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2025-03-31-accounts

HASVO Annual Report 2024 - 2025 •)

Table of Contents

Reference and Administrative Details of the Charity ........................................................... 2 Structure, Governance and Management .............................................................................. 3 Objectives and Activities ........................................................................................................... 3 Charitable Objects ..................................................................................................................... 3 Public Benefit ............................................................................................................................. 3 Main Activities Undertaken ....................................................................................................... 3 Achievements and Performance ............................................................................................. 4 Overview of Impact .................................................................................................................... 4 Drop-in Sessions and Outreach Work (Advice, Advocacy & Information) ........................ 4 Youth Services ........................................................................................................................... 5 Families and Parenting Support .............................................................................................. 5 Partnership Working: Next Step Partnership ......................................................................... 6 Health, Wellbeing and Reduction of Isolation ....................................................................... 6 Financial Review ........................................................................................................................ 8 Plans for Future Periods ........................................................................................................... 8 Statement of Trustees’ Responsibilities ................................................................................. 8 ANNUAL ACCOUNTS ..................................................................................................................... 9 Appendix ....................................................................................................................................17 Introduction of the New Management for the Harrow Association of Somali Voluntary Organisations (HASVO) ..................................................................................................17 AGM Public Questions and Feedback from Attendees: ....................................................19

Reference and Administrative Details of the Charity

Charity name: Harrow Association of Somali Voluntary Organisations (HASVO) Charity registration number: 1129442

Principal address: Printing House 66 Lower Road Harrow, HA2 0DH

HASVO is a registered charity established in 2004 to support Somali, Arabic-speaking, and other disadvantaged refugee and migrant communities living in Harrow and neighbouring boroughs.

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Structure, Governance and Management

HASVO is a user-led organisation governed by a Board of Trustees drawn largely from the communities it serves. Trustees are responsible for setting strategic direction, ensuring compliance with charity law, and overseeing financial management and risk.

The Annual General Meeting (AGM) was held on 10 November 2025, at which officers were elected for a further two-year term. Trustees confirm that appropriate governance, safeguarding, financial controls, and health and safety policies were in place and adhered to throughout the reporting period. There were no significant health and safety incidents or complaints recorded.

The organisation continued to strengthen internal systems and successfully renewed its Matrix Quality Mark during the year, demonstrating its commitment to quality assurance and continuous improvement.

Objectives and Activities

Charitable Objects

HASVO’s charitable objects focus on relieving poverty, advancing education, promoting equality and diversity, improving health and wellbeing, and supporting the integration of refugees and migrants.

Public Benefit

The Trustees confirm that they have had due regard to the Charity Commission’s guidance on public benefit when reviewing HASVO’s aims and activities. All services are delivered for the public benefit, particularly targeting individuals and families experiencing disadvantage, exclusion, and inequality.

Main Activities Undertaken

During 2024–25, HASVO delivered a wide range of activities aimed at improving quality of life, preventing crisis, and strengthening community resilience. These included:

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Achievements and Performance

Overview of Impact

Throughout the reporting period, HASVO continued to operate as a frontline organisation responding to increasing levels of need linked to the cost-of-living crisis, housing insecurity, and health and educational inequalities.

In total, HASVO supported 3,416 cases across its services, including:

These figures reflect both the scale of need locally and HASVO’s role as a trusted point of access for communities facing complex challenges.

Drop-in Sessions and Outreach Work (Advice, Advocacy & Information)

Advice, advocacy, and outreach work remained one of HASVO’s most critical frontline services during 2024–25. For many community members, HASVO is the first and often only point of trusted contact when facing crisis or navigating complex statutory systems.

HASVO operated open drop-in advice sessions five days a week (Monday to Friday, 10:00–16:00) , supported by outreach work for individuals unable to attend in person. During the reporting period, 1,816 advice and advocacy cases were supported through this service.

The issues presented were often complex and interrelated. Common areas of support included:

HASVO’s culturally and linguistically competent approach allowed staff and volunteers to explain processes clearly, reduce anxiety, and empower individuals to make informed decisions. Many service users had limited literacy or previous negative experiences with statutory services, making trust-based support essential.

Outreach work was particularly important for older people, individuals with mobility issues, and those experiencing acute vulnerability. This included home visits, telephone advocacy, accompaniment to appointments, and coordination with next of kin or support networks. Early intervention through advice and advocacy prevented issues from escalating into crisis, reducing reliance on emergency services and statutory intervention.

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This service continues to save both time and public resources, while significantly improving the mental wellbeing, stability, and confidence of individuals and families.

Youth Services

Youth services remained a core area of HASVO’s work during 2024–25, addressing educational underachievement, social isolation, and risks of disengagement among children and young people. During the year, HASVO supported 189 unique children and young people , with a total of 414 participations across youth activities.

