2025-03-31-accounts - Maa Shanti Ltd

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Company no. 05166706 Charity no. 1105305

Maa Shanti Ltd.

Report and Unaudited Financial Statements

31 March 2025

Maa Shanti Ltd.

Reference and administrative details

Reference and administrative details	Reference and administrative details
For theyear ended 31 March 2025
Company number	05166706
Charity number	1105305
Registered office and	Unit 10 St Marks Studios
operational address	14 Chillingworth Road
	London
	N7 8QJ
Trustees	Trustees, who are also directors under company law, who served during
	the year and up to the date	of this report were as follows:
	Bhavisha Gorecha
	Humaa Jamil	Chair
	Jigisha Lock
	Nikita Mistry
	Sonia Morjaria-Shann	resigned 1 July 2024
	Priya Solanki	resigned 10 June 2025
	Nishma Tate
Chief executive officer	Catherine Skinner	resigned 13 February 2025
	Liz Bates (Interim)	appointed 13 February 2025
Bankers	HSBC Bank plc
	1 Woburn House
	London
	WC1H 0LQ
Independent	Godfrey Wilson Limited
examiners	Chartered accountants and	statutory auditors
	5th Floor Mariner House
	62 Prince Street
	Bristol
	BS1 4QD

Maa Shanti Ltd.

Report of the trustees

For the year ended 31 March 2025

The trustees present their report along with the financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31 March 2025.

Reference and administrative information set out on page 1 forms part of this report. The financial statements comply with current statutory requirements, the Memorandum and Articles of Association and the Statement of Recommended Practice - Accounting and Reporting by Charities (effective from January 2019).

Objectives and activities

The objects of the charity are:

To promote the benefit of Asian women lone parents and dependants working, living or studying in Greater London, or United Kingdom where appropriate, by advancing education and employment, and providing facilities in the interests of social welfare or recreation.

Specifically, our purpose is 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; and
▪ Provide support for women’s health issues, wellbeing, and emotional support.

Beneficiaries of our services

Maa Shanti is the only organisation in the UK dedicated to supporting South Asian mothers who have experienced domestic abuse. Our vision is simple yet powerful: empowering single Asian mums . Guided by our mission, we support women on their journey towards independence. Offering advocacy, building supportive relationships, and creating spaces for connection through social activities. As a client-led, by-and-for organisation, we are constantly adapting our services in response to the needs of our community. At the heart of our work lie our values: openness, empowerment, respect, and equality. Through this approach, we help women grow in confidence and knowledge, improve their health and wellbeing, reduce isolation, and find opportunities in employment, volunteering, and learning.

Maa Shanti began in 1998 as a grassroots project in North London. It was founded by three South Asian women who recognised that single mothers in their community needed culturally informed support. They started small, meeting in a hired room at a local community centre but quickly discovered that many of the women attending were survivors of domestic abuse. Originally called the Asian Women Lone Parents Association, our charity was renamed Maa Shanti in 2018 at the request of the women we support. The new name, which means “Mother Peace” in Hindi, reflects how women feel when they come to our services; respected, and understood. That spirit of involvement and collaboration has guided us ever since.

Maa Shanti Ltd.

Report of the trustees

For the year ended 31 March 2025

Our team speaks Punjabi, Urdu, Hindi, and Bengali, ensuring that women can access support in their own languages. We provide advocacy, emotional support, signposting, and activities that not only reduce isolation but also nurture peer support and open doors to new opportunities for women and their children. Our programme combines online, and in-person activities designed to strengthen mental wellbeing and community participation. Each week, we run sessions including arts and crafts, yoga, language skills, support groups, cooking club, and mindfulness. We support women with complex, medium, and high-risk needs, bringing cultural insight and a deep understanding of the barriers they face. Uniquely, we only close a case when the woman herself feels ready to move forward without our support.

Most of the women we support come from Bangladeshi, Pakistani, and Indian backgrounds, living across London. Some are still living with their partners, while others are further along their journey of rebuilding their lives. Whatever their stage, our work makes a tangible difference: reducing isolation, increasing confidence, and strengthening networks of support. This is vital, as the trauma of abuse can leave deep and long-lasting scars on families. We work with women facing honour-based abuse, forced marriage, modern slavery, human trafficking, stalking, financial abuse, coercive control, and other forms of violence against women and girls. Our support also covers practical but life-changing issues such as benefits, housing, debt, parenting, education, child maintenance, and safety planning.

Over 80% of the women we support are migrants, while 20% were born in the UK. More than 10% live with a physical disability, often linked to prolonged abuse. Every story is different, but all of the women who come to Maa Shanti share the same need for safety, respect, and the chance to build a better future for themselves and their children.

Public benefit

The Board of Trustees confirm that Maa Shanti has complied with the Charity Commission’s guidance on public benefit.

