Voice of the Asian Women across the Nation Charity Registration Number 1088443
Trustees Annual Report For the Year Ended 31 March 2023
Aawaz Access Point,225 Blackburn Road, Accrington. BB5 OAL www.aawaz.org.uk
Registered Charity Number 1088443
| Contents | Page |
|---|---|
| Officers & Advisors | 2 |
| Patron Message | 3 |
| Chairperson Message | 4 |
| Trustees Report | 5 |
| Picture Calendar of Activities | 8 |
| Feedback from Participants | 12 |
Aawaz Trustees Report 2022-2023
1
Registered Charity Number 1088443
Administrative Information
| Trustee | |
|---|---|
| Loreta Malik | |
| Sahera Dala | |
| Aziz Fatima Bibi | |
| Noshin Hussain | |
| Nazima Naz | |
| Uzma Rani | |
| Secretary | Mrs L Malik |
| Treasurer | Mrs A Omer |
| Charity Registration Number | 1088443 |
| Registered Office | Aawaz Access Point |
| 225 Blackburn Road | |
| Accrington, Lancashire | |
| BB5 0AL | |
| Banker | Lloyds |
| 2 Peel Street | |
| Accrington | |
| BB5 1EP | |
| Gulfraz Ahmed (FCA ) | |
| Accountant | Ahmed Alam Accountants |
| 63 Johnston Street | |
| Blackburn | |
| BB2 1HD |
Aawaz Trustees Report 2022-2023
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Registered Charity Number 1088443
Message from Aawaz Patron
During this year Aawaz charity has continued to offer the much required support to those who are in so much need. Whilst we are now in the post pandemic period and corona virus restrictions have been lifted we have continued to see many people who were affected during the pandemic and helping them to come to terms with many issues including grief and loss.
Aawaz has become increasingly concerned about the cost of living crisis and its impact on the women and families who use our support services. The rise in the cost of food and energy has had a severe impact on the families we see. There appears to be a rise in the cost for everything all everyday essential items now cost more and our service users who are on limited income find it so very difficult to make ends meet. This situation causes great anxiety and stress.
Overall Aawaz volunteer and staff under the efficient management of our chief officer have all worked very hard to help everyone who has contacted Aawaz. However, the reality remains that securing sufficient finances is a continuing struggle. Without sufficient resources the charity cannot continue to offer the holistic support.
I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude and thanks to everyone who is part of Aawaz family offering a warm and friendly welcome with practical help and support for all women who access Aawaz.
Mrs. Jean Battle MBE
Aawaz Trustees Report 2022-2023
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Registered Charity Number 1088443
Message from Chairperson
My second year as the Chairperson has given me the opportunity to work closely with our team and I feel privileged to be part of the support that is offered day in day out to the women in need.
This has been such a busy year. A year full of activities that we have provided to help all the women that requested our support. It has been an honour for me to personally attend so many of the Aawaz project activities and events during the past 12 months. This has given me the opportunity to get to know some of our service users and hear first-hand some of the difficulties that they face.
We the Trustees have considered how we can continue to provide even more support, but we require appropriate resources and its very challenging in the present climate. A continued challenge for Aawaz remains, that is to be able to secure sufficient funds to ensure that we can meet the essential needs that we have identified.
This year has helped us to support many more women and to help them achieve a positive outcome. All of this good work is only possible with a dedicated and passionate staff and Volunteer team. I want to say a big thank you to all volunteers and our staff and to my fellow Trustees and Committee members for all their hard work and commitment.
Mrs Noshin Hussain
Aawaz Trustees Report 2022-2023
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Registered Charity Number 1088443
Trustees Report 2022-2023
Our annual report sets out the work of the Charity over the year 2022-2023
Aawaz is a registered charity organisation, established in 1997, its registered office is at 225 Blackburn Road, Accrington, Lancashire BB5 OAL. Aawaz work is to assist women and their families in need. Today Aawaz is well established, matured, respected and accepted by and all those diverse communities that we serve. The charity’s work is recognised by local authority, statutory and nonstatutory organisations and faith sector organisations in the area. Aawaz works holistically at grass roots level, with the principle of helping the women and their families and welcomes everyone under its “Open Door policy”. The charity’s work helps in community regeneration.
