**Charity No.     1105305 Company No: 05166706** 

## **MAA SHANTI LTD** 

(Company limited by guarantee) 

**Report and financial statements** 

**For the year ended 31 March 2021** 



(Company limited by guarantee) 

## MAA SHANTI LTD 

## Contents 

||**Page**|
|---|---|
|**Reference and administrative information**|**1**|
|**Trustees’ annual report**|**2 - 14**|
|**Independent Examiner’s report**|**15**|
|**Statement of financial activities**||
|**(incorporating an income and expenditure account)**|**16**|
|**Balance sheet**|**17**|
|**Notes to the financial statements**|**18 - 24**|





MAA SHANTI LTD REFERENCE AND ADMINSTRATIVE INFORMATION FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2021 

|**Status**|The organisation is a charitable company limited by guarantee, incorporated|
|---|---|
||on 22 April 1987 and registered as a charity on 8 June 1989.|
|**Governing document**|The Company was established under a memorandum of association which|
||sets out its objects and powers, and it is governed under the articles of|
||association.|
|**Charity number:**|1105305|
|**Company number:**|05166706|
|**Registered office:**|The Old Fire Station|
||84 Mayton Street|
||London|
||N7 6QT|
|**Trustees and Directors**|Priya Solanki|
||Humaa Jamil|
||Nishma Tate|
||Sonia Morjaria-Shann|
||Mrithular Shanker|
|**Banker**|HSBC Bank plc|
||1 Woburn House|
||London|
||WC1HOLQ|
|**Independent Examiner**|Accountability Europe Limited|
||Omnibus Workspace|
||39-41 North Road|
||London|
||N7 9DP|



1 



## MAA SHANTI LTD TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2021 

The directors, who also are the trustees of the charitable company for the purposes of charity law, present their annual report and financial statements of Maa Shanti for the year ended 31 March 2021. The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out in note 1 to the accounts and comply with the charity’s governing document, the Companies Act 2006, and charities regulations, Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP 2015), applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland. 

## **Structure, governance and management** 

The governance of the charity is the responsibility of the Trustees. Day to day management is by the Director, who draws on the support and expertise of the highly experienced Board of Trustees as needed. 

## **Constitution and governing document** 

Maa Shanti was formerly Asian Women Lone Parents Association, registered as a company limited by guarantee in England and Wales, incorporated at companies house on 30th June 2004. The company changed it’s name to Maa Shanti on 7[th] November 2018. The company is also a registered charity with the charity commission, registered number 1105305. Maa Shanti constituted under Memorandum of Association of Asian Women Lone Parents Association dated, last amended in November 2018. 

## **Appointment of trustees** 

Trustees are elected and co-opted under the terms of the Memorandum of Association of the company. Regular reviews are held to identify any expertise gaps within the Board of Trustees and appointments are made where required to strengthen the Board of Trustees, subject to all trustees’approval. 

When it is necessary to appoint new trustees, due to either a trustee stepping down or a gap of expertise in the board is identified, recruitment will initially begin through the networks of the board and management team. Applicants will be reviewed by trustees and the successful applicant will be invited to attend a trustee meeting. Following this, on the provision that the board are satisfied and the applicant still wishes to join the trustee board, they will be appointed. 

No other person or external body is entitled to appoint any trustees of the charity. The Trustees who served during the period and after the yearend are shown on page 1. 

## **Policies adopted for the induction and training of Board of Trustees** 

The charity provides new trustees with an induction pack, training from the Director and mentoring from the Chair. The charity has limited resources for formal training of the trustee body. However, on-going training opportunities are communicated to trustees when these become available. All trustees are provided with the following policies: Complaints, Confidenitality, Data Protection, Disciplinary Procedures and Process, Domestic Abuse, Equal Opportunities, Financial Management and Procedures, Grievance Policy, Health and Safety, Recruitment Procedure, Safeguarding Adults Policy and Procedures, Safeguarding Children and Young People Policy and Procedures, Staying Covid Secure, Volunteering Policy and Whistleblowing Policy. 

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MAA SHANTI LTD TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2021 

## **Related party transactions** 

The Charity has considered the disclosure requirements of the SORP for related party transactions. The charity has no related party connections with other organisations. The trustees consider that the members of the board and their close connections to be the only related parties of the charity. All trustees give their time voluntarily and receive no benefits from the charity. Any expenses reclaimed from the charity trustees are set out in notes to the accounts. 

Trustees are required to disclose all relevant interests and register them with the Director and to withdraw from decisions where a conflict of interest arises. 

## **Remuneration policy for key management personnel** 

The pay of the charity’s Director is reviewed annually and normally increased in accordance with London average earnings, depending on affordability. The trustees also draw on their knowledge of the sector and common practice in other charities of similar size to ensure that the remuneration set is fair and not out of line with that generally paid for similar roles. 

## **Risk Management** 

The Board of Trustees fully accepts its responsibilities for ensuring that the major risks to which the Charity is exposed are identified, and that there are systems and procedures in place to mitigate those risks. 

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MAA SHANTI LTD TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2021 

## **OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES FOR THE PUBLIC BENEFIT** 

Purposes and aims 

The objects of the charity are to: 

- Support single Asian mothers and dependents through the provision of information, advice and guidance; 

- Provide social, cultural and recreational activities to overcome social isolation and provide informal support; 

- Raise awareness amongst the local community, local Asian groups and organisations and other relevant agencies of the issues affecting single Asian mothers; 

- Provide educational training and employment opportunities to build skills and self-confidence to achieve economic and social independence; 

- Provide social and cultural opportunities for both parents and children; 

- Provide support for women’s health issues, counselling and emotional support. 

