ommunity Duage Supporl Services an sl Annual Report l April 2024- 31 March 2025 Registered Charity Number: l 115756
COMMUNITY LANGUAGE SUPPORT SERVICES CONTENTS PAGE REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS TRUSTEES, REPORT STRUCTURE. GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT 4-11 INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S RLIPORT 12 STATEMENT or FINANCIAL ACTIVITI&S 13 BALANCE SHEET 14 NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 15-16
COMMUNITY LANGUAGE SUPPORT SERVICES REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS Trustees Dr Zibiah Alfred Loakthar Ruth Clarke Mebrahtu Russom Zahra Suleiman Sega Habtom Nalu Hadish Chair Secretary Treasurer MC Member MC Member MC Member Charity Number 1115756 Registered Office St MellitU5 Church The Presbytery Tollington Park Londoi) N4 3AG Bankers Barclays Bank Camden Ilouse East Summcr Row Birmingham BI 3PF Independent Examiners EKB Accountancy Services Chartered Certified Accountants and regRStered Auditors 39-41 North Road London N7 9DP
COMMUNITY LANGUAGE SUPPORT SERVICES TRUSTEES, REPORT Chairfs Re ort CLSS has been building a slrong reput81ion acmss communiti'es, fhese past twenty years, as an organisation that will listen, Care and acl. Communify is al the rool of our work. Our adivilies foster connection, empalhy, inclusion andbelonging. Manypeople who maycon7e to CLSS in difficult times and offen from soaelys margins, lell us Ihal they have been able lo find a place to feel at home wilhin our communrty. Our volunteers conlribute to our community's vibrancy and to collective care for everyones wellbeing, Many of our volunteers have lived experien of adversty, and all go extra miles lo help others experiencing adv8rsity draw upon inn8rresilience and hope. CLSS brings people logelher from diverse communilies and backgiounds faci7italing Ihe possibilities of friendship and shared learning and understanding acro&s communities. This year our volunteer-led English18nguag8 cl8sses have been extremely popular as has our women's support group. Our Glasses for people to develop Seng and knitting sknlls also enable people lo develop strong Iriendships. Our monthly coffee and fruts miynings for men and lor women create spaces for people to come togeth8r on a regularbasis and talk, offerpeer support and s88k advice Imm our trned sfraff team. Our airn is to supportpeop16 slruggling in tough times nol simply to COP8 but. in time, to thrive, W8 offer mullilingual support in 8 myriad of ways fhrough infonnalion. advice, and advocacy. signposling lo relevant heallh and soci81seI¢e$, pr8Cticalsupport in times of crisis and 8SSlStance lo people to accgss volunt8er opportunities and employment. This year we have found Ihal Ihe universal credit syslem has been particulaffy difficull lor digitally excluded peopl8 to navigale. CLSS has helped peopl8 10 8ccess Iheir accounts and online joumals, complele online applicalions and give evidence lo report changes in CircumstanS. Wher8 possible, w8 have also h8lped people to Increase digit81 literacy skill confidence so that people can navigate systems independently. As a charily we seek to 1&9rn from others and posilively en(rage our staff 8nd volunteers to 8ttend ongoingprofessionaldevelopmenl Iraining andre18V8nt forum and cross-seclormeelings, We seek share ourgoodpractice and le8ming wilh others Ihrough partnership work wilh olh8r organisalions and through cross-s8Ctoral discussion and dialogue th Ihe charily and community sector, seThiGe providers, local council, policy makers, researchers, 8cademics and fvnders. We wish lo thank the funders who support our work, espeually Islinglon Council, Cloudesley Charity, Trust for London, Nafional Lottery Communily Fund, Cnpplegate Foundalion, Healthwalch Islington. We do not tak8 this support for granted and see the grants we do retsive as a strong leslament to the h8rd work and impact our CLSS te8m is h8ving in supporting people in our communty. We are 81so very grateful to Cloudesley Ch8rity for supporting people in our communty with emergency grants, and the Cripplegate Foundalion forthwr grant for carers. Such support realty helps make a differen to people's lives. We are delighted too lo have secured funding from City Bridge and the National Lottery Reaching Communifres Fund which will help ensure the susl&nabilily of our work for Ihe ne five years. Warm thanks to our office andactivily volunteers who generously contribule energy, ideas, time andskills to the soual Justi work of our organisalion to lackle poverty, isolalion and soual exdusion. Heartfell thanks too to our skilled CLSS staff team.. Tsega Solomon. Maxamed Maslax, Segen Hadish, Linda Raymond and our Coordinator Wezenet Haile. Strong teamwork and sfeadfasf d8dic81ion to making a positive drfference gives CLSS ils good name. Your energy, commitment. and posilwe approach insre people wrfhin and beyond our communty to step forward to support our communify. As always, we welcome approaches from individuals and org8nisations wishing to becoffle involved wilh our work and fo collaborat6, We look forward this Spring to matking 20 years of Servi fo the communty, wher8 we will come logether to look back and refleLY, as well as fOard to the fvlure. Dr Zibiah Alfied Loakthar (Chair)
COMMUNITY LANGUAGE SUPPORT RVICES CLSS Background Community Language SuppN)rt Setvices (CLSSI was established in 2005 as a registered charity, in response to a significant need for support. advi, and advocacy within refugee communities. The primary beneficiaries of our ServIS are from minorilised ethnic groups and Iople seeking sanctuary in the UK, originating from East Africa and from other Aratic-speaking communities. OUT organisation is dedicated lo providing petson-centred, holistic advice and support. This includes visiting people in their home5, bringing individuals together in group settings, and working cdlaboratively to enhan health and wellbeing. The staff and Iruslees at CLSS p)ssess a comprehensive understalIng of the cultural sensilivilies and unique needs of our community members. This awareness fosters an environment in which individuals feel al ease and are able lo build trust wilh our team. A substantial proportion, over 90% of people using CLSS services, live on low incomes and fa significanl challenges due lo language barriers, and digital exclusion, 750k of our clients have disabilities and have experien health inequalities, meaning they require ongoing suptxjrt to access services and enlillements. To help address these challenges, CLSS facilitates activities that promote inlegration wlhin the wider community, supporting users to overcome barriers and participate fulty in sc¢iety. The Charity Objectives are., {1) To advance the education and training of peorje VAlh limited English language skills and their dependants in need thereof so as to advance people in life and assist people to adapt within a new communily. {2} The provision of facilities for recreation or other leisure lime c£cvpalion th the object of improving the conditions of life of those persons have need of such facilities by reason of their youth, age, infirmity or disablement, financial hardship or Sla1 and economic circumstances. 