The women we support face multiple, intersecting challenges. Research shows that women from disadvantaged and minority ethnic backgrounds are at greater risk of poor mental health, especially when abuse, poverty, and stigma are involved. For South Asian women, cultural pressures around marriage and family can create additional barriers to leaving abusive relationships. Honour-based abuse, forced marriage, and expectations of being a “dutiful wife” are often overlooked or misunderstood by mainstream services.

For many of our clients, low literacy and limited English compound these barriers. Some are migrants with insecure immigration status and fears about the impact of government policies such as the Nationality and Borders Act. These realities make our role all the more vital. Women consistently tell us how relieved they are to speak to an organisation that truly understands what it means to experience domestic abuse within the South Asian community.

Our work reduces isolation, builds confidence, and strengthens networks of support. Many women have endured not only the trauma of abuse but also the stigma of being judged by their community as selfish or a failure for leaving a marriage. The impact on mothers and children can be severe, but with our culturally informed advocacy and safe spaces, women begin to regain their voices and see new possibilities for their lives.

Maa Shanti Ltd.

Report of the trustees

For the year ended 31 March 2025

At Maa Shanti, progress is client-led. Women share their feelings with us in person, over the phone, via WhatsApp, or in groups. Many who have never worked, or not for many years, go on to volunteer with us or other local organisations, and some even move into paid employment, including within Maa Shanti itself. These stories of resilience inspire others and send a powerful message: change is possible, even in the most difficult circumstances.

Achievements and performance

Each year, our trustees review Maa Shanti’s aims and activities to ensure we remain focused on our charitable purpose. We are proud to report that our work continues to deliver meaningful outcomes for the women and children we serve. Our achievements are a direct reflection of our community-led approach, the dedication of our team, and the trust placed in us by our clients and partners.

Our staff team

Behind Maa Shanti is a small but powerful team, all of whom bring their own lived experience to the work. Our former Director, who had worked in the field of Violence Against Women since 2009, led the organisation for seven years, growing it from just two staff in 2018 to six by 2024. She left the charity in February 2025, and the trustees would like to extend their deepest thanks for the tremendous work she did during her time with us. Without her dedication and leadership, Maa Shanti would not be able to support so many women in desperate need of help to flee domestic violence.

To ensure continuity, the trustees have appointed an experienced Interim Director while we assess the longer-term leadership needs of the organisation. At the same time, we are investing in an internal development programme to further strengthen the skills of our very capable staff team, ensuring that our services remain strong and responsive.

Our team today consists of a Services Manager, two Community Caseworkers, and a Co-ordinator. Each plays a vital role in the journey of the women we support. Our Community Caseworkers are on the frontline, building partnerships across boroughs, taking referrals, carrying out assessments, and running groups and activities. Our Services Manager combines years of expertise with trusted client relationships, while also driving service development and ensuring quality. Our Co-ordinator provides a vital first point of contact, speaking with new and existing clients every week to understand their circumstances, guide them to relevant activities, and carry out user surveys.

For many women, the pathway begins with urgent advocacy, helping them resolve immediate concerns about housing, benefits, or safety. As trust grows, they often move on to join activities and groups, finding connection, confidence, and empowerment within a supportive community.

It is thanks to the resilience, compassion, and commitment of our staff that Maa Shanti continues to be a lifeline for so many women and children.

Our work in action

At Maa Shanti, everything we do is focused on support, empowerment, and creating safe spaces for South Asian mothers who have experienced domestic abuse. We provide advocacy, wellbeing activities, skills-building workshops, support groups, and community networks, both in person and online, including through WhatsApp groups. Women usually find us through word of mouth or referrals from trusted partners such as Hestia, Solace Women’s Aid, community centres, schools, social workers and GPs.

Maa Shanti Ltd.

Report of the trustees

For the year ended 31 March 2025

From the very first conversation, we often meet mothers who are frightened for their own safety and that of their children. Many are fleeing their homes, navigating the benefits system, or staying in unsuitable temporary accommodation. Alongside these immediate and practical challenges, most are facing deep isolation. Some have been disowned by their families for leaving their partner, others have moved far from any support network, and some are survivors of human trafficking or modern slavery. The combination of trauma and loneliness can be devastating.

Our approach is rooted in being trauma-informed. We know how fragile those first steps can be, so we focus on calm, supportive relationships and avoid re-traumatisation. Advocacy goes hand in hand with activities that reduce isolation, rebuild confidence, and offer moments of joy and connection. This model was created with our community and continues to be shaped by the women themselves. Feedback and client surveys confirm its impact, and thanks to successful fundraising we have expanded our capacity to support even more women and children.

Trust is at the heart of everything. For many women, English is not their first language, and some have never had access to formal education, making it difficult to read or write in any language. Maa Shanti offers something rare: advocacy and support in the languages women understand - Punjabi, Urdu, Hindi, and Bengali. This makes all the difference, especially for those who are fearful of statutory services or hesitant to speak openly with their GP. In the highest-risk cases, our ability to bridge communication and cultural understanding not only ensures safety but also helps women feel truly heard.