Supplementary Education

The supplementary education programme supported 59 young people , exceeding the original target of 50. Delivery focused primarily on Maths and core academic skills. Young people demonstrated improved confidence, engagement, and motivation, while parents reported reduced anxiety and improved attitudes towards learning.

Mentoring Programme

The mentoring programme supported 38 young people at risk of exclusion or disengagement. Mentors provided consistent guidance, leading to improved behaviour, self-esteem, and communication. In several cases, mentoring helped prevent exclusion and strengthened relationships between families and schools.

Youth Club

The weekly Youth Club engaged 52 young people from low-income households. It provided a safe, inclusive environment supporting confidence, leadership, and positive peer relationships. Many participants developed a strong sense of belonging and increased willingness to contribute positively to their community.

Holiday Activities

Holiday provision reached 265 young people , significantly exceeding expectations. These activities reduced isolation during school holidays and provided enriching experiences for children who would otherwise have limited access to structured activities.

Outcomes for Young People

Families and Parenting Support

Alongside direct youth work, HASVO supported 123 parents and carers through parenting workshops, school-based engagement, and one-to-one advocacy. Parents reported increased confidence in supporting their children, improved understanding of the education system, and stronger communication within the family.

This work contributed to more stable home environments and reinforced positive outcomes for children and young people.

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Partnership Working: Next Step Partnership

HASVO played an active role in the Next Step Partnership , working closely with Whitmore High School and partner organisations to strengthen home–school relationships and provide early intervention.

During the year, HASVO delivered:

In total, 39 unique parents and carers were supported, representing 93 young people . Parents returning from Year 1 were more confident and proactive, and engagement from fathers increased. Notably, 96% of families were supported without escalation to statutory services, demonstrating the effectiveness of early, community-led intervention.

Health, Wellbeing and Reduction of Isolation

Health inequalities remain a significant challenge for the communities HASVO serves. Many Somali, Arabic-speaking, and newly arrived residents experience higher rates of long-term conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, and mental ill health. These challenges are compounded by poverty, overcrowded housing, trauma, low health literacy, and cultural and language barriers to accessing services.

During 2024–25, HASVO delivered a wide range of health and wellbeing activities aimed at improving access to services, increasing health awareness, and reducing isolation. This work recognised that health outcomes are shaped not only by medical care but by social, economic, and environmental factors.

Key areas of activity included:

Health Information and Awareness

HASVO delivered targeted health information sessions and informal advice on issues such as mental health, diabetes management, cancer screening, vaccinations, and healthy living. Information was shared in culturally appropriate ways, often through trusted community settings, enabling people to better understand prevention, treatment, and available services.

Support with Accessing Health Services

Through its drop-in and outreach work, HASVO supported individuals to register with GPs, understand prescriptions and treatment plans, attend hospital appointments, and engage with follow-up care. Staff and volunteers frequently acted as advocates and interpreters, ensuring that service users were not excluded due to language or system complexity.

Women’s Wellbeing and Warm Hubs

Reducing isolation among women and older people was a major focus during the year. HASVO successfully operated women-only wellbeing hubs across multiple locations:

These sessions provided safe, welcoming spaces for social interaction, peer support, and informal learning. Over 60 women benefited regularly from these hubs, which helped reduce

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loneliness, improve mental wellbeing, and build social networks. The hubs also functioned as warm spaces for those struggling with energy costs.

Older People and Isolation Prevention

Many older refugees face extreme isolation due to language barriers, health conditions, and limited family support. HASVO provided ongoing monitoring and practical support, including help with housing maintenance issues, mobility aids, prescriptions, hospital discharge arrangements, and social care referrals. Volunteers played a key role in maintaining regular contact and ensuring no one was left without support.

Community Trust and Mental Wellbeing

Mental health remained a significant concern within the community, often linked to trauma, displacement, poverty, and ongoing uncertainty. HASVO’s trusted presence and holistic approach helped relieve stress and anxiety by addressing urgent practical issues while offering emotional reassurance and culturally sensitive guidance.

Overall, HASVO’s health, wellbeing, and isolation-reduction work contributed to improved access to healthcare, reduced loneliness, and greater resilience among individuals and families who might otherwise remain excluded from mainstream services.

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Financial Review

The Trustees confirm that the charity remained financially stable throughout the reporting period. Income and expenditure were managed in line with agreed budgets, and appropriate financial controls were maintained. HASVO benefited from continued support from statutory bodies and charitable trusts, enabling it to respond to increased demand.

Plans for Future Periods

Looking ahead, HASVO will continue to:

Statement of Trustees’ Responsibilities

The Trustees are responsible for preparing the Trustees’ Annual Report and financial statements in accordance with applicable law and regulations. They confirm that the report gives a true and fair view of the charity’s activities, achievements, and performance during the year.