## **Beneficiaries of our services** 

Maa Shanti was established from a grassroots self-help group of single Asian mothers in 1998 and in 2004 became a registered charity and a company limited by guarantee. It occupies a unique position in the UK as the only organisation working specifically with single Asian mothers. 

Our clients have been through a difficult journey of domestic abuse, including physical, financial and emotional abuse, which has long-term physical and mental health implications for both them and their children. Clients are mainly migrants from Bangladesh, India and Pakistan as well as British born women, who tend to be aged between 18 and 55. At first point of contact our clients are at a critical point in their lives. They face extreme isolation, low confidence, anxiety about accessing services, concerns over finances, housing, unemployment, worries over their children, health problems and trauma. Women are isolated from family and friends partly as a result of the stigma attached to being a single mother but often also because women fleeing domestic abuse end up in temporary accommodation, in areas where they don’t know anyone and have no support networks. Many women experience issues such as forced marriage, honour-based violence, polygamy and/or dowries. The nature of clients' experiences can be very complex, and they are wary of contacting agencies who they fear may not understand. From our Covid survey in July 2020 we found that 60% of clients were either reliant on foodbanks and/or school vouchers, 40% felt they had limited space at home, and none felt they had enough devices at home for themselves or their family. One of our clients said that she had experienced a hate crime in the last 6 months, and one said that she felt she had been treated differently by another agency because of her immigration status. 

There are still ongoing issues that are likely to have an impact for many years including rising domestic abuse cases, low uptake of vaccines from Black Asian Minority Ethnic and Refugee (BAMER) communities, the impact on children's education, increased risk of mental health problems, poor quality and overcrowded accommodation as well as poorer health outcomes for disadvantaged families. For most clients they have had to try to help their children with home learning but are hampered by a lack of access to devices, having poor literacy skills and limited space at home. Many have experienced cuts to their income. Others live in temporary accommodation with worries about where they might be moved to. During lockdown very few felt able to take their children out for exercise, due to fear of infection. Clients are still very fearful and worry of being left behind in education, employment, safety and access to support. 

Whilst women may focus on the practical or financial concerns they have when they first come to us, over time they take more interest in how they can feel better, reduce stress, connect more with their children, improve their English or even learn a new skill. Our workshops, activities and events are designed to help women improve confidence, learn skills, build a network beyond their comfort zone and move forward with their lives. We don’t close cases when we assess that our clients are safer or better able to manage, because we recognise that trauma is a journey. We help women to become more independent and also interdependent with one another to support themselves, their families and their children. This approach builds resilience in families through early intervention. As women increase support and confidence, their relationships with their children improve too. 

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## MAA SHANTI LTD TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2021 

## **Principle activities** 

The charity's main activities and who it tries to help are described below. All its charitable activities focus on support and are undertaken to further Maa Shanti’s charitable purposes for the public benefit. 

Maa Shanti supports single Asian mothers who are fleeing domestic abuse. Our vision is “empowering single Asian mums”. We provide advocacy, emotional support, signposting and activities that reduce isolation, promote peer support and enable women to access opportunities for themselves and their children. 

We undertake an initial assessment form during our first session to capture client information, key issues she wants to address and what she would like to gain from our services. We carry out an annual survey via google forms to ask clients more about levels of support needed, other services, how women would rate our services and ideas for new/developed services. 

Learning and sharing in a supportive environment makes a huge difference to the lives of our clients. Women who have not worked for years, or never worked, go on to volunteer with us or other local organisations and some women even gain paid employment within the organisation. This is a great success story for us and our staff but is also a clear message to all of our clients that they can achieve more even during difficult times. 

Clients know that we are here when they need us because they can come back to us whenever they want. We work in a co-productive way which supports the client to make progress on her own. Many clients don’t realise that they can achieve far more than they first think and with some support, information and group work they can take small steps on their own. We have built up a solid reputation in our local network by working collaboratively and raising awareness of our clients’ needs. 

Our services support the cultural needs of our clients and spoken languages include Bengali, Urdu, Hindi and Punjabi. 

## **Public benefit** 

The Board of Trustees confirm that they have complied with their duty to have due regard to the guidance on public benefit published by the Charity Commission in exercising their powers or duties. 

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MAA SHANTI LTD TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2021 

## **ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE: REVIEW OF ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR** 

The trustees review the aims, objectives and activities of the charity each year. This report looks at what the charity has achieved and the outcomes of its work in the reporting period. The trustees report the success of each key activity and the benefits the charity has brought to those groups of people that it is set up to help. The review also helps the trustees ensure the charity's aims, objectives and activities remained focused on its stated purposes. 

The trustees have referred to the guidance contained in the Charity Commission's general guidance on public benefit when reviewing the charity's aims and objectives and in planning its future activities. In particular, the trustees consider how planned activities will contribute to the aims and objectives that have been set. 

Since the start of lockdown all clients contacted have asked for this level of support to continue. 100% of clients said that our ongoing support had helped to reduce levels of isolation and increase access to information and support. We have increased our engagement by actively contacting clients by phone, text and WhatsApp to find out more about their circumstances and reduce isolation. Women tell us that we have provided a lifeline for them where otherwise they would have been left even more isolated and confused about the pandemic. We have been able to maintain effective, ongoing contact with our clients and in so doing we have created new community platforms via WhatsApp that have enabled women to stay connected when they have experienced such high levels of isolation. We ensure that no one is left behind and that women can build confidence in accessing the online world, so providing tablets has been key to that. In direct response to client need we were able to fund tech to support clients’digital inclusion as well as grocery vouchers for women attending our social events. 


