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2024-03-31-accounts

Registered Charity Number: 1085071

FRIENDS OF ASHA (GB)

CHARITY ACCOUNTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

FRIENDS OF ASHA (GB)

REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION

Trustees

The trustees during the year ended 31 March 2024 were as follows:

David Finch Richard Hogben Godfrey Martin Helen Finch Nigel Rees Amanda Clegg Paul Weston David Briggs

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 Great Britain: Established in November 1999.

Friends of Asha (GB) is dedicated to promoting the far-reaching work of Asha India in Great Britain and raising awareness about Asha’s effective strategies for poverty reduction in New Delhi, India.

Asha India focuses on holistic community development to empower residents of Delhi’s slums to create sustainable improvements in the lives of the urban poor in Delhi, India. Friends of Asha (GB) supports these initiatives by fundraising, fostering partnerships, and sharing success stories to inspire broader support and engagement.

Friends of Asha(GB) has continued to raise funds and support the work of Asha this year. 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.

Several of the trustees have visited this year to join with Asha to celebrate 35 years of the charity’s work and to witness the work and use of Friends of Asha(GB) giving and to seek governance assurance.

Once again, they were unanimously impressed and inspired by the visits. In addition, 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.

About Asha India : Asha was founded in 1988 under the stewardship of Dr Kiran Martin- Founder and Director and paediatrician by profession. 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 700,000 slum inhabitants covering 95 slums in Delhi. Asha's interventions focus on the rights of slum dwellers, and it works in partnership with the communities and the Government to bring about long term poverty reduction and positive change.

FRIENDS OF ASHA (GB)

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES cont’d

Asha India’s activities in the year 2023-24:-

Healthcare:

Asha's Healthcare Program provided comprehensive care to slum residents across Asha communities through a three-tier service delivery model. Asha’s focus ranged from young children to the elderly, addressing various healthcare needs and ensured access to essential treatments. In tier one, women living and working in the slums trained as Community Health Volunteers (CHVs) regularly visited and monitored the health of people in their communities. In the second tier, senior nurse practitioners and paramedic staff treated the community residents at Asha clinics located at the heart of the slums. CHVs accompanied the patients to the clinics where their ailments were diagnosed, and they were provided free treatment and medicines. In the third tier, the Asha Polyclinic, with facilities like well-equipped diagnostic labs, X-Ray, ECG, and ultrasound, in addition to the fulltime services of a specialist doctor, ensured that the slum community residents were provided with advanced healthcare services and pathological tests. The advanced diagnostic facilities at Asha Polyclinic were made available to the slum community residents through weekly sample collection. A robust referral system complemented Asha’s healthcare services, and the Asha team referred the people who needed advanced specialist healthcare to reputable public and private hospitals in Delhi based on Asha's knowledge and network of specialist doctors. Asha’s healthcare Programme resulted in better health seeking behaviour across the slum communities.

Asha’s Healthcare services include:

Maternal and Newborn Healthcare .

Antenatal Care (ANC) : Regular Antenatal clinics for expectant mothers were conducted including foetal growth monitoring through ultrasound and foetal heartbeat, weight check, and vaccination against tetanus. The team maintained individual health cards to indicate the follow-up treatments, including the distribution of medicines and supplements, like iron, vitamins, calcium, and folic acid. The Asha health team also educated pregnant women on the importance of having a nutritious diet, family planning and personal hygiene. It was ensured that 100% of pregnant women across Asha slums underwent best practice advice of three ANC checkups. 552 pregnant women were provided ANC coverage during the year.

Intra partum Care : The Asha Community Health Volunteers were actively involved in educating and encouraging pregnant women to deliver at certified healthcare facilities or homes only in the presence of a trained nurse or midwives/trained birth attendants. They worked to ensure that every pregnant woman in the slum had a safe delivery overseeing the delivery complications and cases of high-risk pregnancies and strictly banning the services of untrained medical practitioners. Each expectant mother was given a birth kit during the last trimester. The CHVs ensured that the ladies were admitted to the hospitals on the advised dates for delivery. They also educated pregnant women to identify the symptoms of labour and unusual pain and always accompanied them to the hospitals for delivery. 100% of deliveries carried out were either Institutional or under the supervision of trained birth attendants. There were 320 deliveries during the year. The Child Survival Rate at Asha was almost 98%. This year, 93% of children were born with normal birth weight. (2.5 kg and above.) There has been no maternal mortality death across Asha slums in the last five years.

