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← Latitude Care Network Limited

2024-03-31-accounts

LATITUDE CARE NETWORK LIMITED

REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT

FOR THE YEAR ENDED
31 MARCH 2024
Content Pages
2
Legal and General Information
Trustees’ Annual Reports 3-9
Responsibilities of the Trustees’ Board
 10
Statement of the Account – Income & Expenditures
 11
Statement of the Account – The Balance Sheet
 12
Notes to the Account Statements 13-16
Acknowledgment 17

Charity No: 1113929 & Company No: 05555558 in England and Wales Non-Governmental/Community Based Organisation (NGO/CBO) No: LDLG/2007/1165 in Uganda

LCN – Lega & Administration Information

Management Committee Grace Adok (Chair & Director Harriet Aber (Treasure) Christine Atim Santal Akullo Mrs Jane Amony Atube Rev. Modicum Okello Charity Number: 1113929 Company Number: 05555558 NGO/CBO Number: LDLG/2007/1165/Uganda Patrons Dr. Mervyn Tyrer Dr. Hellen Montgomery Banker HSBC Bank 50-52 Kilburn High Road Kilburn London NW6 4HJ

2

LCN – Annual Report & Accounts for Year Ending 31[st] March 2024

About Us

Latitude Care Network Limited also known as LCN is a not-for-profit charitable company, a community service organisation that has operated in the London areas, region of northern Uganda and elsewhere since 2005. The organisation is registered Charity and Company Limited by Guarantee in England and Wales and Non-governmental/Community Based Organisation (CBO) in Uganda.

In response to the diverse, persistent and emerging health issues that impacts the health, social and the general well-being of people who turn to us for supports, LCN provides services and activities that build selfefficacy to improve prosperity, access to education and health and the general well-being outcomes.

Programmes Snapshot

Community Outreach Program – At its core, this program plays a significant role in reaching out to the most vulnerable, deprive and isolated people to offer services and activities that help, uplift and support those unable independently to access resources or services that improve quality of lives.

Information and Emergency Relief - offers informational support, general advice, advocacy, liaison, representation, and case management.

Education, Training, and Employment Support - offers student’s placement work experience, ICT support, financial capability money mentor and management, small business and employment support activities and volunteering opportunities.

Mutual Aid Scheme - offers small lending activities, emergency relief and social funds, material and practical assistance and client’s appointees for personal money mentors and managements.

Umbrella and Resources Service – Offer umbrella service to and is a resource for other organisations such as to support small or non-registered or peer led group without own organisational structures.

International Development - offers humanitarian and emergency relief, primary school educational support, community and children development centre project, livelihoods support, mission partners and overseas volunteering opportunities.

Message from our Patron

LCN has been supporting people in needs since 2005. I am so proud and privileged to be patron of this unique organisation which does not only operates in London and the surround areas, but also elsewhere abroad particularly in the region of northern Uganda. The programs remits and delivery may be limited capacities, but they are most welcomed and do makes a lot of meaningful differences.

As I pen this message to reflect on this financial year, many emotions swirl. Care and compassion for so many in the society who often struggle with various living crisis including food insecurity, loneliness and isolation, mental health challenges, unemployment, frustration and griefs, despite the LCN and many other practitioner’s efforts, years on years advocacies and actions that may seamed never enough, their determination of steadfast support in the community continues to bring hope.

I also feel hope for the future of the organisation continuity. I wish to thank and congratulates the Director and Funder, Board Members and pools of the dedicated frontline volunteers for all their unwavering and incredible efforts of continuity despites through substantial challenges of securing financial resources year on year, the firm foundation for development and growth of the organisation is their resilience. I am immensely proud to be patron of the remarkable organisation and for as long as it continues to operate, in whatever way I can, as patron will do my bit to render vital supports.

Dr. Hellen Montgomery

3

LCN – Annual Report (Cont.)

UK OPERATION

In London and the surrounding areas, since 2005 LCN have provided ranges of care, social, education and practical supportive services and activities which assist individuals, families and in some instances the community from socially and economically disadvantaged backgrounds, those facing personal hardship and/or difficult life circumstances. The year under review, with limited financial resource, services provided were curtails, however, all those we support have been service one way or another within our means.

Volunteer Community Outreach Activities

LCN services are mainly delivered through the volunteer’s community outreach activities which at its core, have been the foundation efforts to reach people we serve while liaising with many other agencies with whom we may have shared concerned or one component of it. In whatever ways we can, the activities have been effective connecting people to provide supports and services aimed at improving lives and the general wellbeing. It is also to empower individuals and families, build social connections, and address diverse needs in the local communities.

