- **ANNUAL REPORT**
- —
**Supporting communities, enterprising minds and active citizens**
**1[ST] JUNE 2024 to 31[ST] MAY 2025**
## **Contents Page**
|||Page|
|---|---|---|
|Highlights from the Chair||3|
|Outputs and Milestones||4|
|What we did||6|
|Reaching out to make a difference||6|
|One to One Support||7-9|
|Building upon our Track Record||10|
||Tackling Health Inequalities|10|
||Coffee Mornings|10|
||Bedford African Community|11|
||Ladies Exercises|12|
||ESOL, IT & Skills and develop programme|12|
|Working with other Community Groups & Organisations||14|
|Challenges and Opportunities||18|
|ACCM (UK) Finances and Grants||21|
|Our Plans for Next Year||22|
|Service Users’Comments||23|
## **HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE CHAIR**
When I joined ACCM's board of trustees, I agreed to protect the mission and see that it is not corrupted.
I now know that this is called Governance and Articles.
The mission is not corrupted.
In fact, it thrives.
Student figures are at their highest. Cauldwell Community Centre (CCC) coffee mornings are busier than ever.
Every time I visit something amazing is going on. I see community, emancipation, education. All happening along with the quiet unprovocative drip drip of new notions that eventually inevitably erode compliance, with yesterday's unsafe conventions.
Internally, the perfectly normal process of succession continues apace, and we are looking forward to a bright future.
I would like to take this opportunity to give heartfelt thanks to the wonderful team of people that make CCC and ACCM UK happen.
I would welcome our new five Trustees who have joined the Team of existing three Trustees making the Board of Trustees stronger, with wide experiences and backgrounds and professionalism that will enable the success of the Charity even more exciting especially as we move to the next stage of recruiting a Director Successor.
And our founder Director, without whom none of this would be.
For further details please see annual report.
Mark DeGietelink
Chair
3
ACCM (UK)’s success is due to its Trustees, staff and volunteers passion, hard work and commitment to make a difference to all our users regardless of their heritage, background or need.
The period from June 2024 and May 2025 was a very successful period for the Charity.
After securing The National Lottery Community Fund (TNLCF) core funding the Charity has been able to pay existing staff, the Director, Administrative Officer and Job-Share Project Support Workers. These existing staff members not only have been long servicing staff, but had built trust, had experience and knowledge of our users and local communities we serve. The Charity was able to retain their expertise.
The Charity was also able to secure a new grant in April 2025 from Bedfprdshire Luton Community Foundation that enabled the Charity to recruit two new job-share staff to undertake work in Cauldwell and Kingsbrook Wards. This enabled the Charity to increase its staff capacity and the two new staff are just what the Charity needed especially as Cauldwell and Kingsbrook are categorised as some of Bedford’s most deprived Wards, with diverse communities majority of them migrants with complex social, cultural and economic issues.
The Charity had a successful year funded by Lloyds Bank Foundation and also supported through its Enable Programme. In 2024 to 2025, the Charity, that has been trying to recruit new Trustees since 2019 was able to successfully recruit five new Trustees. We were supported through the Enable Programme that allocated a professional Consultant, Barbara Armstrong, who worked closely with existing Trustees and staff to devise the full process from drafting Trustee Recruitment Pack, advertising, holding interviews at recruitment, final selection and offer of post of Trustee.
The Charity, since 2019, now has Trustees from diverse, experienced, various professional background and committed to taking the Charity forward to the next 10 years.
As we now look forward to the next ten years, we are also being supported by the same Consultant, Barbara Armstrong to review our Business Plan and looking into the Successor Recruitment Process for the Director post.
ACCM (UK) was delighted and proud of its staff and volunteers but more so when one of the staff members, was Awarded an MBE by the King Charles III for his services to the Community. Sat Paul, started as a Volunteer in 2015 then moved into paid employment by the Charity as a Support Worker has made huge contributions to the Charity especially supporting male victims of violence or homeless men and recently responsible for the successful development and implementation of the Empowerment Programme that includes ESOL, IT, Skills and Development into Employment, Maths, Budgeting and Managing Money. We are so proud of Sat
We are looking forward to new challenges ahead to build on what we achieved in June 2024 to May 2025 below.
4
## **MILESTONES AND OUTPUTS FOR THE PERIOD JUNE 2024 TO MAY 2025**
**Group Activity Sessions - 232 Coffee Mornings - 644 attendees**
**International Women’s Day - 85**
**Bedford African Community Event – 600 attended Arthritis - 24**
**FGM / FM / HBV - Professional training - 126**
**Domestic Violence FGM/HBV/FM**
5
## **‘REACHING OUT TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE’**
## **Highlights of the Year – 1[st] June 2024 to 31[st] May 2025**
The year from June 2024 to May 2025 was the best year for the Charity especially for the beneficiaries - out users.
The received its core funding since 2018 from The National Lottery Community Fund a total of £369,149 over four years from April 2024 to March 2028 towards staff pay that enabled the Charity to retain experienced, trusted and loyal staff.
This year, with support of our Lloyds Bank Foundation grant through the Enable Programme, the Charity was able to recruit five new Trustees/Directors to join our existing three. The Charity now has a team of Trustees/Directors form various background with excellent professional and community experiences relevant to take the Charity forward for the next 10 years or more.