We work in co-production, meaning we don’t tell women what to do. Instead, we explore options together and support them to take steps that feel right and achievable. Often, they discover they are stronger than they realised whether that is leaving abusive relationships, supporting their children, or beginning to rebuild their lives. Our partnerships across North and East London, from children’s centres and housing associations to domestic abuse services and schools, help ensure women can access the right pathways of support.

Our impact

Between 1 April 2024 and 31 March 2025, we supported 326 women and 50 children , a 10% increase on the previous year. Across our programme of activities, we ran 205 sessions with 1,464 attendances , and made 9,116 individual client contacts through phone calls, one-to-ones, advocacy, and group sessions.

Our activities ranged from support groups, yoga, arts and crafts, and mindfulness, to CV workshops, parenting skills, and healthy relationship sessions. Seasonal celebrations were another highlight, with women and families joining together for Eid, Diwali, Vaisakhi, Christmas, Valentine’s Day, and trips to places like London Zoo, Granary Square, and Southend beach.

The feedback we received speaks volumes:

“I really enjoy attending every activity run by Maa Shanti for me to feel less isolated.”
“I really feel that safe place to share my experience and discuss with others.”
“When I come to Maa Shanti, my mind is very relaxed. Maa Shanti is a pain relief.”

Of the women who completed feedback forms:

89% said Maa Shanti improved their overall situation;
87% felt better able to support their children;
82% reported reduced loneliness; and
▪ 88% gained valuable knowledge from our workshops.

Maa Shanti Ltd.

Report of the trustees

For the year ended 31 March 2025

This story from one of our beneficiaries highlights the real and lasting impact of Maa Shanti’s support.

“When I first came to Maa Shanti, I was overwhelmed. I was experiencing emotional and financial abuse, trying to protect my young child but too scared to leave. I didn’t have anyone who understood what I was going through until I found Maa Shanti.

From the moment I walked through their doors, I felt seen. No judgement, just kindness. They gave me space to talk, explained my options, and supported me to apply for benefits. For the first time, I began to imagine what life could look like if I left.

Then my husband assaulted me. I called the police, and from that day I knew I had to get out. Maa Shanti stood by me every step of the way, helping me renew my e-visa, apply for housing, and access counselling.

Bit by bit, I’ve started to rebuild my life. With Maa Shanti’s help, I created a CV and found parttime work in a pharmacy, which I really enjoy. I go to their sessions regularly, which make me feel stronger and more connected.

I don’t believe I would be working today without Maa Shanti. They built my confidence, encouraged me to be independent, and gave me hope when I had none. They changed my life.”

Meeting complex needs

Many of the women we supported faced housing problems, from poor conditions to the risk of homelessness. Our team liaised with housing associations, helped women secure urgent accommodation, and supported them with benefits, debt, and citizenship applications.

The last year has also brought growing complexity in the cases we see. Alongside rising numbers of enquiries and referrals, we’ve seen increases in honour-based abuse, immigration cases, modern slavery, and financial abuse. The cost-of-living crisis and housing shortages continue to trap some women in dangerous situations. More mothers are also asking for support for their children, many of whom are struggling with depression, anxiety, or the upheaval of being uprooted from friends and school. In response, we have expanded our work with children, helping them access counselling, supporting mothers in conversations with schools, and offering family-based activities to strengthen bonds.

Learning and adapting

The cost-of-living crisis has shown us just how much mothers prioritise the wellbeing of their children. When their children feel safe and happy, women are better able to focus on their own recovery. This is why parenting skills, mindfulness, art therapy, and family trips have become some of our most popular activities. Women are now attending in-person in higher numbers than ever before, asking for more coffee mornings, more skills workshops, and more opportunities to connect.

We are also adapting the way we listen. Online forms in multiple languages help women register for activities, apply for funding, and give feedback instantly. For those who cannot read or write, we collect feedback by phone or face to face. This ensures that every voice is heard, whatever the barrier.

Maa Shanti Ltd.

Report of the trustees

For the year ended 31 March 2025

Our funders

None of this would be possible without our funders. We are deeply grateful to the London Borough of Islington Voluntary and Community Sector, Cripplegate Domestic Abuse Development Partner Programme, The National Lottery, City Bridge Trust, Lloyds Foundation, and London Community Foundation.

We also thank the Peter Stebbings Memorial Charity, Albert Hunt Trust, Michael Bishop Foundation, Indigo Trust, Souter Charitable Trust, and the Woodward Charitable Trust for their generous support.

Together, their contributions ensure that South Asian mothers affected by domestic abuse can find safety, connection, and the chance to rebuild their lives.

Financial review

The Charity incurred a deficit for the year of (£56,895) details of which are shown in the Statement of Financial Activities. (£25,972) of the deficit relates to restricted funds and was expected due to the timing of funds received and spent.

