Corona warriors’ who worked 24/7 on the ground to save lives. These were volunteers from the communities, predominantly undergraduate and postgraduate students who had themselves benefitted from Asha.

The Asha team scaled up their interventions and started conducting house visits throughout the slums to identify patients with any flu-like symptoms. The Corona warriors encouraged the community to report cases without fear of stigma or being ostracized. People across the Asha slum communities voluntarily reported cases of fever, body pain, and other symptoms, and their treatment was initiated immediately. Slum-dwellers who had been in contact with Covid patients were also put on a regime aimed at prevention.

With medical friends across the world, Asha devised a strategy for home treatment of Covid 19 patients and started treatment as per an agreed treatment protocol. The team carefully monitored patients in regular teleconsultation with the Asha doctor. Oxygen levels and temperature were regularly checked. Patients with moderate illness were treated with nebulized bronchodilators and steroids as well as with anticoagulants. The team provided medication and treatment to moderately ill patients to try and reduce the risk of further deterioration.

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REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES cont’d

Any critically ill patients, who were refused hospital admission, were treated as per best available protocols after taking consent from the patient or their family members. The treatment included IV and oral medicines, nebulisation, and frequent monitoring of their oxygen level. Friends of Asha (GB) sourced and delivered 7 Oxygen concentrators. These were provided to patients across Asha’s slum communities if their SpO2 reached critically low levels. The Asha team also ensured dedicated toilets in the public toilet complex for Covid patients. During this unprecedented crisis, the Asha team’s commitment and dedication saved hundreds of lives. Thankfully, of all patients suffering from Covid-19 across the communities, there was only one death. This was a truly remarkable achievement.

Asha’s Activities-

Asha’s activities across the slum communities in compliance with the Covid protocols and guidelines and following the Covid appropriate behaviour were as follows-

1. Covid Prevention Protocol. including protecting the Asha team and the Corona warriors-

The Asha team regularly distributed masks and sanitisers across its communities and explained to them their correct usage, washing, and disposal. The team and the corona warriors ensured that the community residents regularly wore masks, especially outside. The communities were educated regarding the Covid appropriate behaviour and the risk reduction measures. The Asha team regularly coordinated with the municipal authorities and sanitary inspectors and ensured proper cleaning and sanitisation of the area, including roads, drains, and public toilets.

Asha also ensured the protection of its frontline health team and the corona warriors through proper PPE, regular sanitiser use, and encouraging behavioural change to follow Covid appropriate behaviour and observe Covid protocols. Asha clinics were regularly sanitised. Entry of patients was allowed only after the screening, sanitisation, and observing the norms of social distancing. Safety measures were also followed during the home visits.

Asha is continuing its Covid prevention activities to protect the slum communities, especially with the emergence of the third wave led by the highly infectious Omicron variant.

2. Distribution of Grocery bags - The pandemic had a substantial economic and financial impact on the life of the Asha slum communities as most people lost their jobs and income. Moreover, most slum dwellers could not access the government ration shops as there was a huge rush and limited supply. The elderly, widows, disabled, and other vulnerable groups faced severe problems as they could not leave their house because of the pandemic and arrange for life’s necessities. The crisis was so massive that most families were on the brink of starvation. Asha procured groceries and put together packs of cereals, pulses, cooking oil, tea, soap, and other essential items and distributed them to every home so that they did not die because of starvation. The Asha team and Corona Warriors visited every home in the community and continued to ensure that the emergency supplies reached every family. Apart from the elderly, widows, and other most vulnerable groups, Asha also provided emergency food rations to Corona Warriors’ families and Mahila Mandal (Women’s group) members across its communities to take care of and protect them during the crisis.

Around 70 food packets were distributed to Asha slum communities every month during the project period.

3. Financial Support- Apart from food rations, Asha also provided financial support in the form of cash to the needy families across its communities to meet their other day-to-day needs like cooking gas, medicines, and other essential items such as electricity bills. This support enabled the poor and vulnerable families ravaged by the economic impact of the pandemic to survive this unprecedented crisis.