When looking at the Charity’s achievements the year 1[st] June 2024 to 31[st] May 2025, we supported a total number of 5,128 users who accessed or used our services either on one to one or as a group in sessions we run throughout the year. This was an increase from 3,224 from 2023 – 2024 to 5,128 for the period from June 2024 to May 2025. The Charity is so pound that we keep growing and bringing huge benefits to our users, many of whom keep returning, secured new users as well as the needs and demands grow for our services especially ESOL increase from 89 in 2024/25 to 1,086 in 2024/25 with increase in IT from 47 to 491 respectively. We now have waiting lists but thankfully with new funding support The Harpur Trust to purchase 10 new laptops and pay for extra ESOL and IT Tutor hours, we hope to reduce waiting lists.
6
## **One to One User Analysis**
_**“I was told about ACCM (UK) by my neighbour at the school gates while waiting to pick up our children. I came in person, was assessed by staff who were friendly, and I could trust them. They explained to me about their services, and I decided to get counselling to build my confidence and took up ESOL and IT courses on offer which were free. Two years later, I can speak English, know how to use computers and social media, have secured a paid job and my goal now is to be a Councillor” KB**_
It is often challenging to provide appropriate support, information, referral or guidance to our users who are victims of all forms of violence and the year between June 2024 to end of May 2025 was no different. There was an increase of users seeking one-to-one support from 360 in 2023/24 to 392 in 2024/25.
During the period June 2024 to May 2025, we supported following beneficiaries:
- Total of 392 sought help of whom 296 (76%) were females and 96 (24%) males
- Of the 396 supported, 132 were victims of domestic violence
- 66 received counselling either by telephone or face to face
- 125 came in for information or a chart
- 108 had multiple issues including housing, benefits, anxiety, stress or trauma
## **Analysis of beneficiaries:**
**----- Start of picture text -----**
USERS BY FAITH
USERS BY GENDER
Moslem Hidhu Christian
Sikh Ravidassia Other
Female Male Not known
**----- End of picture text -----**
**----- Start of picture text -----**
USERS BY RACE
Indians
Romanian
South Aisan
Italian
Pakistan
African/African Caribbean
0 20 40 60 80 100 120 140 160 180
**----- End of picture text -----**
7
**----- Start of picture text -----**
USERS BY AGE
120
100
80
60
40
20
0
18 - 25 26 - 35 36 - 45 46 - 55 56 -65 66 and over Not known
**----- End of picture text -----**
## **Summary of Data:**
- Number of One to One users increased
- 76% identified as female and 24% male
- Majority of the beneficiaries were aged 26 – 35 -29%, followed closely by 46 - 55 at 22%
- 41% were of Pakistan heritage followed by Bangladesh at 13%
- 60% were of Moslem Faith with 18% of Christian faith
- 51% of beneficiaries self-referred with
- 34% referred by third party groups, such as Faith Leaders or other organisations
8
**Victims’ voices heard:** _ACCM (UK) has really helped_ Thank you so much again for all your _**“**_ “My mum self-confidence _me turn my life around and_ support with ACCM(UK). L and I has come back since she has enjoyed coming to the venue and taking started to attend the health _cope with the depression better_ part in all these family focused and wellbeing sessions run by activities on Tuesdays in the Summer _than I thought. Looking_ ACCM (UK). I feel as if my _forward to do things on my_ and we are going to miss this and the staff a lot. MK mum has come out of a cage!! _own. LB_ My Mum is now so confident in herself. Thank you for — opening the doors for mum”. I am a victim. Meeting Lydia and Maya at Christ The Church Hall coffee morning and being asked to come to ACCM has opened doors for me as I have joined IT classes to improve my computer skills _**“I like your education system,**_ and want to look for paid work, some- _**your centre very friendly and**_ thing I never thought of doing before. _**good environment, and their**_ MA _**teachers are good and friendly.” NN**_ ~~+~~ _ACCM (UK) has really helped me turn my life around and cope with the depression better than I thought. Looking_ _**“I want to tell you that I get** forward to doing things on my_ _**Indefinite leave to remain** own. LB_ _**in UK. Thank you very much for your help and support. ACCM(UK)**_
9
## **Tackling Health Inequalities & Wellbeing**
Cauldwell Community Centre is now our Community Hub attracting various users as a safe, trusted and easily accessed venue. With the fence put up by the Bedford Borough Council, who owns the Centre, has made the Centre more attractive, safe place where the most vulnerable users, feels safe to come, to seek help, information or join in any of our services such as coffee mornings. We have continued running workshops, services, events, including our free coffee mornings, yoga and other exercises, health eating and nutrition, mental health days, Bedford African Community Events, ESOL, IT, Skills and Development and more.
There has also been an increase in local people and others hiring the Centre as a venue for their activities, meetings or celebrations. This is great news to the Centre as income generation has increased to help towards sustainability of the Centre.
## • **Coffee Mornings**
Coffee Morning sessions, in the year 2024 to 2025 attracted 644 users. These still run every Thursday mornings every week, have become established and are attracting local users from difference backgrounds. Sessions start with lady’s only exercises/yoga for ladies which had 279 users this year, who then stay to join others for a coffee/tea and cake catch up and sharing stories. Some of the attendees are elderly users, living alone, who use the Coffee Mornings to get out, meet new friends and share stories. They can also get advice &/or information about any issues of concern or interest. Surgeries are also organised for stake holders, such as Public Health, Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) to give talks, check high blood pressure or give out current updates on health issues including flu or covid jabs, information and support on budget management or legal advice. This year, around 644 people attended our Coffee Mornings.
.
