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← Liverpool Arabic Centre

2024-03-31-accounts

Liverpool Arabic Centre

Charity number 1132186

A Company limited by guarantee number 05536638

Annual Report and Financial Statements

for the year ended 31 March 2024

Liverpool Arabic Centre

Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2024

Contents Page
Trustees' Annual Report 2 to 7
Independent Examiner's Report 8
Statement of financial activities 9
Balance sheet 10
Statement of Cash Flows 11
Notes to the accounts 12 to 17

Prepared by the Greater Merseyside Community Accountancy Service

1

Liverpool Arabic Centre

Trustees' report continued

Review of progress and achievements

Review of progress and achievements 2023 -2024

LAC’s Board of Trustees consist of Emmeli Sundqvist, Chair, Idris Muhsin, Vice Chair, Company Secretary, Michele Ross, Treasurer, Ashraf Mohamed and Imam Miah as Trustee.

During 2023- 2024, LAC continue to support local people and families accessing support, services, and activities in relation to combating financial hardship, fuel and food poverty, cultural and social isolation and improving emotional health and wellbeing.

The Board are extremely proud and grateful to LAC’s staff team and our volunteers who deliver effective and well-received projects for our service users in partnership with external organisations with the support from our funders.'

Educational Project:

The past year has marked significant progress for our Educational Project (Arabic school), particularly with the successful relocation to our new venue. This move has enabled us to increase the number of classrooms, providing a better learning environment for 186 students each week. As a result, we have witnessed remarkable improvements in our students' proficiency in the Arabic language. The expanded facilities have allowed us to offer more tailored and effective teaching approaches, fostering a more engaging and supportive educational experience. Our students have demonstrated impressive growth in their language skills, which is a testament to the dedication and hard work of our teachers and the enthusiastic participation of our students. We are proud of these achievements and look forward to continuing to nurture and support our community's linguistic and cultural development.

GCSE Mentoring Classes for Year 11 : Following the success from previous years, we continued GCSE mentoring sessions supporting ten students, delivered in partnership with the University of Liverpool and Liverpool John Moores University, for GCSE mentoring support program for Year 10 students. The programme is instrumental in enabling young people of Arab heritage to gain confidence, skills and knowledge to reach their full potential and raise aspirations for future progression routes.

Volunteer Programme:

We would like to thank our volunteers; their commitment to supporting LAC enables us to offer more people and families access to essential services and activities.

This year LCVS Community Impact Fund provided us with the means to recruit and support the development of 29 volunteers, many newly arrived in the UK. We have continued to build on volunteer opportunities including the provision of personal development, employment experience, access to training and supported progression into further training (in partnership with Granby Toxteth Trust & Adult Learning) and/or employment.

The School Holiday Activities and Food Programme:

Over the past 12 months, our Holiday Activities and Food programme (HAF) has achieved remarkable success, significantly enriching the lives of over 65 children and their families. Through a diverse range of engaging activities and nutritious meals, we have not only supported the physical health of our participants but also fostered their social and emotional development. Our programme has provided a safe and stimulating environment during school holidays, ensuring that children remain active and engaged. The positive feedback from parents and the increased participation rates highlights the program's impact.

2

Liverpool Arabic Centre Trustees' report continued

Community Champions Programme:

Funded by Liverpool City Council, achieved significant success over the past year, greatly benefiting our community. Through dedicated outreach and engagement, we have empowered numerous individuals by providing essential services, including Vaccine clinics, health awareness sessions, educational workshops, and support networks delivered by LAC and in partnership with our partners. Our efforts have not only enhanced the wellbeing of our community members but have also fostered a stronger sense of unity and collaboration. The positive feedback and active participation in our programs highlight the project's impact and the continued need for such initiatives. As a result of this success, LAC was awarded an extension for the project for another three years.

