## **ROJ WOMEN’S ASSOCIATION – KURDISH & TURKISH WOMEN’S CENTRE** 

## **FINANCIAL STATEMENTS** 

**FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025** 

**CHARITY REGISTRATION NUMBER 1125572** 

**LONDON ACCOUNTANCY PRACTICE SOJOURNER TRUTH CENTRE 161 SUMNER ROAD LONDON SE15 6JL** 

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## **ROJ WOMEN’S ASSOCIATION (RWA) - KURDISH & TURKISH WOMEN’S CENTRE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025** 

|**CONTENTS**|**Page**|
|---|---|
|**Charity Information**|**3**|
|**Report of Management Committee**|**5-9**|
|**Independent Examiners Report**|**10**|
|**Statement of Financial Activities**|**11**|
|**Balance Sheet**|**12**|
|**Notes to the Accounts**|**13**|
|**Detailed Income and Expenditure**|**14**|



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## **ADMINISTRATIVE/LEGAL INFORMATION** 

|REGISTRATION DETAILS:|ROJ Women’s Association - Kurdish & Turkish|
|---|---|
||Women’s Centre is an unincorporated|
||organisation registered as a charity with|
||registration number 1125572.|
|GOVERNING DOCUMENT|ROJ Women’s Association - Kurdish & Turkish|
||Women’s Centre is an unincorporated|
||organisation governed by the Charity Acts 2011|
||and its constitution.|
|REGISTERED OFFICE|ROJ Women’s Association - Kurdish & Turkish|
||Women’s Centre|
||Selby Centre|
||Selby Road|
||London N17 8JL|
|BANKERS<br>|Barclays Bank|
||193 Camden High Street|
||London NW1 7PJ|
|MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE<br>|Lara Gun…………….....................  Trustee|
||Newal Rusen …………………........Trustee|
||Semra Cekin....………………….......Trustee|
||Gulten Guro.…………………..........Trustee /Signatorie|
||Gulsen Yesiltas………………..........Trustee /Signatorie|
|EMPLOYEES||
||Fatos Usta|
||Cigdem Karaalioglu|
||Zerrin Tasar|
||Ayse Nur Polat|
||Leyla Turhan|
||Ozge Tac|
||AyseTekagac (Sessional Worker)|
||Duygu Cantekin (Sessional Worker)|
|VOLUNTEERS||
||Yeliz Ken|
||Senanur Demirtas|
|INDEPENDENT EXAMINERS|London Accountancy Practice|
||Sojourner Truth Centre|
||161 Sumner Road|
||London SE15 6JL|



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## **ROJ WOMEN’S ASSOCIATION - KURDISH & TURKISH WOMEN’S CENTRE REPORT OF THE MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025** 

The Management Committee presented their report and financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2025. 

## **AIMS AND OBJECTIVES** 

RWA  is  a  non-profit  women’s  organisation  that  aims  to  support  and  empower Kurdish,  Turkish,  Cypriot,  migrant,  and  refugee  women  living  in  the  UK.  Our beneficiaries are women and young girls who live in the poorest, marginalised, and disadvantaged areas of London, who come from various social, cultural, political, religious, and economic backgrounds. 

RWA recognises the multiple forms of challenges that Kurdish and Turkish women face, including low income, economical dependency, language barriers, domestic violence, mental health challenges and isolation. These forms of complex issues require deeper understanding and culturally sensitive approaches. RWA services and activities are shaped and led through consultations conducted with its service users, they are encouraged to share their views and opinions during the scoping of all projects. By engaging and involving the beneficiaries with first-hand experience of the challenges they face we create projects with holistic approaches and meaningful interventions. 

## Roj Women’s Association is very **grateful for the financial support from:** 

London Community Foundation, Rosa, City Bridge Trust, Home Office, Salway Fund, Imkaan, Comic Relief, Sport England, Propel, Haringey Council and Public Voice. 

## **We are equally grateful to our partners:** 

- Kurdish Community Centre 

- Hackney CVS 

- Selby Trust 

- Daymer 

- Solace Women’s Aid 

- Tottenham Hotspur 

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- London Alevi Federation 

- Cemevi 

- Healthwatch Haringey 

- Haringey GP Federation 

- Haringey, The Bridge Renewal Trust 

- Edmonton Community Hub 

- Enfield Community Hub 

- 

## **OUR PROJECTS AND SERVICES** 

We provide a range of services, including advice, advocacy, domestic violence support,  wellbeing  support,  and  counselling.  Through  partnerships  with  other organisations, RWA assists women from disadvantaged backgrounds in accessing vital resources such as support services, training, English language classes, and employment opportunities. 