The outreach activities carried out benefits children, the elderly, low-income families, homeless individuals, and other marginalised groups who face challenges like limited resources, loneliness and isolation, cultural barriers as well as the volunteer burnout. The outreach activities aimed at meeting needs of these people among others, is to provides befriending and companionship so as to reduce stress, lonliness and isolation, enabling access to services, increase interaction and social networks, encaurage good physical and mental healths activities, and above all to alluviate hardships they were experencing.

The activities are for many is a lifeline and are delivered through mediation, advocacy, representation, telephone calls, and visitations in homes, hospitals and other places including drop-in centres, social support groups and other community events. Year on year the demand for the outreach activities exceeded our expectation and the ability to deliver however, to mitigate the situations, we laise works with many other agencies including refereals, thus enabling us to be abled to support a lot more people than anticipate including taking in new clients.

Health and Social Support Activities

Since 2005, the health and social support for the socially excluded and isolated people especially the elderly, the sick and disabled, the Social Support have provided volunteer supported social and recreational activities to prevent social isolation by providing links for those who are housebound or isolated due to mobility difficulties, lack of confidence, geographic or other factors. These services improved community connection for hundreds of people in addition the single mothers and the unemployed whom we have been reaching out to in London and the surrounded areas. However, since Covid impacts, the activities have experienced some disruption limiting activities to the volunteer outreach and online for those with access and are able.

Small Social Funds (SSF)

The Small Social Fund stemmed from the Recreational and Social Support Group activities of clients get together. Besides, it generated small funds from entertainment performances at community events and private parties hire for a small fee, tin collection and voluntary giving. The (SSF) have been running since LCN formation and for the last 10 years, the small pot of the money has been boosted by an annual donation from an individual well-wisher who prefers not to be named publicly for which we are very grateful. From 2020 the year Covid Pandemic struck, the Recreational and Social support groups activities that could raise money have been halted, however, some clients and members who feel passionate about the cause, they have voluntarily continued giving to the pot and when there was a shortfall, it was top up from the unrestricted reserved fund.

The SSF goes towards the support of members and clients experiencing financial difficulties for basic material needs and few selected community groups and individuals’ non-members or clients. The year under review, 24 individuals and families were supported including bereavement and daily living expenses towards foods, utilities, and other essential basic needs that improve lives and well-beings. Also 3 local community groups including a Food Bank were supported financially and the supply of non-perishable foods and toiletries.

4

LCN – Annual Report (Cont.)

Clients Appointee (CA)

LCN is an approved Clients Appointee (CA) which involved advocating, mentoring, managing and supporting clients who are unable to manage their own finance affairs. The service enables and enhance basic skills of financial capabilities including understanding the benefit systems, the impacts on their lives and basic budgeting to ensure they were living within means. Every year we have experience an increased demands and needs for referral for this service. The year under review, the service supported 71 people an increase of 9 people from the previous year, and a further 13 were referred to other service providers. The volunteers involved carried out these activities through community outreach remotely or virtually and when necessary, a face-face meeting was arranged.

ICT at Home

The ICT at Home is also delivered through the volunteer community outreach activities to raise awareness, provide basic IT skill training and learning, and practical uses of the devices. We are please the demand for this has now decreased as people are getting more acquainted and confident in the use of the modern hand help communication technologies. Even so, for those who still need help, for most the IT service is provided online saving both the volunteers and client times and money for travelling.

A huge thank you to our volunteer community outreach workers who remained resolute in their connection with clients throughout the year working tirelessly to ensure clients were safe and are accessing all the necessity online services including access to GPs, hospitals, and other health care services, banking and online social and recreational activities to foster meaningful connections to enhance mental well-beings.

Information and Emergency Relief

This programme continued to provide essential frontline practical support to individuals and families facing personal and experiencing emotional, economic hardships and needed immediate assistance including financial and material assistance and case management. Through the volunteer community outreach activities, 272 emergency relief services were provided based on the client’s preference, these included food parcels, vouchers and in some instances the hard cash. Besides, case management providing short-term generalist casework support including advocacy, referral working closely with other service providers dealing with multiple complex issues.

