WELWITSCHIA WELFARE CENTRE
Registered Charity and Company Limited by Guarantee
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED
31[ST] MARCH 2024
Charity number: 1131751 Company number: 06528173 (England and Wales)
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WELWITSCHIA WELFARE CENTRE YEAR ENDED 31[ST] MARCH 2024
Registered Charity Number : 1131751 Registered Company Number: 06528173
Principal address:
Imperial House 64 Willoughby Lane London N17 0SP
Directors and Trustees:
Mr A Silva Chair Mr A Jones Vice Chair Mr R Baptista Secretary Ms L Loureira Not a trustee from 25[th] February 2023 Ms J Domingos Trustee Mr A Dourado Not a trustee from 20[th] March 2023 Mr H Baptista Trustee
Governing document:
The organisation is operated under its Memorandum and Articles of Association.
Bankers:
Barclays Bank PLC
Independent Examiner:
TACTS Accountant Chartered Certified Accountant 61 Fountains Crescent London, N14 6BD
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WELWITSCHIA WELFARE CENTRE
FINANCIAL ACCOUNTS
FOR YEAR ENDED 31[ST] MARCH 2024
CONTENTS
Pages
- 4-6. Directors’ & Trustees’ Report
7. Independent Examiners Report
8. Statement of Financial Activities
9. Balance Sheet
10-13. Notes to the Accounts
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WELWITSCHIA WELFARE CENTRE
Report of the Directors and Trustees for the year ended 31st March 2024
The trustees are pleased to present their annual directors’ report for the year ending 31[st] March 2024 which are also prepared to meet the requirements for a directors’ report and accounts for Companies Act purposes.
The financial statements comply with the Charities Act 2011, the Companies Act 2006, the Memorandum and Articles of Association, and 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) (effective 1 January 2015)
STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT
The charity is controlled by its Memorandum and Articles of Association and constitutes a company charity, limited by guarantee as defined by the Companies Act 2006.
Recruitment and appointment of new trustees
The trustees are appointed by the board. The position of Trustees is nominated and elected annually by members of the charity at the Annual General Meeting.
Induction and training of new trustees
New trustees are trained and inducted by the Charity’s full-time coordinator. Additional induction is also provided by a member of community development team of local voluntary action.
Organisation structure
The Company Charity is organised so that the Board of Trustees meet at least four times in every year to oversee the running of the charity. The charity has a part time coordinator/advice worker who oversees the day-to-day running of the charity and reports to the Trustees and also to ordinary members at the General Meeting. The day-to-day administration of grants and processing and handling of applications prior to consideration by the committee is delegated to the coordinator.
Directors and Trustees and their responsibilities
Charity trustees are the people who serve on the governing body of a charity. They may be known as trustees, directors, board members, governors or committee members. The principles and main duties are the same in all cases.
Trustees have, and must accept, ultimate responsibility for directing the affairs of a charity, and ensuring that it is solvent, well-run, and meeting the needs for which it has been set up.
The Companies Act 2006 requires the directors to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the company and of the profit or loss of the company for that period.
The directors are responsible for keeping proper accounting records which disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the company.
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Charity Objects
FOR THE PUBLIC BENEFIT IN GREATER LONDON AND ELSEWHERE IN THE UNITED KINGDOM AND IN PARTICULAR FOR THE BENEFIT OF THOSE MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WHO ARE FROM AFRICAN PORTUGUESE SPEAKING COUNTRIES AND OTHER PEOPLE OF AFRICAN DESCENT. BY RELIEVING PERSONS WHO ARE IN NEED BY REASON OF POVERTY, SICKNESS AND STRESS. BY ADVANCING EDUCATION AND PROVIDING AND ASSISTING IN THE PROVISION OF FACILITIES FOR RECREATION AND LEISURE TIME OCCUPATION IN THE INTEREST OF SOCIAL WELFARE AND THE OBJECTIVE OF IMPROVING THE CONDITIONS OF LIFE OF THOSE PERSONS FOR WHOM THE FACILITIES ARE PROVIDED.