Our organisation is dedicated to supporting women and girls of all ages through a gender-diverse  approach.  We  offer  services  in  Kurdish,  Turkish,  and  English, ensuring accessibility to a wide community. Our free, women-only services adopt a holistic approach to addressing the needs of women and girls who have experienced gender discrimination, domestic violence, or are at risk of gender-based violence. We strive to create a safe, confidential, and non-judgmental environment where women and girls can receive the care and support they require. 

RWA is led by two service managers and supported by five part-time staff members and two dedicated volunteers. Our Management Committee plays a vital role in overseeing  the  organisation’s  activities,  managing  staff,  and  shaping  strategic decisions. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the members of the Management Committee and our volunteers for their tireless contributions to RWA over the past year. Their dedication is essential to the continued success of our mission to support and empower women. 

We are running the following projects and services: 

## **Domestic Violence Support Service** 

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This  project  has  been  funded  by  Comic  Relief  and  the  London  Community Foundation – Home Office VAWG Specialist Support Services Fund to  support Grassroots BAME Women’s Support Organisations. It aims to support and empower women survivors of domestic violence across London. The project adopts a holistic approach, providing casework support for women and girls at all risk levels. Services include  advocacy,  referrals,  and  case  presentations  at  the  Multi-Agency  Risk Assessment Conference (MARAC) within the targeted boroughs. Additional practical support is provided to enhance home security, alongside onward referrals where needed. 

The project has established strong relationships with other organisations and local authorities to create effective referral pathways and partnerships, ensuring that more women in need can access our services. 

We provide support to victims and survivors of domestic violence and abuse, sexual violence, forced marriage, and other harmful practices. Our services ensure that survivors have access to safe housing and are equipped to rebuild their lives. Each survivor works closely with our specialist staff, and their involvement is encouraged in the development of personalised support plans. 

RWA has become the primary referral point for many local Kurdish and Turkish community centres, which now refer young girls, women, and victims of domestic violence to us. We have developed strong ties with community centres, establishing ourselves as a  trusted organisation for supporting vulnerable women  and  girls. Additionally, other agencies and organisations, including Haringey GP Federation, Victim Support, Solace Women’s Aid, and numerous women-focused organisations, have  partnered  with  RWA  to  establish  referral  processes  and  collaborate  on providing essential support services. 

## **Welfare Advice & Information** 

We provide a face-to-face, women-only advice and information service specifically tailored for Kurdish and Turkish speakers. Our services address a wide range of issues,  including  domestic  violence,  welfare,  housing,  financial  challenges,  and health concerns. 

This service has proven to be particularly vital since the pandemic. During and after this challenging period, we not only established our services but also adapted to new working methods necessitated by the pandemic. By incorporating outreach services, we have enhanced our ability to meet the needs of our community effectively. 

## **Health & Wellbeing** 

We support women in participating in outdoor physical activities and fostering social connections to help them overcome everyday anxiety and stress. Our services aim to assist women in adopting a healthy lifestyle while addressing mild mental health challenges such as depression and anxiety. 

This project has had a significant impact. Participants have reported improved social lives, healthier habits, and a reduction in isolation. The high turnout for this service 

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highlights its importance, and many participants continue to socialise beyond the organised exercise sessions. In fact, most, if not all, have formed lasting friendships and frequently spend time together outside the scheduled activities. 

Feedback from service users indicates a strong preference for our exercise sessions over traditional leisure centres. This demonstrates the success of our approach in creating a welcoming, inclusive, and effective environment that meets their needs. Our Health & Wellbeing service is funded by Sports England. 

## **Psychotherapy & Counselling** 

Funded by Comic Relief and the London Community Foundation – Home Office VAWG Specialist Support Services Fund, we offer psychotherapy and counselling services to Kurdish and Turkish women residing in North London. Sessions are conducted weekly, either face-to-face or online, to provide flexibility and accessibility. This service is designed to support women experiencing mental health challenges, difficult  or  traumatic  life  events,  and  overwhelming  emotions.  The  therapeutic approach utilised is Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). 

Feedback  from  service  users  highlights  the  positive  impact  of  these  sessions. Women have reported an increased ability to socialise, express themselves, and seek help  when  needed.  Mothers  have  noted  significant  improvements  in  their relationships with their children, while many clients reported feeling better equipped to manage challenges in their lives. 