Statement of Trustees Responsibilities
Aawaz have 6 members of Trustees and 6 members of Executive Committee. Volunteers and Service users are also represented on the Committee. The Executive Committee have the overall responsibility for our work and finances. They meet four times per year. Our patron is a well know and dedicated lady, Mrs Jean Battle MBE.
The Trustees confirm that they have paid due regard to the Charity Commission guidance on public benefit reporting in deciding what activities the charity should undertake.
The Trustees are responsible for preparing the annual report and the financial statements with applicable law and regulations.
The Charity law requires the Trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year, which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charitable organisation and of the income resources and application of resources, including the income and expenditure of the charitable organisation for that period. In preparing these financial statements the Trustees are required to:
-
Select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently
-
Observe the methods and principles in the Charities SORP.
-
Make judgements and estimated that are reasonable and prudent.
-
Prepare the financial statements on the ongoing concern unless it is appropriate to presume that the charitable organisation will continue in operation.
The Trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records that disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of charitable organisation and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Charitable Act 1993 and the charity (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008. The Trustees are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charitable organisation and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.
Reference & Administrative detail
Reference and Administrative details are shown on page one of the Trustees Report
Registered Office
Aawaz Access Point 225 Blackburn Road, Accrington BB5 0AL Lancashire
Aawaz Trustees Report 2022-2023
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Registered Charity Number 1088443
Executive Commttee
The following members have served on the Executive Committee during the year ended 31[st] March 2022.
-
Noshin Hussain (Chairperson)
-
Loreta Malik
-
Zohra Begum
-
Aziz Fatema Bibi
-
Sahera Dala
-
Aisha Omer
-
Shabana Bibi
-
Nazima Naz
-
Uzma Rani
-
Asia Bibi
-
Sobia Begum
-
Maryam Bibi
Organisation Vision
“To remove the culture of dependency, improve the lives of south Asian women and their families and help create equal and cohesive communities where women can feel a sense of belonging and play their part in the wider society”
It has been a bumper year of activity. Bursting full of lots of learning, support and health and wellbeing activities to help all the women who came to Aawaz. What a busy and challenging year. The charity has once again seen an increase in requests and referrals to provide support to women and families from BAME communities and we have done our very best to deliver what was needed within our given resources.
It has been so gratifying to once again move back to a full programme of face to face work. Our group training sessions, one to one support sessions, the informal learning groups and social groups have all now been time tabled and we have enjoyed welcoming so many women to our Centre. Welcoming our service users with a warm drink and a snack has helped so many to feel at ease. It’s part of our hospitality when women in need call on Aawaz we want welcome everyone in a safe environment.
It has also been so good to be able to run our summer learning and fun programme during July and August 2022 and also during the other school holidays. The women and families we support have really enjoyed getting together and enjoying the activities including the short day outings. We are very aware that mothers need support to help organise activities and outings with their children during the holiday times.
Whilst we were very privileged to be part of the community celebrations during the Queens platinum Jubilee in June 2022, we were all extremely saddened by the loss of our majesty Queen Elizabeth II in September 2022. Aawaz service users held prayers and sent good wishes to the royal family to help them through their period of grief. A group of service users also came together to work on the “new beginning the new Era” for United Kingdom with a new King our King Charles. They have been planning the celebrations to mark the King’s coronation.
Aawaz has provided Chai & Chat sessions and Meet & Eat sessions, these have been a much needed component of our service offer. Helping to bring women together, offering them a friendly place and a warm welcome. Many of the women who have attended our sessions have been able to make friends and as a result have felt less lonely and isolated.
Aawaz Trustees Report 2022-2023
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Registered Charity Number 1088443
Aawaz has continued to help every woman who approaches us for help and information. We have risen to the challenge and worked over and above our call of duty to help everyone who is in need. We introduced the trial of the On-Call service to cover out of hours and weekends. This service has been proved to be extremely busy in particular around the holidays and festive periods. Aawaz team are looking at its uptake and will consider what can be offered on a more regular basis if we were to secure the appropriate resources.