FOR THE RELIEF OF POVERTY OF PEOPLE FROM AFRICAN PORTUGUESE SPEAKING COUNTRIES AND OTHER PEOPLE OF AFRICAN DESCENT WHO ARE RESIDENT OR INTENDING TO RESIDE IN GREATER LONDON AND ELSEWHERE IN THE UNITED KINGDOM, BY PROVIDING SUCH PERSONS WITH FREE, CONFIDENTIAL AND IMPARTIAL ADVICE, INFORMATION, ASSISTANCE, REPRESENTATION, COUNSELLING, TRANSLATION AND INTERPRETATION SERVICES IN SUCH MATTERS AS; IMMIGRATION, MONEY, DEBTS, WELFARE BENEFITS, HEALTH, HOUSING, SOCIAL SERVICES, EDUCATION, TRAINING AND EMPLOYMENT
Activities and Achievements
The Welwitschia Welfare Centre (WWC) has made significant strides in various areas, benefiting the community it serves. Let’s delve into their achievements:
Immigration/Nationality:
Achieved a remarkable 90% positive outcomes in immigration and nationality cases.
Successfully assisted with applications for Limited Leave to Remain, EU Settlement Scheme, British Naturalisation, and British Registration.
Facilitated 2 family reunions during the same year.
Notably, WWC secured leave to remain for a single mother with two children who had endured years of domestic violence.
Fundraising:
Secured two years of funding from Trust for London and one year of funding from Awards for London.
These funding sources are crucial for sustaining the organisation’s charitable activities.
Importantly, this financial support enables WWC to continue providing essential services to beneficiaries, especially during the current cost-of-living crisis.
Housing:
Prevented at least 3 evictions and homelessness through timely intervention.
Successfully referred 4 clients to Shelter Housing who faced severe disrepair issues.
Debt Management:
WWC actively assisted beneficiaries in negotiating with various creditors for repayment.
A significant achievement was helping a client write off a credit card loan of £5,030 from a major high street bank.
The Welwitschia Welfare Centre’s commitment to improving lives and addressing critical challenges is commendable. Their work not only impacts individuals but also contributes to the well-being of the wider community. For more information, you can visit the Welwitschia Welfare Centre website
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All the funding received have been helpful to keep our project running to support the disadvantaged Portuguese and French speaking African community. A number of them are refugees and lone parents with low income.
As part of our community learning development programme, we signpost potential learners to the Workers Educational Association (WEA) employability and ESOL classes as the courses are free for delegates on low-income dependent on benefits. The aim is to prepare them to seek employment and vocational training skills to boost their income by accessing jobs or work as self-employed.
Our volunteers
WWC is very involved in the community and relies on voluntary help. 2 volunteers assisted with our on-going activities. We wish to thank our volunteers for their loyal support and contribution.
Risk management
The trustees have a risk management strategy which comprises:
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an annual review of the principal risks and uncertainties that the charity undertakes.
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the establishment of policies, systems and procedures to mitigate those risks identified in the annual review; and
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the implementation of procedures designed to minimise or manage any potential impact on the charity should those risks materialise.
The Trustees constantly review risks relevant to the charity. Any risks identified are reported to the Trustees and decisions made on how to minimise risk.
Reserve’s policy and going concern
The Board has assessed the charity’s requirements for reserves in the light of the main risks to the organisation. As a result, the Board has approved a policy whereby the unrestricted funds not committed, should be held in reserve and maintained at a level which ensures that WWC’s core activity could continue during a period of unforeseen difficulty. The target reserve amount represents at least 6 months’ (26 weeks) expenditure and will be reviewed annually.
Future Plan
The organisation is on target to achieve all output and outcomes. The organisation will continue to fundraise to support its increasing demand for its information and advice services.
We would like to thank all our Board Members, Staff, volunteers, and all our service users who have given their energy and commitment to achieve WWC’s objectives. We would also like to thank all our funders for their support.
Signed on behalf of the directors and trustees,
Mr A A da Silva (Chairperson) Date: 24/04/2024
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Independent examiner’s report to the trustees of Welwitschia Welfare Centre
I report on the accounts of the company for the year ended 31[st] March 2024, which are set out on pages 8 to 13.
Respective responsibilities of trustees and examiner
The trustees (who are also the directors of the company for the purposes of company law) are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. The charity’s trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year under section 144 of the Charities Act 2011 (the Charities Act) and that an independent examination is needed. The charity’s gross income exceeded £25,000 and I am qualified to undertake the examination by being a qualified member of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants.
It is my responsibility to:
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examine the accounts under section 145 of the Charities Act,
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to follow the procedures laid down in the general Directions given by the
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Charity Commission (under section 145(5)(b) of the Charities Act, and • to state whether particular matters have come to my attention.
Basis of independent examiner’s statement
My examination was carried out in accordance with general Directions given by the Charity Commission. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts, and seeking explanations from the trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit, and consequently no opinion is given as to whether the accounts present a ‘true and fair’ view and the report is limited to those matters set out in the statement below.