Mutual Aid Fund (MAF) Scheme

The MAF Scheme have been running since 2008 as a community-based income generation through small lending activities. The scheme was initiated by London Rebuilding Society to support community groups such as LCN to enable provides basic community financial services to people they served. Most of our clients lives in conditions of poverty which restricts their ability to enjoy socio-economic, health, environmental and cultural rights well-beings. Therefore, the main purpose of the MAF Scheme is to increase client’s access to financial services they would not normally are able to access from the mainstream high street banks and other financial institutions for basic needs and small income generation activities that improve livelihoods.

There are 2 strands to the lending activities, a Soft Loan repayable within 30 days without interest charge and/or thereafter a flat rate 35% Interest charges applied. The landing activity is normally prioritised for household bills such as groceries, clothing, and utility bills for clients who could not raise the required funds at the time of an acute needs. All the proceeds from the lending repayment are plough back for further lending or borrowing. Over the last few years, the MAF activities have been curtailed due to limited incoming resources for the lending activities. However, we are still able to support clients with acute and emergency financial hardship through the Emergency Relief Funds in the form of hand out minimal token of cash, food vouchers and supply of material aid. The year under review, we disbursed just 10 Soft Loans for basic household needs.

Since 2008 set up, a total of 559 clients have had accessed the scheme, where 201 went on to set up some form of small income generations including peers to peers lending, home or door to door catering, hair dressings and tailoring. A further 348 individuals and families have also had access to the lending activity borrowing ranging from £50-200.00. Besides, the scheme have also provided Money Mentor to borrowers as precondition for accessing the lending activities.

5

LCN – Annual Report (Cont.)

UMBRELLA AND RESOURCE SERVICES

Lumego United (LU) Project

Lumego United (LU) is a voluntary peer-led self-help group started in 2017. The group came about following numerous family bereavements of loves ones and those others closer to that were occurring one after another. The experienced were so traumatising causing lots of sorrows and financial hardships to enable members deal with the aftermath of the deaths.

Forming the group, it was acknowledged the important of preparing a head of the trauma of losing loved ones which often occurs unexpectedly when the bereave families, relatives and friends were unprepared to overcome deal with the aftermath including the emotional trauma and meeting the costs of practical requirements. The group raise funds through annual members subscription and occasionally supplementary collection to support members’ and those other around then going through bereavement in UK and elsewhere abroad.

The unregistered group in early 2021 sought the support of LCN Umbrella Service to temporarily operate under until such a time when they were able to put in place their self-administration structures. LCN within it remits have the capacity and facilities to support such small groups, thus, the reason we have accepted to support LU to operate administer their finance activities under the umbrella service.

All the Other Activities

All the other activities, due to continues Covid restrictions some of either curtailed, put on hold, or cancelled altogether, these include client’s transportation only limited to the volunteer activities and emergency delivery; student work experience placement; business and employment support workshop; monthly support group meeting and social and recreational activities events.

INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT OVERSEAS OPERATION

LCN extended operation overseas in the region of northern Uganda in 2006. The organisation is registered in the country as Non-Governmental/Community Based Organisation (NGO/CBO) under the Affiliate name of Latitude Care Network Uganda (LCNU). LCNU provides an essential links, management, coordination, guidance, and frontline services while consulting, liaising, and reporting regularly to LCN UK.

With the full backing of LCN UK, LCN Uganda operates in four districts of northern Uganda (Gulu, Kitgum, Lira and Pader). The organisation also liaise and partner to a number of local grassroots groups, businesses, and individual well-wishers. Over the years, programmes delivered in the region have included Humanitarian Emergency Relief, The Educational Support Programme, The Livelihoods Support Goat Project, Children and Community Development Centre Project, Overseas Volunteers Programme and Mission Partner Connections and Links.

Humanitarian Emergency Relief Programme

This programme has been running since the start of LCN operation in the region geared towards meeting the emergency relief of people affected by decades of civil war and displacements, the most economically and socially vulnerable groups comprises all age poorest households including the elderly, the sick and disabled, orphans/child and female headed households, and workers in the lower tier of the informal sectors.

Imat Mary Okullo Foundation Project

This vulnerable groups support project which besides other emergency relief it has been provided since 2006 however, the project was renamed (Imat Mary Okullo Foundation Project) by the vulnerable groups in memory of The Late Mama Mary Okullo who suddenly passed away in March 2021. The late Mama Mary Okullo was the champion and a lifeline of support for the vulnerable groups which includes the elderly, the sick and disabled people, the Orphan and Child headed households.