13) The relief of unemploymenl of people wilh limited English language skills and in particular those In London, by the provisK)n of vccational and skills training, advice and supwrt. Vision Our vision is to transform Ihe lives of individuals within the community by supporting them to overcome the obstacles that prevent them from leading healthy and fulfilling lives. Through our services, we strive to empower people to bUIld their self-confidence, acquire essential skills, and ultimately achieve greater independence. Mission Our mission is lo provide support lo those who are most in need vulnerable, disadvantaged, and isolated individuals from minorilised ethnic communities. We focus parlicularly on Iixal Ea51 African and Arabic- speaking communities, helping people to improve their quality of life and enabling them to participate more fully in s(xiety. Quality Assurance CLSS is dedicated lo delivering services efficiently and effectiveFy, in line wth the objectives of the charity. We offer a broad range of quality servIs, all Undeinned by a commitment lo equality of opportunity, impartiality, and faimess, regardless of Folitical, religious, or ethn background. CLSS maintains high slandards by holding Ihe Advice Quality Standard (AQS) arKI is registered Yith the Immigration Advice Authority IIAAI.
COMMUNITY LANGUAGE SUPPORT SFRVICES Staff and Volunteer Development Community Language Support servIs {CLSS) maintains a strong commitment lo the professional development of ils staff and volunteers. The organisation places emphasis on ensuiing that all team members have access lo opportunities that enhance their expertise, enabling them lo effectively meet client needs and contribute lo the &hievemenl of organisational obl1VeS. Staff and volunteers at CLSS have partrcipaled in a wde range of training sessions. These professlonal development activities have equipped them with valuable knovAedge and piaclical skills, which they are able to ulilise wlhin the community. The team remains diCated to addressing the increasing demand for CLSS services and to developing new iniliats'ves that are resp)nsive to the evolving needs of community membeis. Networking Our staff have established robust connections and effective working relationships with slalutory bodies, voluntary organisalions, community groups. and supporting aJencies across both Islington boroughs and the wider London area. Regular participation in informalion-sharing meelings delivered by a variety of slalulory and voluntary organisalions as well as communily-based agencies has enabled us lo build and maintain a close nelwoik of partners and service providers relevant lo our wDtk. We acllvely engage In a range of regular meetings and forums, including.. Advising Islinglon Together, Asylos (research for asylum seekers), Bright Llves Praclilioner Network, Cenlre for Trauma, Asylum and Refugees (CTAR) at the Universily of Essex, Cross Islinglon Coordination Call meetings, Hale Crime Forum, Islinglon Black Minorily Advice Alliance {IBA4}, Islinglon Refugee Forum, Heallhwatch Islinglon, Islinglon Strategic Advice Partnerships, Migrant Support Project Working Together Meeting, and Tavislc¢k Refugee Hub and Voluntary Action Islinglon. Our commitment lo ne1WDIng has not only strengthen8J our professional relationships but also enhanced our capacity by facililaling Ihe exchange of infotmalion and independent expertise, This collaborative approach has broadened our abilily lo meet the needs of the ¥Mder community. In particular, our partnership with Heallhwalch Islinglon has enabled us to engage with health specialists from the NHS, further expanding our support nelwork for SeICe users. Staff members also attend regular meetings at the Tavistock Refugee Hub, which has proven lo be highly productive. These meetings bling together a diverse group of praclilioners, community represenlalives, and organisaltons working with asylum seekers, refugees, and forcibly displaced people. They provide a valuable forum for information sharing and reflection, supporting the development of best practices tailored lo address the varied and complex needs of individuals wlhin these communilies. Our Provislons of Services We have worked extensively with indivKluals from marginalised communities, with a particular focus on those from minorilised ethnic and fefugee backgrounds mainly those from East Africa and other Arab speaking communities. Over the year, 2981 people have ssed our specialist advi, support and workshops. 1821 people were regular clients throughout the year. Our apprOh is grounded in person- cenlred and holistic support, ensuring that each service user reiVeS tailored advi, advocacy, and assistance that addresses their unique circumstances and challenges. The recent changes lo welfare and housing systems, such as the Iransition lo Universal Credit and the ongoing cosl-of-living crisis, have had a profound effect on wple who acws our Se1. There has been a marked increase in the number of indtviduals neIng urgent supp)rt, many of whom are facing intricate challenges compounded by language barriers, digital exclusion, and financial hardship. In response, our staff have shi)wn exceptional dedication. va)rking extended hours to ensure that clients receive the help they need to navigate these difficult limes. Their commitmenl has ken vital in helping people lo coFe, access essential services, and maintain stability during riodS of acute vulnerability.