As we enter the last quarter of delivery of our Move Forward project we are excited and feel proud of all the wonderful achievements of our project participants who have all worked really hard despite difficult personal circumstances. We have always had a strong focus on helping women from BAME communities to move towards employability. The women that we engage face multiple barriers and are furthest away from the employment market.
The rise in the cost of living is causing great stress and anxiety amongst our service users and whilst Aawaz has tried its very best to assist through food related help and support it is extremely hard and we have continued to see many people who are not able to pay for fuel and food. Aawaz team has continued to offer energy advice and assisting to identify more money saving and cost effective packages, including what individuals can do in their own home to save energy and keep themselves and their families warm and safe. This service has been very valuable, Trustees made the decision to continue with the provision for the full year funded through our reserves because of the sheer level of need.
Aawaz has also worked with other organisations to successfully secure fuel vouchers, blankets, clothing, baby items, winter packs and energy packs for over 150 households. Aawaz has provided food related help and support including food parcels, budgeting, money management and shop wisely workshops to over 300 households.
Aawaz believe that we are fortunate that we have the skills and credibility to be able to engage with those women who are often described as “hard to reach” not able to or experience barriers in accessing other main stream services and support.
All Aawaz projects are based on identified needs and the charity prides itself in ensuring that our services are user led. We the Trustees believe that Aawaz charity exists to serve the women in our communities, we are here because we are needed and we know that we are making a tangible positive difference.
Aawaz has seen the benefits of helping women through use of arts and crafts and creative writing. Helping women to express their emotions and to work to improve their health and wellbeing. There is much positive feedback from all the participants who have benefited from the art and craft activities.
We are at frontline when women access our befriending support, we have given our time to listen and we have given respect and value, our open door system has offered many women a friendly warm welcome to come and spend a few hours during the cold winter months
Aawaz continue to receive many referrals from other agencies both statutory and voluntary / community. We continue to receive many enquiries via our website and through other digital presence.
As with previous years Aawaz has seen another increase in referrals for help and assistance from Refugee and Asylum seeker communities. We welcome all and we have offered our best possible welcome and support. We have welcomed Ukraine families into the locality and offered friendship and a warm welcome.
Aawaz Trustees Report 2022-2023
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Registered Charity Number 1088443
This year:
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Aawaz received 9252 enquiries
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Charity has engaged with 3345 people to offer support and help
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946 people have engaged in the learning activities
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After completing their learning and employability programme with Aawaz 19 women have achieved paid employment
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After completing their learning programme with Aawaz 21 women have applied for voluntary work
-
531 women have participated in the health and wellbeing activities
Aawaz Volunteers
Volunteers are an essential component of the support that is offered to the women who use Aawaz.
This year 17 volunteers have been involved in providing various support activities to help make things easier everyone who has participated in the charity’s projects.
This year Volunteers have had a much greater role in offering support to a group of ladies who have been finding things particularly difficult. All the ladies have experiences bereavement and have felt strongly their sense of loss. Working alongside Aawaz project workers, volunteers have helped to facilitate listening sessions, health and wellbeing activities and creative writing workshops.
Volunteers work alongside staff and provide a friendly welcoming face.
“It has been most helpful to me when volunteer came to my house and walked up with me daily to help me to come to the group learning sessions. I did not feel able to do it on my own, so the support I got from Volunteer made a true difference”
Mrs K
“I really found it difficult and when I join in the Aawaz programme it was so valued that volunteers helped me greatly. I eventually felt able to talk about things and this provided me with some relief. Thank you, you are great”
Ms A
8
Aawaz Trustees Report 2022-2023
Registered Charity Number 1088443
Our Volunteers have put together a picture calendar of Aawaz activities during 2022-2023
Acknowledging the participant’s achievements April 2022
Information sessions May 2022
Mental Health Awareness May 2022
Celebrating Refugee Week June 2022
Celebrating Platinum Jubilee June 2022
Summer outings & activities
World Together Festival July 2022
Aawaz Trustees Report 2022-2023
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Registered Charity Number 1088443
----- Start of picture text -----
Learning programmes
September 2022
McMillan Coffee Morning
Winter blankets distribution
Paying our respect September 2022 October 2022
September 2022
----- End of picture text -----
----- Start of picture text -----
Learning about Heritage Nov 2022
----- End of picture text -----
----- Start of picture text -----
Learning about Gynecological Cancers
November 2022
----- End of picture text -----
----- Start of picture text -----
Continuing our Digital skills and
Employability programme
December 2022
----- End of picture text -----
Helping with Grief and Loss Workshops December 2022
Aawaz Trustees Report 2022-2023
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Registered Charity Number 1088443
Food related help continued during the year Additional much needed help provided in January 2023
Improving numeracy skills February 2023
----- Start of picture text -----
Celebrating International Women’s Day March 2023
----- End of picture text -----
Aawaz Trustees Report 2022-2023
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Registered Charity Number 1088443
Feedback from two ladies who have accessed Aawaz support and learning
Project participant Mrs.D talks about her experience of accessing Aawaz
“What is different about Aawaz is the way you have made me feel in control of my learning, I have felt good and it has made me more confident.