In 2006 when LCN extended operation in the region of northern Ugandan districts of Lira, Kitgum, Gulu and Pader besides her busy schedules as a local Councillor and business women, until her death, The Late Mama Mary Okullo was the upfront pioneer of LCN Uganda as a Trustee, Co-Ordinator, Champions, and the drive behind all the projects deliveries in the region including the support programs for the vulnerable groups who after her death they passionately requested their support project be renamed in honour of her memories , thus how the project name Imat Mary Okullo Foundation project emerged.

6

LCN – Annual Report (Cont.)

Since 2021, under the new name, the project continues to support the vulnerable groups particularly with Christmas Givings during the festive season with the handouts of Sugar, Salt, Soap, Coffee/Tea, Posho, Rice and Beans or Peas. By handing them these items, we were able to bring joy to many during the festive seasons. The year under review, with the support of some local businesses and individuals, in the 4 districts, a total of 517 the very poorest elderly, the sick and disabled and orphans and child headed households were supported with the handouts each receiving: 1 kilograms of Sugar, 1 kilos of Rice, 1 kilos of Posho, 1 kilos of Beans or Peas, 500 grams of Salt, 500 grams of Tea or Coffee and 1 bar of Soap.

Also, the year under review, in the outskirt slums of Kampala City, Uganda 172 vulnerable people were handed with a pair of blankets. The project was championed, fundraised and delivered by 2009 former Miss Uganda UK and Miss Uganda Ms Maria Namiiro who went on to represent Uganda at the 2009 Miss world Beauty Contest in Jonesburg, South Africa. She was then assigned LCN Ambassador who has since remained LCN dedicated loyal volunteer doing so magnificent works for the organisation especially for her favourite causes the children and the elderly. LCN conveys utmost sincere gratitude to her.

Also, the year under review, through 2 of our outmost volunteers on a visit to Ghana, with a small pot of funding they went on to support 41 poorest individuals and families in the suburbs of Accra and Cape Coast cities in Ghana. The people supported to mention a few backgrounds, an 80 years old with no children a petty street trader just to make ends meet, another 80 years old retired mason with no children surviving on the mercy of others, a vision impair with no money to buy a pair of glasses, a family who live in an open space in wooden structure and many many others with varying situations.

Besides, the year under review, our volunteer on the ground have regularly including during Christmas festive reaches out to numerous other vulnerable people especially children sleeping rough on the street and begging to survive, more than 20 in Lira districts were handed foods, drinks and bedding/clothing to shelter them during Christmas festive.

THE EDUCATIONAL SUPPORT PROGRAMME

This programme has been running since the very beginning of LCN operation in the region of northern Uganda in the 4 districts local areas where we operate. The program has been delivering:

Children and Community Development Centre Project

The centre project came about in 2006 through LCN link of the Sunday School children of St. Gabriel’s Church of England, Cricklewood and the Sunday School children of St. Andrew Church of Uganda, Angwetangwet, Lira District to become Pen-Pal. Once the two Sunday School Children’s were connected, the Sunday School children of St. Andrew’s Church of Uganda then made an official appealed requested the Sunday School Children of St. Gabriel’s Church of England, Cricklewood to support them with learning resources/materials and help provide them with a building roof over their heads so that they may be abled to learn, play, and grow well as children.

The Centre project was then instigated supported funded by St. Gabriel’s Church of England, LCN and the local people themselves. The construction of the centre building which was completed few years later was supplies with learning resources and officially launched opened in 2010 by the Vicar been in operation since then. Of St Gabriel’s Church, Cricklewood, London Rev. Jamne Morries who had led a delegation of 15 people from UK specifically for the launch of the centre.

Year on year, the centre attracts hundreds of children from all walks of lives because of its vibrant children activities including the Sunday schools, learning library and community social events. The centre is also being used occasionally as mobile health centre/clinic, hires for private meetings, parties, and all other acceptable appropriate activities, these maintain and sustain the centre. LCN continues to monitor and support the centre whenever we can include supplies of children’s learning materials of books, pens, adult library resources and PA System.

7

LCN – Annual Report (Cont.)

Operation Noah Educational Support Project

Operation Noah Educational Support Project has been running since 2015 supporting Pre-school and Primary education children from the rural poor households through paying school and examination fees, and support with other school requirements to enable the children attend or are maintained in schools. The project was initiated by children and youth of St. Gabriel’s Church of England, Cricklewood which stem from their Operation Noah Goat’s Project trips to northern Uganda. The project since 2015 to the year before Covid pandemic, it has educated more the 2,000 from pre-school/nursery to primary 7 education children.