COMMUNITY LANGUAGE SUPPORT SEIRVICCIS recdve the help Ihey need to navtgale thesè dlfficull ilmes, Thelr commitm1 has be8n vilal In hellng peoplo to cope, access essenlial setvices, and malnlaln slaLNlily duiing peiKds of acute vvlnerabllily. Flg 1. CLSS d8alt wlh the follovAng inquiries throughout the year. We have seen an increased number ol Inquirles on welfare benefit. We hav8 8upporied clients migraling Irom wèll8ré nefils lo UniveTsal Credil wilhin Ihe Um81rames requlred by Ihe OWP, enabting Ihom lo continue recelving transitional proleclion paymenis whllsl Ihelr Services provAded by CLSS 1st Aprll 2024- 31st March 2025 sooo 40C¥) 30 1931 871 370 677 Unlversal Cfedll dalms are wocessed. We recelved rNJre relerrals and sfjgnposled dlents from communlly groups m8ny olwhom were vulneiable experlenclng poverty needlNJ a$$ls18nce th 8cce88 lo we118re b8nefits, houslThJ. rA7umerS 8fKF IMmration malth. IndSvlduals f£dng language baiiier8 ordigltal exdusion often sthJg918 lo respond to Departm1 forwo and Pensions {DWP} iequesls and are In urgent need ol ongolng support. Ungmploymenl has rfsen, and many ale already ¢onlendlng wllh poverty, depression, anety, and famlty brèakdown, 811 ofwhlch hav8 been exacerbated by lh8 gOIng ¢osl-of-lfvltvJ lS[S and or unemphjymenl. W8 have successlulty asslsled dlenls th appkalk8 fora Tae Ofb8flts, Indudlng UC50, ths8bllly Llvlng Allowance IDLA). Universal Credit, Per&al Independence Paymenl IPIPI, Carers Allowanc8, A118ndanc8 Allowance, armi Dlscrellonary Houslng Paym8nl IDHPI elc. Notably. 90% of applicatsons wo have supported have been successlul WillUl Ihè nèed lor mandatory recA)nslderalion or appeals, 8nd 95% of Irlbun81 appeals lor wellare benefit cases have resulted In a favourable oulcome. Many people h8ve comm8nl8d,"Thls Is thè klnd ol seNl¢e w8 neid.. Housing Needs and Support Housing needs and tha risk of hom618ssness remaln significant concerns wllhln our commun51y. Many Indivlduals and lamilles conlinue lo live In poor hjsIng nditionS and laca Ihe challenges of ovgrcrowding. Those resldlng In 1Xale renled acc0mndati0n are parli¢ularty vulnèr8blo. wlh a subslanilal number experien¢lng povety 8nd being adveety affected by benefil caps. As a rasull, most of Ihelr Incomo Is dlrected towards ienL often leaving them wilhoul suffi¢lenl funds lo feed Ih81r famllies and forclng Ihern lo rety on food banks. Thls wecarfous slluallon has clrIbUted lo increased levels ol depresslon and 8nxlety among Ih)se affeded. In resp*ffise lo Ihese d)allenges, we asslst dlents In appIfy for Disctelionary Hrjjsing Paymenl IDHP) lo help 811evlale Ilnanclal pressures related to hou&ng costs. Furthermore. 5upF IriNn welfare grants such 8s those prded by the Cloudeslèy Charlly and carers grants Ifom the Cripplegale Foundalion, has enabled us to offeremergency finanaal assistance to 26 indmduals faang heallhThrelaled diificullies, Ilnandal ¢rises, or deslilulion."241 people have been helped lo apY lorWalerHelp from Thamès W818r, whl¢h gives low-lncome househokls a WA dlscounlon thelr bUIs.' Our supr4Kt also extends to eSslIa1 housew ulililies. For examtAe. we Ilalse dlreclly wllh energy provldeis on b6hallof dienls lo Secu reduced raies forelectricity and gas bllls oTrange paymenl plans wllh affordab16 Instalmenls. These inletvènlk)ns are crudal In helpkng In(vIdualS and lamilies malnlain the1r18nanS and avoid deepening finalar hardshlp.
