ommunity lJuage Support Services an Annual Report 1"April 2023- 31 March 2024 Registered Charlty Number: 1115756
COMMUNITY LANGUAGE SUPPORT SERVICES CONTENTS PAGE REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS TRUSTEES, REPORT STRUCTURE. GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT INDEPENDENT EXAIMINER'S REPORT STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES io BALANCE SHEET li NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STA TEMENTS 12 INCOME AIYD EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT (This report does not form part of the Financial Statements) 15
COMMUNITY LANGUAGE SUPPORT SERVICES REFERENCE AND ADMrfISTRATIVE DETAILS Trustees Dr Zibiah Alfred Loakthar Chair Ruth Clarke Secretary Mebrahtu Russom Treasurer Zahra Suleiman MC Member Sega Habtom MC Member Kaous2r Hannach MC Member Natu Hadisb MC Mernber Charity Number 1115756 Registered Office St Mellitus Church The Presbytery Tollington Park Londoll N4 3AG Bankers Barclays Bank Camden House East Summer Row Birmillgham BI 3PF
COMMUNITY LANGUAGE SUPPORT SERVICES TRUSTEES. REPORT Chair's Re ort This past year has been another very busy one with CLSS. supporting MMunity mernrs with ongoing and new issues, and also supporting new people referred to us by professionals and by those in the community that trust our seNus and recommend them to others. A growing community can bring us exlia challenges around resourcing but is also a great source ofjoy and new friendships, peer support, solidarity and inspiring community aclivism. Al CLSS we are proud of everyone's resilience in the face of many challenges.11 is great leslimony lo the woik of the CLSS team when people who have been in some way helped by our services, come bxk and volunteer with good will Iheir tinE and skills for the community. A heartfelt thank you from all the trustees lo all our volunteers, both those who help in the office and those who help at events and wlh our befriendiro scheme and those whose help behind the scenes, less visible volunteering but equally important. You are an inspiration to everyone,. each person's contribution is invaluable. Thank you loo lo all CLSS staff, namely Tsega Solomon, Maxamed Maslax, Segen Hadlsh, Llnda Raymond and Wezenet Haile who have also gor¢e above and beyond lo support our community and who have showed great dedication, sI11ece and delerminalion, working as a sliong team to ensure people are supported in meaningful ways and social justlce issues a raised and taken forward. CLSS has this year has again supported people multilingualty wth infomialion. advice, and advocacy, signposting lo relevant health and social seNices, and practical support in limes of crisis. With Iiaining and supp)rt, we have helped people lo access volunteer opportunities and employment. We continue lo lind creative ways to bring our community together and connect people experiencing loneliness and isolation with others with creative knilling projecls and tailored volunteering opportunities. We also give talks across differenl sectors about the issues Ihal people in our communily ale facing and willingly share oilr good practice and Kleas with people from the charity and community sector, as well as fundeis, pjlicy makers and academics. Thanks lo everyone who has supported the building ofcommunily and helFed CLSS in its work to tackle povety, isolation and social exclusion. Thanks lo everyone who has offered ideas, lime, advice, guidance, expertise, resources, professional development training, connections and Practical and financial SUPFQrt. Your support makes all the difference in our community. A special thanks to our Ccrf)rdinalor Wezenet for continuing her inspiring leadeiship of our charily's hrk. Thank you to all our funders this year. We (ntInUe to look for creatNe ways to build the resources and SUPFKIrt we can offer the community. Al CLSS welcome ideas, suggestions and approaches from individuals and organisations wishing to collaborate. As always, we welcome new volunteers into the heart and warmth of our community. We are proud of our reputation in the community as a grassroots frontline charity that walks vith people facing challenges, offering support in a sensitive way so that people can INe as indeperKlenlly as FJ)ssible, whilst creallng opportunities for people to become more involved in community life. As we appToach our 20th year of operating as a charity, we are looking lo bring the community together lo celebrate. We would love lo hear your ideas of what you think might be appropriate herel Dr Zibiah Alfred Loaklhar (Chair)