Post Natal: The Asha CHVs ensured that every newborn received their mother's milk within 6 hours after delivery. They educated the new mothers on best breastfeeding practices, personal hygiene, and proper newborn care. They also ensured that the women continued the intake of iron, folic acid, vitamin, and calcium supplements after delivery. The Asha health team made the Child Health Card for every newborn during the first postnatal home visit. The postnatal home visits were continued for six weeks after delivery. During these visits, the health team checked the mother's health status by monitoring the blood pressure, pulse rate and identified post-delivery complications like anaemia and made follow-up treatments and ensured immediate referral to services. The team also monitored that the newborns were free of any potential health complications, regularly breastfed, and received good care from the mother. The team educated the family members on the importance of caring for the mother and child to avoid many health complications in low-resource settings. CHVs conducted home visits as per schedule for adequate postnatal care. 100% of children were breastfed within 6 hours after birth. 978 Post natal visits were conducted during the year.

FRIENDS OF ASHA (GB)

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES cont’d

Activities conducted under the immunity-building programme for pregnant and lactating women.

Immunity-building programme: During the reporting period, the Asha team continued the unique immunitybuilding programme for pregnant and lactating women through Vitamin supplements, Vitamin D injections and individual advice on a balanced diet and nutrition. The regular follow-up health care services by the Asha team have reduced the cases of infections and diseases among pregnant and new mothers. It was evident that women have started taking self-initiative to seek medical aid when they encountered any health problems.

Activities conducted under the Child Health Care programme

Well-Baby Clinics: Asha health team conducted well-baby clinics every week to cater to the health needs of young children in the slum. The primary focus was on improving the nutritional and health status of the children from 0-5 years and reducing mortality, morbidity, and malnutrition along with growth monitoring. Every child's weight was checked, and children below the average weight were given iron, zinc, and vitamin supplements. Individual health cards were maintained for every child. This year Asha reached 2708 children through WellBaby clinics.

Immunisation: The Asha Team ensured that the children between 0-5 years in the slum received routine immunisation as per the WHO protocol against the ten preventable diseases. Asha also collaborated with the Government of India to administer polio drops to children from 0-5 years as per the schedule of the Pulse Polio Programme across its slum communities to contribute to the mission of Polio free India. Children from the Asha communities have received 100% BCG, 98% Polio (OPV & IPV), 99% Penta and 86% MMR vaccination, 99% Rotavirus vaccination and 100% Hepatitis B vaccination.

Growth Monitoring : Every child's growth was monitored regularly by measuring their height and weight and recorded in the prescribed "Road-To-Health" chart. The cases of malnutrition among the kids were identified by measuring each child's mid-arm circumference using a MAC band. The identified malnourished children were advised appropriate remedial measures.

Vitamin A supplementation: Asha's healthcare team have ensured that all the children in the 0–5-year age group receive Vitamin A supplementation every six months as per schedule. 2600 children received Vitamin A supplementation at Asha during the project period. The rate of Vitamin A supplementation rate at Asha is almost 99%.

Prevention of Infections and Diseases: The Asha Health team continued educating the mothers on preventing common infectious diseases like diarrhoea, respiratory infections, and viral fevers among young children by maintaining hygiene and cleaning the surroundings. The team always motivated the slum dwellers to use clean drinking water, avoid open defaecation and follow hygienic practices. Asha team and the Mahila Mandal members ensured cleanliness and sanitation of their respective communities including drains and public toilets through regular follow up with the local sanitary inspectors.

Activities conducted under Sexual and Reproductive Health and Family Planning Services

Counselling on Family planning practices: The Asha health team provided family planning advice to couples, mainly the newly married, and distributed IUDs, condoms, oral pills and injections. The team also attended to the needs of the people living with HIV/AIDS, understanding their situation, individual needs, and choices. This year, Asha's Sexual and Reproductive Health Care reached 6588 eligible couples in the reproductive age group. Of this, 1831 opted for permanent birth control methods, and 2525 opted for temporary measures. In total, 4356 couples adopted family planning methods.