Total incoming resources for the year were £196,559 down from £248,262 in 2023/24. This reduction reflects the ongoing challenging funding environment, alongside the long-term sickness absence of our main fundraising staff member, which limited our capacity to pursue new funding opportunities during the year. Steps have since been taken to strengthen fundraising resilience going forward.

Total resources expended for the year increased by £14,068 to £253,454 from £239,386 in 2023/24. The charity’s total funds at the yearend amounted to £70,475 of which £53,686 are unrestricted and £16,789 are restricted.

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.

Reserves policy

Maa Shanti needs to hold sufficient reserves to maintain a reasonable level of activity across its programmes in the event of a gap in income. The trustees have therefore set a reserves policy of holding free reserves equivalent to between three and six months of future expenditure, with the aim of maintaining reserves at six months’ running costs where possible. At current levels of expenditure, the reserves target is £67,000. As per 2024-25 accounts we have free reserves of £53,686 (5 months reserves). We plan to maintain our reserves by providing 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.

Challenges

While the past year has brought many successes, it has also come with significant challenges that shape the way we plan for the future.

Maa Shanti Ltd.

Report of the trustees

For the year ended 31 March 2025

In June 2025, we successfully moved into our new premises in Islington after being informed late last year that our previous office would be sold. While the transition brought some uncertainty, our team worked hard to ensure continuity of support, and we are proud to now be settled in a welcoming, secure space just one mile further along Holloway Road. Although we experienced a temporary dip in attendance during the relocation, clients are beginning to return, and the new office offers us a stronger base from which to grow.

Securing the resources to deliver our services continues to be a challenge. Increased competition for grant income has made it more difficult to raise the funds we need to sustain and grow our programmes. We are grateful to our funders and supporters who continue to stand with us, but the climate for voluntary sector funding remains tough, and we are working hard to diversify our income and strengthen our sustainability.

The challenges our women face have never been more complex. The needs of our clients have become increasingly urgent; housing shortages, institutional racism, barriers to employment, trauma, increases in the number of children experiencing mental health issues, a chronic lack of culturally aware trauma-informed services for families, and the ongoing cost-of-living crisis all weigh heavily on the women we support. Added to this, we have seen a shortage of appropriate long-term housing options and an increase in anti-immigrant rhetoric and protests. For many of our clients, particularly those living in temporary accommodation, these factors create an atmosphere of fear and instability, leaving both mothers and their children fearful and uncertain about the future.

Despite these challenges, Maa Shanti remains committed to being a safe and trusted space for South Asian mothers. By listening to women, adapting our services, and working with partners, we will continue to provide the advocacy, community, and hope that women need to begin again.

Plans for future periods

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: delivery, people, 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 partnerships with different organisations and potential stakeholders. We will ensure the ongoing financial health of the organisation through transparency and effective processes.

During 2025/26 we will continue to build on our achievements.

To support at least 280 South Asian families who have been affected by domestic abuse;
To deliver services in-person and remotely particularly in Tower Hamlets, Newham, and surrounding boroughs, in partnership with organisations already on the ground to reach more single Asian mums;
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 activities for our clients via new media and platforms;
To develop partnerships to increase and diversify our service offering;

Maa Shanti Ltd.

Report of the trustees

For the year ended 31 March 2025

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 continue to build up our reserves via new forms of income generation such as training, consultancy, and partnership opportunities; and
We will continue to develop our financial processes to ensure the financial resilience and adaptability of the organisation, particularly during uncertain times.

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 30 June 2004. The company changed its name to Maa Shanti on 7 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 year end 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, ongoing training opportunities are communicated to trustees when these become available. All trustees are provided with the following policies: Complaints, Confidentiality, 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.

Maa Shanti Ltd.

Report of the trustees

For the year ended 31 March 2025

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.

Statement of responsibilities of the trustees

The trustees (who are also directors of the charity for the purposes of company law) are responsible for preparing the trustees' report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards, including Financial Reporting Standard 102: The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).

Company 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 charity and of the income and expenditure of the charity for that period. In preparing those 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 accounting estimates that are reasonable and prudent; ▪ state whether applicable UK accounting standards and statements of recommended practice have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements; and
prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the charity will continue in operation.

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

Maa Shanti Ltd.

Report of the trustees

For the year ended 31 March 2025

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.

Members of the charity guarantee to contribute an amount not exceeding £10 to the assets of the charity in the event of winding up. The trustees are members of the charity but this entitles them only to voting rights. The trustees have no beneficial interest in the charity.

Auditors / Independent examiners

Godfrey Wilson Limited were appointed as independent examiners to the charitable company during the year and have expressed their willingness to continue in that capacity.

Approved by the trustees on 19 December 2025 and signed on their behalf by

Humaa Jamil - Chair

Independent examiner's report

To the trustees of

Maa Shanti Ltd.

I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of Maa Shanti Ltd. (the charitable company) for the year ended 31 March 2025, which are set out on pages 13 to 28.