Health & Wellbeing Project:

The Health and Wellbeing Project has been instrumental in enhancing the lives of 1225 community members over the past year. Through a series of targeted initiatives held in different venues, we have significantly increased knowledge, skills, and confidence in living healthier lives, particularly in the prevention of ill health. The project has successfully forged stronger links between the Voluntary, Community, Faith and Social Enterprise (VCFSE) sector and relevant health professionals, ensuring a more cohesive approach to community health. Participants have reported improved social contact and a stronger sense of community, which has contributed to better physical health through increased physical activity, improved diets, and enhanced self-care practices.

CRG-funded Advocacy and Intergenerational Programme:

The Community Resource Grant has significantly enhanced the services we provide.

Our drop-in sessions at LAC office and the intergenerational project held at Harthill Youth Centre supported more than 1200 people of 30 nationalities. Through these initiatives, we have offered invaluable guidance and support on health, education, housing, benefits, and welfare for members of our local communities.

The intergenerational project has created connections between different age groups, promoting understanding and cooperation within our community. The grant has enabled us to reach a wider audience, providing essential resources and guidance to those in need. This success is a testament to the dedication of our team and the ongoing support from the community.

Life Rooms Project:

The project has provided multifaceted interventions and preventative support for members of the local community. Our efforts have focused on supporting 1380 people living in areas ranked among the most deprived, dealing with multiple and often complex difficulties. Our support has included comprehensive advice and advocacy through our daily drop-in services held from our office in Lodge Lane and different locations, ensuring that those unable to speak, read, or write in English or Arabic are not left vulnerable and disempowered. Through our dedicated work, we have reached and assisted a significant number of individuals, providing them with the tools and confidence needed to improve their circumstances. Our program has been instrumental in connecting people with vital resources and support networks, enhancing their ability to navigate and overcome the challenges they face.

3

Liverpool Arabic Centre Trustees' report continued

Thank you to our partners

Partners:

4

Liverpool Arabic Centre

Reserve policy

LAC’s Board of Trustees operate a robust reserve policy which they review as part of their risk management strategy four time per year. The organisation’s reserve covers a minimum of three months running cost should the organisation run into financial difficulties. Reserves are held to ensure the organisation can effectively manage unforeseen situation and additional cost. Percentage of reserve is held for the renewal of office equipment in response to identified needs. The Board of Trustees aim to build upon reserves and generate additional incomes to support the recruitment of a senior post which they have identified as central to progressing the organisational development opportunities.

Risk Management

The trustees have assessed the major risks to which the charity is or may be exposed, and in particular those related to the operations and financing of the charity. It is satisfied that by reviewing its policies, procedures and systems regularly it is mitigating its exposure to major risks.

Statement of Directors' responsibilities

Company law requires the directors to prepare financial accounts for each year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charitable company and of the incoming resources and application of resources, including the income and expenditure of the charity for that period. In preparing those financial statements, the trustees are required to:

Select suitable accounting policies and apply them consistently;

Observe the methods and principles in the Charities SORP;

Make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent;

State whether applicable UK accounting standards have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements;

Prepare the financial statements on a going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the charity will continue in business;

The trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records that disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity and to enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charity and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.

Approved by the Board on 18th December 2024 and signed on behalf of the directors by:

Emmeli Sundqvist Chair

5

Reference and Administrative Details

Liverpool Arabic Centre

Charity number 1132186

A Company limited by guarantee number 05536638

The trustees, who are the directors of the company for the purposes of company law, are pleased to present their report and financial statements together with the independent examiner's report for the year ended 31 March 2024.

Name Position Dates Emmeli Sundqvist Chair Idris Muhsin Vice Chair Mohamed El Gadhy Treasurer and Company Secretary Ashraf Mohamed Michele Ross

Company Secretary

Method of appointment

Recruitment of new trustees is open, and focused on creating a diverse and effective Board

Registered address

Tiber Enterprise Facilities Tiber Street Liverpool L8 0TP

Bankers

HSBC 23 Allerton Road Liverpool L18 2DA

Independent examiner Jane Williams MAAT

Greater Merseyside Community Accountancy Service

Beacon Building College Street St Helens WA10 1TF

Governing document

The organisation is a company limited by guarantee, incorporated on 15th August 2005 in the name of Liverpool Yemeni Arabic Club Limited Company Number 05536638 and registered as a Charity on 19th October 2001 Charity number 1132186.

