Annual Report 2024/25 Baraka
Table of Contents
Director’s Statement 1 2 Our Story so far Our Organisational 3 Goals Our Projects 4 Our Impact 5 Our Future Plans 6 7 Acknowledgements Financial Statement
8
Director’s Statement
Dear Members, Supporters, and Partners,
As we reflect on the period April 2024 to March 2025, I am proud of the progress Baraka Community Association has continued to make in supporting children, young people and families in North Kensington.
At the heart of our work remains a strong commitment to improving outcomes for children and young people through education, enrichment, sport and employability focused activities. Throughout the year, our programmes have provided safe, supportive spaces where young people can build confidence, develop skills and broaden their horizons. Through sport, mentoring, enrichment activities and practical support, we continue to see the positive impact that consistent, communitybased provision can have on young people’s wellbeing, aspirations and sense of belonging.
A key priority for Baraka has been ensuring that opportunities are accessible to those who face the greatest barriers. In particular, we have remained focused on supporting girls and young people from ethnic minority backgrounds to participate fully in our activities, including sport and enrichment, where access and representation are often unequal. We recognise the role that these activities play not only in physical health, but also in confidence building, leadership and social connection.
In response to emerging challenges, we introduced two new strands of work: community public health activity focused on prevention and early intervention, and culturally competent provision for older members of the community aimed at reducing isolation and supporting healthy ageing. Both developments align closely with local authority priorities and reflect Baraka’s ability to adapt as community needs evolve.
Baraka’s work is rooted in a grassroots approach, shaped by lived experience, strong partnerships and ongoing dialogue with the communities we serve. Our staff and volunteers play a central role in this, bringing commitment, local knowledge and care to their work. On behalf of the Board, I would like to thank them, along with our funders and partners, for their continued support.
As we look ahead, Baraka remains committed to learning, adapting and responding to need, while continuing to provide practical, inclusive programmes that support children, young people and the wider community to thrive.
Sincerely,
Abdullahi Ali
Director Baraka Community Association
During the year, the organisation experienced positive growth, with income increasing by approximately 13% compared to the previous year. This growth reflects continued trust from funders and partners and has enabled Baraka to strengthen delivery while remaining grounded in local need.
Our Story So Far
O U R M I S S I O N
O U R P U R P O S E
Established in 2000, Baraka Community Association emerged as a grassroots response to social challenges faced by disadvantaged communities, particularly those from ethnic minority backgrounds. Our mission is deeply rooted in providing access to quality education and dismantling systemic barriers, guided by trustees with lived experience, individuals intimately connected to the struggles of our communities.
At Baraka Community Association, our purpose is to be a beacon of positive change, addressing social issues with a primary focus on education, enrichment and wellbeing. We strive to create pathways for disadvantaged communities, including those from ethnic minority backgrounds, fostering empowerment, equal opportunities, and general community wellbeing across the spectrum of age groups.
From its inception, Baraka has been a catalyst for positive transformation, guided by a steadfast commitment to empowerment. Our story is one of milestones achieved and lives touched, a testament to the power of community-led initiatives.
Reflecting on our journey, Baraka remains dedicated to its founding principles. Trustees, with their lived experience, play a pivotal role, ensuring that our mission is not just a statement but a lived reality. Together with volunteers and partners, Baraka continues to script a narrative of empowerment and resilience, shaping a future where every individual has the opportunity to thrive.
Our Projects!
P R O J E C T S
D E T A I L S
O U T C O M E
| Bridging the Disadvantage Gap |
Educational support in Maths, English & Science |
67 Unique CYP regularly engaged over the course of the programme. Increase in average student attainment by 2 grades over the |
|
|---|---|---|---|
| course of the academic year | |||
| Improving access to Sports Participation |
Weekly football, boxing and fitness sessions |
Over 200 unique CYP engaged in regular sports activities over the year. 30 previously inactive young girls engaging in regular sports activities |
|
| Weekly youth club | Average weekly attendance of | ||
| Baraka Youth Club |
where CYP engage in range of activities including Rock Climbing, Kayaking, |
50 CYP. Over 1500 CYP attendances over the year. 95% of attendees agreed they felt a sense of belonging in their |
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| Fitness, Arts & Crafts | community | ||
| Baraka School Holiday Programme |
Outdoor Resendential weekends. Day Trips throughout the year, during school holidays |
190 unique CYP attended trips organised during school holidays. 95% of young people reported structured activities during school holiday had a positive impact on their wellbeing |
|
| BCA Talks + Parenting Courses |
Series of Talks based on key civil societal issues and programmes on |
85% of parents implemented effective parenting techniques at home. |
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| effective parenting | |||
| Community Public Health Programme |
Delivering Community Health Assessments for local residents and hard to reach communities |
Approx 160 local residents underwent a health assessment in the first quarter of the programme. Key outcomes include improved health literacy and improved engagement with NHS services |
|
| Elderly Residents Activities |
Delivering Culturally competent Elderly activities for 65+ |
92% of participants report they experienced a sense of isolation prior to engaging in the weekly activities |
100%
GCSE pass rate in the Year 11 2024 GCSE cohort
216
Student learning hours in our centre each week.