10
## • **Bedford African Community**
On 21[st] June 2025, ACCM (UK), in partnership with Bedford African Community Groups, organised the Bedford African Community Event at the Harpur Suite and Harpur Square, in Bedford Town Centre. This popular town centre event attracts on average over 600 people to Bedford, from diverse communities, with some coming from as far as London, Leicester, Northamptonshire, Luton, Milton Keynes, Cambridgeshire and more. This year’s event was held in the Harpur Square, for the first time, since it was first organised in 2017, as the weather was so good making the town centre area in the Harpur Square so colourful and lively with African Culture. At this event, we share African culture through music, food, dance, magic, storytelling and colourful costumes. In 2024/25 we even had an African Princess who really made the event so bright and delightful as she was dressed impressively in Cameroon traditional costume that delighted everyone.
13
_“This is one of the best events in Bedford, the weather was fantastic and to see so many different cultures together”_
_“The entertainment was well present and much organised”_
_“The dancers were great, that man eating fire was strange but exciting to see this can be done in Africa as well”_
## • **Ladies Exercises**
Thursday mornings, between 10.00 and 11.00 am, before our coffee mornings, we run Ladies Only exercise and workshops in creative arts to build their confidence, while keeping fit. Yoga is always their favourite exercise as it helps them relax, & provides them with learning techniques to do at home with their family. During the sessions, the ladies also have time to share experiences, stories, make friends and learn from each other. We had 279 ladies attending during the year as demand and interest is growing through word of mouth.
At 11.00 am the ladies join everyone else for an open coffee morning which can include men from various heritages.
## • **ESOL, IT, Skills and Development Programme**
Our Skills and Development sessions support people anyone who need to build their confidence, learn new skills, advice and support on how to make a difference to their lives.
In the Year 2024/2025, was the best year as demand for empowerment programmes, skills and development increased dramatically. This was due to partnership working we have established in working collaboratively with Central Bedfordshire Council and JobCentrePlus.
Central Beds are providing some of the services including Maths, money management and most importantly Tutors to provide these services. JobCentrePlus is referring users in need of learning English or IT to improve their skills in English to be able to secure employment or engage and take part in community events. There is a serious digital inequality where majority of our users have little use or understanding of technology or access to a computer and yet majority of services including reporting a crime or making a GP appointment are now done online.
13
The Charity has been overwhelmed with users registering to do ESOL with an increase from 89 Learners to massive 1,086 Learners. While IT had an increase from 47 to 491 Learners. We now have waiting listing as JobCentrePlus refers new learners to ACCM (UK).
Our partnership working with Bedford Borough and Central Bedfordshire Councils has enabled ACCM (UK) a Centre of Excellence in delivering Empowerment Programmes leading to ACCM (UK) now able to deliver ESOL at higher Level and offering City and Guild Certification.
Working in partnership, Bedford Borough Council and Central Bedfordshire Council collaborate to deliver the Multiply Programme. These consist of a number of courses aimed at improving maths / numeracy combined with life skill for adults.
ACCM (UK) is now the lead delivery partner in this government-funded programme, and we now have course schedules leading up to end the second quarter of 2025 and are jointly planning courses for the remainder of 2025 into 2026, with demand increasing all the time. With extra funding secured from The Harpur Trust, we hope to increase working hours for the Tutors and purchase 10 new laptops, that will enable us to reduce the waiting lists.
13
ACCM (UK) works with a wide range of local, regional, national and occasionally international partners and networks to help support our target communities, and also raise the issues that they face at different levels. Our work involves sharing learning, supporting outreach and cross-referrals with the following:
- Bedford Borough Council – Working with their Safeguarding, Housing, Education, Adult Social Care, Equalities, Parks, Environment and others that are relevant to our users and Community Centre. We support the Council’s strategies to tackle and improve the health and wellbeing and promote the wellbeing of Bedfordshire’s most vulnerable communities by running health and well-being programmes, outreach programmes in community settings or liaising with Council officers to support victims of all forms of violence in search of protection, housing, benefits, or safer streets promotion. The Council also provides support to our health and well-being and ESOL programmes.
- Bedford Luton and Milton Keynes (BLMK) Health / NHS – Joint work promoting current health issues or concerns, reaching out to minority and harder to reach communities to give out information, either by organising free coffee morning sessions, or health and wellbeing events to improve health outcomes. Current programme was reaching out to Black Africans and Blac African Caribbeans to ensure they take up High Blood Pressure checks due to high prevalence of high blood pressure amongst these communities. Success reached out to faith and community leaders to be involved in promoting the services to their communities and the setting up various walk-in blood pressure check sites within local pharmacies.
- Local GP’s and BRCC Social Prescribers – Supporting health outreach checks, referrals in partnership with mosques, temples and community centres at times which are convenient to a wide range of communities and age groups.
- Bedfordshire CAB and Social Benefits – running surgeries at the Cauldwell Community Centre to advice, give information and support people experiencing financial hardship housing issues or legal issues. Also providing translation/interpreting &/or completing online forms.
- Bedfordshire Refugee and Asylum Support Services (BRASS) and Polish British Integration Centre (PBIC) – Both refer their beneficiaries to our ESOL and skills development programmes and support with cultural issues or domestic violence.
- Bedford Domestic Abuse Partnership (PDAP), Victim’s Support, Bedfordshire Police, Independent Domestic Violence Advocacy (IDVA) - Working in partnership to support victims of violence.
- One Housing, YMCA/IMPAKT and Women’s Aid Luton – Providing emergency housing for victims fleeing from abuse or homeless vulnerable people.
- Various local Religious and Community Leaders – Helping to promote our work within their communities and congregations and using their Faith Radios to make announcements to promote our activities or events and making venues available, often free, for our activities and workshops.
- We also work with both the local Fire Service and Park Wardens to deliver sessions on
14
- home and personal safety, providing equipment and checks. These sessions are important for our elderly community members who may not have the ability to improve things or due to their isolation may not feel safe without information.