Responsibilities and basis of report

As the trustees of the charitable 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 charitable 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 the charitable company'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

Godfrey Wilson Limited also provides bookkeeping/payroll services to the charitable company. I confirm that as a member of the ICAEW I am subject to the FRC’s Revised Ethical Standard 2024, which I have applied with respect to this engagement.

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

(1) accounting records were not kept in respect of the charitable 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.

Date: 19 December 2025 Robert Wilson FCA Member of the ICAEW Godfrey Wilson Limited Chartered accountants and statutory auditors 5th Floor Mariner House 62 Prince Street Bristol BS1 4QD

Maa Shanti Ltd.

Statement of financial activities (incorporating an income and expenditure account)

For the year ended 31 March 2025

Restricted Unrestricted Note £ £ Income(and endowments) from: Donations and legacies 3 - 33,598 Charitable activities 4 162,961 - *Total income(and endowments)* 162,961 33,598 Expenditure on: Raising funds - 8,417 Charitable activities 202,341 42,696 Total expenditure 6 202,341 51,113 Net income / (expenditure) (39,380) (17,515) Transfers between funds 13,408 (13,408) Net movement in funds 7 (25,972) (30,923) Reconciliation of funds: Total funds brought forward 42,761 84,609 Total funds carried forward** 16,789 53,686	2025 Total £ 33,598 162,961 196,559 8,417 245,037 253,454 (56,895) - (56,895) 127,370 70,475	Restated 2024 Total £ 81,902 166,360
		248,262
		9,260 230,126
		239,386
		8,876 -
		8,876 -
		8,876

All of the above results are derived from continuing activities. There were no other recognised gains or losses other than those stated above. Movements in funds are disclosed in note 12 to the accounts.

Prior period income and expenditure have been reclassified to reflect the requirements of the Charities SORP (FRS 102) and to be comparable with the current year. The restatements included reclassifications of income and expenditure and adjustments to deferred income and are disclosed in note 13 to the accounts.

Maa Shanti Ltd.

Balance sheet

As at 31 March 2025

Note Current assets Debtors 9 Cash at bank and in hand Liabilities Creditors: amounts falling due within 1 year 10 Net current assets / (liabilities) Net assets / (liabilities) 11 Funds 12 Restricted funds Unrestricted funds General funds Total charity funds	£ 1,480 74,552 76,032 (5,557)	2025 £ 70,475 70,475 16,789 53,686 70,475	Restated 2024 £ 1,176 129,785
			130,961 (3,591)
			127,370
			127,370
			42,761 84,609
			127,370

Total charity funds

The directors are satisfied that the company is entitled to exemption from the provisions of the Companies Act 2006 (the Act) relating to the audit of the financial statements for the year by virtue of section 477, and that no member or members have requested an audit pursuant to section 476 of the Act.

The directors acknowledge their responsibilities for:

(i) ensuring that the Company keeps proper accounting records which comply with section 386 of the Act; and
(ii) preparing financial statements which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the Company as at the end of the financial year and of its profit or loss for the financial year in accordance with the requirements of section 393, and which otherwise comply with the requirements of the Act relating to financial statements, so far as applicable to the company.

These accounts have been prepared in accordance with the special provisions applicable to companies subject to the small companies' regime.

Approved by the trustees on 19 December 2025 and signed on their behalf by

Humaa Jamil - Chair

Maa Shanti Ltd.

Notes to the financial statements

For the year ended 31 March 2025

1. Accounting policies

a) General information and basis of preparation

Maa Shanti Ltd. is a charitable company limited by guarantee registered in England and Wales. The registered office address is Unit 10 St Marks Studios, 14 Chillingworth Road, London, N7 8QJ.

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) (effective 1 January 2019) - (Charities SORP (FRS 102)), the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) and the Companies Act 2006.

Maa Shanti Ltd. 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 note.

b) Going concern basis of accounting

The accounts have been prepared on the assumption that the charity is able to continue as a going concern, which the trustees consider appropriate having regard to the current level of unrestricted reserves. There are no material uncertainties about the charity's ability to continue as a going concern.

c) Income

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

Income from the government and other grants, whether 'capital' grants or 'revenue' grants, is recognised when the charity has entitlement to the funds, any performance conditions attached to the grants have been met, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount can be measured reliably and is not deferred.

For legacies, entitlement is taken as the earlier of the date on which either: the charity is aware that probate has been granted, the estate has been finalised and notification has been made by the executor(s) to the Trust that a distribution will be made, or when a distribution is received from the estate. Receipt of a legacy, in whole or in part, is only considered probable when the amount can be measured reliably and the charity has been notified of the executor's intention to make a distribution. Where legacies have been notified to the charity, or the charity is aware of the granting of probate, and the criteria for income recognition have not been met, then the legacy is treated as a contingent asset and disclosed if material.

Income received in advance of provision of a specified service is deferred until criteria for income recognition are met.