**----- Start of picture text -----**<br>
Attendance Comparison<br>2019/20 and 2020/21<br>200<br>180<br>160<br>140<br>120<br>100<br>80<br>60<br>40<br>20<br>0<br>2019/20 2020/21<br>**----- End of picture text -----**<br>


On-going telephone and social media contact such as WhatsApp groups are effective ways of encouraging women to attend weekly activities and keep them engaged. We continue to ask clients about what they want from our services and evolve the project in response to what they tell us. This happens during activities as well as via surveys, 1-1s, evaluation forms and coffee mornings. Clients want to find ways to improve their health and wellbeing now more than ever as they are living in difficult circumstances and often poor quality, over-crowded accommodation. Women have told us they prefer cooking club via WhatsApp and yoga via zoom so they can follow cooking club when it’s convenient to them and feel like they are part of the usual yoga class in real time but in the privacy of their own homes. We found that our engagement in activities has increased by as much as 173% between March 2020 and March 2021, as barriers have been radically reduced as a result of effective digital inclusion through provision of tech and online support. It is easier for 

6 



## MAA SHANTI LTD TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2021 

women to attend activities in the Winter months and during Ramadan as they do not need to leave their homes to get involved and have the platforms, tech and confidence to do so. 

We have established links with over 100 partners, most based in North and East London including children centres, Home Start, Families First, Parent House, On Your Doorstep, Job Centres, Volunteering Services, Domestic Abuse services, police, schools, family services and community centres. Many of these agencies refer clients directly to us. We can hold initial sessions over the phone, but in order to build trust, fully assess the needs of our clients and to review all their relevant paperwork, it is often necessary to meet via zoom or WhatsApp. We now also provide some in-person sessions outdoors in covid-secure settings. 

During 2020 we increased our social media presence and have been working proactively with new partners across Islington, Tower Hamlets, Newham, Hackney, Haringey, Waltham Forest and Camden including; Islington Carers Hub, Brandon Centre, The Stuart Low Trust, Islington Parent Carers Forum, Hestia (Tower Hamlets, Kilburn, Westminster,) Solace Women’s Aid (Haringey, Islington, Newham and Tower Hamlets), Housing Options Tower Hamlets, Minerva, Women’s Health and Family Service Newham, Bangla Housing Association, Hackney ESOL services, Camden Food Network, VAWG Panel Islington, Social Connectedness Panel Islington, Account3, GP surgeries, primary schools, 3 MARACs and 3 IDVA services. 

Our key referrers during 2020 were Solace Women’s Aid, Hestia, social services, community centres, job centres and local primary schools. We are also part of the Finsbury Park Women's Group Panel. We attend partnership meetings for the Samira Project which is a group of BAMER domestic abuse organisations in Islington. We are members of the Islington Hate Crime Forum. We have also joined Covid-19 community response groups for Islington and the Greater London Authority which enables us to provide up to date information for clients on Covid regulations, lockdown, vaccine information and general updates. 

For 2020/21 we supported 140 women, compared to 2019/20 when we supported 129. During 2020/21 we recorded 890 attendances at our activities compared to the year before when we recorded 620. This is an increase of 45%. We provided a programme of 195 workshops, activities and events to increase knowledge, skills and confidence, improve access to relevant support, focus on mental wellbeing and increase participation in the local community to reduce isolation. In 2019/20 we provided 123 activities which is an increase of almost 60%. In 2020/21 activities included yoga, arts and crafts, mindfulness, cooking club, support group, vocab group, coffee mornings and seasonal events. Social activities included 35 cooking club sessions, 3 coffee mornings, a Christmas party, 2 Eid parties, a Diwali party, a Spring tea party and a beauty hack session which totals 44. We have held almost 1000 advocacy sessions (979) with 70 women which is an average 14 sessions per client over 12 months. We worked with over 30 new partners. These new partnerships have been created through the ongoing work of our team, in particular thanks to 2 new support workers who we were able to recruit as a result of successful fundraising in 2020. They started on 4th January 2021 and have been targeting and creating new partnerships across our key demographic areas. 

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MAA SHANTI LTD TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2021 


**----- Start of picture text -----**<br>
Numbers of clients, activities and attendances<br>2018-2021<br>1000<br>900<br>800<br>700<br>600<br>500<br>400<br>300<br>200<br>100<br>0<br>2018-19 2019-20 2020-21<br>Clients Activities Attendances<br>**----- End of picture text -----**<br>


We have ongoing conversations with clients during sessions, over the phone and during coffee mornings about the key indicators we report on including levels of support available to women and their ability to manage finances, support their children and take care of their wellbeing. Since April 2020 have found that many women require further support from us to address issues of isolation (70%), benefits (50%), school and food vouchers (60%), working with schools (60%) and supporting their health and wellbeing needs (80%). On average women receive ongoing 1-1 advocacy support for 6-12 months whilst concurrently attending activities on a regular basis which continues for an average of 2-3 years. 

Our clients tell us that 

- 100% rate their support as very good or excellent 

- 88% feel less anxious and lonely since coming to Maa Shanti 

- 65% rate their health and wellbeing as good or very good 

- 65% feel better able to manage issues such as benefits, housing, parenting and money 

- 20% go on to volunteer either with us or other local organisations or both 

- 15% are registered on an ESOL class 

- 10% move into employment 

Service users tell us that there is a lack of awareness and knowledge by mainstream services of the specific issues faced by Asian mothers. Women are fearful of institutions including the Criminal Justice System, councils, social services and even worry about speaking to their children’s teachers. By providing support, advocacy, referrals and signposting we not only translate for clients but also help them to understand how they can work with different agencies rather than be fearful of them. 