- ACCM (UK) also works with various other local community and faith groups to deliver services, outreach or organise joint events such as with Bedford Indian Community and British Ravidassia Foundation’s Bedford Festival of Lights that is run in November each year, attracting over 1,000 people.
- ACCM (UK) also supports local grassroots communities by offering them use of rooms, hall and kitchens to bring their communities together, hold meetings, have fun, organise talks to raise awareness about issues of interest and concern, share diaspora, culture and faith and more. This is part of the Charity’s aim, to reach out engage and bring communities together, especially in Cauldwell Community Ward that has numerous communities including, Italian, East European, African, African Caribbean and South Asian. The Centre is for the community to access and use.
Through our track record, we are recognised as having as inclusive community, welcoming everyone and working with a range of partners, facilitating joint conferences, events, training, health talks and workshops with many of our partners listed above to address current and emerging community needs, while maximizing cost-effectiveness, outreach networks and expertise, complementary skills, & ensuring quality standards and cultural sensitivity in addressing complex and sensitive casework or awareness-raising campaigns on issues such as suicide, female genital mutilation, forced marriages and domestic violence.
We also work with both the local Fire Service and Park Wardens to deliver sessions on home and personal safety, providing equipment and checks. These sessions are important for our elderly community members who may not have the ability to improve things or due to their isolation may not feel safe without information.
## **Biddenham International School**
Since 2023, Biddenham International School pupils from Year 7 Class, choose a local Bedford Charity to undertake a research Project on why it was set, what they do, the difference they make to their users and outcomes. ACCM (UK) has been one of the Charities chosen by Year 7 pupils for their Project in 2024 and again this year in 2025.. The research Project is sponsored by Just Give, where the winning Team gets £1,000 for their chosen Charity.
In both 2024 and 2025 years, the group that chose ACCM (UK) came second and were awarded Certificates for their hard work. From February to April, the Children invite the Director to speak to them about the Charities work, they aske questions and they undertake research using the Charity’s website to provide a report and a play that will be shared with other class members as a competition to win £1,000 for their Charity. Although ACCM (UK) did not win, we were proud of the group that chose ACCM (UK) for their research project.
15
On 2nd April 2025, all Year 7 Class pupils, showcased their work to their fellow pupils, parents and teachers. The Director attended, was moved to tears and proud of the group that had chosen ACCM (UK) when she was handed a cash collection of £103.07 and asked to draw three tickets in a draw. Although ACCM (UK) did not win, we came second and the Director was moved and thanked the children.
Sign board promoting ACCM (UK) in the School Hall
Funds raised for ACCM (UK)
On of the presentation slides from the children about ACCM (UK)
16
## **Working with NAIJA Group**
ACCM (UK) as part of it Reaching Out and Making a difference works closely with various groups including NAIJA a group that works to reach out to Nigerian diaspora residing in Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes.
On Monday 26[th] May 2025, Niaja held a Family Fun Day, to bring out families, especially children and young people, to meet and share in Nigerian culture, food and also meet other diverse communities. The event was supported and funded by ACCM (UK) through our Reaching Communities Fund from TNLCF.
There were over 10 stalls, including ACCM (UK), showcasing various information, advice and selling African craft, beauty items and food.
Over 350 people attended the event and children had a outdoor play areas as well as various African games to bring out their curiosity as some have never played one before especially as they were wooden or board games and not electronic.
Director and Support Worker attending the NAIJA Event 0n 26[th] May 2025
17
groups of elders
board games for children and adults
Some of the Attendees at the NAIJA Event 26[th] May 2025
17
## **Challenges and Risks:**
- The management of Cauldwell Community Centre offers great opportunities as our base and home, there are also risks as the Centre is located in one of Bedford’s most deprived Wards - Cauldwell, where most residents are vulnerable, struggling with high living costs, elderly and of migrant heritage.
- Although the Centre is a capital liability requiring continuous upkeep, since mid-2023, the Council has done its best to carry out a lot of work on the Centre, including the installation of a fence around the perimeter. This is very much encouraging but there is much to do, all of which requires capital funding, especially fixing the acoustics and noise control systems to make fit for the purpose due to loud echo and noise disturbing neighbours. As the Council is short or funds due to financial constraints, ACCM (UK) and the Management Committee have to find funding elsewhere to fix these problems with support of the Council. This is not easy in this difficult funding environment.
- There have been significant increases in demand for our services, especially after moving to Cauldwell Community Centre. This is putting significant pressure on our relatively small staff and volunteer capacity. We attempt to manage this by ensuring all staff and volunteers receive the supervision and support they require. The introduction of short waiting lists or spreading events and activities over the week or months, to help manage the demand has been necessary and we continue with our efforts to raise further core funding to help increase staff and volunteer capacity to alleviate this.
- Succession planning - The current Director has indicated that she wishes to stand down sometime early to mid-2026 and a new Director needs to be recruited in the next few months to take over. The Charity is being supported by Lloyds Bank Foundation, the Enable Programme, has provided a consultant, who is supporting Trustees to draft Job Specifications and recruitment process. It is hoped that the advertisement will go out either end of 2025 or early 2026. The risk is whether Trustees will be able to find suitable replacement.
- Trustees, staff and volunteer training – As highlighted above, currently the team of Trustees, staff and volunteers is operating at full capacity, which gives little time and space for developing their skills through training. Through the development of the new Community hub, this may be further compromised. However, we aim to increase the number of Trustees and volunteers over the next 2-years to help meet the capacity needs at both governance and delivery level.