COMMUNITY LANGUAGE SUPPORT ERVICEI S Our staff provide cffie-t04Jne dvJital lo leach bae dEllal sklNs lo dlents, helplng people devekjp confidence, skllls and become independenl. Over 67 di8nls reported that they fell moro confldenl In auessing Onn8 sèNces llependeny. Ifthey need mcf8 they c(¥ne lo us. Women's Self-Help Group and Skills Sessh)ns The women's self-help group, aksng vAlh Ihe kl1bng 8nd Se4ng sesstons held forlnighty, has made 8 slgnificanl impact on Ihe nfidenCe and abilities ol our parlicipanls. These sessions have nol only equlpped the women wllh valuable new s115 bul have also f¢)siered a sense ol urty by bthglng ttyJelher women from a variely ol backgrcAJnds. The formallon of sUp[the friendshlps wilFin Ihe 4w)men's group has played a IransfomiAtivè role for Indiwduals wlv) prevlouslychos8 lo remaln Isoialed. Through regularpartlapalion in lh8 group's 8¢IMlies. many women havé moved beyond feelings of loneliness. building meanlngfvl connecllons vAlh othets In slmilai clrcumslanc6s. These relalionshlps h8ve nol onty foslerad a sens8 of b8longlng bul also encouraged personal gr0h and resili8nc8 among partidpanls. Curr8nfy, 25 women continue lo provide befriending supwi lo housebound and eklwty bld1U8Is, thrvJ under lh8 guldance and sup8rvlslon ofCLSS. Thè s8sslon Is run by a vohJn188r lèadw. Trijjgh h8r ojmmllmanl. we hav8 t)88n able to Gonlinu& lo offer suppori lo Ihose most In n88d. Reflecllng on her exp8r18nce, she shared. 'Sharlng my sklll$ and Song our ladles develop makes m8 féèl pmud.. She also 8xpr8ssed Ihal altendlng Ihesè sesslons has t¥)osled her conlldence and helped her lo recognlse her own abllllles. The group recognlsgs that certaln &xperlenc8s Can have negativ8 8ff8cI on individuals bjl restori ¢onfidenc* aThJ d8v8loplng coping mechanlsms 8Te key achS&vemenls Ihey strive for, The parllripanls rrfjwspeak openly 8brAJt thelr exp8rlenc6s aThJ confidenlty sland up lor Ihemselves and Iheir famleS. The women's group has lurtherexiènded ow reach, all0j us to as81sl even mLYe vulnerabl& m6mb8rs Olr community. Oulreach and Support for Vulnerable Clients Our team carried oul a subslanli81 programme of outreach and home wslts. ¢ompl81ing 255 vlslls lo 8UPPOrt vulnerable Indlvtduals In Ihe coMmlIy. Thesg woaclive inlemnllons enabled us lo engage dire¢lly wllh Ihos8 Iib)sl al flsk, énsuriw they recefv8d the assislance and guldancè necèssary lo Improve Iheli ¢lr¢umslances. We provvjeil ongoing support lo 491 people Ivlng wih dlsabllillès, heln9 them lo access ess8nllal seM¢es, mainlaln Independence and 8ddress day-l048y challenges. Our laltored apwoach ensured that Indlvlduals. needs were recognlsed 8NI addressed appropriately. In addlllon, we reached and supported 367 Isolated Indlvlduals. Through our oulrea¢h efforts, these people were able lo reconnect with Iheir comrnunlty, access vital resources, and feel less alone In laang Ihelrdiificullles. Anonymlsed Case Example: W8 8sstsl8d 8 vulner8ble young aSM seeker, referred lo our organls8Uon by a (a)ncemed o)mmunlly member,. he lives in a hol81. Tho cf18nl lives vrilh chronlc consllpalkjn and chionic myelLid leukaemla. both requliing ongolng medlcal care aThJ dlel. Throughout this perlod, CLSS w0ded regular Pfacllcal and emollonal support, bolh by phone and face-lo-face. We wovlded emergency financlal support received Irom a charfly for food and Iravel. We advocaled on hL8 behalf and Ilalsed th SeiCe providers including a doclor who comes lo the hotel and c(taCted the specialist Ifom lh8 hospital lo request Ns leukaemla medicatkjn because Ihere were times when hè ran out of medication. W8 also contacted hls Imrnlgrallon sollcllor, churches, and Ihe Red Cross lo w&sisl the cllènl. We succ8SStulty advocaled foi the dienl lo be moved lo accommi)dallon where hecould a(x6ss bellermedKa weand ccfflmunllysupport. He Is now sellled in a shared sludio in Wesl London.