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MAA SHANTI LTD TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2021 

Clients told us: 

“I just want to say that the whole of corona I have found this groups and everyone’s help in supporting each other and sharing advice tips and now fantastic recipes that your sharing has been invaluable at this time for me and I’d like to thank you all.” 

“Everyone sharing their recipes I love this sooo much what a great idea.” 

“I used to be a community cook and I love and appreciate you sharing your fave dishes. I can’t wait to try some out on my family they will love your dishes. Hopefully things settles soon and I can share with you also.” 

“I just wanted to say I appreciate you all. I love you all.” 

“Thanks a lot for the sessions. Really appreciated your efforts. Bless you. ” 

“Thank you that was really amazing yoga – I really like it.” 

“I haven’t seen any other organisation, the way Maa Shanti works.” 

“I absolutely admire all other clients as well as the staff at Maa Shanti. I can talk freely about anything. Here, we are all in the same boat and we all understand each other as well as the staff.” 

“We have a banter, we make each other laugh and learn from each other.” 

“Maa Shanti - we are like a family. I’ve been to other places, but I feel so comfortable and happy here. I have more confidence and feel able now to go to other organisations because MS are a back up, if I get stuck they will help.” 

“You have been a lifeline to me. You have helped me to get out of bed in the morning.” 

Case study: 

Client X was referred to us in January 2020 as a single Asian Mum facing high levels of isolation. She attended our arts and crafts workshop and volunteered to cook at an in-person event before lockdown. At the start of lockdown, we immediately called her to check on her situation and let her know that we were switching to online platforms including zoom and WhatsApp. Not long afterwards she told us that she and her children had tested positive for Covid-19. She was extremely low and anxious. We continued to call her each week and offered to help her access our activities. She said she would think about it when she started to feel better. She also said that she was unsure about using zoom. When she was ready she received 1-1 support, over the phone, to talk her through how she could use zoom. She soon began to attend our arts and crafts, then yoga class and also our mindfulness. In January 2021 we provided her with a tablet which we were able to source as a result of successful fundraising. She was able to use it to access online activities and to support her children with home learning while schools were closed to most children during January and February. She has since told us that she has found the support we provided was a lifeline to her. She has found the activities have had a hugely beneficial impact on her health and wellbeing. 

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MAA SHANTI LTD TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2021 

## **Financial review** 

The Charity incurred a surplus for the year of £24,728 details of which are shown in the Statement of Financial Activities. 

Total incoming resources for the year increased by £49,370 to £140,505 from £91,135 in 2020. 

Total resources expended for the year increased by £28,682 to £115,777 from £87,095 in 2020. The charity’s net assets at the yearend amounted to £76,725. 

## **Going Concern** 

After making appropriate enquiries, the trustees have a reasonable expectation that the charitable company has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. For this reason, they continue to adopt the going concern basis in preparing the financial statements. Further details regarding the adoption of the going concern basis can be found in the Accounting Policies. The Trustees are grateful of support from Awards for All, Islington Giving, the London Borough of Islington, City Bridge Trust, Coronavirus Community Fund, Cripplegate Community Chest Fund, Comic Relief, Garfield Weston, MOPAC, Lloyds Foundation, London Community Foundation, The Tampon Tax Fund and Two Magpies. The Charity continues to work strategically with key partners in local boroughs including community organisations and women’s groups. This financial and moral support provides a firm foundation for the charity’s activities which we plan to increase even further in the next financial year. 

## **Reserves policy** 

Maa Shanti needs to carry a sufficient reserve to maintain a reasonable level of activity on any programme in the event of a gap in the provision of income.  The trustees have set a target for reserves to cover three months’ future expenditure and should be sufficient to cover running costs.  At current levels of expenditure, the reserves target is £25,000. Our expenditure is covered by restricted income. We plan to build our reserves by providing training and consultancy services.. We are working to ensure that we secure multi-year bids now and in the future. We are confident this can be achieved based on the strong track record of the organisation and hard work and determination of our team. 

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MAA SHANTI LTD TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2021 

## **Key achievements in 2020/21:** 

- Launched successful and much-needed services in Newham and Tower Hamlets. 

- Increased client numbers by 9%, client attendance by 44% and the number of activities by 59%.  Held 979 client advocacy sessions. 

- Secured new funding from The City Bridge Trust, Coronavirus Community Fund, Comic Relief Additional Covid Funding, The Henry Smith Charity, London Funders Wave 2 & 3 Fund, Lloyds Foundation, Two Magpies as well as renewed finding from Cripplegate Community Chest Fund, Voluntary & Community Sector London Borough of Islington and Islington Giving. We also generated new income from training and consultancy via partnerships including with Talking Together. 

- We appointed 2 new Support Workers in North and East London working remotely and on the ground to build partnership working and support more clients. 

- Provided tech including tablets and laptops to over 25 families as a result of successful fundraising. 

- Ensured that no one was left behind when families were experiencing high levels of anxiety, isolation and deprivation by maintaining effective, ongoing contact with all our clients and creating new community platforms via WhatsApp and zoom. 

- Secured 30 new partners through building on, and mapping, our links and activity with over 100 existing partners based in North and East London including children centres, Home Start, Families First, Parent House, On Your Doorstep, Job Centres, Voluntary Services, Domestic Abuse services, police, schools, family services and community centres. 

- Raised our social media presence and worked proactively with new partners across Islington, Tower Hamlets, Newham, Hackney, Haringey, Waltham Forest and Camden to create new referral pathways. 