COMMUNITY LANGUAGE SUPPORT SERVICES CLSS Background The Community Language Support servIs (CLSS) objectives are to provide people with limited English language skills and their dependants (clients), with communication services and support to help relieve isolation and promote fuller integration into UK social and economic life. CLSS aims to improve the health and well-being of minority ethnic and migrant communities, particularly those living in Islington and across greater London. We address these objectives through delivering a wide range of information, advice, advocacy and support by telephone, face to face and outreach visits to our clients, homes, to people in need in Islinglon and the neighbouring boroughs. We work with a diverse range of people from minority ethnic groups and tackle a broad range of issues. 900/0 of our clients have language difficulties and digital exclusion 95% are BMER backgrounds and 100% live in low incorne 75% of our clients have disabilities and need ongoing support. Our staff understands the cultural sensitivity of our clients and delivers vital support services to help those marginalised communities to access needed services and the benefit to which they might be entitled. Supported in community building, through delivering monthly group talking sessions, health awareness workshops and women's self-help group knitting, sewing sesslons. We have delivered specialist advice, advocacy and emotional support in clients first language. We have insured continues engagement with those hard-to-reach isolated, vulnerable members of our community, get the help and support they need, enabling people to maximlse their Incorne through accessing the right benefit entitlements. Our Vislon: To transform the lives of people in the community, so that people overcome the barriers that stand in the way of living healthy lives, and then see people rebuild self-confidence and develop the required skills to flourish and gain greater independen. Our Mission: To help those who are most in need who are vulnerable, disadvantaged and isolated from mlnoritised ethnic communities particularly within local East African and Arabic speaking communities, supporting people to improve quality of life uali Assurance,. CLSS delivers its services efficiently and effectively In accordance with the objectives of the charity. CLSS offers a broad range of quality serVIS underpinned by an ethos of equality of opportunity, impartiality, and fairness, particularly in respect of political, religious, and ethnic affiliations. CLSS holds an Advice, Qualily Standard {AQS) and is registered with the Office of the Immigration servi Commissioner (OISC). CLSS STAFF AND VOLUNTEERS DEVELOPMENT CLSS is committed lo providing staff and volunteers with development opportunities to ensure Ihal staff members have the professional knowledge and skills necessary lo meet the needs of our clients and to achieve the organisation's goals. During the year, our staff and volunteers have attended various training. Including on welfare benefits, housing, health, safeguarding, and imrnigration matters to support ongoing professional devebprrEnt.
COMMUNITY LANGUAGE SUPPORT SERVICES Networkin We have strong links and good working relationships with the statutory, voluntary, community organisations and SUPFY)rting agencies in Ihe boroughs and London wide. We attend regular infomiation sharing rneetings delivered by the statutory, voluntary community organisations, and supporting agencies and have been able to develop connections and a close networking relationship with statutory seNIs, organisations and supporting agencies. Including, Islington Advice Alliance, Irish in Britain Cuihmne Memory Loss Alliance, Islington Refugee Forum, Islington Black Minority Advi Alliance, (IBAA), Manor Gardens Health Advocacy, Heallhwatch Islington, Voluntary Action Islington. The Centre for Trauma, Asylum and Refugees (CTARI of Middlesex University, Tavistock Refugee Hub, Asylos, Islington Hate Crime Forum and other. Through our networks we were able to access informatlon and opportunllies, sharing independent expertise and developed partnership vrk, in which has broadened our capaclty to address community needs. In partnership with the Healthwatch Islington delivered health awareness sessions. Our staff attended free trainlng webinar on Researching and using Country of Origin Informalion on Asylum delivered by Asylus. Trainingon Creative Reminiscence delivered by Cuimhne, the Irish in Britain to help people living with memory loss and dementia, etc. Advice Service: Advice service is in demand, an increasing number of people seeking advice on welfare benefits, housing, immigration, employment, consumer and health issues. Over the year, 2671 people have accessed our specialist advi and support sesslons and workshops. 