4. Supplementary Nutrition Programme for Malnourished Children and Women - The social, economic, and healthcare impact of the Covid-19 pandemic manifested itself in more ways than one. Due to the loss of income, the families had a massive financial crisis. Children were not getting proper nourishment and balanced nutrition, and there were rising cases of malnutrition across the slums. The women also suffered from malnutrition and anaemia as they were the last to eat after providing for everyone in the family. To address the problem of malnutrition and anaemia, the Asha health and nutritional experts developed high-energy, high protein, high-calorie ‘laddoos’ and organised special clinics to distribute these sweet supplements daily. The children’s health was being regularly monitored, and it has been observed that the weight and other parameters of the beneficiaries improved tremendously. To control cases of malnutrition and anaemia among women and girls, Asha’s experts developed high-energy, high protein, high-calorie drinks (Sattu). They organised special clinics five days a week to administer them throughout Asha’s slums.

FRIENDS OF ASHA (GB)

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES cont’d

The BMI of the ladies was calculated, and cases of anaemia were classified into mild, moderate, and severe. This high-energy drink reduced instances of malnutrition and anaemia amongst women. Asha also provided micronutrient supplements like calcium, iron, vitamins and zinc to the women and children suffering from malnutrition and anaemia.

5.Treatment of Non-Covid illnesses- Due to the pandemic, the hospitals and health centres were overwhelmed and faced huge strains regarding infrastructure, equipment, resources and workforce. People from the poor and vulnerable community had nowhere to go for treatment as hospitals and healthcare facilities across the city refused admission to the patients with non-Covid illnesses. Asha clinics across the slum communities in Delhi provided free treatment and medication to the patients in Maternal and Newborn Health, Child Health, Reproductive and Family Planning Services, Geriatric Care, and Non-Communicable Diseases like Diabetes, Hypertension, COPD, and Asthma.

The interventions by Asha under the Child health care programme included: -

Well, Baby Clinics - Asha organised regular Well Baby clinics at the centre every week to monitor the children’s health. The weight, height, and other vital parameters were measured, and remedial action was prescribed. Experienced health professionals staff Asha clinics. If a child was short for their age or under-or overweight, this might indicate a health problem. Children were provided necessary doses of iron, zinc, and vitamin supplements. Vitamin-A was provided to the children after every six months.

Immunisation- Complete immunisation was done for all the children from 0-to five years across Asha’s slums as per WHO protocol against ten preventable diseases. Immunisation has been a critical factor in reducing child mortality in the community.

Growth Monitoring was carried out monthly, with the children being weighed and the details recorded in a “Road-To-Health” chart. The mothers were given health education regarding breastfeeding, weaning, and nutrition. Each child’s mid-arm circumference was measured using a MAC band twice a year between the ages of 1-5 years to detect cases of malnutrition.

Vitamin A and Albendazole Supplementation- Children across the Asha slums were regularly supplemented with Vitamin A and Albendazole (a treatment for parasites) every six months as per their requirements.

Preventing Infections and Diseases - The mothers were made aware of the causes, prevention, and cure of diseases like diarrhoea, cholera, and respiratory infections. Improvement in Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) levels across Asha slums was made through community toilet construction, handwashing facilities, and clean water access. The initiative helped improve cleanliness and sanitation and controlled the spread of diseases like diarrhoea.

FRIENDS OF ASHA (GB)

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES cont’d

E. Non-Communicable Chronic Disease Management -

Asthma and COPD - Based on the severity of their condition, patients were treated with bronchodilators and inhalers. Rotacaps are preferred over inhalers, to improve delivery and nebulisers were used as needed. Team members explored triggers such as occupational hazards and advised a change of occupation if necessary. They explained the value of a balanced and nutritional diet that included fruits and vegetables and advised patients to avoid cooking with biomass (wood and animal waste) fuel when possible.