## **Challenges** 

It has been challenging for us to generate referrals as our key referral points are via in-person support such as community centres, drop-ins, schools, refuges and coffee mornings. We have been able to address this via online platforms and our success in fundraising has meant that we have been able to recruit 2 new support workers which will continue to enable us to engage more effectively with new and existing partners. When our clients had to support their children with home learning, they experienced a lack of tech, poor literacy skills and limited space. Our biggest learning experience was the impact that providing tech and new types of support like grocery vouchers and mindfulness had for our clients. The increase in attendance has been supported by the work put in by our team, the ability to adapt and respond quickly to what clients may or may not be telling us. We have found that many clients are not forthcoming about feeling unable to support their children with home learning, how to access the online world or to even admit that they are struggling to support themselves or their children. By continuing to build trust and address themes in the issues that are arising for families we have been able to come up with ideas on how we can use our funding to deal with their immediate and ongoing needs. 

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MAA SHANTI LTD TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2021 

## **PLANS FOR FUTURE PERIODS** 

## **Future developments** 

The charity will continue to support single Asian mothers through existing and new projects including through volunteering, health and wellbeing and support to increase confidence, access mainstream services, improve self-esteem and work towards wellbeing including discovering their own potential and interests. 

Our strategic aims are: people, quality, delivery, finance and fundraising. We will continue to increase the number of referrals received and ensure we have enough staff and volunteers to support every client. We will ensure quality of service by asking clients what they want. We will build new partnerhsips with different organisations and potential stakeholders. We will ensure the ongoing financial health of the organisation through transparency and effective processes. We will fundraise for support workers, working remotely and inperson, to get out into different areas of London where we are most needed and work with more women and families who need our help. 

During 2021/22 we will continue to build on our achievements; 

- To support at least 160 South Asian families who have been affected by domestic abuse. 

- To integrate our online and face to face activities as lockdown is eased up and therby open up our services to more women across London. 

- To develop hubs in community centres in Tower Hamlets, Newham and surrounding boroughs, in partnership with organisations already on the ground to reach more single Asian mums. 

- To generate further income from training and consultancy online and in-person. 

- To raise our profile and our voice in support of the families we work with to highlight the real issues faced by Asian women and their children fleeing domestic abuse. 

- To create more remote learning and social activies for our clients via new media and platforms. 

- To enhance and strengthen our dialogue with clients to continue to understand what clients need, how we can support them better and in what way that support works best. 

- To apply to more funders for multi-year bids that improve the financial health and stability of the organisation. 

- To build up our reserves via new forms of income generation such as training, consultancy and partnership opportunities. 

- We will continue to develop our financial processes to ensure the financial resilience and adaptability of the organisation, particulary during uncertain times. 

Our staff team 

Our Director has worked in the field of Violence Against Women for 12 years and has grown the organisation from 2 staff in May 2018 to 5 by January 2021. She is responsible for the overall management of the organisation and reports to our experienced Board of 5 trustees. She is supported by 2 Support Workers, a Client Engagement Officer and a Senior Project Support Worker who has been with the organisation for over 8 years. Two of our staff team have lived experience as ex-clients. Our Support Workers are frontline professionals, working with and developing key partners in our main borough areas. They are responsible for identifying and developing new partnerships and referral pathways. They take referrals, undertake initial assessments and run activities and groups. They have been with the organisation since January 2021 and have already made great progress generating referrals and developing new partnerships. Our Client Engagement Officer has worked tirelessly since the start of lockdown to make regular contact with new and existing clients every week. She talks to clients in more detail about their circumstances, the challenges they face and how we can help as well as referring to activities that may be beneficial. Our Senior Project Support 

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## MAA SHANTI LTD TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2021 

Worker is responsible for ensuring quality of service for clients. She leads on developing services, managing the timetable, monitoring and evaluation and maintains her own caseload. She is an extremely experienced professional who has developed effective relationships with clients and partners over several years. Our service pathway often begins with at least one advocacy session to deal with clients’ most pressing concerns, then as we build trust, women become more interested in the activities they would like to join. 

## **TRUSTEES RESPONSIBILITIES** 

The charity trustees (who are also the directors of Maa Shanti for the purposes of company law) are responsible for preparing a trustees’ annual report and financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice). 

Company law requires the charity trustees to prepare financial statements for each year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charitable company and the group and of the incoming resources and application of resources, including the income and expenditure, of the charitable group for that period. In doing so the trustees are required to: 

- Select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently; 

- Make judgments and estimates that are reasonable and prudent; 

- State whether applicable accounting standards have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements; 

- Follow the methods and principles of the Charity SORP; and 

- Prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to assume that the group will continue in business. 

The trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records that disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity and to enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charity and the group and hence taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities. 

The trustees are responsible for the maintenance and integrity of the corporate and financial information included on the charitable company’s website. Legislation in the United Kingdom governing the preparation and dissemination of financial statements may differ from legislation in other jurisdictions. 

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## MAA SHANTI LTD TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2021 

The reports have been prepared in accordance with the special provisions applicable to companies subject to the small companies regime. 

This report was approved by the Board of Trustees on **4/9/2021** and signed on their behalf by: 

………………………………………………………. 

Priya Solanki, Chair 

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INDEPENDENT EXAMINER’S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF MAA SHANTI LTD FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2021 

I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of Maa Shanti for the year ended 31 March 2021. 

## **RESPONSIBILITIES AND BASIS OF REPORT** 

As the charity’s trustees of the Company (and also its directors for the purposes of company law) you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 (‘the 2006 Act’). 

Having satisfied myself that the accounts of the Company are not required to be audited under Part 16 of the 2006 Act and are eligible for independent examination, I report in respect of my examination of your charity’s accounts as carried out under section 145 of the Charities Act 2011 (‘the 2011 Act’). In carrying out my examination I have followed the Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5) (b) of the 2011 Act. 