1,607 were regular clients Ihroughoul the year, each with multiple support needs, We have reiVed clients from further afield who are going through extreme difficulties. They say, 'we could not flnd someone to help us. This shows there is a gap in advice provisions in London. The cost-of-living crises, and the changes in the welfare and housing system compounded by language barriers and digital exclusion made harder for peopte to suNive and cope. Many cllents suffer from depression, and family breakdovm due to unemployment, poverty and lack of support at the right time. People with mental health perceived to be forgotten, in particular those with no close relatives or connections in the UK. Despite the challenges faced, due to the increased number of people coming for help, our Servi helped clients with their support need. We received many referrals and signposted clients who needed to claim for Employrnent Support Allowance, UC50, Disability Living Allowance IDLA), Personal Independence Payment (PIP) attendance Allowan and to help with mandatory reconsideration and tribunal appeal on welfare benefit cases. As shown in the graph. we have seen an increased enquiries on ¥lfare benefit and housing. This largely caused by the cost-of-living crises migratK)n from welfare benefit to 4013 4000 30LY) 20C¥J 1403 870 670 357- Welfare Benefit Hou&ng Health Education Emmlgration
COMMUNITY LANGUAGE SUPPORT SERVICES Universal Credit (UC) and digital exclusion have made life harder for the mostdisadvantaged community. Claimants of UC have required ongoing support with their claims and lo respond to the DWP requests to avoid delays of payment, sanctions and rent arrears. Housing needs and homelessness are high, many lives in the pr housing condilK)ns and overcrowding. Those on low income in the private sector rented face poverty, most of their income goes towards their rent, They cannot afford lo feed their family and depend on food banks. Many suffered from depression, and anxiety. We have helped clients lo a(xess the right welfare benefit entitlements, Discretionary Housing Payment {DHP), provided emergency welfare grant received from Cloudesley Charily and the Cripplegale Foundation Crises appeal grants lo help those facing destitution and poverty. We referred clients lo age UK. CLSS continue dellvering one to one digital inclusion support. This helped clients develop confidence and skills and become more indeFendent. If they need more help, they come lo us. We also linked people into ESOL and trainirvJ courses to improve their English language aThJ find employThnt, to become independent. Anon mlsed Case Exam le,, Mr B is a refugee, twice his asylum claim has been refused. He was going through depression and faced many challenges. He was moving aiound to the centres for a free meal and was surviving with the support of friends from the community. Over the years, his mental health started to deteriorate due to the unrtainlY of his asylum claim and challenges faced. CLSS provided him ongoing support. After thirteen years he has been granted leave to Remain for 5 years. He said I would not have coped without CLSS support. Giving a little help can make a differen. Health awareness worksho We have delivered various gender specific health awareness sessions with the assistance of Healthwatch and health speaker from Islinglon Mental Health Core Team. CLSS staff and volunteers assisted with interpreting and translating in community languages. Our mental health support worker delivers one to one and group talking sessions, this helped people feel more confident and Gomfortable to engage and were able to open up with each other. The service has helped to bridge the gap caused by the stigma of mental health and culture. 76 famllies with caring responsibilities have been supported to aCsS the right health services and benefits. 450 clients with disabilities received ongoing supp)rt. CLSS worked closely with the South Islington Rehabilitation Service, the Traumatic Slress Clinic, and other services lo provide people wilh information and further support for thelr healthcare needs. This has increased client aWanesS and empowered to access servIs. Women rou sessions: Our women's self-help group, knitllng and sewing classes developed well. The session brought diverse women from diffent backgrounds together, learning new skills and developed supportive friendships and become active members of the community. 25 women continue providing befriending for the housebound and the eldedy through CLSS supeNision and support.