Awareness creation on Menstrual Hygiene, Reproductive Tract Infections and STDs: Individual education/group meetings were conducted for young adolescent girls and women across the Asha slums and distributed feminine hygiene products and explained healthy hygienic practices to prevent infections and identify the symptoms of diseases and seek early medical help.

FRIENDS OF ASHA (GB)

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES cont’d

Activities conducted to control malnutrition and anaemia among women and children

Special Clinics to take care of anaemia and malnutrition amongst women : To combat cases of malnutrition and anaemia, especially amongst pregnant women, the Asha team dedicated a day every week to running a special clinic to screen and treat malnourishment and anaemia among children and women across its slum communities. After measuring their BMI and haemoglobin count, they provided the identified malnourished and anaemic women with a required dose of vitamins, minerals, Iron, Zinc and Calcium supplements. This year, Asha reached 142 women and girls through the malnutrition clinics.

Special Clinics to Prevent Malnourishment among Children : To combat malnutrition amongst children, Asha’s healthcare team ensured that they were regularly taking calcium, minerals and vitamins and monitored their growth through weight checks from time to time. They also advised the parents of such children to provide them with balanced, nutritious and cheap protein diets, including eggs, milk, fruits and soyabeans. This unique Asha intervention on malnourishment and anaemia management among children helped to reduce the incidence of malnutrition and anaemia across its slum communities. 90% of children across the Asha slums were born healthy.

Geriatric Care: Asha regularly organised care of older people clinics across its programme areas. Complete medical check-ups were conducted, and medicines and supplements were provided. Patients with eye, ear or orthopaedic-related problems were referred to the hospital for treatment, accompanied by an Asha CHV. Asha provided glasses and hearing aids on the recommendation of medical experts. The mental and emotional wellbeing of the older people were also taken care of. The Asha health team and the ambassadors made regular home visits, spent time and engaged in conversation and helped them in their daily activities. This year Asha reached 293 older people through the geriatric care programme.

Asha continued its unique food programme for the older people across the communities. Appropriately titled "Love and Lunch", the needy and abandoned older people visited the centre and were warmly welcomed by the Asha team. The elderly who were sick or unable to walk to the centre were accompanied to the centre by young student ambassadors. After the Meet and Greet session, where the older people talked to each other and shared their individual experiences, the Asha team provided them with freshly prepared, hot, nutritious meals with tender love and warmth. The menu for the meal was decided in advance, keeping in mind the health and nutrition requirements of the elderly. Before the meal, there was a prayer led by the Asha Team Leader to ask for God's blessings. After the prayer, everyone enjoyed the meal together. After the meal, they were accompanied to the washing area, and the Asha team helped them to wash their hands and clean their utensils. Special care ensured that the entire environment was filled with enjoyment, joy, love and spontaneity. Ultimately, the elderly members were given a warm send-off with a sweet hug by an Asha team member to their house. This gesture of love, care and affection filled their heart, and they looked forward to this interaction every day with much eagerness and expectation as it helped them to remove their loneliness.

This noble initiative by Asha also provided a platform for the elderly to create a space to express themselves and for the Asha team to show gratitude and respect to the community's senior members as well as promoting healthy ageing. The 'Love and Lunch' programme was also an occasion for the elderly to interact with each other, share their problems and help their loneliness. 158 older people across Asha’s project locations were covered under Asha’s Love and Lunch six days a week.

Non-Communicable Chronic Disease Management

Asthma and COPD : Based on the severity of their condition, patients were treated with bronchodilators and inhalers and Rotacaps. 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, nutritious diet with fruits and vegetables. They advised patients to avoid smoking and cooking with biomass (wood and animal waste) fuel when possible. This year Asha reached over 250 patients for treatment of respiratory diseases.

Diabetes: Asha Health team monitored fasting and postprandial blood sugar levels and the more useful measure of the average blood sugar level, HbA1C. Regular diabetes review with relevant 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.

This year, Asha's diabetes care programme covered 336 persons.