Approved by the Board of Trustees

On behalf of Harrow Association of Somali Voluntary Organisations

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ANNUAL ACCOUNTS

INDEPENDENT EXAMINER’S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF HARROW ASSOCIATION OF SOMALI VOLUNTARY ORGANISATION LTD FOR YEAR ENDED

31 MARCH 2025

I report to the charity trustees on my examination of the accounts of the company for the year ended 31 March 2025.

Respective responsibilities of trustees and examiner

The charity's trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. The charity's trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year (under Section 144(2) of the Charities Act 2011 (the 2011 Act)) and that an independent examination is required. It is my responsibility to:

Basis of the 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 trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit, and consequently no opinion is given as to whether the accounts present a 'true and fair view ' and the report is limited to those matters set out in the statements below.

Independent examiner's statement

Since the Company's gross income exceeded £250,000, the independent examiner must be a member of a body listed in section 145 of the 2011 Act. I confirm that I am qualified to undertake the examination because I am licensed member of Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT). 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 130 of the 2011 Act; and to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and to comply with the accounting requirements of the 2011 Act have not been met; or

(2) To which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached. The trustees present their report and the financial statements for the year ended 31 March2025.

Abdirahman Amin……………………………. 18/10/2025

Licensed Association of Accounting Technician BA (Hons) Accounting and Finance 3 Bob Currie Close Harrow, Middlesex. HA2 9BF

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Statement of Financial Activities for the Year Ended 31 March 2025.

General

Funds
Restricted
Funds
2024/25
Total
2023/24
Total
£
281,684
-
281,684
29,378
13,608
185,601
3246
(231,833)
49,851
107,220

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Statement of Balance Sheet for the Year Ended 31 March 2025.

Description
Notes
Fixed Assets
Equipment
13
Other Fixed Assets
Total Fixed Assets
Current Assets
Debtors
9
Cash at bank and in hand
10
Total Current Assets
Creditors Amounts
falling due within one
year
11
Net Current Assets
(Liability)
Total Assets less (Liability)
Creditors Amounts
Falling due after one
year
12
Net Assets
General
Funds
Restricted
Funds
Total
Funds
2024/25
Total
2023/24 2023/24
Total
£
2215
-
2215
-
48,338
48,338
(1,538)
46,800
49,015
(677)
48,338
£
-
-
0
-
123,193

123,193

-
123,193
123,193
-
171,531
£
2,215
-
2,215


169,993
172,208
(677)
171,531
£
-
159,037
159,037
(4,326)
£
4,181
-
4,181
154,711
171,531
(1,538)
158,892
(5,873)
153,019

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AUDIT EXEMPTION STATEMENT

For the year ending 31 March 2025, the company was entitled to exemption under section 477 of the Companies Act 2006 relating to small companies. The members have not required the company to obtain an audit for its accounts in question in accordance with section 476 of the Companies Act 2006.

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

The financial statements were approved by the Board of Trustees.

18/10/2025

Trustees

Director: Cabdulqaadir A Mohamed………………………………

Trustee: Ahmed Yussuf……………………………………………..

Date 18/10/2025

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Notes to the financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2025

1. Accounting policies

1.1 Statement of compliance

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice (applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102)) (issued in October 2019)- (Charities SORP (FRS 102)), the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) and the Companies Act 2006.

1.2 Incoming resources Donations, legacies and other forms of voluntary income are recognised as incoming resources when receivable, except insofar as they are incapable of financial measurement. All incoming resources are included in the statement of financial activities when the charity is entitled to the income, and the amount can be quantified with reasonable accuracy. The following specific policies are applied to categories of income: Voluntary income and donations are included in incoming resources when they are receivable, except when the donors specify that they must be used in future accounting periods or certain conditions have not been fulfilled, then the income is deferred. Grants where entitlement is not conditional on the delivery of a specific performance by the charity are recognised when the charity becomes unconditionally entitled to the grant.

1.3 Resources expended

Charitable expenditure comprises those costs incurred by the charity in the delivery of its activities and services for its beneficiaries. It includes both costs that can be allocated directly to such activities and those costs of an indirect nature necessary to support them. Governance costs include those costs associated with meeting the constitutional and statutory requirements of the charity and include the Independent

Examiner's fee and costs linked to the strategic management of the charity.

All costs are allocated between the expenditure categories of the SOFA on a basis designed to reflect the use of the resource.

1.4 Grants

Grants are credited to the Statement of Financial Activities on the earlier date of when they are received or when they are receivable unless it is specified that they are for a future accounting period, in which case they are included on the balance sheet as deferred income to be recognised in those future accounting periods.