When I look back I would say I have learned a great deal, improved my English language communication skills and I have been able to face up to improving my numeracy skills.
Don’t get me wrong it has been a very hard journey for me over the past five months but the volunteers have helped me so much and Aawaz project worker is so good with me she has explained things to me patiently and when required in my own language.
I was so nervous at first about joining in the larger group activity, it was different tutors and it was in a new setting but I got help with transport when I found it difficult to get to the learning sessions and I appreciated all that everyone has done for me.
I am now in a much better place, all thanks to Aawaz”
Ms.R shares her experience of accessing Aawaz learning program
“I joined in the learning program in Autumn, I have a lot of health issues and find it hard to manage on my own. My kids are growing up and I feel very lonely. This has had a bad effect on my health and I find I can’t concentrate, I don’t like meeting new people and I feel worried all the time.
A lady at my GP told me about Aawaz and then they came to invite me so I went with the volunteer lady. Immediately I felt easy because it was like a friendly place and everyone was so kind to me.
I joined in and at first worried about how I would cope but surprisingly Aawaz officer made it so easy for me she understood, I mean she really did understand what I was going through. She listened to me and she did not rush me. It was first time in my life I was able to talk about somethings that are personal and once I did that I just felt I could focus better.
I got friendly with a lady who lives near me and we found we both have had a similar experience and we are from same village back home. So together we both decided to help and support each other.
I have learned all about working on laptop, I can do email, I can do job search, I have been to visit work places and to talk to other women who are in jobs. I mean all this is only possible with the help of the Aawaz Group. I am looking forward to getting a part time job now!
If I am honest then I feel like a new person, my mood is better, my pain is better and I feel more relaxed.”
Aawaz Trustees Report 2022-2023
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Registered Charity Number 1088443
The Trustees would like to express our gratitude and heartfelt thanks to everyone who supports Aawaz charity in all its charitable activities.
Aawaz Accesspoint 225 Blackburn Road Accrington BB5 0AL
Email; info@aawaz.org.uk Website: www.aawaz.org.uk
Aawaz Trustees Report 2022-2023
13
| Note | 202? | 2022 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| L | L | ||
| FIXEDASSETS | |||
| TangibleAssets | Q) | 1038 | l22L |
| CURRENTASSETS | |||
| Cashatbank: | |||
| Restrictedfunds | 98Lo2 | 69Too | |
| Reserves | 655oo | 655oo | |
| UnrestrictedFunds | 43629 | 95933 | |
| Cashinhand | 3310 | 862 | |
| 2LO54r | 232OOO | ||
