OpenCharities

This text was generated using OCR and may contain errors. Check the original PDF to see the document submitted to the regulator.

← Welwitschia Welfare Centre

2025-03-31-accounts

WELWITSCHIA WELFARE CENTRE

Registered Charity and Company Limited by Guarantee

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED

31[ST] MARCH 2025

Charity number: 1131751 Company number: 06528173 (England and Wales)

1

WELWITSCHIA WELFARE CENTRE YEAR ENDED 31[ST] MARCH 2025

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 J Domingos Trustee 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

2

WELWITSCHIA WELFARE CENTRE

FINANCIAL ACCOUNTS

FOR YEAR ENDED 31[ST] MARCH 2025

CONTENTS

Pages

8. Independent Examiners Report

9. Statement of Financial Activities

10. Balance Sheet

11-14. Notes to the Accounts

3

WELWITSCHIA WELFARE CENTRE

Report of the Directors and Trustees for the year ended 31st March 2025

The trustees are pleased to present their annual directors’ report for the year ending 31[st] March 2025 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.

4

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.

Key achievements:

Key activities:

1. Welfare Rights Advice & Support

We provided both face-to-face and telephone-based assistance on a wide range of welfare benefits, including:

Support included helping client’s complete application forms, request mandatory reconsiderations, and lodge appeals. Total beneficiaries: 67

5

2. Immigration & Nationality Advice and Casework We offered guidance and representation mainly to asylum seekers from Angola, DR Congo, Brazil, and Guinea Bissau, supporting them through key stages such as:

3. Housing Advice and Support Assistance was provided to clients on:

4. Debt Advice and Financial Casework We supported clients with:

5. Employment Advice and Support Basic employment rights guidance was provided on issues such as:

6. Volunteering Programme We were proud to involve and support 4 volunteers in delivering our charitable work.

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.

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

6

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. 1 volunteer 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:

● an annual review of the principal risks and uncertainties that the charity undertakes.

● 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 and Challenges

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: 02/07/2025

7

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 2025, which are set out on pages 9 to 14.

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:

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:

• 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)

Date: 02/07/2025

Chartered Certified Accountant

TACTS Accountant, 61 Fountains Crescent, London, N14 6BD

8

WELWITSCHIA WELFARE CENTRE

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR END 31 MARCH 2025

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
£
2,961
-
3,210
6,171
-
-
-		 Unrestricted
Funds
£
2,961
-
3,210
6,171
-
-
-		 Restricted
Funds
£
-
69,040
-
69,040
1,826
58,062
59,888		 Restricted
Funds
£
-
69,040
-
69,040
1,826
58,062
59,888		 Total
Funds
2025
£
2,961
69,040
3,210		 Total
Funds
2024
£
1,016
30,122
5,929
75,211 37,066
1,826
58,062		 2,910
56,273
59,888 59,183
6,172 **9,152 ** 15,324
(22,117)
20,305 30,749
51,054
73,171
26,477 39,901 66,378
51,054

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)

9

WELWITSCHIA WELFARE CENTRE BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31ST MARCH 2025

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		 £
2025
1,301
67,705
2,628
65,077
66,378
26,477
39,901
66,378		 £
2024
1,952
51,984
2,881
49,102
51,054
20,305
30,749
51,054

(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 02/07/2025 and signed on their behalf by: -

……………………….........

Chairperson Mr A A da Silva

10

WELWITSCHIA WELFARE CENTRE YEAR ENDED 31[ST] MARCH 2025

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:

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).

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.

11

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		 2025
£
25,856
5,572
1,837
33,265		 2024
£
25,061
6,269
1,837
33,167

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		 2025
£
595
1,393
-
640
2,628		 2024
£
595
1,493
153
640
2,881

12

14. Grant Income (Restricted)

Funder
Project/Purpose
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		 2025
£
22,500
-
19,040
27,500
69,040		 2024
£
11,872
18,250
-
-
30,122

15. Analysis of Restricted Funds:

The National Lottery Fund
Post Code Society Fund
Lloyds Foundation
Trust For London		 Balance at 1st
April 2024
Incoming
resources
Outgoing
resources
Balance at
31st March
2025
£
£
£
£
-
19,040
5,465
13,575
10,646
-
10,646
-
9,222
27,500
26,094
10,628
10,881
22,500
17,683
15,698
30,749
69,040
59,888
39,901

16. 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
£
1,826
33,265
2,772
284
11,036
2,526
579
3,089
898
736
1,235
330
585
76
651
59,888		 Total
Total
Funds
Funds
2025
2024
£
£
1,826
2,910
33,265
33,167
2,772
1,137
284
212
11,036
11,003
2,526
3,011
579
678
3,089
3,414
898
236
736
852
1,235
1,235
330
200
585
440
76
38
651
651
59,888
59,183

13

17. Support and Governance

Rent, Rates and Room Hire
Office Expenses
IT Expenses
Insurance
Membership and Subscription
Professional fees		 General
Support
Governance
Total
£
£
£
11,036
-
11,036
3,089
-
3,089
579
-
579
-
898
898
-
736
736
640
595
1,235
15,344
2,229
17,573

18. Fixed Asset

At Cost:
Addition 2023-2024
Depreciation:
At 1 April 2024
Charge for the year
At 31st March 2025
NET BOOK VALUE
At 31 March 2025
At 31 March 2024		 Equipment
£
2,602
651
651
1,302
1,301
1,952

14