COMMUNITY LANGUAGE SUPPORT SERVICES Durlng our community events, women attending this group speak up at()ut community need and encourage others to access the support available. Through their help we were able lo help more vulnerable housebound members of our community. Immi ration Immigration Servi is in huge demand, due to the reduction of the legal aid. Many experience difficulties to find an immigration solicitor. Asylum seekers in hotel live in poor conditions, the uncertainty of their asylum and lacking suptM)rt impacted on their health wellbeing. People seeking asylum experience trauma in their home country and Ileeing to protect themselves, unfortunately, face other challenges durtng the asylum PrOsS and to access information and support. CLSS provide immigration advice and Servi at OISC Level1 on Immigration asylum and protection. We helped clients adjust in the UK and linked them to their community to facilitate their integralion within the community. We have referredlsignposted clients to immigration solicitors. We provide infomiation and support and provided interpreting and translation as needed, We helped destitute vulnerable failed asylum seekers to aCsS the No Recourse to Public Fund (NRPF) for errErgenGy financial support. We have assisted cllents to access welfare grant from the Cloudesley. Given little help and support made people feel they have somewhere to turn lo. Achlevement: CLSS continues to grow and achieved its goals, improving people's Ilves. Our specialist advic8 and support have achieved 95 % success rate in helping clients with Ihelr benefit entitlements and support they need. Brought people together through delivering group activities and health awareness sessions. 240 who suffer from depression have been empowered to seek help. 85Yo of our clients have reported their financial and health wellbeing improved. 450 people wth disabilities recelved ongoing support. 350 isolaled people have en encouraged to participat8 in group activities. Helped bridging the gap and the stigma impacting people from getting the help and support they need. Improved peoples financial and health wellbeing and tackled, poverty, isolation and loneliness. Summa Advice and support services are in huge demand. We ceiVed many enquiries needing urgent support. Our staff worked extra hours to address community needs. CLSS assisted its beneficiaries to access welfare enlitlemenls and needed services. The cosl-of-living crises and digital exclusion impacted on people's lives. 90% of our clients have language barriers and require ongoing support. We are helping people to remain connected through delivering group activities, Our gender specific health awareness sessions vRre beneficial. We provided a befriending service to those housebound and isolated members ofour community, through outreach and home visits. We have strenglhened further ourservices and working latIOnShips, with statutory and other supporting agencies, responding to the growing community needs. The sustainability of the organisation enabled us to create new projects according to the need of the community.
COMMUNITY LANGUAGE SUPPORT SERVICES A massive thank you to our funders and supporters including: the Crtpplegale Foundation, Islington Council, The National Loltery Community funds, Trust for London, Cloudesley Charity for being very generous and responding to our needs and those of the community. Your generous grant and support helped us to increase further our services and helped people to thrive. Without your help and support this achievement Yuld not have been achieved. A massive thank you to NRPF team from Islington Council for resp)nding to the need of our clients. Thanks to our Management Committee, for your encouragement and continued support which helped us to work more and enjoy seeing a positive change in people's lives. Thank you lo Healthwalch Islinglon, Voluntary Action Islington, IRMF team, our staff and volunleers, MPS, and St Mellitus Church, for all your support to CLSS and the cofflmunity. Financial: The charitls principal Sour of income is grants from public funding and other charities. In the year ended 31 March 2024 the principal grant funders were Islington Council, National Lottery Community Fund, Islington Community Chest (Cripplegate Foundation), 'Cloudesley's Charity, and Trust for London. Our lolal income for the year ended 31st March 2024 was £135,977. Total expenditure for the year ended 31 of March was £122,209. Balance of£146,285 is fOarded for the continuation of the project. This includes £48,823 in Unrestricted Reserves, equivalent to just under 6 months expenditure level. Independently examined financial Activities for the year ended March 2024 is provided. We are actively identifying other funders and developing proposals. STRUCTURE GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT CLSS is run by a Management Commiltee of 7 volunleets. The Board of Ttuslees has responsibility for all governance, policy, strategy, and financial mallers. The Board of Ttuslees rr£t 4 limes during the year. We have 5 staff (a Coordinalorladvice w)rker and 4 adviserslsupport YKJrkers and a team of 7 committed volunteers who assist with providing interpreting and SUPFJ)rting users. We also have 25 volunteer befiienders. Volunteers are supervised by the coordinator and staff leam. Mana ement The coordlnalor is responsible for the overall rnanagemenl and coordination of aclivilies, advises the Board and implements decisions taken by Iruslees. The coordinator manages line manages the staff and volunteer team and rep)rts lo Ihe Chair of the Board.