The project has since 2022 due to the impacts of the Covid pandemic, the support of St. Gabriel’s the main funder has comes to an end. However, we have continued with the original Educational Support Project with a reduced number of children supported. The year under review, the number of children supported in the last financial year were 162. The year under review, out of the 162, 22 students completed their Primary Education moving on to secondary school where we do not follow with the support. The remaining 140 students we have continued and added 7 replacements making a total of 147 pupils we supported.

THE LIVELIHOODS SUPPORT PROGRAMME

In 2007, LCN launched this programme in 4 districts of northern Uganda with the objective of promoting equality and humanity for all to be able to live in harmony with fundamental rights and the capacity to support self-sustainable development to meet the moral, social, and economic needs of the locals who were emerging from more than two decades of civil wars in the region.

The activities undertaken in collaboration with 4 local partners, 200 orphans and other vulnerable children and youths were each initially provided with handouts of Goat’s livestock for rearing and the 4 local partners each were also provided with a pair of Oxen, Ox-Plough and 100 kilograms of seed grains for cultivations.

Operation Noah Goat’s Project (ONGP)

The pilot Goat’s project was a success which led to the Operation Noah Goat’s Project in 201o with the objective of furthering extend the support to many more children and young people from the selected rural poorest family households in the 4 districts of Gulu, Kitgum, Lira and Pader where LCN operated. Operation Noah Goat’s Project was also financially supported by St. Gabriel’s Church of England, Cricklewood, London and matched by LCN fundraising and other local well-wishers supports, and a further 200 children and young people were supplied handed the Goat’s livestock.

At the implementation of the project, it was agreed with the recipients of the Goat’s livestock, that every year a certain proportion of the multiple reproduction of baby Goat or kids be pass on to siblings or/and children from other households which did not either received the handout at the start of the project or are an emerging household. The project will continue in its current form where every year we will carry out monitoring and the evaluation to determine how many more of the livestock were reproduced, traded, or passed on as well as the impacts on the livelihoods of the recipients, families and the local communities at large. The project ongoing, the year under review, the monitoring activities, have indicated estimated between 15,000 – 18,000 of Goat’s have so far been multiplied. In some cases, the livestock commercially traded meat/food supply, exchanged with other livestock including cattle, sheep, or plots of land and paid in traditional marriage dowries.

OVERSEAS VOLUNTEERING PROGRAMME (OVP)

This program was initiated by two friends from London (Jack & Ben) who in 2009 approached LCN that they were looking for an overseas vocational volunteering opportunity to broaden their international experience by giving back to the local communities through various actions including fundraising and carrying out project activities that socially support the local. The two friends who were by then also planning to thereafter travel to South Africa for the 2010 Football World Cup, with the support of LCN then set up a JustGiving fundraising campaign which raised quite a substantial sum of money and other in-kinds donations before they did travel with to the region of northern Uganda.

The two friends while in northern Uganda, they were placed within the local community households and worked with LCN Uganda and local partners for a period of six months on various local projects in the four districts where we operate until they left for the South Africa Football World Cup and then back to the UK thereafter. Since then, the OVP have been ongoing massively promoted by the two friend’s pioneers motivating, attracting, and recruiting volunteers with great attitudes, talents, skills, experiences, and willing people with the passions of giving back to support those most in needs in the local communities.

8

LCN – Annual Report (Cont.)

These volunteers who also sometimes include college and university students on gap year or work placements, whenever it was possible and appropriate do travel to northern Uganda deployed to volunteer in the local community. The year under review 5 volunteers applied for deployment including two who requested trip to Ghana where they implemented a small support project to 42 vulnerable people.

ORGANISATIONAL DEVELOPMENTS

LCN remained a learning organisation which is constantly learning to expand capacity and create result we all truly desired to meet and deliver on our promises while embracing partnerships, collaboration, networks, commitment, accountability, encouragement, and creativity. We are also membership of several capacity building organisations where regularly access vital resources, trainings, and updates.

FUNDRAISING AND IN-KIND COLLECTIONS

Fundraising like for many other organisations remained the biggest challenge, however, we all must be creative and maintain relationships with established supporters while building new ones. Our volunteers’ years on years have pulled together go the extra miles giving their times as well as coming up with ideas of fundraising and in-kinds collections that are making a different however little maybe. Every contribution we received whether monetary, in-kind donation or volunteer’s times massively support our promise to make a difference in the lives of people we served. We are forever indebted, and our outmost sincere gratitude goes out to all the support we receive although words alone cannot express how much we feel and appreciates the acts of kindness and generosities.