Diabetes - Staff monitored fasting and postprandial blood sugar levels, as well as the more accurate measure of the average blood sugar level, HbA1C. Regular full body check-ups with all tests was conducted for the patients. Hypoglycemic drugs were given as needed. Patients with comorbidities were carefully monitored and treated. CHVs emphasised that a balanced diet, proper lifestyle management, and exercise are as important as medication for diabetes control.

Hypertension - Treatment is given with anti-hypertensive drugs . Asha teams monitored blood pressure and medication adherence during home visits, encouraging patients to reduce cardiovascular risk through smoking cessation and a balanced diet to lower cholesterol. The CHVs recommended diets rich in magnesium, potassium, and fibre, reduced salt intake, and regular exercise.

6. Building Immunity for the Community Residents - Building immunity has been one of the critical ways of preventing severe Covid infections. The Asha team and the healthcare workers focused on building immunity within its slum residents. As part of the programme, Asha provided Vitamin-D injections to all the residents across the slum communities except children. Vitamin D deficiency is very common and significantly affects the immune system. The community members, especially the more vulnerable, elderly, and sick patients, were provided micronutrients to enhance their immunity. CHVs conducted house-to-house visits to distribute these supplements and ensured they were being consumed. Along with educating people on Covid appropriate behaviour, the Asha team also advocated exercise, a balanced and healthy diet, adequate sleep, reduced stress, and controlling the consumption of tobacco and alcohol to boost immunity levels.

7. Mental Health Support - Ensuring mental health support has been one of the critical challenges of the pandemic. The problem has been very severe among the poor and the underprivileged slum residents because their acute social, economic, and livelihood challenges accentuated the issue along with the healthcare crisis. As people lost their incomes and were confined to their homes, there were rising cases of domestic violence, mental stress, anxiety, depression, loneliness, and sometimes even leading to suicide. The Asha team, Mahila Mandal members and the Corona Warriors visited every house in their respective communities and provided people with comfort and support. They always conveyed hope and optimism, and the community looked forward to their visits. Cases of domestic violence which increased during these pandemic times across the slums were solved through counselling and peace-making efforts.

8. Vaccination Drive- When the vaccination for frontline workers began in January 2021, Asha registered its field team and the warriors for vaccination and ensured that everyone got their vaccination on time. The entire Asha team and the Corona Warriors have received the required two doses of vaccine for protection against the virus. Asha team and the warriors are spreading awareness and sensitising the community on the importance of vaccination and tackling vaccine hesitancy. Asha collaborated with the Immunisation Department- Government of Delhi to organise vaccination camps across its slums to vaccinate the eligible slum dwellers. Currently, Asha is focusing on the Booster dose of vaccine for the frontline workers and the elderly above 60 years and vaccination for the 15-18 years age group as per the Government of India’s policy decision. The entire Frontline Asha team have been vaccinated with the booster dose. More than 98% of Asha slum community residents have been vaccinated with both doses.

FRIENDS OF ASHA (GB)

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES cont’d

Asha’s Higher Education Programme in the backdrop of the Covid-19 pandemic-

The ongoing Covid-19 pandemic has severely impacted the education landscape of the country. Due to the lockdown imposed across the city of Delhi and other parts of the country, the schools, colleges, and other learning centres have been closed for on-campus learning and shifted to digital and online modes for education. The closure of offline classes in the Universities has severely disrupted the college education for Asha’s students and graduates, impacting their careers and prospects. Under this scenario, Asha provided the necessary support to the vulnerable slum students to continue their education by building digital infrastructure at the Resource centres through advanced IT facilities so that they can adapt to the online academic environment, submit their assignments and appear for examination online as well as monitor the performance of the students.

Asha Resource Centre as the hub of Higher Education- Asha Resource Centres across the slums acted as the hub of Higher Education for the slum students. The identified Asha students were provided necessary support in terms of academics like sample test papers, supplementary text materials, and regular mock exams so that they could thoroughly prepare for their crucial board exams and achieve excellent grades. The Senior students conducted coaching classes to teach concepts and clear doubts of their junior counterparts. More than 160 college admissions were made in the year 2021.