## **INDEPENDENT EXAMINER’S STATEMENT** 

I have completed my examination. I confirm that no matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe: 

1. accounting records were not kept in respect of the Company as required by section 386 of the 2006 Act; or 

2. the accounts do not accord with those records; or 

3. the accounts do not comply with the accounting requirements of section 396 of the 2006 Act other than any requirement that the accounts give a ‘true and fair view which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination; or 

4.  the accounts have not been prepared in accordance with the methods and principles of the Statement of Recommended Practice for accounting and reporting by charities applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial 

   - Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102). 

I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached. 

………………………… Aamer Shehzad FCCA ACA Accountability Europe Ltd Omnibus Workspace 39-41 North Road London N7 9DP Date: **14/10/2021** 

15 



## **MAA SHANTI LTD** 

## COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE **STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES** (INCORPORATING THE INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT) **FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2021** 

|**Note**<br>**Income From**<br>Donations and legacies<br>**3**<br>**Total Income**<br>**Expenditure on:**<br>Fundraising<br>**4**<br>Charitable activities<br>**4**<br>**Total expenditure**<br>**Net income / (expenditure) for the**<br>**year**<br>**5**<br>Total funds brought forward<br>**Total funds carried forward**|**Unrestricted**<br>**Funds**<br>**£**<br>5,275<br>5,275<br>-<br>4,122<br>4,122<br>1,153<br>8,604<br>9,757|**Restricted**<br>**Funds**<br>**£**<br>135,230<br>135,230<br>-<br>111,655<br>111,655<br>23,575<br>43,393<br>66,968|**Total**<br>**2021**<br>**£**<br>**140,505**<br>**140,505**<br>**-**<br>**115,777**<br>**115,777**<br>**24,728**<br>**51,997**<br>**76,725**|Total<br>2020<br>£<br>91,135|
|---|---|---|---|---|
|||||91,135|
|||||-<br>87,095|
|||||87,095|
|||||**4,040**<br>47,957|
|||||51,997|



All of the above results are derived from continuing activities. There were no other recognised gains or losses other than those stated above. The attached notes form part of these financial statements. 

16 



## **MAA SHANTI LTD** 

## COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE **BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31 MARCH 2021** 

|**Note**<br>**Current  assets**<br>Cash at bank and in hand<br>**Creditors: Amounts falling due**<br>**within one year**<br>**7**<br>Net current assets<br>**Net assets**<br>**Funds**<br>Restricted Funds<br>**8**<br>General funds<br>**8**<br>**Total charity funds**|**108,698**|**2021**<br>**£**<br>**76,725**<br>**76,725**<br>**66,968**<br>**9,757**<br>**76,725**|67,305|2020<br>£<br>51,997|
|---|---|---|---|---|
||**108,698**<br>**(31,973)**||67,305<br>(15,308)||
||||||
|||||51,997|
|||||43,393<br>8,604|
|||||51,997|



For the year ended 31 March 2021 the charitable company was entitled to exemption under section 477 of the Companies Act 2006 relating to small companies. 

No members have required the company to obtain an audit of its accounts for the year in question in accordance with section 476 of the Companies Act 2006. 

The directors acknowledge their responsibilities for complying with the requirments of the Companies Act 2006 with respect to accounting records and preparation of accounts. 

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the special provisions applicable to companies subject to the small companies regime. 

Approved by the members of the committee on **04/09/2021** 

and signed on its behalf by: 

## **Priya Solanki** 

## **Company Registration No. 05166706** 

The attached notes form part of the financial statements. 

17 



**MAA SHANTI LTD** COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2021** 

## **1 Accounting policies** 

## **Basis of Accounting** 

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) - (Charities SORP FRS 102) and the Companies Act 2006. 

The charitable company meets the definition of a public benefit entity under FRS 102. Assets and liabilities are initially recognised at historical cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant accounting policy or note. 

The charitable company is exempted from preparing a cash flow statement due to exemption available to charities with income of less than £500,000. 

## **Going concern** 

The trustees consider that there are no material uncertainties about the charitable company's ability to continue as a going concern. The trustees do not consider that there are any sources of estimation uncertainty at the reporting date that have a significant risk of causing a material adjustment to the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities within the next reporting period. 

## **Income** 

Income is recognised when the charity has entitlement to the funds, any performance conditions attached to the income have been met, it is probable that the income will be received and that the amount can be measured reliably. 

## **Fund accounting** 

Unrestricted funds are available to spend on activities that further any of the purposes of charity. Designated funds are unrestricted funds of the charity which the trustees have decided at their discretion to set aside to use for a specific purpose. Restricted funds are donations which the donor has specified are to be solely used for particular areas of the charity’s work or for specific projects being undertaken by the charity. 

## **Expenditure** 

Expenditure is recognised once there is a legal or constructive obligation to make a payment to a third party, it is probable that settlement will be required and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably. Expenditure is classified under the following activity headings: 

## _Fundraising costs_ 

Costs of raising funds comprise of trading costs and the costs incurred by the charitable company in inducing third parties to make voluntary contributions to it, as well as the cost of any activities with a fundraising purpose. 

## _Charitable Activities_ 

Expenditure on charitable activities includes the costs of delivering services, exhibitions and other educational activities undertaken to further the purposes of the charity and their associated support costs. 

## **Allocation of support costs** 

Support costs are those functions that assist the work of the charity but do not directly undertake charitable activities. Support costs include office costs, finance, personnel, payroll and governance costs which support the charity and its and activities. These costs have been allocated between cost of raising funds and expenditure on charitable activities. 

18 



**MAA SHANTI LTD** COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2021** 

## **1. Accounting policies (continued)** 

## **Tangible fixed assets** 

Tangible fixed assest are stated at cost less depriciation. Items of equipment are capitalised where the purchase price exceeds £1,000. Fixed assets are depriciated over three years. 