COMMUNITY LANGUACE SUPPORT SERVICES Recent prolesls In G18aler LCdOn have caused Ihe dienl sbJnifKanl anxlety. H6 feels unsafe leavlrvJ hls accommodallon, whlch has affected hls ability lo alland medical appolnlmenls and access SUPPOrt, leadlng lo isolalion, Desplle Ihese thallenges, th CLSS'S support and 8sslstsnce In communic8lin9 wilh hls Immigration soiicilor, h8 su$$[U11Y obtained refugee staius and Is now able lo acrss mLve exJmprehensNe support. Health awareness workshq)s Throughoul the year, we delrvered a lolal of 12 g&nder.speafic heallh awareness workshops. These sesslons were faalilaled 1h the SUFvorl of axp8rt h8allh speakers (iom He8Nhwalch Islinglon, Ihe Camden and Islinglon Core Team, and an NHS health represenlalive and Jr mental health support worker and staff. Each workslw Allracied belw8en 25 8nd 30 allend8es, rellectlNJ strong communlty engagem8nl and inteiesl. We also shared the InloTmallon vhlh lh8 wlder commvnlty through the CLSS WhalsApp group. CLSS staff and volunleers provtd8d Inlerprellng and Iranslallon seths In a range ol communlly languages. Thls approach enabled aN allendees lo lulty benefit from Ihe knlormalion and support offered durlng the sesslons. As 8 direct resull of thesè workshops. 34 Indlwduals èxperfendThJ depresslon fell émpowered lo se8k asslslance and successfully accessed the menlal hè811h sèrvices th8y reoulr8d, In 8ddllion, 137 people were gnposied io approwialo m8nlal heallh 6UFwI. lurfh8r extsndlng Ihe f8ach nd Smpacl ol our work, DespS18 Ihese posilive oul¢om8s, Ihe sltgma surrounthng menlal heallh romalns slgnificanl. Many partl¢lpanls conllnue lo slruggle wllh depresslon and anety. challenges often 8xacerbaled by poverly and unèmployment. These dlfficullles are partl¢ulady 8cuie among those of worklng 8, who face conskterab18 obstades Sn acw8lNJ suppNI 8nd 0vwenthg the a88(Klated slgma. Workshop altendan prompled dSents to gel h6allh checks, lea(llng lo three proslale ¢8n¢er d18gno8es durlng routine screenlngs d8spile no 8ympioms. Our men181 health supFNt worker and advisors lallor sesslons lo c(Ynmunlly needs and offer one-onthon& sUppC. We have asslstod 78 families, kncluding famllles vAih aullsllc chlldren, lo gel more suppjrt. Immigralion Advice and Support CLSS offers Immlgialion advice and seNic8s al IhA Level 1. wlh a partlcular lows on Immlgrallon, asylum, and prolècllon malters. Our dedicated leam has asslsled dlenls wllh a bioad speclrum of Immigralion-relaled 8PF4iCaln5, Iluding those seluemenl, Indefinite Leave lo Remaln, and c411zenship. In addilion, we have supported IndIdal$ In preparing Home Office travel document and passport appllc81ls, 8s well as fee ak¥Jlicallons to help f8mlles reglsier Ihelr ¢hUdren as 8rlll8h dlizens. Asylum seekers often Èncounlerconserab1Q dlfficLrflles, and we h8ve SO an InLYease In ènqulrf&s from Ihose seeklng guid8nrA, whelher lo find an IMMratiOn sol¢cilor, reconnecl th exisling legal represenlalives, or obtaln Mcessary Inlormalion support. In response lo new Introduced r8gulallons, clients ale now ieqvlred lo ereale UKVI accounts lo eW Ihelr Immlgralion slalus onlin8 via the eVISA sysiem, Our leam has provided suppK)rt lo many indivKluals Ihroughoul this proc8ss, ensurlng Iheyare abl8 loaccess aNI manage Ihelr sialus onllno. We reo)gnlse Ihallhoso wlK)are IlllleI81e orllvtng I1h disabili118s may need personalised arKI Continuitw 88Si8tsnce. arbl w8 taikw our dlglla5 SUPkN)rt accordingty. We are also comrnllled to aldltvJ vulnerable cfients, induding Ih0s6 experlenclng domesllc 0]enCe, by helplNJ them c(Mnmunlcale more effeclively wlh Iheir Immlgrallon solicllors about Ihelr cases. Our servtC8s include Ihe provlslon ol 1n1fflaIIOn, Interpreting. and Iranslallon as needed, so Ihal language barriers do not prevenlaccess loessenlial supwrt. Furthermore. we have helped deslilule and vulnerable lalled aswum seekers lo obialn emergency finanual suprth through the No ReeAJurse io Pubuc Fund