18
## **Opportunities:**
- The Year 2024/2025, as highlighted above, has been a successful year in securing core funding, both restricted funding from The National Lottery Community Fund of £369,149 over four years from April 2024 and non-restricted funds from Lloyds Bank Foundation of £75,000 over three years from October 2023. We also secured further funding from Smallwood Trust and plan securing new grants after June 2025. The Charity can now concentrate on delivering its work to meet our aims and objects. The Charity is now financially sustainable for the next four years and staff are being paid a proper salary to retain their expertise, loyalty and trust they have built with communities.
- The Charity was busy in 2024/2025 with increases in demand for our services as we continued reaching out to make a difference to the needs of our local communities. As we settle in our new home, we will continue to develop the Centre to become a thriving local Community Hub. We are grateful to the Deputy Mayor, Cllr Jim Weir, for his support in making this possible & helping us get most of the necessary works done with the Centre now looking both inviting and safe, attracting more users to the Centre.
- We continue to work closely with our partners, including Councillors and staff from different departments across Bedford Borough Council including Housing, Properties, Safeguarding and Public Health, as well as colleagues from Bedford Hospital, various GP surgeries, Bedfordshire Police, NHS CIS and diverse community organisations, including Bedford African Community Group, that run events.
- The Centre’s Management Committee, is now operational with approved Terms of Reference, made up of two Local Councillors, two ACCM (UK) Trustees, two former Cauldwell Committee members, & a local resident. The Committee is supported by the Director and Administrative Officer in their work and meetings. This is important as decisions about the Centre are now being made by a Select Committee that meets four or five times a year, or more, as required.
- We will continue working closely with local Community and Faith Leaders who continue to support our work to reach more people, especially those who are more reluctant to get out and about or are housebound. We will continue to encourage them to refer vulnerable people, especially the elderly, victims of abuse and young families to access our events, activities, information or support.
- As we settle in our new home and start developing the Centre we have reviewed our website www.accmuk.com and are now reviewing all our other publicity materials to better reflect our work and improve the Charity and Centre’s profile within the wider community. A refreshed image and profile will improve our reach and further engage with harder-to-reach communities. Some of our plans include running events based on International Food or Cultural Themes such as Mexican, African, South Asian, Chinese, and so on, where we will charge a minimal fee for an evening out with food, entertainment from the named culture. This will attract over 100 people per event.
- The Charity, working with Bedford African Community Group, will continue to run
19
- Bedford African Community Events, not just in the town Centre but also in the Community Centre, encouraging African communities to use the Centre for their activities as well as running formal events organised with our partners to bring information to them from service providers enabling them to make informed decisions on a variety of topics such as immigration, violence, modern slavery, health etc.
- The Charity can now plan to the future by being ambitious in developing existing work to other Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes by applying for regional grants, increase staff capacity,
.
We are ready for the 2025/2026 challenges building on our opportunities
20
## **ACCM(UK) Finances & Grants**
## **Financial Statement for the Year Ended 31st May 2025**
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES AND INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT
||Notes|Unrestricted|Restricted Funds|TotalFunds|TotalFunds|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|||Funds||2025|2024|
||||£|£|£|
|||£||||
|**IncomingResources**||||||
|Activitiesin furtheranceof the||||||
|Charity's objects||||||
|GrantReceivable|1|27500|109568|137068|94354|
|FeesandBank||||||
|Interest||209|0|209||
|**Total Incoming Resources**||27709|109568|137277|94354|
|Resources||||||
|Expanded:||||||
|Costofactivitiesin furtherance||||||
|OfCharities objects||||||
|DirectCharitable Expenditure||0|8631|8631|15243|
|**Management & Administration**||||||
|OfficeRentandServices||0|780|780|0|
|Salaries||14084|83456|97540|72130|
|Training||100|150|250|105|
|Accountancy andprofessionalfees||7183|16279|23462|18116|
|Volunteer Expenses||147|504|651|671|
|Travel & Subsistence||60|822|882|522|
|Consultancy||224|907|1131|0|
|Administrative||5887|10550|16437|12781|
|Subscription||0|0|0|456|
|BankCharges||74|187|261|220|
|StaffMiscellaneous||0|0|0|1759|
|Total Resources Expended||27759|122266|150025|122003|
|**Net (Expenditure}/lncome**||||||
|Forthe Year||-SO|-12698|-12748|-27649|
|Total Funds 1stJune 2024||7733|20428|28161|55810|
|**TotalFunds 31st May 2025**||7683|7730|15413|28161|
22
## **Our Plans for Next Year**
- _**Bringing people together and building strong relationships in and across communities**_ – The project will continue our reach, links and engagements with the local communities, and focus upon those we have not been able to reach or missed, especially those isolated, elderly, minorities and homeless people. From our community centre and venues across Bedford, we will bring the community together to help them develop and build links and relationships with each other, and with our range of partners. Importantly, through the project and the range of support, referrals and links, we will help our community members to build links with statutory agencies and mainstream providers, ensuring that they are aware of what assistance is available to them, and that they do not fall between the cracks.
- _**Improving the places and spaces that matter to communities**_ – This will support the delivery of our work at our Community Hub and Centre, which itself continues to be improved and developed. Over the next year we will be increasing the useable outdoor space to include a community garden, rest and play area, to encourage the use of outdoor spaces for improved health and the environment. As an outdoor space, it will encourage our users to learn or enjoy gardening by keeping the spaces tidy or planting vegetables, flowers, herbs or fruit they can enjoy.