80%
of Young girls and Women would not engage in fitness activities without our provision
62%
of Young People report that activities reduce the likelihood of them engaging in anti-social behaviour
400
Beneficiaries of across all our projects in 2024/5
Our Impact
At Baraka, our commitment to creating positive change is reflected in the measurable outcomes we track across various projects. Through diligent monitoring and evaluation, we gauge the success of our initiatives, ensuring they make a meaningful impact on the lives of those we serve.
In Project 1, "Bridging the Disadvantage Gap," our focus on education has yielded remarkable results. Students participating in weekly classes experienced an average increase of 2 grade points in Maths, English, and Science. With an impressive 88% average attendance, achieving a 100% GCSE pass rate for the 2024 cohort. Approximately 50 students attended classes weekly, accumulating 200 learning hours each week at our centre.
Through our improving access to sports participation we have successfully engaged 30 young girls and women in regular fitness and football sessions. Notably, 80% of participants reported that, without Baraka's provision, they wouldn't engage in physical activities due to low self-esteem and a lack of female-only offerings in the local area.
Our inclusive approach to our Youth club brought together approximately 50 attendees each week, including young people and their parents. Six simultaneous activities, ranging from kayaking to arts and crafts, ensured a diverse offering for everyone. Impressively, 74% of families reported that Baraka sessions were the only time in the week they engaged in activities together. Furthermore, 93% formed new friendships through these sessions.
Our school holiday programmes showcased the positive outcomes of our residential and outdoor trips. A significant 95% of young people reported self-growth, with improved confidence being the most frequently cited domain. Notably, 62% agreed that access to team sports and outdoor trips during school holidays reduced the likelihood of engaging in anti-social behavior. Several young attendees have gone on to assume leadership roles in the council and other local organisations.
Through our parenting courses and workshops we have influenced parenting techniques at home, with 85% of parents implementing effective strategies. As a result, families have experienced positive changes in their dynamics, fostering healthier relationships and creating a supportive home environment.
These impactful outcomes underscore our commitment to holistic community development, education, and empowerment, demonstrating the tangible difference Baraka is making in the lives of individuals and families within our community.
Our Future Plans
2 0 2 5 & B E Y O N D
Baraka Community Association is propelled by a vision of continued growth and positive transformation within our community. Our commitment to development, education, and empowerment will chart the course for the years ahead, building on the achievements of our ongoing projects.
In the realm of education, we aim to extend our reach, ensuring that our programs touch the lives of even more students. The goal is not only to bridge the disadvantage gap but to provide additional support and opportunities for academic success.
Building on the success of our sports inclusivity project, we plan to diversify our sports offerings. The objective is to create a more inclusive environment, accommodating a variety of interests and encouraging greater participation among community members.
Youth leadership development will be a key focus, with the intention of providing more opportunities for personal growth, skill-building, and community engagement. Our aim is to cultivate a new generation of leaders who contribute positively to the betterment of society.
As we embark on this journey into the future, Baraka is not only committed to sustaining the positive impact we've made but to setting the stage for a community that continues to thrive. With the support of our community members, partners, and allies, we look ahead to shaping a brighter and more inclusive future for all.
Our 2025 Goals
1
Empowering through Education
Enhance and expand our educational support programs, ensuring they are highly effective and continue to break down barriers to learning. Widening gaps in educational disparity post COVID-19 meant there was an even a higher need for educational intervention than previously
2
3
Investing in Digital Infrastructure
Scaling Parnerships Across the Borough
We are investing in digital infrastructure to reflect the increasing role technology plays in education, employability and access to services. Improved digital capacity will allow us to deliver higher-quality support, improve efficiency, and ensure children, young people and community members are not excluded as services continue to move online.
We will strengthen partnerships across Kensington and Chelsea to avoid duplication, share learning and use resources more efficiently. Working collaboratively allows us to build on what already exists, extend our reach, and deliver better outcomes without recreating services that are already working well.