OMMUNITY LANGUAGE SUPPORT SERVICES (NRPFI scheme. In addili¢M, we have SUFPNted dlents In apng fcff I[are grants Irom ckAJdeSy, offerfng vlL21 reassurance and ensuriJ Ihal Indivlduas know Ihey havè somewhere lo turn during limes ofneed, Achlevemenls CLSS has conllnued togiow, maklng slgniranI stlldes twards rls misslon ollmproving th8 Ilves oflhose 11 serves. The organisalion's spec4alisl adv and sUPPOrt servtces hav8 proved highly effective, fjchlevlng a 95% success rale In helplng cllents secure their benefit enlluemenls and access lh8 Support Ihey requirè. Through Ihe d81ivery ol grp activities and heallh awareness SeSOn$, CLSS has 8ucrAssfulty broughl peo81381her. losteruy a slr¢Mgér sens8 of conwnunity and engag8m8nl. The women's grp 8es8kms have been partilwlarty knpaciful, wovklhg a welc4Nring space for wvmen from diverse ba(*grounds lo com61(gelher. These sesslons have not only enc4)uTaged partIcIpaOn and unlly among women bul have also empowered them lo becom8 a¢tlve memb8TS oflh8 communily. Many have gon8 on lo support others, helping CLSS lo extend its read) and strengthen communlly Iles. In the 8rea of mental heallh, CLSS has snsted 137 individuals lo th8 8ppropriale servlc8s for Ihelr mental wellbelng. vilh 85% of Ihese Indmduals, repo Improvements In iKslh Ihelr finandal and heallh drcumslances. Th8 organlsallon has also taken proactlvè slèps to combal lonelness and isolation, reachlng out lo support people In Ihelf ovm homes and lacifliallng Inlegralkjn and soc181 connecilons thIn ihe wlder comrnunlly. A total 01491 people wilh disabllllles have feG81v8d ongoing Sup, ensuiing Ihal Iheir unique needs are addr8ssed and thal Ihey iemaln connected to Mlal services. Addillonally, 350 Isolated individuals have been encouraged k) partldpate In group acllvlll8s and wothshops, vilh 70% 01 partlclpanls nollng Improvements In Ihelrflnanclal 8nd heallh wellb8lng as 8 resull. Through Ihese efforts, CLSS has played a cruclal role In bridging g8ps and challerwJltvJ the sllwa Ihal often prevanls people Irom seeklng the help and support they need. Summary There has been an exceplionalty hlgh demand for advtce aThJ SUkWOrt setvlces, th numerous urgent enqulrfes recelved fr¢Jm meMlS ol the comunity. Our dedlcaled staff have consislenlly gone above and beyond, working additional hours10 ensure thal the needs ofour beneflciaries are mel. Through Ihèlr elforls, CLSS has helped Indiwduals ac£èss vitsl welfare enlillemenls and ess8nllal seNces, Par1ularlY durlng Ihe ongolng cosl-of-living crisls. Thèchallenge of digilal èxduslon has lurfhèrlmpacled manylives, maklng our support oven rn0 cdllcal. Notably. ol ovr dlents face languBg8 bairlers and Ihei8for8 requlre ongcing, laSlore(l assislance io navale avaIlae sepkes effectively. Communily Engagement and ()Jtreach We ConnUe to SUPFKJrt peoFle In sWrvJ ojnnecled by defverkng uv&Jp t[lieS Ihal foster soclal Induslon. Ourgender-speclflc health awareness sessions have provided significant benefils, 8ddresslng unSque needs wilhln thè community. To combal isoialion, we have offered a befriernling seNce for houseb)und and Isolated individuals, ulills1j tolh oulreach and home wslls. Our CLllab0rali vAlh slalulory and other supporling agendes has (urlher slrenglhened our services, enabllro us Io Tespond 8fflclenlty lo Ihe evthng n8eds ol Ihe communlty. The OlganisaOn'$ sustainatrxfily has allowed us io Inlllale new projects that reflect and addiess Ihese needs. Acknowledgements We extend our heartl811 thanks io our lunder8 and supporters. indling Ihe Cirppleg8le Foundation, Isllngion Councll, The Nalitinal Loltery CLNnmunlty Fund. Trusl for LorKlon, and Cloudesley Chaiily, whose generoslly has b8en inslrumenlal In m6eling both our needs and Ihose of the Ither ¢(MUnity, Your grants and cL)nlinued support have enaLl8d us lo expand our s8Nees and emp)wer Indlwduals lo Ihrfve. We are alsograleful lo Ihe NRPF team from Islingion Council Iortheirresponsiveness loourdienls, needs. io