FRIENDS OF ASHA (GB)

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES cont’d

Hypertension : Treatment was given with anti-hypertensive drugs . Asha teams monitored blood pressure and medication adherence during home visits, sensitising patients to reduce cardiovascular risk through smoking cessation and a balanced diet to lower cholesterol. Asha’s healthcare team recommended diets rich in magnesium, potassium, and fibre, reduced salt intake, and regular exercise for hypertension management. This year, Asha reached 346 persons through a hypertension management programme.

Building Immunity for the Community Residents : Building immunity has been one of the critical ways of preventing severe infections. The Asha health team focused on building immunity among its slum residents. As part of the programme, Asha provided Vitamin D injections to all the residents across the slum communities except children. Treating low Vitamin D levels has been proven by experts worldwide as a great immunity builder. 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 Vitamin D injections, 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.

Asha Polyclinic and Diagnostic Centre: Advanced Healthcare, including Diagnostics, laboratory tests, ultrasound, X-Ray, ECG and services of a Specialist Doctor were available at Asha Polyclinic, the Tier III of Asha’s Healthcare Model. 3911 patients were registered for treatment, 2753 patients had undergone laboratory tests, 1016 patients had ultrasound, 205 patients had X-Ray during the year.

Asha's Higher Education Programme

Asha’s higher education programme started in the year 2008 and so far has resulted in more than 5,100 students receiving University education along with more than 700 students covered under vocational and skill development programmes. To enhance the academic pathways for students, the Asha Education team began attending Parent Teacher meetings at schools. This initiative aimed to help students make informed decisions about their senior secondary class subjects, considering their aptitude, merit, and market demand. It was crucial because the parents and family members of these students often lacked the educational background needed to guide them in making the best academic choices.

The Asha resource centres acted as the hub of higher education for the slum students. The identified Asha students were provided with the necessary academic support such as 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 students utilised the facilities at the advanced IT Labs to enhance their IT skills and complete their assignments. The resource centre provided the necessary academic environment to the students, which they missed at their homes. This year, Asha supported 1400 school students with study spaces. In addition, around 1200 students benefitted from the seven functioning IT Labs every month.

The Common University Entrance Test (CUET) continued to present a difficult challenge for the Asha community students. Added to that, difficulties in accessing tertiary education for the students from the slum community and the severe financial crisis made the parents reluctant to send their children for a college education. The problem was more acute for girls due to the societal mindset conditioned by patriarchy. The Asha team and the Ambassadors counselled and motivated the students, parents and their families regarding the benefits of college education and promising career opportunities, which will help them break the poverty cycle. The parents were also convinced that Asha would provide the necessary financial support to the students to secure college admission. After securing the parent's consent, the next big challenge was to have the required documentation for the student. Asha student ambassadors visited the Government departments along with the students before the final school results were declared to procure these necessary documents and certificates required for admission.

After ensuring that the students were ready for university admission with their parent's consent and the necessary documents, the Asha team and the student ambassadors helped them step by step in the CUET enrolment process and supported them by paying their examination fees.

After the CUET results were declared, the next step was to guide the students and take them through the online admission process of the University based on their CUET results. Asha's team and the ambassadors also helped the students with course and college selection. The entire admission process for the students was conducted at the Asha resource centres. Asha team also helped needy and deserving students secure admission in vocational and skill development programmes like Information technology, Nursing, Lab Technician, etc. During the year, 250 students were supported for CUET.

FRIENDS OF ASHA (GB)

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES cont’d

There were 60 regular University admissions and 87 girls gained admission to the undergraduate degree through the Non-Collegiate Women's Education Board. 65 students were enrolled in Open School in the year 2023-24. 15 students were enrolled for the vocational and skill development programmes. 43 college students were enrolled for upskilling computer courses during the year.

Currently, four students are pursuing Master’s Programmes through scholarships in the University of Sydney, one student is pursuing Master’s in University of Queensland and two students are pursuing PhD in University of Melbourne.

Internship Programme: Internship opportunities were provided to the meritorious students from the new slum communities. The internship opportunity helped the selected students develop professional skills and exposed them to working in an International, multicultural work environment. 18 Internships were provided to Asha students during the year.