Maa Shanti Ltd.

Notes to the financial statements

For the year ended 31 March 2025

d) Donated services and facilities

Donated professional services and donated facilities are recognised as income when the charity has control over the item, any conditions associated with the donated item have been met, the receipt of economic benefit from the use by the charity of the item, is probable and the economic benefit can be measured reliably. In accordance with the Charities SORP (FRS 102), general volunteer time is not recognised.

On receipt, donated professional services and donated facilities are recognised on the basis of the value of the gift to the charity which is the amount the charity would have been willing to pay to obtain services or facilities of equivalent economic benefit on the open market; a corresponding amount is then recognised in expenditure in the period of receipt.

e) Interest receivable

Interest on funds held on deposit is included when receivable and the amount can be measured reliably by the charity: this is normally upon notification of the interest paid or payable by the bank.

f) Funds accounting

Unrestricted funds are available to spend on activities that further any of the purposes of the 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.

g) Expenditure and irrecoverable VAT

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.

Irrecoverable VAT is charged as a cost against the activity for which the expenditure was incurred.

h) Allocation of support and governance costs

Support costs are those functions that assist the work of the charity but do not directly undertake charitable activities. Governance costs are the costs associated with the governance arrangements of the charity, including the costs of complying with constitutional and statutory requirements and any costs associated with the strategic management of the charity’s activities. These costs have been allocated in full to charitable activities.

i) Debtors

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

j) 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.

Maa Shanti Ltd.

Notes to the financial statements

For the year ended 31 March 2025

k) Creditors

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.

l) Financial instruments

The charitable company only has financial assets and financial liabilities of a kind that qualify as basic financial instruments. Basic financial instruments are initially recognised at transaction value and subsequently measured at their settlement value with the exception of bank loans which are subsequently recognised at amortised cost using the effective interest method.

m) Pension costs

The company operates a defined contribution pension scheme for its employees. There are no further liabilities other than that already recognised in the SOFA.

n) Foreign currency transactions

Transactions in foreign currencies are translated at rates prevailing at the date of the transaction. Balances denominated in foreign currencies are translated at the rate of exchange prevailing at the year end.

o) Accounting estimates and key judgements

In the application of the charity's accounting policies, the trustees are required to make judgements, estimates and assumptions about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. The estimates and underlying assumptions are based on historical experience and other factors that are considered to be relevant. Actual results may differ from these estimates.

The estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognised in the period in which the estimate is revised if the revision affects only that period, or in the period of the revision and future periods if the revision affects both current and future periods.

Maa Shanti Ltd.

Notes to the financial statements

For the year ended 31 March 2025

2. Prior period comparatives: statement of financial activities (restated)

Income from: Donations and legacies Charitable activities Total income Expenditure on: Raising funds Charitable activities Total expenditure Net income / (expenditure) Transfers between funds Net movement in funds 3. Income from donations and legacies Donations Grants Lloyds Bank Foundation London Catalyst Souter Charitable Trust The Woodward Trust Total income from donations and legacies	Restricted £ £ - 81,902 166,360 - 166,360 81,902 - 9,260 184,947 45,179 184,947 54,439 (18,587) 27,463 13,408 (13,408) (5,179) 14,055 Restricted £ £ - 1,398 - 27,500 - 1,500 - 2,000 - 1,200 - 33,598 Unrestricted Unrestricted	2024 Total £ 81,902 166,360
		248,262
		9,260 230,126
		239,386
		8,876 -
		8,876
		2025 Total £ 1,398 - 27,500 1,500 2,000 1,200
		33,598

Maa Shanti Ltd.

Notes to the financial statements

For the year ended 31 March 2025

For the year ended 31 March 2025
3. Income from donations and legacies (continued, restated) Prior period comparative: Restricted £ £ Donations - 2,671 Grants The Albert Hunt Trust - 2,000 Cripplegate Foundation - 11,481 The Indigo Trust - 5,000 Lloyds Bank Foundation - 25,000 London Borough of Islington - 3,750 Lord Barnaby's Foundation - 3,000 Postcode Society - 25,000 Souter Charitable Trust - 4,000 Total income from donations and legacies - 81,902 4. Income from charitable activities Restricted £ £ Grants The Albert Hunt Trust 3,500 - City Bridge Trust 19,750 - Cripplegate Foundation 11,000 - Islington Council Voluntary and Community Sector 16,250 - Islington Giving 12,500 - The London Community Foundation 45,784 - The London Community Foundation - MOPAC Grassroots 6,328 - The Michael Bishop Foundation 10,000 - The National Lottery Community Fund 33,864 - People's Health Trust 3,985 - Total income from charitable activities 162,961 - Unrestricted Unrestricted	2024 Total £ 2,671 2,000 11,481 5,000 25,000 3,750 3,000 25,000 4,000
	81,902
	2025 Total £ 3,500 19,750 11,000 16,250 12,500 45,784 6,328 10,000 33,864 3,985
	162,961

Maa Shanti Ltd.