The majority of service users have expressed a preference for our services over therapy accessed through GP channels. They have emphasised the benefits of speaking directly with a therapist rather than through a translator, citing cultural understanding  and  sensitivity  as  key  factors.  Many  women  reported  feeling intimidated or misunderstood when accessing therapy via their GPs or translators, which underscores the importance of providing culturally sensitive, direct therapeutic support. 

We are also receiving an increasing number of referrals from the NHS, reflecting the growing recognition of our service's effectiveness and its importance in meeting the needs of our community. 

## **Support for Over 50’s** 

Funded by City Bridge Trust, we provide dedicated advice and support for women aged 50 and above who are socially isolated. Our aim is to improve the health and wellbeing  of  these  isolated  and  vulnerable  women,  empowering  them  to  lead healthier and more fulfilling lives within the community. 

Through this initiative, service users over the age of 50 who lack a support network have reported feeling more secure and confident in seeking assistance from RWA. Our services include support with a variety of issues, including referrals to GPs and hospitals. Feedback from service users highlights that they now feel they have someone to turn to for help, that they are listened to, and that their concerns are met with  genuine  care.  Many  have  expressed  that  their  previously  overwhelming 

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challenges have been effectively addressed through the support they received from our services. 

Additionally, we organise breakfast clubs, day trips and informative workshops as part of this project to further reduce social isolation and encourage community engagement among the participants. 

## **Strategic Development and Organisational Growth** 

We are committed to ensuring the continued effectiveness and relevance of our organisation by regularly updating and reviewing our policies and procedures. This process reflects our dedication to maintaining best practices, complying with legal requirements, and meeting the evolving needs of our service users. To  further enhance our operations, we are in the process of adopting a new monitoring system that will streamline data collection, improve service delivery, and provide better insights into our impact. Additionally, we are developing a comprehensive five-year business plan to guide our strategic direction, ensuring sustainability and growth. This plan will focus on expanding our reach, enhancing our services, and building strong partnerships to support our mission of empowering and supporting women in our community. 

## **STATEMENT OF DIRECTORS AND MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE RESPONSIBILITIES** 

The  Directors, also  serving  as the  Management Committee of the Charity, are required to prepare financial statements for each financial year. These statements must present a true and fair view of the Charity’s state of affairs at the end of the year and of its financial activities throughout the year. In preparing these financial statements, the Management Committee are required to: 

- Select suitable accounting policies and apply them consistently; 

- Make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent; 

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

- Prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the project will continue in operation. 

The directors/Management Committee are responsible for keeping proper accounting records which disclose at any time the financial position of the Charity. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the Charity and hence for taking  reasonable  steps  for  the  prevention  and  detection  of  fraud  and  other irregularities. 

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## **ROJ WOMEN’S ASSOCIATION - KURDISH & TURKISH WOMEN’S CENTRE REPORT OF THE MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025** 

## **FINANCIAL REVIEW** 

The results of the year’s operation are set out in the attached financial statements. The net movement in funds for the year amounted to a deficit of £-34795. The retained reserves at 31 March 2025 amounted to £88,715. 

The Management Committee has been aware of the need to comply with good practice  guidelines  on  free  reserves  and  ROJ  WOMEN’S  ASSOCIATION  - KURDISH & TURKISH WOMEN’S CENTRE policy is included in the notes to the accounts. 

## **RISK MANAGEMENT** 

The Management Committee has examined the major risk which RWA - Kurdish & Turkish Women’s Centre faces and believe that maintaining our free reserves at a reasonable level, combined with our annual review of the controls over key financial systems will provide sufficient resources in the event of adverse conditions. The Management Committee have also examined other operational and business risks which we face and confirm that they have established systems to mitigate the significant risks. 

## **TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS** 

The Charity does not have fixed assets. 

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## **FUNDS AVAILABLE** 

The present level of funding is adequate to support the continuation of the Charity’s activities  for  the  medium  term,  and  the  Management  Committee  considers  the financial position of the Charity to be satisfactory. 

## **VOLUNTEERS** 

ROJ  WOMEN’S  ASSOCIATION  -  KURDISH  &  TURKISH  WOMEN’S  CENTRE recognises the significant contributions made by volunteers. 

Sign Gulten Guro 

Date ……………………06/12/2025 

Management Committee 

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## **ROJ WOMEN’S ASSOCIATION - KURDISH & TURKISH WOMEN’S CENTRE INDEPENDENT EXAMINER’S REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025** 

I report on the accounts of the company for the year ended 31st March 2025, which are set out on pages 11 to 15 

## **Respective responsibilities of Management Committee and examiner** 

The Management Committee (who are also the directors of the company for the purposes of company law) are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. The Management Committee considers that an audit is not required for this year under section 144(2) of the Charities Act 2011 (the 2011 Act) and that an independent examination is needed. 