1.5

Unrestricted funds are the funds of the charity which the trustees have decided at their discretion to set aside to use for a specific purpose. Restricted funds are donations which the donor has specified are to be solely used for areas of the charity’s work or for specific projects being undertaken by the charity.

1.6 Tangible Fixed Assets and Depreciation, Tangible Fixed Assets are stated at cost less depreciation. Depreciation is provided at rates calculated to write off the cost less the estimated residual value of each asset over their expected useful life, as follows: Fixtures fittings and equipment: 20% Straight Line Basis

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1.6 Financial review: Reserves Policy

Harrow Association of Somali Voluntary Organisations Limited holds funds from its reserves. The current financial risk is low however the trust has a policy to hold a reserve of £30,000 to cover six month’s operating costs.

2

3
4
5
HARROW ASSOCIATION OF SOMALI VOLUNTARY ORGANISATION HARROW ASSOCIATION OF SOMALI VOLUNTARY ORGANISATION HARROW ASSOCIATION OF SOMALI VOLUNTARY ORGANISATION
Grant and donations received
Harrow Together
Tudor Trust
Central Fund
Henry Smith
NHS NWL
Lloyds Foundation
Voluntary Action
Harrow Council
John Lyon
Harrow Young Fund
Refugee Action
Other Income
Support Cost
Bank Service Charge
Insurance
IT Equipment
Volunteer Expenses
Consultancy
Administration Cost
Depreciation Charge
Fund Raising
Workshop and Training
Estates facilities cost
Rent Expenses
Business Rate
Office Cleaning
Telephone Bill
Service Charge -utilities
£
27,378
36,300
31,875
27,600
41,125
2,500
3,487
9,394
83,500
206
1,500
264,865
-
-
334
1,650
-
210
3,000
15,207
1,966
695
2,110
25,173
15,005
919
750
835
435

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17,944

6
Charitable Services Cost
Charity Workers Expenditure
Sessional Charity Workers Expenditure
Other Charitable Expenditure
106,949
43,800
52,267
203,016
7
Accountancy and Governance
Annual Account
Annual Report Preparation
Governance
Payroll Preparation
8
Debtors
9
Cash
Opening Balance
Incoming Cash
Cash Expended
Closing Balance
783
1,260
1,200
1,716
4,959
0
0
157,071
264,865
421,936
250,405
171,531
10
Creditors Amounts Falling due
within one year
11
Creditors Amounts falling
Due after one year
1,538
1,538
677
677

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13. Note
Tangible Fixed Assets
Cost
Cost as of 1 April 2024
Additions
Revaluation
Cost as of 31 March 2025
Depreciation
Depreciation as of 31 March 2024
Charges for the period
On Disposal
Total depreciation on 31 March 2025
Net Book Value on 31 March 2025
Net Book Value at 31 March 2024
£
9,828
0
-
9,828
5,647
1,966
0
7,613
2,215
4,181

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Appendix

Introduction of the New Management for the Harrow Association of Somali Voluntary Organisations (HASVO)

It’s my pleasure to introduce to you here the new members of Management Committee for the Harrow Association of Somali Voluntary Organisations.

The new team is elected during our AGM held at the HASVO centre on the 10th of November 2025.

This committee will remain in office for a term of two years. HASVO will continue to forge partnership with the voluntary and statutory organisations in order to achieve durable solutions for the multidimensional problems of this new community.

The list of the newly elected Management committee members are:

Name Position
Abdulqadir Mohamed Afey Chair
Ayaan Ismail Secretary
Ahmed Yussuf Treasurer
Omer Elmi Member
Samira Hassan Member

HASVO’s main aims are summarised as follows:

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Our Core Values are:

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AGM Public Questions and Feedback from Attendees:

During the Meeting, the Chair of the trustees gave a summary of the annual report and the Treasurers account was approved. The Treasurer shared the participants on the progress of financial situation of the organization. He thanked the new funding organizations for their ongoing support (Henry Smith Foundation, Trust for London; Tudor Trust; the John Lyon and the North west London NHS CCG and Harrow Council.

Both leaders stated that there have been remarkable improvements made in the areas of healthy living, employment and access to basic rights for the new arrivals who are mainly Arabic speakers and the old migrants.

The Coordinator have highlighted the important role this organization fulfills for the borough wide service delivery, community cohesion, and bridging of gaps in equality and integration of new groups.

The youth coordinator shared slides of the hidden issues that the community needs to combat together and air their voices as a community for the common issues that affect us all.

The leaders have noted the increasing number of non-Somali beneficiaries especially from the Mediterranean and the east European countries and EU citizens. Some of these groups are presenting circumstances/situations that Somali community have dealt ten to fifteen years ago. This certainly presents the demand for more resources and resilience from the volunteers and organisation to adjust to meeting such needs as a public body.

Public Points raised:

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