Notes to the financial statements

For the year ended 31 March 2025

4. Income from charitable activities (continued)

Income from charitable activities (continued)
Prior period comparative (restated): Grants Awards for All City Bridge Trust The Henry Smith Charity Islington Council Voluntary and Community Sector The London Community Foundation - Home Office The London Community Foundation - MOPAC COL The London Community Foundation - MOPAC Grassroots The National Lottery Community Fund People's Health Trust Peter Stebbings Memorial Charity Total income from charitable activities	Restricted £ £ 20,000 - 15,130 - 11,250 - 15,432 - 15,466 - 29,944 - 6,328 - 33,865 - 13,945 - 5,000 - 166,360 - Unrestricted	2024 Total £ 20,000 15,130 11,250 15,432 15,466 29,944 6,328 33,865 13,945 5,000
		166,360

5. Government grants

The charitable company receives government grants, defined as funding from Islington Council Voluntary and Community Sector and The National Lottery Community Foundation (2024: and London Borough of Islington) to fund charitable activities. The total value of such grants in the period ending 31 March 2025 was £50,114 (2024: 53,047). There are no unfulfilled conditions or contingencies attaching to these grants.

Maa Shanti Ltd.

Notes to the financial statements

For the year ended 31 March 2025

6. Total expenditure

Total expenditure
Staff costs (note 8) Project delivery Rent, rates and service charge Training, recruitment and human resources Fundraising costs Accountancy Telephone and information technology Subscriptions and memberships Insurance Travel and subsistence Bank charges Printing, postage and stationery Volunteer expenses Sub-total Allocation of support and governance costs Total expenditure	Raising funds £ - - - - 8,417 - - - - - - - - 8,417 - 8,417	Charitable activities £ 178,519 21,250 - - - - - - - - - - - 199,769 45,268 245,037	Support and governance costs £ - - 15,781 11,333 - 7,904 4,819 2,349 1,176 793 548 355 210 45,268 (45,268) -	2025 Total £ 178,519 21,250 15,781 11,333 8,417 7,904 4,819 2,349 1,176 793 548 355 210
				253,454 -
				253,454

Total governance costs were £2,340 (2024: £1,200)

Maa Shanti Ltd.

Notes to the financial statements

For the year ended 31 March 2025

6. Total expenditure (continued) Prior period comparative (restated)

Prior period comparative (restated) Staff costs (note 8) Project delivery Rent, rates and service charge Training, recruitment and human resources Fundraising costs Accountancy Telephone and information technology Subscriptions and memberships Insurance Travel and subsistence Bank charges Printing, postage and stationery Volunteer expenses Sub-total Allocation of support and governance costs Total expenditure	Raising funds £ - - - - 9,260 - - - - - - - - 9,260 - 9,260	Charitable activities £ 152,647 35,300 - - - - - - - - - - - 187,947 42,179 230,126	Support and governance costs £ - - 16,510 5,033 - 11,058 3,221 1,503 839 3,374 81 110 450 42,179 (42,179) -	2024 Total £ 152,647 35,300 16,510 5,033 9,260 11,058 3,221 1,503 839 3,374 81 110 450
				239,386 -
				239,386

Maa Shanti Ltd.

Notes to the financial statements

For the year ended 31 March 2025

7. Net movement in funds

This is stated after charging:

Net movement in funds This is stated after charging:
	2025	2024
	£	£
Trustees' remuneration	Nil	Nil
Trustees' reimbursed expenses	Nil	Nil
Independent examiner's remuneration (excluding VAT):
Independent examination fee	1,950	1,000
Other services	2,224	-

8. Staff costs and numbers

Staff costs were as follows:

Salaries and wages Social security costs Pension costs Freelance staff	2025 £ 162,717 10,136 2,866 2,800 178,519	2024 £ 142,585 7,376 2,686 -
		152,647

No employee earned more than £60,000 during the year.

The key management personnel of the charitable company comprise the Trustees and Chief Executive Officer. The total employee benefits of the key management personnel were £56,496 (2024: £57,862).

Average head count	2025 No. 5.92	2024 No. 6.00

9. Taxation

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

Maa Shanti Ltd.

Notes to the financial statements

For the year ended 31 March 2025

9. Debtors

Trade debtors Prepayments 10. Creditors: amounts falling due within 1 year Accruals Net wages control account Other taxation and social security Pension control account	2025 £ 1,250 230 1,480 2025 £ 3,473 128 1,956 - 5,557	2024 £ - 1,176
		1,176
		Restated 2024 £ 2,940 81 - 570
		3,591

11. Analysis of net assets between funds

Current assets Current liabilities Net assets at 31 March 2025 Prior period comparative Current assets Current liabilities Net assets at 31 March 2024	£ 16,789 - 16,789 £ 42,761 - 42,761 Restricted funds Restricted funds	£ - - - £ - - - Designated funds Designated funds	£ 59,243 (5,557) 53,686 £ 88,200 (3,591) 84,609 General funds General funds	Total funds £ 76,032 (5,557)
				70,475
				Total funds £ 130,961 (3,591)
				127,370

Maa Shanti Ltd.