ACCESS TO OUR SERVICES

To ensure equality, people access our services from several sources: self-referral, peers, family referral and referrals from other service providers including GP, local authorities, as well as supporters and many other agencies. We also promote our activities through networks, distribution of leaflets, website, words of mouth and public recreational and cultural activities.

MANAGING VOLUNTEERS

Volunteers represent huge human resource which can sometimes be overlooked and undervalued. Along with increased recognitions, the importance of effective volunteer management should be at the forefront and acknowledged as benefiting the organisations, encouraging community participation, initiates and extend outreach while providing cost-effective services. Also, effective volunteer management is key to ensuring their times, skills, experience, and commitments are put to the best possible use and valued so that goals are achieved for all to relish the experience. Meeting the challenges of managing volunteers required the joint efforts of the organisation, co-ordination, and the volunteers themselves.

At LCN, we ensure volunteers received mandatory induction orientation including safeguarding awareness, personal development aspiration and motivation. With these in mind, we offer people looking for real opportunity to become involved in their community through volunteering. Our volunteers are local people, peers, students, and service user themselves. Although volunteers should not expect monetary rewards for their services, we do support them with safety working environments, insurance covers, rights to access training and personal development activities, and rights to claim out of pocket expenses unless they opted not to. In additions, we regularly give feedback, recognitions, and referencing including for employment and other services.

QUALITY ASSURANCE MARKS

LCN have in place several Quality Marks including Practical Quality Assurance Standard for Small Organisation (PQASSO) of 12 Quality Areas, Chartered Management Institute and Positive About Disabled People which guides our operational standards. Besides, we have received many other accreditations and nomination awards testament to our commitments and determinations. We remained a learning organisation continuously seeking to learn, develop and improve in all areas of operations.

FUTURE PLANS

The year under review marked 19 years of LCN establishment. Reflecting on the past years it has not been so easy or a clear cut, but we have shown resilience and commitments to continued operation. The years ahead presents even much more challenges; however, we anticipate will continue operating as existing and remained open minded to any new developments and opportunity that may emerge along the way to enable adapt to the challenges.

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LCN – Statements of Accounts for the Year Ended 31[st] March 2024.

RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE TRUSTEE’S BOARD

Under the charity and company laws, the Trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts which gives a true and fair view of the state of affair of the charity at end of the year and application of resources in the period, including net incoming and expenditure for the year ended.

In preparing the account statments, the board of trustee is required to:

The board of trustees are responsible for maintaining proper accounting records which disclose with resoanable accuracy at any time the financial position to enable ensure that the financial statement comply with the Comapnies Act 2006. The trustees are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charity and hench for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud or other irregularities.

Reserves

LCN currently have designated reserve funds of £5,340.00. The board of Trustees acknowledged the designated reserve as a restricted funds belonging to the Lumego United Project, a small self-help membership group currently operating under the umbrella services of LCN.

Investment Policy

Whether we will realise and retain reserve fund, most of the organisation’s funds are to be spent in the short term so there are few funds for long term investment. Having considered options available, in the financial year we reinvested a small amount in the Mutual Aid Fund (MAF), a small loan lending activity where the repayments are recycle lend to clients. LCN is registered for tax relief and donations received from individuals who are UK taxpayer’s permission are sort to claim tax relief as part of the investment funds.

Internal Financial Control

LCN have in place systems of internal control designed to provide reasonable, but not absolute, assurance against material mismanagement or loss. Fund transfer for overseas activities is done through a registered and trusted Remittance or Credit Union Entities. The funds are transfer directly into LCN Uganda affiliate bank account where the overall fund’s management, direction for use and distribution’s responsibility lies with LCN (UK). The Affiliate Chair, Treasurer and Secretary are responsible for financial management of local projects and all other activities meanwhile accountable to LCN UK.

Risk Management

LCN continues to place a high priority on minimising and managing risks to meet objectives and mission outlined in the governing document and activities plans. LCN reviewed risk management registered and revised during the year. The risks management register identified thirteen main risk areas in order of importance, and these included the viability of LCN, and its affiliate body’s processes and robust policy documentation and financial management. Each risk is accorded with appropriate treatments (current or planned response) and responsibility is assigned from within the LCN management team. A further review of the register is undertaken annually.