- _**Enable more people to fulfil their potential by working to address issues at the earliest possible stage**_ – Our project helps community members to recognise and tackle health issues that they are facing, through the links developed with other service providers, partners and other charities. Tackling issues or need at the earliest possible stage, will help with recovery or making a difference to their lives. As we have built trust over the last 16 years, being trusted by our community and engaging with them and through word of mouth, we will be able to reach out to more ‘hidden’ people in need. Our training and education support (ESOL, IT, Managing Money, Skills and Development sessions) help our community members to develop their English-speaking skills, enable them to communicate, access and use statutory services, get information from mainstream media, and engage with other communities in the local area while participating in local activities. We continue to help and enable our users to access social media, pay bills, search for information for jobs or training, make appointments, applications or join education programmes via Zoom. Our Skills and Development sessions help people who have lost their jobs, or are new in the UK, to build their confidence in searching for new jobs, and improve and support with interview skills.
22
## _**CASE STUDY:**_
_**Mr A was married in Pakistan in an arranged marriage in August 2022, to a British born Pakistan woman. They are first cousins as Mr A's mother is the maternal sister of his new wife's mother. Mr A arrived in the UK in March 2024, after his wife sponsored him to join her and her family in Yorkshire. On arrival to his new marital home which was owned by her parents, as his wife was still living with her. His documents were taken from him by his mother-law (who is his aunt) and told that he will no longer need them. When Mr A protested that he may need them for ID they threatened him for questioning the mother-law. After this he was not allowed to go anywhere alone without his new wife or father-in-law. He was told when sitting in the same room with his wife's family has to look down and not at anyone in the room. He was told he can only eat or drink what he was given and never allowed to have a say in what he wanted to eat and when he offered to prepare meals, he was shouted at. He slept on a mattress on the floor while his wife slept on the bed and often woken up any time when she wanted to wake him up. If he wanted to speak to his family, he had to do it Infront of his wife or her family.**_
_**After a few months, he flet he was not wanted as the wife started to threaten him and became more controlling of his life as he could not do or say anything without being shouted at. He started to have suicidal thoughts and was not sure where to go for help as the father-in-law told him, in the UK what the wife says is more important. This was a cultural shock, as in Pakistan it was what the man says that was important. He started hearing from people coming to the house that he was woman beater and a bully which he was not. One day when his uncle visited, he was able to confine to his uncle what has going on. The uncle pretend to the wife and her family that he was taking Mr A to show him where he lives. When the father-in-law refused, the uncle challenged him as to why he can allow his nephew to visit him and his family since Mr A lives with them every day. Father in-law agreed. At the uncle's house Mr A told his uncle everything and the uncle understand what was going on and he sent him to Bedford where Mr A was referred to ACCM (UK). Mr A is a victim of a forced arranged marriage. Is a victim of coercive behaviour and phycological abuse. His uncle received threats from father-in-law and that Mr A's family in Pakistan have been informed that Mr A was violence, raped his wife and bully who has dishonoured his father-in-law and his Pakistan family. Mr A in now living under fear, feeling that he is being followed in Bedford and has reported this to Bedfordshire Police. ACCM (UK) is supporting Mr A, who was assessed using DASH Form that was sent to MARAC, is receiving counselling to build his confidence, has been encouraged to join ESOL classes to improve his English, has been referred for legal advice to secure non-molestation orders against his wife and her family, is being supported to secure UK leave to remain status as a victim of forced arranged marriage, domestic abuse and honour based violence. Mr A has now been granted Non-Molestation Orders against his exwife and her family. This a very complex case as it involves a man.**_
23
**CONTACT:**
ACCM (UK) Cauldwell Community Centre 51A Althorpe Street Bedford MK42 9HF Tel/Fax: +44 1234 356 910 Mobile: +44 7712482568 Email: **info@accmuk.com**
Website: **www.accmuk.com**
**Twitter: @ACCMUK**
**Facebook: ACCM UK** Charity Number: 118904 Company by Guarantee Number: 06584024
24
**More information and photos can be found on our website www.accmuk.com**
**Or can be requested by contacting us at info@accmuk.com or 01234 356910.**
## **FUNDED AND SUPPORTED BY** :
**----- Start of picture text -----**
SMALLWOODTRUST
**----- End of picture text -----**
(3p **B** OROUGHEDFORD COUNCIL
**Local Councillors**
**AND MANY MORE**
25
ACCM
ACCM{UK)
Trustees, Report and Financial Statements
For The Year Ended 31st May 2025
ACCM(UK)
Financial Statement for the Year Ended 31st May 2025
COMPANY INFORMATION
DIRECTORS AND TRUSTEES
Mark B DeGietelink
CHAIRPERSON
Gurdeep Sanghera
SECRETARY
Tarsim Lal Ka lya n
TREASURER
TRUSTEES
Marcella Daye
Marjorie Harris
Florence Steadman
N ina Slingsby
Lilia Dangi
REGISTERED OFFICE
Cauldwell Community Centre
51A Althorpe Street
Bedford
MK42 9HF
BANKERS
Lloyds TSB Bank plc
High street
Bedford
MK40 ISB
ACCOUNTANTS
Egemole & Co Accountants
29 Mansfield Road
Sheffield
S12 2AE
Company Limited By Guarantee No. 06584024.
Charity Status No. 1128904.
ACCM(UK)
Financial Statement for the Year Ended 31st May 2025
INDEX
PAGE
Directors, and Trustees, Report
Accountants, Report
Statement of Financial Activities and Income and Expenditure
Balance Sheet
Principal Accounting Policies
Notes to the Financial Statement
Independent Examiner's Report
ACCM(UK)
Financial Statement for the Year Ended 31st May 2025
DIRECTORS, AND TRUSTEES, REPORT
The directors and trustees present their report and the financial statement5 for the year
ended 31st May 2025.
Prlncipal activities, objects and organisation:.