## **Debtors** 

Trade and other debtors are recognised at the settlement amount due. Prepayments are valued at the amount prepaid net of any trade discounts due. 

## **Cash at bank and in hand** 

Cash at bank and cash in hand includes cash and short term highly liquid investments with a short maturity of three months or less from the date of acquisition or opening of the deposit or similar account. 

## **Creditors and provisions** 

Creditors and provisions are recognised where the charity has a present obligation resulting from a past event that will probably result in the transfer of funds to a third party and the amount due to settle the obligation can be measured or estimated reliably. Creditors and provisions are normally recognised at their settlement amount after allowing for any trade discounts due. 

## **2 Detailed comparatives for the statement of financial activities** 

|Income from:<br>Donations and legacies<br>TOTAL INCOME<br>Expenditure on:<br>Charitable activities<br>Total expenditure<br>Net income for the year<br>Total funds brought forward<br>Total funds carried forward|Unrestricted<br>£<br>4,611<br>4,611<br>17<br>17<br>4,594<br>4,010<br>8,604|Restricted<br>£<br>86,524<br>86,524<br>87,078<br>87,078<br>(554)<br>43,947<br>43,393|Total<br>2020<br>£<br>91,135|
|---|---|---|---|
||||91,135<br>87,095|
||||87,095|
||||4,040<br>47,957|
||||51,997|



19 



## **MAA SHANTI LTD** 

## COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2021** 

## **3 Donation & Legacies** 

|Islington VCS<br>Islington Giving<br>Comic Relief<br>Cripplegate Foundation<br>Two Magpies<br>London Funder - Wave2<br>Community fund<br>City Bridge Trust - City of London - Wave3<br>City Bridge Trust<br>Lloys Bank Foundation<br>Henry Smith<br>Awards for All<br>MOPAC<br>Tampn Tax<br>Garfield Weston<br>Other Donation|**Unrestricted**<br>£<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>5,275<br>5,275|**Restricted**<br>£<br>15,000<br>17,000<br>8,392<br>5,000<br>14185<br>5,856<br>9,710<br>14,937<br>9,500<br>25,000<br>10,650<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>135,230|**Total**<br>**2021**<br>**£**<br>**15,000**<br>**17,000**<br>**8,392**<br>**5,000**<br>**14,185**<br>**5,856**<br>**9,710**<br>**14,937**<br>**9,500**<br>**25,000**<br>**10,650**<br>**-**<br>**-**<br>**-**<br>**-**<br>**5,275**<br>140,505|Total<br>2020<br>£<br>15,000<br>-<br>3,400<br>5,000<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>9,972<br>28,762<br>14,390<br>10,000<br>4,611|
|---|---|---|---|---|
|||||91,135|



## **4 Analysis of expenditure** 

|Cost of<br>Fundraising<br>Staff costs<br>Direct costs<br>Premises cost<br>Computer & IT expenses<br>Office and admin costs<br>Independent examiner's fee<br>-<br>Support costs allocated<br>Total expenditure 2021<br>**-**<br>Total expenditure 2020|Charitable<br>activities<br>£<br>83,750<br>10,787<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>94,537<br>21,240<br>**115,777**<br>50,973|Support<br>costs<br>£<br>-<br>-<br>5,915<br>8,919<br>5,506<br>900<br>21,240<br>(21,240)<br>**-**<br>-|**2021**<br>**Total**<br>**£**<br>**83,750**<br>**10,787**<br>**5,915**<br>**8,919**<br>**5,506**<br>**900**<br>**115,777**<br>-<br>**115,777**<br>50,973|2020<br>Total<br>£<br>66,096<br>7,823<br>6,403<br>720<br>5,153<br>900|
|---|---|---|---|---|
|||||87,095<br>-|
|||||87,095|
||||||



Of the total expenditure, £4,122 was unrestricted (2020: £17) and £111,655 was restricted (2020: £87,078). 

20 



## **4-a** Analysis of expenditure (prior year) 

|Staff costs<br>Direct costs<br>Premises cost<br>Computer & IT expenses<br>Office and admin costs<br>Independent examiner's fee<br>Support costs allocated<br>Total expenditure 2020||Charitable<br>activities<br>£<br>66,096<br>7,823|Support<br>costs<br>£<br>-<br>-<br>6,403<br>720<br>5,153<br>900|2020<br>Total<br>£<br>66,096<br>7,823<br>6,403<br>720<br>5,153<br>900|
|---|---|---|---|---|
|||73,919<br>13,176<br>**87,095**|13,176<br>(13,176)<br>**-**|87,095<br>-|
|||||87,095|



21 



## **MAA SHANTI LTD** COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2021** 

- **5 Net income / (expenditure) for the year** 

|**Net income / (expenditure) for the year**|||
|---|---|---|
|This is stated after charging:|**2021**|2020|
||**£**|£|
|Independent examiner's fee (including VAT)|750|750|



## **6 Analysis of staff costs, trustee remuneration and expenses and cost of key management personnel** 

|Total staff costs were as follows:<br>Wages and salaries<br>Social security costs<br>Other pension costs|**2021**<br>**£**<br>**75,178**<br>**6,932**<br>**1,640**<br>**83,750**|2020<br>£<br>61,050<br>4,280<br>765|
|---|---|---|
|||66,095|



No member of staff received emoluments of more than £60,000 in this year (2018: None) 

The total employee benefits including pension of the key management personnel were £48,790 (2020: £44,234). During the year there were no redundancy payments. 