Having satisfied myself that the charity is not subject to audit under company law and is eligible for independent examination, it is my responsibility to: 

- examine the accounts under section 145 of the 2011 Act; 

- to follow the procedures laid down in the general Directions given 

by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act; and 

- to state whether particular matters have come to my attention. 

## **Basis of independent examiner's report** 

My examination was carried out in accordance with the 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 you as a Management Committee 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. 

## **Independent examiner's statement** 

In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention: 

(1) which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect the requirements: 

- to keep accounting records in accordance with section 386 of the Companies Act 2006; and 

- to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records, comply with 

the accounting requirements of section 396 of the Companies Act 2006 and with the methods and principles of the Statement of Recommended Practice Accounting and Reporting by Charities 

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. 

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…………………………………………………              Date: ………………………../2025 Ade Adebambo, MBA, ACG, CGMA, ACMA For London Accountancy Practice 161 Sumner Road London SE15 6JL 

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The financial statements were approved by the Management Committee on 

Lara Gun and signed on its behalf by 

## Sign 

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Gulten Guro 

Date …………………06/12/2025 

Management Committee 

## **ROJ WOMEN’S ASSOCIATION - KURDISH & TURKISH WOMEN’S CENTRE NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025** 

## **1. Accounting policies** 

## **( a ) Basis of preparation** 

- (i) These accounts are the Accounts of ROJ Women’s Association - Kurdish & Turkish Women’s Centre. 

- (ii) These accounts have been prepared on an accruals basis and include income and expenditure as they are earned or incurred, rather than as cash is received or paid. 

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- (iii) The recommendations of the Statement of Recommended Practice have been followed in the preparation of these accounts 

## **( b ) Fund Accounting** 

- (i) The Charity’s general fund consists of funds, which the Charity may use for its purposes at its discretion. 

- (i) The Charity’s restricted funds are those where the donor has imposed restrictions on the use of the funds, which are legally binding. 

## **( c ) Voluntary Income** 

- (i) All voluntary income is included upon receipt. 

- (ii) Grants receivable are credited to income immediately 

## **( d ) Investment Income** 

Credit is taken for interest when the interest falls due for payment. 

## **( e ) Administration Expenditure** 

Administration expenditure comprises costs incurred in running the Charity. Where applicable, some of these costs have been treated as direct charitable expenditure. 

**(f)       CREDITORS                                  2025                  2024 £                           £** Accountancy Fees                           100                   1,250 

**(g)** All the deferred income in the previous accounts have now been recognised as income in this financial statements. 

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ROJ WOMEN'S ASSoc￿￿ON
INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
Unrestricted Restricted
Fund
Fund
Total
2025
Total
2024
Incoming Resources:
Donations, Grants and Legacies:
Main Grant Big Lottery
London Community Foundab"on
Dawd Nicklin
Rosa Fund
Hanngey Council
City of LotKJon
Hackney Council
The Bndge
The Bndge Renewal
Business Inter
Groundwork UK
Lonkurfiffes. Earthquake event
Day-mer Turk
RefurKY Trainline
Fund MA1 GL4
Public Voice
Donations
Total Incomi￿ resources
11,680
42,500 54,000
270
42,500
270
38,400
7,920
43,100
650
5,348
29,550
29,550
379
379
4,865
1,000
4,865
1,000
g,000
278
4,865
627
250
627
250
2,100
101
2,627
101
79,542 177,341
76,915
RESOURCES EXPENDED:
Charitable activities:
Salaries
Tax l Natsonal insurance
HMRC
HR Process TrainirNJ
Rent and rates
Queen Jubilee Expenses
Therapist
Room hire
Subsriptson
Workshop
Textile Project- Hall Hire
Insurance
Laptop
Telephone
Donations
E-mail space
l Admin expenses
Website
Travel
PrintiThJ
Membership
Accountancy
Payroll semces
Bank Charges
Sundry Expenses
Total Resources Expended
gg,146
gg,146 122,480
3,419
2,476
2,476
1,487
3,944
2,520
1,000
3,709
3,709
1,374
1,374
993
993
6632
1,468
451
845
4,752
1,385
780
3.457
777
777
1,046
1,046
528
1,478
515
80
1,350
624
528
1,478
515
80
1,350
624
288
1,250
491
37
240
6,585
240
114,337 156,686
107,752
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