Online English Classes : Expert English teachers and professionals who were Friends and Supporters of Asha from different countries like the UK, Ireland, USA and Australia mentored Asha students to improve their conversational and academic English skills. Also, they provided specialised training for the IELTS examination for students selected to pursue Masters's Programmes in prestigious Universities abroad through Asha scholarships.

Empowerment Programme

Activities conducted by the Asha's Women’s Group (Mahila Mandal)

Women’s Group Meetings: The Asha team facilitated the Women’s Group (Mahila Mandal) meetings, where the women were encouraged to discuss significant community issues and challenges and find possible solutions. The members discussed issues like domestic violence, cleanliness and sanitisation, health concerns like bacterial and viral infections and specific health complications and the economic hardships faced by the community. The discussions helped the Asha team make an appropriate working strategy to solve the community welfare challenges with participation of all stakeholders. The Mahila Mandal Members also supported the Asha Community Health Volunteers in identifying pregnant women. The Mahila Mandal members conducted visits to the homes of the elderly and sick. The Mahila Mandal meetings were organised weekly. 11 Mahila Mandals are registered across Asha slums consisting of 361 members. 377 such meetings were organised during the year across the Asha slums. The Asha Mahila Mandals are also great examples of community ownership of Asha programmes leading to long term sustainability.

The following activities were conducted during the Women’s Group Meetings:

Raising awareness of primary healthcare activities: The Asha team conducted awareness sessions for the members of the Mahila Mandal, covering information on infections and diseases, access to healthcare and promoting health-seeking behaviour.

Training on Women's Rights : The Asha team conducted training sessions to educate the women leaders on issues like domestic violence, child abuse, adolescent problems, reproductive rights of women and other relevant issues so that they can identify such problems and build confidence in the women and the children in the slum to seek legal and medical aid if such incidence occurs.

Advocacy and lobbying for slum infrastructure development: Asha staff and the Mahila Mandal members continued lobbying with government officials and elected leaders like the local MLA to solve community problems and challenges. The team continued to support the women's groups to fight for getting community infrastructures like wide roads, drains, water supply, cleanliness and sanitation, and access to social security benefits, especially for the elderly, women, and specially abled persons.

FRIENDS OF ASHA (GB)

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES cont’d

The Asha's Women’s Group members across slum Communities maintained their relationships and lobby with the external stakeholders to fulfil various fundamental rights of the slum dwellers, especially in areas of Health, Education and Social security. The stakeholders covered included-

Mahila Mandals conducted 160 visits to different Govt. offices to find solutions to the community issues in the slums.

Bal Mandal (Children’s Group): Asha’s Bal Mandal (Children’s Group) is the forum for children aged 6-14 years across the slum communities. The Asha centre is the hub of the Bal Mandal. The children learnt about life skills, participated in creative and educational activities in a fun learning mode, completed their homework after school, read story books in the well-resourced library, learnt computer skills and did many other activities which contributed to their physical and mental development. There are 13 Bal Mandal groups consisting of 415 members across the Asha communities.

Practising the Asha Way of Life: "Asha Way of Life" is more than a concept; it’s a heartfelt journey embraced by Asha's team and their communities. Dedicated to instilling profound life values, they weave gratitude, compassion, joy, affirmation, non-violence, and generosity into every thematic intervention. The "Asha Way of Life," created a bond of unity and togetherness. The Asha team, along with Mahila and Bal Mandal members and student ambassadors, practiced the "Asha Way of Life" in the community through various initiatives, embodying the spirit of love, care, and unwavering support.

Celebrating Asha’s 35th Anniversary: A Week of Joy and Reflection

In marking the splendid thirty-five years of Asha’s work in the Delhi slums, a week-long celebration was held, filled with various events that brought together the global Asha family including Trustees and Board Members from Friends of Asha GB, Ireland, USA and Australian Friends of Asha , Long time Supporters and Volunteers alongside Asha’s team, Women’s group members, Community Health Volunteers (CHVs), students, and alumnae, the celebration provided an opportunity to reflect on past achievements and plan about the future.