COMMUNITY LANGUACE SUPPORT SERVICES Our slncere appredallon goèg lo the ManageMt Cf*nmllleo thelr ongolng encrAJragement and sleadfasl support, whlch has molivaled us lo work even harder and ¢ontrfbul8d lo poslllve changes In peoF4e's lives. We also thank H8althwalch Ish'n9lon, Voluntsry Action Islinglon, th8 IRMF team, our slalf and volunleei4 local MPS, and Sl e1luS Church forthelrtnvaluablesupportlo GLSS and Ihecommunlty. Financlal The charlty's prlndpal Source of Income granls from public lundlng and olhercharllles. In Ihe yèarended 31 March 2025 the prfnctpal grant funders were Isiinglon Cwndl, National Loltery Communily Fund, 'Cloudeslèy's Charlty, Trusl for London, Cripplegale FcAJndallon and Healthwalch Isllngton. Durfng IhÈ year th8 lotsl Income e1ved w8s £102,443, (202441&5,9771 aThJ after deducting expendllure of £121,840,12024.£122.2091, the charity made d delkll of £19,397, (2024 8 surplus of £13,768. As al 31.3.2025 the charity reserve was £126,856 and Ihls was carrfed foiw8rd lor the conllnuallon of the prolecl. Thls Indud8s £40,581 Unr8strlcted Rèsèrves, equlvalenl lo lust und&T 3.8 months expendlivr8 level. Ind8pend8nlly examlned financial Acllviues for th8 y8ar ended Marth 202518 provlded. We are acllvely Idenllfylng olherfunders and devetoF4rrfJ propJs818. STRUCTURE, ¢VernanCe and Mwgement Managoment Commlltee and Board of Tru$leè8 CLSS Is oveiseen by a Management Commlmee QMIFosed of slx dedicated vdunl88rs. The Boafd of Trustees holds responslbllSty lor all governance, pollcy development, slraleglc planrlng, and finan¢lal oveislghl. Thmughoulthe year. the Board o)nv8ned on fourocc4slon8 to address k8y maiters and ensure the effectlve rUnrIa of Ihe organls8110n. Staff and Volunteer Team The team al CLSS Inckndes flve staff members: a CtJ)rdinalorwho also serves as an advlc8 worker, along th four adv1s018 8nd support worker8. In addillon, a group of sevan ¢omm1118d volunteers provldes vllal 8sslstance wllh Inlerprellng and supportirvJ LFsers. The organlsallon also beI8 from Ihe Invofvemenl of 25 volltnleer bofflènders, who F4ay a crud81 role In supportlng Ihe ccmmvnlly. Al volunle&rs are SuperSed by Ihe ¢ooidlnaiorand the stsff ieam, ensuting consistent, Imghquality support end guldance. Managernent The coordinalor holds responslblllty lor the overall management and CrdIn8t70n of CLSS ac11lIes, Acllng as an adSe1 lo the Boafd, the cwrdinaior Implements dedslons made by the Injslees lo ensu lh8 offeclive iunnlng ol the or9anlsalk>n. In addlllon, tho c0ord1nal dlreclly manages bolh the staff and volunteer team, provtdlng guldan¢e and supeNsion. Regltlar rewls are made lo Ihe Chalr of the Board, f8d111811ng ck8ar communlcalkn and accounlabillly thIn Ihe organlsauon. li
MUN TY su ER VICES INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT Report to the trustets of COMMUNITY LANGUAGE SUPPORT SERVICES On accounts for the year ended 31 MARCH 2025 Cliaylty no 1115756 Respectlve responbIll(leS of trustees aiid ex4mJtter Tl)e cbarity's tTh8tees are r¢spollsible for ihe PAyration of the accounts, The charity's INstees ¢onsider that Jn audit As not T¢quired foi. this year under section 144 of the chariti Act 201 I C'the Cliarities Act") and tljat An indopenden¢ exaniillation is needed. Il is my responsibility to: examine 11)¢ accounts undcr section 145 of the Cliarities Act, • to follow the proc¢dLwes laid down in the gcneral Dll'e¢tio]Js given by the Cliarity Commission {und¢r 8e¢tion J45(5)(b) of the Cliarities A¢1, and • to stat¢ whether pai'iicuEai' matters have come to my attention. Basts of Independent examlner $ statement My examinalioll was carried out in accordance with gejieral Dire¢tlOll8 given by (he Charity Commi8sion. An ¢KninA110n in¢ludes a r¢view of th¢ A¢eounting LTco15 kept by the chat'ily and a compai'i80n of the h¢¢ounts pi'es¢nted with Iliose recolds. It also includes consideixlion of any unusual iteins or di$¢l08wu in the accounts. and Seeking explanations froin the trnslees concen)ing any such matkr8. The procediir¢s undert&ken do not provtde all th¢ ¢videiic¢ that would be iEquurd in an audit, and consequently no opinion is given as to whether the ac¢oullls present a 'trn¢ and fail view and tb¢ report is liinited to those n)att% set out in the ststement below. In connection with my examination. no inatter ha8 come lo my altenlion IMd¢peiident exgmlner s i. which gives in¢ reasonable cause to bejicve (hat in, any material respect. statement the Itl1reMents., to keep accounting records An accordan with section 130 of tlie Charities Aet. and to prepar¢ accounts wl)ich accord witli tbe a¢¢ow)ting ftteottts olld cofnply with the a¢countinE requirements of the Charlties Act have not been mel. or 2. to wbi¢h, in my opinion, altention should be drawn ill oi'dei. to enAbl¢ a proper undelandUlg of t]ie accounls to be irached. Slgmed: Date: 1'8- lg g 025 Name: Efi'em Kidane FCCA 3941 North Road, London N7 9DP Address: 12