The organisation name changed under special resolution dated 13th January 2006 to Liverpool Arabic Centre

The organisation was established under a Memorandum of Association, which established the objects and powers of the company and is governed under its Articles of Association.

Objects of the organisation

The objects of the charity are to advance the education of the public, in particular amongst the Arab community in all aspects concerning Arabic language, history, cultural heritage and identity.

To relieve poverty and to advance education amongst the arabic community and in particular by the provision of training, advice and counselling.

To work towards the elimination of racial discrimination and to promote good relations between persons of different racial groups.

6

Reference and Administrative Details

Liverpool Arabic Centre

Charity number 1132186

A Company limited by guarantee number 05536638

Accountant Jane Williams Greater Merseyside Community Accountancy Service Beacon Building College Street St Helens WA10 1TF

Approval

This report, which has been prepared in accordance with the provisions in theCompanies Act 2006 relating to small companies, was approved by the trustees on 18th December 2024 and signed on their behalf by:

7

Independent Examiner's report to the trustees of Liverpool Arabic Centre

I report on the accounts of the charity for the year ended 31 March 2024 set out on pages 9 to 17

Respective responsibilities of the Trustees and examiner

The charity's trustees (who are also the directors of the company for the purposes of company law) are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. The 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 needed. Having satisfied myself that the charity is not subject to audit under company law and is eligible for independent examination, it is my responsibility to:

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

q to follow the procedures laid down in the general directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act; and

q state whether particular matters have come to my attention.

Basis of Independent examiner's statement

My examination was carried out in accordance with the general Directions given by the Charity Commissioners. 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 statement below.

Independent examiner's statement

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

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

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

q to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and to comply with the accounting requirements of section 396 of the Companies Act 2006 and with the methods and principles of the Statement of Recommended Practice: Accounting and Reporting by Charities

have not been met; or

2) to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.

Jane Williams MAAT Greater Merseyside Community Accountancy Service

Beacon Building College Street St Helens WA10 1TF

18th December 2024

8

Liverpool Arabic Centre Statement of Financial Activities (Including Income & Expenditure Account) for the year ended 31 March 2024

Notes
2024
Unrestricted
funds
£
Income from:
Donations and legacies
(4)
46,025
Income from charitable activities
(5)
4,206
Other incoming resources
(6)
2,955
Investment Income
(7)
998
Total incoming resources
54,184
Resources expended
Charitable activities
(8)
32,717
Net incoming / (outgoing) resources
21,467
Transfers between funds
(412)
Net movement in funds
21,055
Reconciliation of funds
Total funds as at 1 April 2023
79,420
Total funds as at 31 March 2024
(8a)
100,475		 2024
Restricted
funds
£
-
120,972
-
-
120,972
127,070
(6,098)
412
(5,686)
7,462
1,776		 2024
Total
funds
£
46,025
125,178
2,955
998
175,156
159,787
15,369
-
15,369
86,882
102,251		 2023
Total
funds
£
35,469
98,698
2,039
254
136,460
135,707
753
-
753
86,129
86,882

The above statement includes all gains and loses recognised during the year. All activities are regarded as continuing.

Comparative figures for the previous year by fund type are shown in Note 15. The Notes on pages 12 to 17 form an integral part of these accounts.