Acknowledgements
Our Supporters
John Lyon’s Charity
The Kensington + Chelsea Foundation The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham The Lightbulb Trust Young K&C
Westway Development Trust Jack Petchey Foundation BBC Children In Need Groundwork London The South Square Trust
The London Marathon Foundation
RM Partners NW & SW London Cancer Alliance
We thank you for making our projects a reality!
Baraka Community Association Office 6 Canalside House 383 Ladbroke Grove London W10 5AA 02089640606 www.barakacommunityassociation.org
BARAKA COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION
Report of the Trustees and Financial Statements for year ended 31March 2025 for Baraka Community Association.
Charity Reg: 1087721
TASKPLETE ACCOUNTANT 12 York Road, London, SW11 3QA
DECEMBER 27, 2025
Baraka Community Association
Trustees’ report
for the year ended 31 March 2025
Principal activity
The principal activity of the charity is to provide educational assistance, recreational facilities,
Training, and advice to the young people, their parents and other individuals from refugee and other ethnic background seeking help who live and work in the Royal borough of Kensington &
Chelsea and surrounding Borough to enhance their academic and social orientation to maximise their full potential.
Trustees
The Trustees who served during the year are as stated below:
| Hassan Muhamud | Chairperson |
|---|---|
| Liban Ibrahim | Vice Chair |
| Adam Mohamed | Treasurer |
| Elizabeth Alimadi | Secretary |
| Hawa Elmi Adan | Member |
| Ali Mohamed Ulusow | Member |
This report was approved by the Board on the 20[th] December 2025 and signed on its behalf by
Hassan Muhamud
Chairperson
Hasse
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Independent Examiner’s Report to the Trustees of Baraka Community Associa<on
Independent Examiner’s Report to the Trustees of the Baraka Community Associa<on. I report to the charity trustees on my examina2on of the accounts of the charity for the year ended 31 March 2025.
Respec<ve responsibili<es of trustees and examiner
The charity's trustees have prepared the accounts and determined that this year, under section 144 of the Charities Act 2011, an audit isn't necessary, but an independent examination is. My duty is to inspect the accounts per section 145, follow Charity Commission's general Directions under section 145(5)(b), and report any notable findings.
Basis of independent examiner’s statement
My examina2on was carried out in accordance with general Direc2ons given by the Charity Commission. An examina2on includes a review of the accoun2ng records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes considera2on of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts and seeking explana2ons from the trustees concerning any such maEers. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit, and consequently no opinion is given as to whether the accounts present a ‘true and fair’ view and the report is limited to those maEers set out in the statement below.
Independent examiner's statement
Since your charity’s gross income exceeded £250,000, your examiner must be a member of a listed body. I can confirm that I am qualified to undertake the examina2on because I am a member of the Chartered Ins2tute of Management Accountant (CIMA) which is one of the listed bodies.
In connec2on with my examina2on, no maEer has come to my aEen2on;
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which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in, any material respect, the requirements:
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to keep accoun2ng records in accordance with sec2on 130 of the Chari2es Act; and
-
to prepare accounts which accord with the accoun2ng records and comply with the accoun2ng requirements of the Chari2es Act have not been met; or
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to which, in my opinion, aEen2on should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
Abdullah Mohamud ACMA, CGMA Chartered Institute of Management Accountant
Taskplete Accountant limited 12 York Road London SW11 3QA
27[th] December 2025