The Trustee’s report was approved by the board of Directors on 26[h] Oct. 2024 and signed on its behalf by:

Board Chair, Grace Adok

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LCN – Statements of Accounts (Conts)

INCOMES & EXPENDITURE

INCOMES

Notes
Income Resources
from Generated Incomes
Grant Income
2
Voluntary Giving Income
2
Investment Income
3
Total Incoming Resources
EXPENDITURES
Resource Expended
UK Activities
4
Overseas Activities
4
Total Resources Expended
Net income/
Net movement in funds
Balance as of 1st April 2023
Balance as of 31st March 2024		 Restricted Unrestricted
Total
Total
Funds
Funds
2024
2023
£
£
£
5,000
3,623
8,623
3,070
10,331
5,328
15,659
7,648
-
2,551
2,551
4,548
15,331
11,502
26,833
15,267
4,000
3,445
7,445
8,033
10,029
9,982
20,011
8,128
14,029
13,427
27,456
16,161
1,302
-1,925
-623
-894
5,474
514
5,988 6,882
6,776
-1,411
5,365
5,988

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BALANCE SHEET – As of 31[st] March 2024

2024 2023
£ Total £ Total
FIXED ASSET
Computer Equipment 5 - 918
CURRENT ASSESTS
Cash in Hand and Bank 5,365 5,988
NET ASSETS 5,365 6,906
ASSETS
Restricted 6,776 5,474
Unrestricted -1,411 1,432
TOTAL ASSESTS 5,365 6,906

For the year ended 31[st] March 2024, the company was entitled to exemption from the audit under section 477 of the Companies Act 2006 relating to small companies.

The members have not required the company to obtain an audit for it accounts for the year in question in accordance with section 476 of the Companies Acts.

The directors acknowledged their responsibility for complying with the requirements of the Act with respect to accounting records and for the preparation of accounts.

These accounts have been prepared in accordance with the provision applicable to companies subject to small companies’ regime and with the Financial Standard for Smaller Entities (effective April 2008).

The notes below form part of the financial statements.

Signed for and on behalf of the Management Committee on 26[th] October 2024

Grace Adok Chair, Board of Trustees

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LCN – Statements of Accounts (Cont.) – Notes to the Accounts

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS

Accounting Policies

The following accounting policies have been used consistently in dealing with items which are considered material in relation to the charity’s financial statements.

Basis of Preparation

The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention and in accordance with Accounting and Reporting by charities – Statement of Recommendation Practice (SORP revised 2005), The financial standard of smaller entities (effective April 2008) and the provisions of applicable to companies subject to the small companies under the companies Act 2006.

Incoming Resources

Financial incoming resources for year under review have been included on a receivable basis as Restricted and Unrestricted Funds included if the date receivable falls within the period covered by the accounts. Donated services and facilities are included at the value to the charity where this can be quantified. The value of services provided by volunteers has not been included in the accounts as monetary values.

Resource Expended

Resources expended have been accounted for on an accrual basis in two parts UK and Overseas as shown in the statement of the financial activities.

Depreciation

Depreciation is calculated to write down the cost of or valuation, less estimated residual value of all tangible fixed assets over their expected useful lives on reducing balance. The rates applicable are:

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LCN – Notes to the Accounts (Cont.)

INCOMING RESOURCE

Voluntary Givings
2
Donation & Fundraising
The Petron’s Fund
Membership Fee
The Big Give
Receipt Others
Investments
3
Gift Aid - Inland Revenue
Mutual Aid Fund - Repayment
Bank Interest		 Restricted
Unrestricted
Total
Fund
Fund
2024
2023
£
£
£
£
15,324
749 16,073
3,952
-
3,623
3,623
3,070
-
1,310
1,310
1,000
-
3,247
3,247
2,696
-
29
29
-
15,324
8,958
24,282
10,718
-
1,994
1,994
3,243
-
465
465
1,283
-
92
92
23
-
2,551
2,551
4,549
15,324 11,509 26,833 15,267
Total Incoming Resources

Restricted Fund received during the year under review were: £15,324.

The Unrestricted Fund received during the year under review was: £11,509.

Volunteer Times and other In-kinds received during the year are not reflected in the accounts as a monetary value.

14

LCN – Notes to the Accounts (Cont.)