Independent examiner's statement
In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention to indicate that:
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accounting records have not been kept in accordance with section 386 of the
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Companies Act 2006;
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the accounts do not accord with such records:
• where accounts are prepared on an accruals basis, whether they fail to comply with relevant accounting requirements under section 396 of the Companies Act 2006, or are not consistent with the Charities SORP (FRS102)
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any matter which the examiner believes should be drawn to the attention of the
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reader to gain a proper understanding of the accounts.
Date: 24/04/2024
Chartered Certified Accountant
TACTS Accountant, 61 Fountains Crescent, London, N14 6BD
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WELWITSCHIA WELFARE CENTRE
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR END 31 MARCH 2024
| Notes INCOMING RESOURCES:- Incoming resources from generated funds Voluntary Income: Donation Incoming resources from charitable activities Grants to provide charitable activities (14) Income from services TOTAL INCOMING RESOURCES RESOUCES EXPENDED Expenditure on raising funds (16) Expenditure on charitable activities (16) TOTAL RESOUCES EXPENDED Net Incomings and (outgoings) resources Balances Brought Forward Balances Carried Forward |
Unrestricted Funds £ 1,016 - 5,929 6,945 - - - |
Unrestricted Funds £ 1,016 - 5,929 6,945 - - - |
Restricted Funds £ - 30,122 - 30,122 2,910 56,273 59,183 |
Restricted Funds £ - 30,122 - 30,122 2,910 56,273 59,183 |
Total Funds 2024 £ 1,016 30,122 5,929 |
Total Funds 2023 £ 1,070 68,241 - |
|||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 37,066 | 69,311 | ||||||||
| 2,910 56,273 |
1,995 54,722 |
||||||||
| 59,183 | 56,717 | ||||||||
| 6,945 | (29,062) | (22,117) | **12,594 ** | ||||||
| 13,360 | 59,811 | ||||||||
| 73,171 | 60,577 | ||||||||
| 20,305 | 30,749 | **51,054 ** | 73,171 |
There were no recognised gains or losses for the above period other than those shown in the statement of financial activities for the above financial year. All incoming resources and resources expended are derived from continuing activities.
(The notes attached form part of these financial statements)
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WELWITSCHIA WELFARE CENTRE BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31ST MARCH 2024
| Notes Fixed Assets Tangible assets (18) Current Assets: Cash at Bank and In Hand Current Liabilities: Creditors: Amount falling due within one year: Creditors & Accruals (13) Net Current Assets Net Assets As Represented By Unrestricted Fund Restricted Fund (15) Total Funds |
£ 2024 1,952 51,984 2,881 49,102 51,054 20,305 30,749 **51,054 ** |
£ 2023 - 77,450 4,278 |
||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 73,171 | ||||
| 73,171 | ||||
| 13,360 59,811 |
||||
| 73,171 |
(The notes form part of this account)
The directors are satisfied that the company is entitled to exemption from the provisions of the Companies Act 2006 (the Act) relating to the audit of the financial statements for the year by virtue of section 477, and that no member or members have requested an audit pursuant to section 476 of the Act.
The directors acknowledge their responsibilities for complying with the requirements of the Act with respect to accounting records and the preparation of financial statements
This report has been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to companies subject to the small companies’ regime.
The accounts were approved by the Directors and Trustees on 24/04/2024 and signed on their behalf by: -
……………………….........
Chairperson Mr A A da Silva
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WELWITSCHIA WELFARE CENTRE YEAR ENDED 31[ST] MARCH 2024
Notes to the account
1. Accounting basis.
The principal accounting policies adopted, judgements and key sources of estimation uncertainty in the preparation of the financial statements are as follows:
- a) Basis of preparation
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) (effective 1 January 2015) - (Charities SORP (FRS 102)), the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) and the Companies Act 2006. WWC meets the definition of a public benefit entity under FRS 102. Assets and liabilities are initially recognised at historical cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant accounting policy note(s).
- b) Preparation of the accounts on a going concern basis
The Charity trustees are of the view that measures taken subsequent to the year-end to reduce operating costs and successful in applying for continuation funding have secured the immediate future of the Charity for the next 12 to 18 months and that on this basis the charity is a going concern.
2. Cash Flow Statement
The trustees have taken advantage of the exemption in Financial Reporting Standard No 1 (revised) from including a cash flow statement in the financial statements on the grounds that the charity is small.
3. Income
Income is recognised in the period to which it relates, unless specified otherwise by the funder. Project funding is, in general, repayable if not expended within the relevant project. Such income is only recognised to the extent that it ceases to be repayable. The income is accounted for on a receivable basis.