OM Y LANGUAGE SUPPORT ER ICES STATEI MENT OF FJNANCtAL ACTITIEs riOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 Molès Unrestrl¢ted Funds ReStrId Funds 2025 2024 INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS Donatlons and Legades Bank Inl6resl InGom8 From Charltablè Actlvltles: Grants Tot81 In¢om4 1,670 282 1,670 282 1,050 100,491 100 491 100 491 102 443 134 927 135 977 EXPENOITURE Expandlture ¢>n Charliable aclfvliles Total Expondlturo 121840 121 840 122209 122 209 111646 Nat Movem•nl of Pund8 In Year Tran8for belween fund8 {I242) (11,155) {19,397) 13,768 8urplufjl{Dallolt) lor the yoar 19 Total funds brought FIW 1.4.2024 Total fund8 carrled FIW 31.31025 146 285 132 517 126 888 13
POR SAT31 2024 CURIiENfASSETS Balanc• por Bank 81gtern•nf Co8h Irj hand 124724 764 146,604 146 285 CURREiYf UABILMES Arnounts rung withln ono y 600 NET CURRENT A8sYrs Unr¢$tri¢t R¢s¢t¢d TOTAL FiINDS 40,581 48.823 146 28 Approved byth¢ bomrd on And SABrt on h8 bchjlf by Chlllr 14
MMU ITY LANCU PPORT SERVICES NOTES TO THE FXNANCIAL STATEMENTS l. Accollntlng Polieles l. l The accounts have been prepared in accordance with the Statement of Recommended Practice: Accounting and Reportin8 by Charities preparing their accounts in accoi'dance with the Financial R¢porting Staiidard applicable in the UK and Republi¢ of Ireland (FRS 102) ISSU oil 16 July 2014 and with tEie Chal'lti Aci 2011. The charity constitute8 9 public benefit entity as defined by FRS 102. 1.2 The accounts Iv¢ been prepared on the going concern bAsis. 1.3 Income is recognised in the Statement of Financial ActivitLes (SofA) when the chari(y becomes entitled lo the resourc&8, it 18 rnoie likely than iiot that the Ubtees will rec¢iv¢ the resouires and the monetary value can be measui'ed with Sufficient reliability. 1.4 Expcnditui'e is included when incuntd attd liabilities are established for All 8eiwices on¢e pi'ovided. Expendituie includcs amounts of iiiEcoverablc VAT where charg¢d. Bxpenditur¢ on operational pi'ogrammes is ircognised in th¢ p¢riod in which it is incun'ed. 1.5 No trustee was paid or receivcd any benefit in the CUiTenl year. No transactions occurred wilb any 11118lee or COill]ected person18 witb material interest itt the year. 1,6 Gi'ants r¢¢¢ived 'C for restricted purposes ld realis¢d in tbe a¢¢ounts widJAn the y¢ar. The ¢haJ'ity does not operate any endowment funds. 1,7 R¢sts'ictd funds al'e to be used for rcslrlcicd puiposes as laid down by the donoi. Expendittii'e which rneets thxs criteria is id¢ntified io tlie funds. Unfesttlcted Re>trlcted Funds Fund 2. Donhtlons find Ikgacles 2025 2024 Donallons and GNIS Bank Inloresl TOTAL 1,670 282 1,952 1,670 282 1,050 15
OMMUN TY LANCUA E SUPPORT VICES Ufirestrfcted Funds Réstr&cted Funds 3. Income frojn chai'ltable acllvlties: Crants 2025 2024 Natl(Trnal Lottery Communlly Fund Richard Cloudeslels CharSty (Welfare Grant) Rlchard Cloude8leVs Charlly Trust For London 181Snglt)n Coundl's Communily Chast Cilpplega18 Foundation MBÉn Grant CTipp16gale Foundallon -other Grant Isllnglon Coundl Heallhwalch Islington TOTAL 20,247 20,247 3.960 3,960 8,750 8,750 23,707 23,707 40,354 4,000 8,750 27.625 s,000 10,000 9,826 24,1)00 5,372 134927 10,000 10,000 3,400 3,400 24,000 24,000 6,427 6,427 100,491 100 491 4. Expeiidltui'e on Charltable Actlvitl UM•strlcted Funds R•strl¢ttd Fund$ 2025 2024 S8larle8 and Wages Ronls, Rales & Servlce Charges Indlvldual Grants Hall kllro Slallon8ry Volunto8r Exp6ns¢s Pholo¢opylPo818g8 Telephono R•(r66hmen18 M8mbershlp fea8 DBS Check Hom8worklng costslm8nagemenl costs IT and Con8ullancy SubsGTipUons Tralnlng Cleanlno Product Equlpmenl Instsranc8 Accountancy & Audll AQS Audll Total Expèndltur• 10,194 92,411 102,805 6,000 4,840 784 278 850 358 839 282 104.014 6.000 4.895 951 187 673 377 4,840 784 278 860 358 839 282 644 740 675 111 386 616 40 324 135 671 468 350 125 433 433 40 350 115 96 893 40 350 115 96 893 600 1tl,194 111,646 121840 5. An•ly818 ofNet Assets Between FuDd8 Unrestrlrted Funds Re5trl£ted Funds 2025 2024 Tanglble fixed a¥sets ¢urr6nt assets Current tF8blllUes Nel assets 40.681 (loo} 40,581 86,807 500) 86,307 127.488 (600) 126.888 146,285 146 285 16