Reception at the British High Commissioner’s Residence

The festivities began on 19 February 2024 with a delightful reception hosted by the British High Commissioner to India, His Excellency Alex Ellis who addressed the gathering, celebrating Asha’s journey of 35 years in the slums of Delhi. CHV Meena shared her inspiring story, and Asha alumnus Abhishek recounted his journey from a one-room shanty to studying in Australia. Members of Asha global family and long-term supporters also shared their reflections and words of encouragement. The evening ended with everyone enjoying delicious Indian food prepared by the Asha team and community women.

Inauguration of the New Asha Centre

The week saw the inauguration of a new Asha Centre in the Vivekananda Slum Colony. The ribbon-cutting ceremony was filled with excitement, highlighting the promise and potential of this new facility. The centre will have an IT lab and a dedicated study space for students, providing much-needed resources for educational development. Additionally, it will serve as a meeting place for children’s and women’s groups, fostering community engagement and support. This new centre is a significant step forward in enhancing educational opportunities and community cohesion in the area.

FRIENDS OF ASHA (GB)

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES cont’d

Community Celebration at Mayapuri Slum

A vibrant community celebration took place in Mayapuri slum community under a colorful marquee, bringing together representatives from all Asha communities, global Asha family and the team. The event was filled with inspiring speeches and honoured Asha team members who have dedicated over 20 years of service. Attendees were also treated to wonderful dance performances, contributing to the joyous atmosphere. The celebration concluded with a delicious lunch, enhancing the sense of community and festivity.

Grand Finale

The week concluded on Friday, February 23, 2024, with a gala evening that offered a rich and varied program. Attendees were treated to a series of speeches, personal reflections, and a video montage highlighting Asha’s journey and accomplishments. The evening’s entertainment included singing, recitations of Urdu poetry, and dancing, creating a vibrant and celebratory atmosphere.

The Asha team and graduates took the opportunity to express their gratitude to Dr. Kiran, conveying their appreciation for her dedication. Additionally, the event honored supporters from various walks of life, recognising their significant contributions to Asha’s mission and ongoing work. This finale gala served as a testament to the impact of Asha’s initiatives and the community’s collective effort towards its success.

Visitors during the year:

A Discovery Schools Trust team from Leicestershire, UK spent 5 days in the Asha Seelampur community. Their time brought joy to the children and women through singing, dancing, participative edutainment and creative activities with the children and community engagement.

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 12 January 2025

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 2024, 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

December 2024

FRIENDS OF ASHA (GB)

RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS ACCOUNT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

Unrestricted
Restricted
Funds
Funds
£
£
Receipts
Donations received
173,505
22,100
Tax reclaimed
10,514
-

Total receipts 184,019 22,100


Payments
Charitable expenditure
Direct charitable expenditure
Grants payable
-
100,000
Stall fee
120
Support costs
Administration:
Postage and stationery
38
Insurance
301
Bank charges
176
Advertising/marketing
2,069
Office and computer expenses
145
Professional fees
2,546
Travel
2,762
Sundries60
8,217
100,000

Governance costs:
Accountancy fees
900
-

Total payments
9,117
100,000

Net receipts/(payments)
174,902
(77,900)

Cash and bank balances b/f
Cash and bank balances c/f
 Total
Total
Funds
Funds
2024
2023
£
£
195,605
195,439
10,514
18,234
206,119
213,273
100,000
255,000
120
453
38
22
301
288
176
235
2,069
1,638
145
214
2,546
504
2,762
1,405
60 60
108,217
259,819
900
900
109,117
260,719
97,002
(47,446)
29,453
76,899
126,455
29,453

FRIENDS OF ASHA (GB)

STATEMENTS OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES AS AT 31 MARCH 2024

2024 2023
£ £
Cash funds
Bank current account 126,455 Bank current account 126,455 29,453
Assets retained for own use
Tax refundable 11,282 Tax refundable 11,282 10,700
Liabilities
Accountancy fees (960) (900)

We approve the accounts on pages 12 to 14 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 12 January 2025

FRIENDS OF ASHA (GB)

NOTES TO THE RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS ACCOUNT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

1 Restricted funds

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

Training and education

CHVs and midwives
Riverbed project
 2024
£
2,600
-

19,500

22,100		 2023
£
3,050
705
18,250
22,005

2 Trustees’ transactions

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