| 217579 | 233221 | ||
| CREDITORS-amountsfallingdue u..ithin oneyear | (s) | 12778t.2946 | |
| NET CURRENTASSETS(LIABILITIES). | frog8orEzzozzs | ||
| Representedb),: | |||
| ACCUMUI-ATED FUNDS | |||
| Balance(b/fi^/d) | 220275 | zz3468 | |
| Prioryearadjustment Netprofitforthe year |
(8) (+) |
- (26+zd |
36143 (sqss6) |
| TOTAL FUNDS | €r$&qrE-zeBezs |
| ForYearended3r"tMarch zoz3 | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Note | 2023 | 2022 | |
| E | L | ||
| INCOMINGRESOURCES-fromgeneratingfunds | |||
| RESTRICTED | |||
| BL-AFA | 9750 | ||
| BL-CF | 6ggo5 | 6zBo6 | |
| BL-RC | BB68 | ||
| Canal&fuver Trust | 52OO | ||
| Community Foundation | 10000 | 4995 | |
| EmergencyAssistanceGrant | 19OO | ||
| EveAppeal | 25OO | ||
| Halsa11Foundation | 15OOO | ||
| HistoryinAction | 1720 | ||
| Household SupportFund | 4OOO_ | 5OOO | |
| HMRC | 4439 | ||
| HyndburnLeisure | 3500 | ||
| JHR Fund | 123OO | ||
| LBMEN_CRF | 73057 | ||
| LBMEN-Energy 36o | r5r6o | ||
| LBMEM-Workshops | 2000 | 8o7o | |
| LancashireCare | uo: | ||
| LCCFoodGrant | 6ooo | ||
| LCC-Workshop | 100 | ||
| LloydsFoundation | 225O | 3OOOO | |
| NHS | 39611 | ||
| Onr,r,ardsHomesGrant | 23OO | ||
| Rosa | TOOO | ||
| WEA-ESFCommunity Grant | 7830 | 7r82 | |
| WEA-Multiply | 24776 | ||
| zoo\zg | 18o397 | ||
| UNRESTRICTED | |||
| Income generatingactivities | 13OO | ||
| 13OO | |||
| INVESTMENT INCOME | |||
| Bankinterestreceived(Net) | |||
| OTHERINCOMINGRESOURCES | |||
| ActivitiesandDonations | 150q | 3133 |
| RESOURCESEXPENDED | 2023 | qD.lqrq, |
|---|---|---|
| CHARITABLE ACTNTTIES | ||
| Staff(salaried) | r2t285 | rs6666 |
| Staff(sessional) | ?3463 | |
| ProiectmaterialsandActir.ities | 54530 | 27805 |
| Voiunteerexpenses | 98ls | 11488 |
| Rent-accommodationandvenue | 6o8g | 4144 |
| Professionalfees,training | 7or: | 1O2O5 |
| Capital spending-Officeequipment&refurbishment | 3720 | |
| Utilities | 5609 | 6g8g |
| Insurance | L127 | L234 |
| AccountancyFees | 1000 | 1000 |
| Depreciation | 189 | 2].5 |
| TOTALRESOURCESEXPENDED | Ezgor-z | fzzz966 |
| NET OUTGOINGRESOURCES FORTHE YEAR | Eb6ao+) | f(sgrg6) |
| FIXEDASSETS | OfficeEquipment,Furniture |
|---|---|
| Fixtures& Fittings | |
| CostatOll04l2022 | t1912 |
| Additions | 0 |
| t19t2 | |
| DEPRECIATION | |
| To31l03l2022 | 10691 |
| Fortheyear | 183 |
| tog74 | |
| Bookvalueal2023 | €1038 |
| Bookvalueat2022 | &722r |
| -c. | CREDITORS | |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Creditors: | ||
| Staff(salaries&NIC) | 5096 | |
| Staff(sessional) | 3663 | |
| ProjectMaterials & Activities | 6059 | |
| AccountancyFees | 1000 | |
| Rent, accommodation, venue | 1110 | |
| Volunteers | 850 | |
| &7777.8_ | ||
| 4. | PROFITANDLOSSACCOUNT | |
| Netprofit(Loss)forthe year | &,(26474| | |
| 5. | CAPITAL COMMITMENTS |
| Note | 202? | 2022 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| L | L | ||
| FIXEDASSETS | |||
| TangibleAssets | Q) | 1038 | l22L |
| CURRENTASSETS | |||