The trustees of the charitable company were not paid or received any other benefits from employment with the charity in the year (2020: £nil) neither were they reimbursed expenses during the year (2020: £nil). No charity trustee received payment for professional or other services supplied to the charity (2020: £nil). 

The average number of employees during the year, was as follows: 

|Number of project staff<br>Number of support staff<br>**7**<br>**CREDITORS: Amounts falling**<br>**due within one year**<br>Creditors<br>Deferred Income<br>Taxation and social security<br>Accruals and deferred income|**2021**<br>**No.**<br>2<br>1<br>**3**<br>**2021**<br>**£**<br>1,485<br>24,559<br>3,829<br>2,100<br>**31,973**|2020<br>No.<br>2<br>1|
|---|---|---|
|||3|
|||2020<br>£<br>440<br>8,500<br>3,668<br>2,700|
|||15,308|



22 



## **MAA SHANTI LTD** 

## COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2021** 

|**8**<br>**Movement in funds**<br>**current year**<br>**Restricted:**<br>Awards for All<br>Islington VCS<br>Islington Giving<br>Cripplegate<br>Comic Relief<br>Two Magpies<br>London Funder - Wave2<br>Community fund<br>City Bridge Trust - City of<br>London - Wave3<br>City Bridge Trust<br>Lloys Bank Foundation<br>Henry Smith<br>MOPAC<br>Tampon Tax<br>Garfield Weston<br>**Total Restricted Fund**<br>**Unrestricted Funds:**<br>**General Funds**<br>**Total funds**<br>Movement in funds<br>prior year<br>Restricted:<br>Awards for All<br>Islington VCS<br>Islington Giving<br>MOPAC<br>Tampon Tax<br>Garfield Weston<br>Cripplegate<br>Comic Relief<br>Total Restricted Fund<br>Unrestricted Funds:<br>General Funds<br>**Total funds**|At 1 April<br>2020<br>Income<br>**£**<br>**£**<br>1,533<br>-<br>2,511<br>15,000<br>1,457<br>17,000<br>5,160<br>5,000<br>2,822<br>8,392<br>-<br>14,185<br>-<br>5,856<br>-<br>9,710<br>-<br>14,937<br>-<br>9,500<br>-<br>25,000<br>-<br>10,650<br>5,520<br>-<br>14,390<br>-<br>10,000<br>-<br>43,393<br>135,230<br>8,604<br>5,275<br>51,997<br>140,505<br>At 1 April<br>2019<br>Income<br>£<br>£<br>-<br>9,972<br>15,699<br>15,000<br>22,823<br>-<br>-<br>28,762<br>-<br>14,390<br>-<br>10,000<br>3,750<br>5,000<br>1,675<br>3,400<br>43,947<br>86,524<br>4,010<br>4,611<br>47,957<br>91,135|Expenditure<br>**£**<br>1,533<br>9,474<br>5,397<br>6,410<br>11,214<br>7,092<br>5,856<br>9,710<br>14,937<br>4,750<br>4,561<br>810<br>5,520<br>14,390<br>10,000<br>111,655<br>4,122<br>115,777<br>Expenditure<br>£<br>8,439<br>28,188<br>21,366<br>23,242<br>-<br>-<br>3,590<br>2,254<br>87,078<br>17<br>87,095|**Balance at**<br>**31 March**<br>**2021**<br>**£**<br>**-**<br>**8,037**<br>**13,060**<br>**3,750**<br>**-**<br>**7,093**<br>**-**<br>**-**<br>**-**<br>**4,750**<br>**20,439**<br>**9,840**<br>**-**<br>**-**<br>**-**|
|---|---|---|---|
||||66,969<br>**9,757**|
||||**76,725**|
||||Balance at<br>31 March<br>2020<br>£<br>1,533<br>2,511<br>1,457<br>5,521<br>14,390<br>10,000<br>5,160<br>2,822|
||||43,393<br>8,604|
||||**51,997**|



23 



COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2021** 

## **MAA SHANTI LTD** 

## **9 Purpose of Restricted Funds** 

All restricted funds are used for our activities which are developed in collaboration with our clients including advocacy, emotional support, signposting and groups that reduce isolation, promote peer support and enable women to access opportunities for themselves and their children. We run a programme of workshops and events, which improve access to relevant support, focus on mental well-being and increase participation in the local community. We provide weekly activities and drop-in sessions, arts and crafts, yoga, group trips and mother and child activities during school holidays. 

## **10 Analysis of net assets between funds - 2021** 

|**Restricted Income Funds:**<br>**Unrestricted Income Funds**<br>**Total Funds**<br>Analysis of net assets between funds - 2020<br>Restricted Income Funds:<br>Unrestricted Income Funds<br>Total Funds|**Tangible**<br>**Fixed**<br>**Assets**<br>£<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>Tangible<br>Fixed<br>Assets<br>£<br>-<br>-<br>-|**Net**<br>**Current**<br>**Assets**<br>£<br>66,968<br>9,757<br>76,725<br>Net<br>Current<br>Assets<br>£<br>43,393<br>3,005<br>46,398|**Total**<br>**2021**<br>**£**<br>**66,968**<br>**9,757**|
|---|---|---|---|
||||**76,725**|
||||Total<br>2020<br>£<br>43,393<br>3,005|
||||46,398|



## **11 Company limited by guarantee** 

The company is limited by guarantee of £1 per member without share capital. 

## **12 Taxation** 

The charitable company is exempt from corporation tax as all its income is charitable and is applied for charitable purposes. 

## **13 Related party transactions** 

There are no related party transactions to disclose for 2021 (2020: none). 

There are no donations from related parties which are outside the normal course of business and no restricted donations from related parties. There is no balance due to/from related parties at the end of the year. 

24