The principal activities and objectives of the charity are the relief of poverty and sickness, the
advancement of education, the preservation and the protection of good health among ethnic
minorities in England and Wales and other parts of the worlé. In setting these objectives the
trustees have considered the Charity Commission's general guidance on public benefit. The
charity is constituted as a company limited by guarantee and is therefore governed by its
memorandum and articles of association.
Dire¢tors' and Trustees, Responslbllltles
Company and charity law require the trustees to prepare financial statements for each
accounting period which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charity and of
the income and expenditure the trustees are required to:_
Select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently. Make judgements and
estimates that are reasonable and prudent. Prepare the financial statements On the going
concern basis unles5 It is inappropriate to presume that the charity will continue in business.
The directors and trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records which
disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity and to
enable them to ensure that the financial statement5 comply with the Charities Act. They are
also responsible for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.
Review of Activities
The trustees, review of activities is set out in a separate document.
Reserves Policv
The charity has a reserves policy in place.
Page I
ACCM(UK)
Financial Statement for the Year Ended 31st May 2025
DIRECTORS, AND TRUSTEES, REPORT
Summary of Financlal Posltion
The Statement of Financial Activities shows net resources of1£127481 for the year. Reserves
amount to £15413 of which 7730 lie in restricted funds committed to specific purpose.
Rlsk Management
The trustees have assessed the major risks to which the charity is exposed, in particular those
related to the operations and finances of the trust and are satisfied that systems are in place
to mitigate the exposure to major risks.
Dirertors and Trustees
All directors of the company are also trustees of the charity. There are no other trustees. All
the trustees retire at the forthcoming Annual General Meeting but are eligible for re-
appointment. The trustees may appoint a person as a trustee to fill a vacancy or to act as a
additional trustee.
This report is prepared in accordance with the special provision of the Companies Act 2(KJ6
relating to small companies.
The report of the directors and trustee was approved by the board on
and 5gned on its behalf bv'.-
gi & 2)2g
Mark B. DeGietelink
Chair
Page 2
ACCM(UK}
Financial Statement for the Year Ended 31st May 2025
ACCM{UK)
Financial Statement for the Year Ended 31st May 2025
ACCOUNTANTS REPORT TO THE TRUSTEEs/MEMBERS OF ACCM IUKI
The followinE reproduces the text of the report prepared for the directors in respect of the cotnpany's annual
unaudited financial staternents, from which the accounts Set out on pages 4 to 8 have been prÈpared.
As described on the balance sheet you are responsible for the preparatitsn of the financial statements lor the
vear ended 31st May 2025 as set out on pages 4 to 9 and you consider that the comp8ny is exempt from audit.
In accordance with your instructions, we have compiled these unaudited financial Statements in order to asslst
vou to lulfil your statutory responsibilities, frorn the accounting records and information and explanation5
supplièd to U5.
2910812025
Egemole & Co Accou
29 Mansfield Road
Sheffield
S12 2AE
ts
Page 3
ACCM(UK)
Financial Statement for the Year Ended 31st May 2025
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES AND INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT
Notes
Unrestricted
Restricted
Total
Total
Funds
Funds
Fund5
Fund5
2025
2024
Incomlng Resources
Activities In furtherance of the
Charity's objects
Grant Receivable
Fees and Bank
Interest
27500
109568
137068
94354
209
209
Total In¢omlng Resources
Resources
Expanded..
Cost of activities in furtherance
27709
109568
137277
94354
Of Ch3rities objects
Direct Charitable Expenditure
8631
8631
15243
Management & Administration
Office Rent and Service5
780
780
14084
83456
97540
72130
Training
Accountancy and professional fees
Volunteer Expenses
Travel & Subsistence
loo
Iso
250
105
7183
16279
23462
18116
147
504
651
671
60
822
882
522
Consultancy
Adrninistrative
224
907
1131
5887
10550
16437
12781
Subscription
Bank Charges
456
74
187
261
220
Staff Misce113n&ous
1759
Total Resources Expended
27759
122266
150025
122003
Net (Expenditurelllncome
For the Year
-50
-12698
-12748
-27649
Tot31 Funds 1st June 2024
7733
20428
28161
55810
Total Funds 31st May 2025
7683
7730
15413
28161
Page 4
Financial Statement for the Year Ended 31st May 2025
BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31ST MAY 2025
The company is entitled to exemption from audit under Section 477 of the Companies Act
2025
2024
Notes
Fixed Assèts
Current Assets
Bank
A/C
16713
29411
Cash
500
17213
550
29961
17213
29961
Creditors.. Arnount fallin8
due within one year
1800
1800
Net Cufrent Assets
15413
28161
Net Assets
Income Funds
Unrestricted Income funds
Restricted Income funds
7683
7730
7733
20428
Total Funds
15413
2006 for the year ended 31 May 2025. The Members have not required the company to obtain
an audit of its financial statements for the year ended 31 May 2025 in accordance with Section
476 of the Companies Att 2006. The directors acknowledge their responsibilities for'.-
al Ensuring that the company keeps accounting records which comply with Section 386 of the
Companies Act 2006 and
bl Preparing financial statements which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the
company as at the end of each financial year and of its profit or loss for each financial year in
accordance with the requirements of section 396 and which otherwise comply with the
requirements of the Companies Act 2006 to financial statements, so far as applicable to the
company. The accounts have been prepared in accordance with companies with the special
provisions of part IS of the Companies Act 2006 relating to companies subject to the small
companies regime.