4. Resource Expended
Resources expended are included in the Statement of Financial Activities inclusive of VAT which cannot be recovered. Direct charitable expenditure include includes the direct costs of the activities. Where such costs relate to more than one functional cost category, they have been apportioned in line with the direct costs of the relevant service.
5. Fund Accounting
Fund accounting unrestricted funds are available to spend on activities that further any of the purposes of charity. Designated funds are unrestricted 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 particular areas of the charity’s work.
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6. Support Cost
Allocation of support costs are those functions that assist the work of the charity but do not directly undertake charitable activities. Support costs include back-office costs, finance, personnel, and governance costs which support the Charity activities. These costs have been allocated between cost of raising funds and expenditure on charitable activities. The bases on which support costs have been allocated are set out in note 17.
7. Taxation
WWC is a registered charity and is not liable for corporation tax on its income under section 505 of the Income and Corporation Taxes Act 1988 to the extent that it is applied to its charitable activities.
8. Tangible fixed assets
Fixed assets are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation is provided to write off the cost, of all fixed assets over their expected useful life.
Fixed Asset Depreciation– 25% straight line basis
9 . Pension costs and other post-retirement benefits
WWC makes pension contribution into a pension scheme, set up for the purpose of autoenrolment. Contribution’s payable is charged to the Statement of Financial Activities in the period to which it relates.
10. Staff Costs
| Salaries Tax and NIC Pension |
2024 £ 25,061 6,269 1,837 **33,167 ** |
2023 £ 24,235 6,293 1,771 |
|---|---|---|
| 32,299 |
None of the employees received emoluments in excess of £60,000 in the year or the previous year.
The organisation had 1 paid staff on payroll. Trustees are not remunerated.
11. Status
WWC is a registered charity and registered company limited by guarantee without share capital.
12. Debtors
The organisation has no debtors
13. CREDITORS
| Independent Examiner Fee Social Security Pensions Other Creditors |
2024 £ 595 1,493 153 640 **2,881 ** |
2023 £ 595 3,103 - 580 |
|---|---|---|
| 4,278 |
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14. Grant Income (Restricted)
| Funder Project Trust For London Information, Advice & Guidance Post Code Society Fund Cost of Living Support The National Lottery Fund Debt advice/ Cost of Living Crisis Lloyds Bank Foundation Core & Information/advice The London Community Fund Food Poverty Programme |
2024 £ 11,872 18,250 - - - 30,122 |
2023 £ 21,000 - 10,000 27,250 9,991 |
|---|---|---|
| 68,241 |
15. Analysis of Restricted Funds:
| The National Lottery Fund Post Code Society Fund Lloyds Foundation Trust For London London Community Fund |
Balance at 1st April 2023 Incoming resources Outgoing resources Balance at 31st March 2024 £ £ £ £ 7,418 - 7,418 - - 18,250 7,604 10,646 25,556 - 16,334 9,222 22,998 11,872 23,988 10,881 3,840 - 3,840 - |
|---|---|
| 59,812 30,122 59,184 30,749 |
16. Resources Expended
| 6. Resources Expended | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Raising Funds Salary Cost Sessional Worker Volunteer Expenses Rent and Room Hire Food Programme & Other activities Software and IT Expenses Office Admin & Expenses Insurance Membership and Subscription Professional fees Capacity Building and Training Website & Publicity Travel Expenses Depreciation TOTAL RESOURCES EXPENDED |
Unrestricted Funds £ - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - |
Restricted Funds £ 2,910 33,167 1,137 212 11,003 3,011 678 3,414 236 852 1,235 200 440 38 651 59,183 |
Total Total Funds Funds 2024 2023 £ £ 2,910 1,995 33,167 32,299 1,137 520 212 202 11,003 10,421 3,011 3,762 678 551 3,414 3,156 236 540 852 698 1,235 1,175 200 325 440 990 38 83 651 - |
|
| 59,183 56,717 |
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17. Support and Governance
| Rent, Rates and Room Hire Office Expenses Insurance Membership and Subscription Professional fees |
General Support Governance Total £ £ £ 11,003 - 11,003 3,414 - 3,414 - 236 236 - 852 852 640 595 1,235 |
|---|---|
| 15,058 1,683 16,740 |
18. Fixed Asset
| At Cost: Addition 2023-2024 Depreciation: At 1 April 2023 Charge for the year At 31st March 2024 NET BOOK VALUE At 31 March 2024 At 31 March 2023 |
Equipment £ 2,602 - 651 |
|---|---|
| 651 | |
| 1,952 | |
| - |
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