Developing IT Labs- Asha has developed IT Labs across the centres with advanced laptops, high-speed internet and proper study spaces. The IT Labs have been a boon to the Asha students, especially during the pandemic times when the entire process of college admission and the educational process, including submission of assignments, projects and examinations, have been shifted to the online platform. More than seven IT Labs have been developed across Asha centres benefitting community students. IT Labs have become the lifeline of education for the Asha community students, especially during these challenging times.

Online Internship Programme - Internship opportunities were provided to the meritorious students from the Asha slum communities. The internship opportunity helped the selected students develop professional skills and exposed them to working in an international, multi-cultural work environment. In 2021, more than 20 Asha students from the slum areas were selected for Internships in MNCs like Macquarie and the Embassy of Ireland. Due to the pandemic, the internship was organised online using the IT Lab facilities at Asha centre in observation of Covid protocols.

English Speaking and Writing Skills - Asha supported the slum students across the project locations by teaching them spoken and written English to progress in their academic and professional careers. Volunteers from Friends of Asha across the world and other subject experts conducted online classes for teaching English to the Asha students. Specialised training for IELTS is also conducted for the students selected for the International Higher Education programme.

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REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES cont’d

Conclusion

Friends of Asha(GB) has seen a significant increase in income this year, however the level of need in Delhi has increased much more. We are very grateful for the generosity of donors responding to the tragic impact of the Covid pandemic. The trustees have been impressed and inspired by the remarkable courage and efforts made by the wider Asha team to care for so many people in such difficult circumstances and we commend the work of Asha.

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 5 October 2022

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 2022, which are set out on pages 11 to 13.

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:

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.

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

5 October 2022

FRIENDS OF ASHA (GB)

RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS ACCOUNT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2022

Unrestricted
Restricted
Funds
Funds
£
£
Receipts
Donations received
379,577
23,738
Tax reclaimed
13,945
-

Total receipts 393,522 23,738


Payments
Charitable expenditure
Direct charitable expenditure
Grants payable
-
345,000
Shipping fees
10,122
Medical equipment
7,242
Supper Club
-
Stall fee
200
Support costs
Administration:
Postage and stationery
14
Insurance
288
Bank charges
252
Advertising/marketing
3,552
Office and computer expenses
604
Professional fees
563
Sundries60
22,897
345,000

Governance costs:
Accountancy fees
900
-

Total payments
23,797
345,000

Net receipts/(payments)
369,725
(321,262)

Cash and bank balances b/f
Cash and bank balances c/f		 Total
Total
Funds
Funds
2022
2021
£
£
403,315
229,081
13,945
9,402
417,260
238,483
345,000
236,547
10,122
-
7,242
-
-
-
200
-
14
31
288
-
252
320
3,552
10,274
604
-
563
234
60 60
367,897
247,466
900
900
368,797
248,366
48,463
(9,883)
28,436
38,319
76,899
28,436

FRIENDS OF ASHA (GB)

STATEMENTS OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES AS AT 31 MARCH 2022


Cash funds
Bank current account
Assets retained for own use
Tax refundable
Liabilities
Accountancy fees
 2022
£
76,899
18,234
(900)		 2021
£
28,436
13,945
(900)

We approve the accounts on pages 11 to 13 and confirm that we have made available all relevant records and information for their compilation.

Signed on behalf of the trustees

Dr D Finch Trustee

5 October 2022

FRIENDS OF ASHA (GB) NOTES TO THE RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS ACCOUNT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2022

1 Restricted funds

These represent specific gifts from supporters towards various programmes undertaken by Asha. The amount comprises:

Training and education

Relief fund and elderly care
CHVs and midwives
Blankets
Vaccinations
Riverbed project
 2022
£
2,640
-
3,098

-
-
18,000

23,738		 2021
£
3,240
-
3,134
-
-
18,000
24,374

2 Trustees transactions

There were no transactions with trustees during the year that require disclosure.