| Cashatbank: | |||
| Restrictedfunds | 98Lo2 | 69Too | |
| Reserves | 655oo | 655oo | |
| UnrestrictedFunds | 43629 | 95933 | |
| Cashinhand | 3310 | 862 | |
| 2LO54r | 232OOO | ||
| 217579 | 233221 | ||
| CREDITORS-amountsfallingdue u..ithin oneyear | (s) | 12778t.2946 | |
| NET CURRENTASSETS(LIABILITIES). | frog8orEzzozzs | ||
| Representedb),: | |||
| ACCUMUI-ATED FUNDS | |||
| Balance(b/fi^/d) | 220275 | zz3468 | |
| Prioryearadjustment Netprofitforthe year |
(8) (+) |
- (26+zd |
36143 (sqss6) |
| TOTAL FUNDS | €r$&qrE-zeBezs |
| ForYearended3r"tMarch zoz3 | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Note | 2023 | 2022 | |
| E | L | ||
| INCOMINGRESOURCES-fromgeneratingfunds | |||
| RESTRICTED | |||
| BL-AFA | 9750 | ||
| BL-CF | 6ggo5 | 6zBo6 | |
| BL-RC | BB68 | ||
| Canal&fuver Trust | 52OO | ||
| Community Foundation | 10000 | 4995 | |
| EmergencyAssistanceGrant | 19OO | ||
| EveAppeal | 25OO | ||
| Halsa11Foundation | 15OOO | ||
| HistoryinAction | 1720 | ||
| Household SupportFund | 4OOO_ | 5OOO | |
| HMRC | 4439 | ||
| HyndburnLeisure | 3500 | ||
| JHR Fund | 123OO | ||
| LBMEN_CRF | 73057 | ||
| LBMEN-Energy 36o | r5r6o | ||
| LBMEM-Workshops | 2000 | 8o7o | |
| LancashireCare | uo: | ||
| LCCFoodGrant | 6ooo | ||
| LCC-Workshop | 100 | ||
| LloydsFoundation | 225O | 3OOOO | |
| NHS | 39611 | ||
| Onr,r,ardsHomesGrant | 23OO | ||
| Rosa | TOOO | ||
| WEA-ESFCommunity Grant | 7830 | 7r82 | |
| WEA-Multiply | 24776 | ||
| zoo\zg | 18o397 | ||
| UNRESTRICTED | |||
| Income generatingactivities | 13OO | ||
| 13OO | |||
| INVESTMENT INCOME | |||
| Bankinterestreceived(Net) | |||
| OTHERINCOMINGRESOURCES | |||
| ActivitiesandDonations | 150q | 3133 |
| RESOURCESEXPENDED | 2023 | qD.lqrq, |
|---|---|---|
| CHARITABLE ACTNTTIES | ||
| Staff(salaried) | r2t285 | rs6666 |
| Staff(sessional) | ?3463 | |
| ProiectmaterialsandActir.ities | 54530 | 27805 |
| Voiunteerexpenses | 98ls | 11488 |
| Rent-accommodationandvenue | 6o8g | 4144 |
| Professionalfees,training | 7or: | 1O2O5 |
| Capital spending-Officeequipment&refurbishment | 3720 | |
| Utilities | 5609 | 6g8g |
| Insurance | L127 | L234 |
| AccountancyFees | 1000 | 1000 |
| Depreciation | 189 | 2].5 |
| TOTALRESOURCESEXPENDED | Ezgor-z | fzzz966 |
| NET OUTGOINGRESOURCES FORTHE YEAR | Eb6ao+) | f(sgrg6) |
| FIXEDASSETS | OfficeEquipment,Furniture |
|---|---|
| Fixtures& Fittings | |
| CostatOll04l2022 | t1912 |
| Additions | 0 |
| t19t2 | |
| DEPRECIATION | |
| To31l03l2022 | 10691 |
| Fortheyear | 183 |
| tog74 | |
| Bookvalueal2023 | €1038 |
| Bookvalueat2022 | &722r |
| -c. | CREDITORS | |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Creditors: | ||
| Staff(salaries&NIC) | 5096 | |
| Staff(sessional) | 3663 | |
| ProjectMaterials & Activities | 6059 | |
| AccountancyFees | 1000 | |
| Rent, accommodation, venue | 1110 | |
| Volunteers | 850 | |
| &7777.8_ | ||
| 4. | PROFITANDLOSSACCOUNT | |
| Netprofit(Loss)forthe year | &,(26474| | |
| 5. | CAPITAL COMMITMENTS |