COMMUNITY LANGUAGE SUPPORT SERVICES INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT Report to the trustees of COMMUNITY LANGUAGE SUPPORT SERVICES On accounts for the year ended 31 MARCH 2024 Charity no 1115756 Respective responsibilities of trustees and examiner The charity's trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. The charity's trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year under section 144 of the Charities Act 2011 ("the Charities Act") and that an independent examination is needed. It is my responsibility to: examine the accounts under section 145 of the Charities Act, to follow the procedures laid down in the general Directions given by the Charity Commission (under section 145(5)(b) of the Charities Act, and to state whether particular matters have come to my attention. Basis of independent examiner s statement My examination was carried out in accordance with general Directions given by the Charity Commission. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts, and seeking explanations from the trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit, and consequently no opinion is given as to whether the accounts present a 'true and fair, view and the report is limited to those matters set out in the statement below. In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in, any material respect, the requirements: to keep accounting records in accordance with section 130 of the Charities Act. and to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and comply with the accounting requirements of the Charities Act have not been met. or 2. to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached. Date: Independent examiner's statement Signed: - /£. gc,24 Name: Maia Phutkaradze 6 Thistledown House, UB6 7FL Address:
COMMUNITY LANGUAGE SUPPORT SERVICES STATEMENT OF FtNANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 Notes Unrestrlcted Funds Restrlcted Funds 2024 2023 INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS Donatlons and Legacies Income From Charitable Activltles: Grants Total Income 1.050 1,050 576 134,927 134 927 134 927 129,284 129,860 1.050 135,977 EXPENDITURE Expenditure on Charitable activities Total ExpendltUTe 120,145 120,145 122,209 122 209 102,145 102 145 Net Movement of Funds In Year Transfer between funds (1,014) 14,782 13,768 27,715 Surplusl{Deficlt) for the year Total funds brought forward Total funds carrSed forward 49,837 48,823 132 517 104,802 132,517 97,462 146,285 10
COMMUNITY LANGUAGE SUPPORT SERVICES BALANCE SHEEr AS AT 31 MAR 2024 Notes 2024 2023 CURRENT ASSETS Balance per Bank statement Cash in hand 145,604 681 133,645 146,285 133 645 ct]RRENf LIABILIIIES Amounts due falling within one year 1,128 NET CURRENT ASSETS 146 285 132517 Unrestricted Restricted TOTAL FUThIDS 48,823 49,837 146 285 132,517 Approved by the board on And signed on its behalf by Chair Treasurer 11
COMMUNITY LANGUAGE SUPPORT SERVICES NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS l. Accounting Policies l. l The accounts have been prepared in accordance with the Statement of Recommended Practice". Accounting and Reporting by Charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) issued on 16 July 2014 and with the Charities Act 2011. The charity constitutes a public benefit entity as defined by FRS 102. 1.2 The accounts have been prepared on the going Concern basis. 1.3 Income is i'ecognised in the Statement of Financial Activities (SOFA) when the charity becomes entitled to the resources, it is more likely than not that the trustees will receive the resources and the monetary value can be measured with sufficient reliability. 1.4 Expendire is included when incurred and liabilities are established for all services once provided. Expenditure includes amounts of irrecoverable VAT where charged. Expenditure on operational programmes 15 recognised in the period in whiGh it is incurred. 