4 EXPENDITURE ACCOUNTS

UK Expenditures
Lumego United Project
Volunteer Expenses
Mutual Aid Fund Lending
Operating Exps + Repair & Ma
Travel & Transportation
Stationery, print & copy
Postage & Stamp
Communications
Legal, License & Insurance
Social & Community Support
Meetings
Bank Charges
Sandry/Pay Other
Overseas Expenditure
Direct Project Transfers
Travel & Transportation
G Administration & Meeting
Total UK + Overseas Expended
Net Income/Expenditure
Fund B/F 1st April 2023
Fund C/F 31st March 2024		 Restricted
Unrestricted
Total
Total
Funds
Funds
2024
2023
£
£
£
£
-
-
500
2,000
295
2,295
1,370
-
465
465
950
-
150
150
120
-
249
249
246
-
258
258
246
-
15
15
7
700
650
1,350
1,169
-
323
323
317
5,000
793
5,793
2,888
-
160
160
150
-
69
69
70
-
25
25
36
7,700
3,452
11,152
8,033
6,322
3,000
9,322
5,679
6,831
6,831
2,428

-
151 151
21
6,322
9,982
16,304
8,128
14,022
13,434
27,456
16,161
1,302
-1,925
-623
-892
5,474
514
5,988
6882
6,776
-1,411
5,365
5,988		 Restricted
Unrestricted
Total
Total
Funds
Funds
2024
2023
£
£
£
£
-
-
500
2,000
295
2,295
1,370
-
465
465
950
-
150
150
120
-
249
249
246
-
258
258
246
-
15
15
7
700
650
1,350
1,169
-
323
323
317
5,000
793
5,793
2,888
-
160
160
150
-
69
69
70
-
25
25
36
7,700
3,452
11,152
8,033
6,322
3,000
9,322
5,679
6,831
6,831
2,428

-
151 151
21
6,322
9,982
16,304
8,128
14,022
13,434
27,456
16,161
1,302
-1,925
-623
-892
5,474
514
5,988
6882
6,776
-1,411
5,365
5,988
6,322
9,982
16,304
8,128
14,022
13,434
27,456
16,161
1,302
-1,925
-623
-892
5,474
514
5,988
6882
6,776
-1,411
5,365
5,988

15

LCN – Note to the Accounts (Cont.)

5. TANGIBLE FIXED ASSET

Cost: -
At 1stApril 2023
5
Additions
At 31st March 2024
DEPRECIATION
As At 1stApril 2023
Disposals
Charge this year
At 31stMarch 2024
NET BOOK VALUE
As At 1stApril 2023
As At 31st March 2024		 Computer
F&F
Total
£
£
£
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
3,232
-
3,232
-
-
-
-
-
-
918
-
918
-
-
-

6. ANALYSES OF NET ASSETS BETWEEN FUNDS

Assets Bal. As @ 31st March
2024
Tangible Fixed Assets
5
Cash in Hand Banked
Total Net Current
Assets		 Restricted
Unrestricted
Total
Total
Funds
Funds
2024
2023
£
£
£
£
-
-
-
918
6,776
-1,411
5,365
5,988
6,776
-1,411
5,365
6,906

16

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS AND THANK YOU NOTES

LCN is enormously grateful for the support we receive years on years from all our supporters, the year under review though was challenging, it was exceptional. We foster strong community cohesion, partnerships, and work collaboratively to deliver ranges of a person-centred suite of services to positively impact individual, and collective health and wellbeing outcomes.

OUR FUNDING SOURCES:

LCN Petron Fund The Gift Aid The Big Give Mutual Aid Funds Lumego United – Peer-Led Membership Members Fees and Voluntary Giving Individual Well-Wishers Donations and Fundraisings LCN Trustees and Volunteer’s Support

OUR TEAM UK & UGANDA:

The Patrons The Board of Director The Frontline Volunteers Work Placement Students Overseas Volunteers

PARTNERS & OTHER SUPPOERS

UK:

African Women’s Care Brent CVS Ealing CVS Evelyn Oldfield Unit Bond UK Refugee Council Skills for Care The Financial Conduct Authority Charity Commission Companies House Other Local Community Contributors

OVERSEAS:

LCN Uganda Affiliate Kong Odonge (Help Elders) Initiative – Dokolo District Lagora Children Support Group – Latanya, Pader District Unityhood Community Event – Management & Mobilisation, Kitgum District St Andrew’s Church of Uganda, Angwetangwet, Lira District Community and Children Development Centre – Lira district The Mother’s Union – Church of Uganda, Lira City Voice of Gospel 97.7 Community Outreach Radio, Lira City Dara & Mentors Primary School – Lira City Lira, Gulu, Kitgum and Pader Districts Local Governments Many Other Local Community Contributors

17