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Baraka Community Association. Charity No: 1087721 Statement of Financial Activities for year ended on 31 March 2025
| 2025 | 2024 | |||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Notes | Notes | Restricted Funds |
Unrestricted Fund |
Total Funds |
Total Fund | Total Fund | ||||||||||
| £ | £ | £ | £ | |||||||||||||
| INCOMING RESOURCES: | ||||||||||||||||
| Voluntary Grants | - | - | - | |||||||||||||
| Donations and other Income | 4 | 262,900.00 | 20,549.00 | 283,449.00 | 283,449.00 | 251,224.00 | ||||||||||
| ACTIVITIES FOR GENERATING FUNDS: | ||||||||||||||||
| Investment Income | ||||||||||||||||
| Other Activities | - | - | - | - | ||||||||||||
| Total IncomingResources | 262,900.00 | 20,549.00 | 283,449.00 | 283,449.00 | 251,224.00 | |||||||||||
| RESOURCES EXPENDED: | ||||||||||||||||
| COST FOR GENERATING FUNDS: | COST FOR GENERATING FUNDS: | |||||||||||||||
| Charitable Expenses | 5 | 281,001.00 | 3,959.00 | 284,960.00 | 284,960.00 | 277,949.00 | ||||||||||
| Investment Income | - | - | - | |||||||||||||
| Other Activities | - | - | ||||||||||||||
| 281,001.00 | 3,959.00 | 284,960.00 | 284,960.00 | 277,949.00 | ||||||||||||
| CHARITABLE EXPENITURE: | ||||||||||||||||
| Restricted Funds | ||||||||||||||||
| TOTAL RESOURCES EXPENDED: | 281,001.00 | 3959 | 284,960.00 | 284,960.00 | 277,949.00 | |||||||||||
| Net Surplus for the year | (18,101.00) | 16,590.00 | -1,511.00 | -26,725.00 | -26,725.00 | |||||||||||
| Opening Funds | 206,209.00 | 27,106.00 | 233,315.00 | 233,315.00 | 260,040.00 | |||||||||||
| Transfer of funds | - | |||||||||||||||
| CLOSING FUNDS: | 188,108.00 | 43,696.00 | 231,804.00 | 231,804.00 | 233,315.00 |
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Baraka Community Association – Balance Sheet as at 31 March 2025
| Unrestricted | Unrestricted | Unrestricted | Unrestricted | Restricted | Restricted | ||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Charity Number: 1087721 | Notes | Notes | fund | fund | Fund | 2025 | 2024 | ||||||||||||||
| Fixed Assets | 2 | 38,995 | 38,995 | 53,055 | |||||||||||||||||
| Current Assets | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Debtors | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Cash at bank | 306,998 | 306,998 | 289,308 | ||||||||||||||||||
| 306,998 | 306,998 | 289,308 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Creditors | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Amounts falling due within | - | - | - | - | |||||||||||||||||
| oneyear | 3 | 114,189 | 114,189 | 109,048 | |||||||||||||||||
| Net current Assets | 192,809 | 192,809 | 180,260 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Total Assets less current | |||||||||||||||||||||
| liabilities | 231,804 | 231,804 | 233,315 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Net Assets | 231,804 | 231,804 | 233,315 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Funds | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Unrestricted/ Restricted | 43 | 43 | 43,696 | 188,108 | 231,804.00 | 233,315.00 |
The financial Statements were approved by the board on the 20[th] December 2025 and signed on its Behalf by
Hassan Muhamud
Chairperson
………………………
Adam Mohamed Treasurer de ……………………………………
6 |
Baraka Community Association. Notes to the Financial statements for year ended on 31 March 2025
1 Accounting policies
The principal accounting policies which are adopted in the preparation of the
(a) Basis of accounting
The accounts for the year ended 31st March 2025 have been prepared on the receipts and payments basis in accordance with section 42(3) of the charities Act 2011 and applicable accounting standards
(b) Fund
Unrestricted funds comprise those funds which the Trustees are free to use in accordance with the charitable objectives of the charity. Restricted funds are those funds which arise from grants and donations which have been given for a particular purpose.
(c) Tangible Fixed Assets
Depreciation has been provided at the following rates in order to write ob the assets (less their estimated residual value) over their estimated useful economic lives.