1.5 No trustee was paid or received any benefit in the current year. No transactions occurred with any trustee or connected person/s with material interest in the year. 1.6 Grants received are for restricted purposes and realised in the accounts within the year. The charity does not operate any endowment funds. 1.7 Restricted funds are to be used for restricted pury)oses as laid down by the donor. Expenditure which meets this criteria is identified to the funds. 2. Fixed Assets The assets with the value over £800 are depreciated over the period of 5 years with no residual value on the straight line basis. Cost b/f l Apr 23 Additlons Disposal 923 Depreclatlon b/f at l Apr 23 Charge for the year Depreclation c/f 31 Mar 24 923 923 Net Book Value b/f at l Apf 23 Net Book Value c/f at 31 Mar 24 12
COMMUNITY LANGUAGE SUPPORT SERVICES Unrestricted Funds 3. Donations and Legaeies 2024 2023 Donations and Legacies 576 Unrestrlcted Restrlcted Funds Funds 4. Illcome from charitable activities: Grants 2024 2023 National Lottery Community Fund Richard Cloudesley's Charity (Welfare Grant) Richard Cloudesley's Charity Trust For London Islington Council's Community Chest Cripplegate Foundation Isllngton Giving Crlsis Appeal Cripplegale Foundation Main Grant Cripplegate Foundation Islington Giving Holloway Nelgbourhood Group Islington Council Healthwatch Islington TOTAL 40,354 40,354 4,000 4,000 8,750 8,750 27,625 27,625 5,000 5,000 20,107 4,000 10,000 15,965 5,000 5,000 13,000 9,826 1,440 24,000 20,946 129 284 10,000 10,000 9,826 9,826 24,000 24,000 5,372 5,372 134 927 134 927 5. Expenditure on Charitable Activities Unrestrl¢ted Funds Restrlcted Funds 2024 2023 Salaries and Wages Rents, Rates & Service Charges Individual Grants Hall Hire Stationary Volunteer Expenses PhotocopylPostage Telephone Refreshrnenls MembershSp fees DBS Check Homeworklng Gosts IT and Consultancy Subscriptions Training Cleaning Product Equipment Insurance Ac¢ounlanGy & Audit AQS Audit Total Expenditure 104,014 6,000 4.895 951 187 673 377 696 740 104,014 6,000 4,896 951 187 673 377 696 740 575 111 386 616 40 324 135 671 468 350 80,136 6,000 7,060 588 380 608 130 719 442 384 575 111 386 616 40 192 1.315 40 110 56 1,649 424 400 324 135 671 468 350 1,512 102,145 2,064 120,145 122,209 13
COMMUNITY LANGUAGE SUPPORT SERVICES 6. Analysis of Net Assets Between Funds Unrestricted Funds Restricted Funds 2024 2023 Tangible fixed assets Current assets 48,823 97,462 146,285 133,645 11,1281 132 517 Current liabilitles Net assets 48.823 97,462 146,285 14
COMMUNITY LANGUAGE SUPPORT SERVICES INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 UnTe5trlcted Restrlcted Funds Funds 2024 2023 Incomlng resources National Lottery Community Fund Richard Cloudesley's Charity (Welfare Grant) Richard Cloudesley's Charity Trust For London Islington Council's Community Chest Cripplegale Foundation Islington Giving Crlsis Appeal Cripplegate Foundation Main Grant Cripplegate Foundation Islington Glving Holloway Neigbourhood Group 151ington Councll Healthwatch Islington Local Giving.com (Donation and Gifts) Total Incoming Re50ur¢es 40,354 40,354 20,107 4,000 4,000 4,000 8,750 ,750 10,000 27,625 27,625 15,965 5,000 5,000 5,000 5,000 10,000 10,000 13,000 9,826 9,826 9,826 1,440 24,000 24,000 24,000 5,372 5,372 20,946 1,050 576 134 927 135 977 129 860 1.050 Resources Expended Salarles and Wages Rents, Rates & SeNlce Charges Indlvidual Grants Hall Hire stationary Volunteer Expenses PhotocopylPostage Telephone Refreshments Membership fees DBS Check Homeworking costs IT and Consultancy Subscrlptions Training Cleanlng Product Equipment Insurance Accountancy & Audit AQS Audit Total Expendlture 104,014 104,014 80,136 6,000 6,000 6,000 4,895 4,895 7,060 951 951 588 187 187 380 673 673 608 377 377 696 696 740 740 575 111 386 616 40 324 135 671 468 350 130 719 442 384 575 111 386 616 40 324 192 1,315 40 110 56 1,649 424 400 135 671 468 350 1,512 120,145 122,209 102,145 2,064 Net Incomlng Resources (Outgoing) Transfers between funds Net Surplus I (Deficit) Balance B/fwd Balance Clfwd 101104124) 14,782 13768 27,715 1,014 49,837 48,823 14,782 13,768 27,715 82680 132517 104802 97,462 146,285 132,517 15