28161
The financial st
signed on it
ments were approved by the Board of Directors on
and
Mark B. DeGietelink
Page 5
ACCMIUKI
Financial Statement for the Year Ended 31st May 2025
PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES
These financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention and in
accordance with the applicable United Kingdom Reporting Standards, the Charities Act 1993,
and the Actounting and Reporting by Charities-statement of Recommended Practice ISORP
20051.
Grants recelvable
Grants in respect of revenue items are written off to the income and expenditure account in
the period to which they relate. Grants in respect of SpeCfiC projects are credited to a
restricted fund, against which relevant expenditure is charged. Grants are not recognised as
receivable until all conditions for receipt have been met. Where donor imposed restrictions
apply to the timing of the related expenditure, as a pre-condition for its use, the grant 15
treated as deferred income until those restrictions are met. Grants relating to fixed assets are
credited to a restricted fund on the income and expenditure account from which amounts are
released to revenue over the same period as the depreciation period of the relevant assets.
Dirert charitable expenditure
This will comprise all expenditure relating directly to the objects of the charity.
Management and administrative expenditure
This relate5 to expenditure incurred on the day to day running of the charity and not directly on projects.
Tangible fixed assets and depreclatlon
Tangible fixed assets are stated at cost less depreciation. Depreciation is calculated to write down the c05t ol
the fixed as5et5 over their expected useful lives. The rates used are as lollowed'.-
Fixtures ènd Fittings
Equipment
15
Straight Line
Straight Line
15
Fund actountlng
Funds held by charity are either'.-
Unrestricted funds These are funds whith can be used in accord3nce with the charitable objectives at the
discretion of the trustee5.
Restricted funds These are funds that can only be used lor particular restricted purposes within the objects of
the charity
Page 6
ACCM(UK)
Notes to the Financial Statement for the Year Ended 31st May 2025
11 Grants recelvable
Grants were received from various organisations for the payment of salaries, consultancy,
training and other running costs and are listed in note S to the accounts. The amount received
in the year was £109568
21 Net lexpenditure}/lncome for the year
2025
This is stated after charging:_
Accountants remuneration
181x1
2b} Staff Costs and Numbers
Salaries and Wages
97540
No employee earned more than £60000 per annum12025-nill.
31 Tangible Assets
Equipment
Furniture
Total
Cost
At 31105125
Depreciation
Charge for the year
NBV 31105125
NBV 31105124
Page 7
ACCMIUK)
Notes to the Financial Statement for the Year Ended 31st May 2025
41 Creditors-Amounts falling due wlthln one year
2025
Accruals & trade creditors
18(K)
51 Restrlcted funds
The income funds of the charity include restricted funds to be applied for specific purposes. The details of the
funds are set out below',-
Movement in Resources
Balance
at
01106/24
Balance
Incoming
Outgoing
31105125
National Lottery Community Fund
9866
90338
96624
3580
Bedford Borough Council African Event
Bedford Borough Council
1500
1500
The Harpur Trust
1000
1000
Screwfix
4650
4650
Locality
1422
200
1622
Sma11wood Trust
8030
7380
650
House of industry
2236
2236
The Neighbourly 8&Q
Bedford & Luton
2254
2254
8500
5000
3500
TOTAL
20428
109568
122266
7730
Page 8
ACCMIUK)
Financial Statement for the Year Ended 31st May 2025
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF ACCM IUKI
I report on the accounts of the company for the year ended 31 May 2025, which are set out
on pages I to 8.
Respectlve responslblllties of trustees and examiner
The trustees (who are real so the directors of the company for the purposes of company lawl
are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. The trustees consider that an audit is not
required for this year under section 43121 of the Charities Act 1993 (the 1993 Act) and that an
independent examination is needed. It 15 my responsibility to..
Examine the accounts under section 43 of the 1993 Act,.
To follow the procedures laid down in the general Directions given by the Charity
Comrni55ion under Section 43171 Ibl of the 1993 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 are view 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 trustees concerning any such matters. The procedure5 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 therefore is limited to those
matter5 set out in the statement below.
Independent examiner's statement
In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention-
l. Which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect the requirement5'.
To keep accounting record5 in accordance with Section 386 of the Companies Act 2006,. and
To prepare accounts which accord with the accoLJnting records, comply with the accounting
requirement5 of section 396 of the Companies Act 2006 and with the methods and principles
of the Accounting and Reporting by Charities -statement of Recommended Practice ISORP
20051 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.
Jude Egemole
Dated.. 2910812025
Egemole & Co Accountants
29 Mansfield Road
Sheffield S12 2AE
Page 9
ACCM{UK)
Financial Statement for the Year Ended 31st May 2025
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORTTO THE TRUSTEES OF ACCM IUKI
I report on the accounts of the company for the year ended 31 May 2025, which are set out
on pages I to 8.
Respective responsibilities of trustees and examiner
The trustees (who are real so the directors of the company for the purposes of company lawl
are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. The trustees consider that an audit is not
required for this year under section 43121 of the Charities Act 1993 (the 1993 Actl and that an
independent examination is needed. It is my responsibility to..
Examine the accounts under section 43 of the 1993 Act,.
To follow the procedures laid down in the general Directions given by the Charity
Commission under section 43171 Ibl of the 1993 Act,. and to state whether particular matters
have come to my attention.
Basis of independent examlner's report
My examination was carried out in accordance with the general Directions given by the
Charity Commission. An examination includes are view 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 account5, and seeking explanations
from you as 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 therefore 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:
l. 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 2C106,' 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 Accounting and Reporting by Charities -statement of Recommended Practice ISORP
20051 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.
Jude Egemole
Dated.. 2910812025
Egemole & Co Accountant5
29 Mansfield Road
Sheffield S12 2AE
Page 9