| Plant and Machinery | 20% Straight Line | 20% Straight Line | 20% Straight Line | 20% Straight Line | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Plant and | |||||||
| 2 | Tangible fixed assets | Equipment | |||||
| Cost | £ | ||||||
| At 1 April 2024 | 17,261 | ||||||
| Vehicle costs | 57,434 | ||||||
| Additions: Equipment Costs | 1,099 | ||||||
| At 31 March 2024 | 75,794 | ||||||
| Depreciation | |||||||
| At 1 April 2024 | 21,640 | ||||||
| Charge for theperiod | 15,159 | ||||||
| At 31 March 2025 | 36,799 | ||||||
| Net book value | |||||||
| At 1 April 2024 | 53,055 | ||||||
| At 31 March 2025 | 38,995 |
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Baraka Community Association. Notes to the Financial statements for year ended on 31 March 2025
| 3 | 3 | Creditors | 2025 | 2025 | 2024 | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Accruals | 45,805 | 45,805 32,444 |
32,444 | 32,444 | |||||||||||
| Deferred income | 68 | 68,384 76 |
76 | 76,604 | |||||||||||
| 114 | 114,189 109 | 189 109 | 189 109,048 | ||||||||||||
| 4 | Receipts | 2025 | 2025 | 2025 | 2025 | 2025 | 2024 | ||||||||
| £ | £ | £ | £ | £ | £ | £ | |||||||||
| Restrict | Unrestricted | Total | Total | ||||||||||||
| Receipts: | |||||||||||||||
| LBHF (including Grands | |||||||||||||||
| in advance last yr) | 5,050 | 5,050 | 5,050 | 17,910 | |||||||||||
| Westway Development | |||||||||||||||
| Trust | 11,889 | 11,889 | 8,316 | ||||||||||||
| RB Kensington & Chelsea | 107,942 | 107,942 | 107,942 | 38,854 | |||||||||||
| John Lyons Charity | 24,000 | 24,000 | 65,000 | ||||||||||||
| BBC Children in Needs | 22,394 | 22,394 | 18,829 | ||||||||||||
| K+C Foundation | 42,725 | 42,725 | 37,937 | ||||||||||||
| Awards for All | - | - | 9,950 | ||||||||||||
| The Lightbulb Trust | 25,000 | 25,000 | - | ||||||||||||
| London Community | |||||||||||||||
| Foundation | - | - | - | ||||||||||||
| Addison Youth | - | - | 14,472 | ||||||||||||
| Garfield Weston | - | - | 10,000 | ||||||||||||
| Groundwork London | 2,000 | 2,000 | 2,000 | 5,355 | |||||||||||
| The South Square Trust | 3,000 | 3,000 | - | ||||||||||||
| Octavia Foundation | - | - | 8,500 | ||||||||||||
| Sported Foundation Trust | 1,000 | 1,000 | 1,000 | 10,000 | |||||||||||
| London Marathon | 10,000 | 10,000 | - | ||||||||||||
| RM Partners | 10,000 | 10,000 | 500 | ||||||||||||
| Jack Petchey | 900 | 900 | 900 | ||||||||||||
| Go London | - | - | - | ||||||||||||
| Other Donations | - | 17,549 | 17,549 | 4,701 | |||||||||||
| Total Grands and | |||||||||||||||
| Donations | 262,900 | 0.00 | 20,549 | 0.00 | 283,448 | 448 | 0.00 | 251,224 |
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Baraka Community Association. Notes to the Financial statements for year ended on 31 March 2025
5 Resources Expended
| Resources Expendedpendedended | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 2025 | 2025 | 2024 | |||||
| £ | £ | £ | £ | £ | £ | |||
| Restrict | Unrestricted | Total | Total | |||||
| Charitable Activities | ||||||||
| Purchases | 9,234 | 9,234 | 10,637 | |||||
| Rent and Hall Hire | 15,641 | 15,641 | 25,825 | |||||
| Teacher's Fees | 46,657 | 46,657 | 49,525 | |||||
| Youth Worker | 21,411 | 21,411 | 36,240 | |||||
| Staff salary | 77,746 | 77,746 | 52,128 | |||||
| Employer Contribution | 4,727 | 4,727 | 2,446 | |||||
| Pension contributions | 900 | 900 | 1,350 | |||||
| Training Cost | 23,247 | 23,247 | 35,565 | |||||
| Trips Activities Costs | 21,738 | 3,959 | 25,697 | 28,529 | ||||
| Public Health Mobilisation | ||||||||
| delivery | 9,382 | 9,382 | - | |||||
| Public Health Mobilisation | ||||||||
| delivery | 9,382 | 9,382 | ||||||
| Refreshment/Catering | 6,840 | 6,840 | 7,185 | |||||
| Volunteer's Expenses | 2,066 | 2,066 | 4,954 | |||||
| Travel Expenses | 5,460 | 5,460 | 165 | |||||
| Telephone/Internet | 435 | 435 | 1,218 | |||||
| Stationery/Postage/Photocopying | 493 | 493 | 1,461 | |||||
| Motor Expenses | 2,383 | 2,383 | 808 | |||||
| Publicity | 5,640 | 5,640 | 684 | |||||
| Insurance | - | - | 402 | |||||
| Repairs and Maintenance | - | - | 1,297 | |||||
| Bank charges | 104 | 104 | 125 | |||||
| Membership | - | - | 222 | |||||
| Accountant Fees | 1,850 | 1,850 | 1,850 | |||||
| Legal & Professional Fees | 505 | 505 | 395 | |||||
| Depreciation Charges | 15,159 | 15,159 | 14,939 | |||||
| Total Expenses | 281,001 | 3,959 | 284,960 | 277,949 |
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