Notes to the financial statements

For the year ended 31 March 2025

12. Movements in funds

Restricted funds The Albert Hunt Trust Awards for All City Bridge Trust Cripplegate Foundation Islington Giving People's Health Trust Total restricted funds Unrestricted funds General funds Total unrestricted funds Total funds Islington Council Voluntary and Community Sector The London Community Foundation - Home Office Specialist Support Services The London Community Foundation - MOPAC Grassroots The Michael Bishop Foundation The National Lottery Community Fund Peter Stebbings Memorial Charity	At 1 April 2024 £ - 20,000 443 - 8,848 - - 3,164 - - 5,306 5,000 42,761 84,609 84,609 127,370	Income £ 3,500 - 19,750 11,000 16,250 12,500 45,784 6,328 10,000 33,864 3,985 - 162,961 33,598 33,598 196,559	£ (3,500) (20,000) (25,655) (11,000) (21,214) (12,500) (32,879) (12,352) (10,000) (38,950) (9,291) (5,000) (202,341) (51,113) (51,113) (253,454) Expenditure	£ £ - - - - 5,462 - - - - 3,884 - - - 12,905 2,860 - - - 5,086 - - - - - 13,408 16,789 (13,408) 53,686 (13,408) 53,686 - 70,475 Transfers between funds At 31 March 2025	£ £ - - - - 5,462 - - - - 3,884 - - - 12,905 2,860 - - - 5,086 - - - - - 13,408 16,789 (13,408) 53,686 (13,408) 53,686 - 70,475 Transfers between funds At 31 March 2025
					16,789
					53,686
					53,686
					70,475

Purposes of restricted funds

The Albert Hunt Trust Awarded for core funding.

Awards for All

Awarded to support our casework, advocacy, peer support groups and workshops in East London.

City Bridge Trust

Awarded to support the costs of a new Outreach Support Worker and the expansion of our work in other areas of London.

Maa Shanti Ltd.

Notes to the financial statements

For the year ended 31 March 2025

12. Movements in funds (continued)

Cripplegate Foundation Awarded to support our participation in the Domestic Abuse Development Partner Programme.

Islington Council Voluntary and Community Sector Awarded to support our activities in Islington.

Islington Giving

Awarded to support our activities in Islington.

The London Community Foundation - Home Office Specialist Support Services Awarded to continue our provision of direct support to victims of domestic abuse.

The London Community Foundation - MOPAC Grassroots Awarded to support our advocacy services to 100 women across London.

The Michael Bishop Foundation

Awarded to support the expansion of our services in East London.

The National Lottery Community Fund

Awarded to support our activities across London and reaching 200 women.

People's Health Trust

Awarded to support our activities in Tower Hamlets.

Peter Stebbings Memorial Charity

Awarded to support the provision of quality advice, access education & training to help South Asian women rebuild their lives.

Maa Shanti Ltd.

Notes to the financial statements

For the year ended 31 March 2025

12. Movements in funds (continued)

Prior period comparative Restricted funds Awards for All City Bridge Trust The Henry Smith Charity People's Health Trust Rosa Fund Total restricted funds Unrestricted funds General funds Total unrestricted funds Total funds Peter Stebbings Memorial Charity The National Lottery Community Fund Islington Council Voluntary and Community Sector The London Community Foundation - Home Office Specialist Support Services The London Community Foundation - MOPAC Cost of Living The London Community Foundation - MOPAC Grassroots	At 1 April 2023 £ - 4,802 12,215 12,120 4,518 5,512 22,181 61,348 57,144 57,144 118,492	Income £ 20,000 15,130 11,250 15,432 15,466 29,944 6,328 33,865 13,945 5,000 - 166,360 81,902 81,902 248,262	£ - (19,489) (23,465) (18,704) (15,466) (29,944) (3,164) (38,383) (14,151) - (22,181) (184,947) (54,437) (54,437) (239,384) Expenditure	£ - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Transfers between funds	£ 20,000 443 - 8,848 - - 3,164 - 5,306 5,000 - At 31 March 2024
					42,761
					84,609
					84,609
					127,370

Maa Shanti Ltd.

Notes to the financial statements

For the year ended 31 March 2025

13. Prior year adjustment

The following adjustments have been made to the balances reported in the prior year.

Deferred income Originally reported as at 31 March 2024 Adjustment Restated as at 31 March 2024 Funds Total funds as at 31 March 2024 Adjustment Restated as at 31 March 2024	£ 30,000 (30,000)
	-
	£ 97,371 30,000
	127,371

14. Related party transactions

There were no related party transactions in the current or prior period.