9

Liverpool Arabic Centre

Charity number 1132186

A Company limited by guarantee number 05536638 Balance sheet

as at 31 March 2024

2024
Unrestricted
Fixed Assets
£
Tangible Assets
(10)
285
Total fixed assets
285
Current Assets
Debtors and prepayments
(11)
-
Cash at bank and in hand
(12)
122,841
Total current assets
122,841
Current liabilities:
amounts falling due within one year
Creditors (due within one year)
(13)
22,651
Total current liabilities
22,651
Net Assets
100,475
Funds of the charity
Restricted Funds
-
Unrestricted funds
100,475
Total Funds
100,475		 2024
Restricted
£
-
-
-
1,776
1,776
-
-
1,776
1,776
-
1,776		 2024
Total
£
285
285
-
124,617
124,617
22,651
22,651
102,251
1,776
100,475
102,251		 2023
Total
£
427
427
7,078
107,530
114,608
28,153
28,153
86,882
7,462
79,420
86,882

The trustees (who are also the directors of the company for the purposes of company law) confirm that for the year ended 31 March 2024

the company was entitled to exemption from audit under section 477 of the Companies Act 2006, and

the members have not required the company to obtain an audit of its accounts for the year in question in . accordance with section 476 of the Act

the trustees acknowledge their responsiblities for complying with the requirements of the Act with respect to accounting records and the preparation of accounts

The notes on pages 12 to 17 form an integral part of these accounts.

These accounts, which have been prepared in accordance with the provisions in the Companies Act 2006 relating to small companies, were approved by the trustees on December 2024 and signed on their behalf by:

Mohamed El Gadhy Director / Trustee

10

Liverpool Arabic Centre STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 March 2024

Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income/(expenditure) per SOFA
Depreciation
Investment income
(Increase)/decrease in debtors
(5)
Increase/(decrease) in creditors
Cash flows from investing activities
Investment income
(6)
Net increase/(decrease in cash:
Total cash as at 1 April 2023
Total cash as at 31 March 2024		 2024
Total
£
15,369
142
(998)
7,078
(5,502)
16,089
998
17,087
107,530
124,617		 2023
Total
£
753
142
(254)
15,196
(6,609)
9,228
254
9,482
98,048
107,530

The notes on pages 12 to 17 form an integral part of these accounts.

11

Liverpool Arabic Centre Notes to the accounts

for the year ended 31 March 2024

1 Basis of preparation

2 Accounting Policies

2.1 Fund accounting

(a) Unrestricted funds are those that can be expended at the discretion of the trustees in the furtherance of the objects of the charity.

(b) Restricted funds are those that may only be used for specific purposes. Restrictions arise when specified by the donor, or when funds are raised for specific purposes.

2.2 Income

(a) Income is recognised and included in the Statement of Financial Activities (SOFA) when the charity becomes entitled to the income; receipt is probable; and the monetary value can be measured with sufficient reliability.

(d) Gift Aid, where appropriate, is recognised in the same accounting period as the donation to which it relates.

2.3 Expenditure and liabilities

(b) The charity is not registered for VAT, thus all costs are shown inclusive of VAT charged.

(d) Governance costs include the costs of preparation and examination of the statutory accounts, the cost of trustee meetings and the cost of any legal advice to trustees on governance or constitutional matters.

12

Liverpool Arabic Centre Notes to the accounts for the year ended 31 March 2024

2.4 Tangible Fixed Assets

(a) Tangible fixed assets are capitalised if they can be used for more than one year and cost at least £250. They are valued at cost or, if gifted, at their value on receipt. Rates of depreciation

Building Improvements: 20% straight line basis to nil Fixtures and fittings: 15% straight line basis to nil Equipment: 20% straight line basis to nil

2.5 Debtors

2.6 Cash

(a) Cash comprises bank deposits repayable on demand and any short-term highly liquid investments with a maturity date of three months or less from the date of acquisition or opening of the deposit or similar account.

2.7 Creditors

(a) Creditors are recognised where the charity has a present obligation resulting from a past event that will probably result in the transfer of funds to a third party and the amount due to settle the obligation can be measured or estimated reliably. Creditors are normally recognised at their settlement amount, usually the invoice amount.

2.8 Taxation

The charity is not liable to income tax or capital gains tax on its charitable activities.

3 Transactions with trustees and related parties

One trustee received out of pocket expenses (note 14) during the accounting period.

Owing to the nature of the charity's activities and the composition of the board of trustees (being drawn from local statutory and voluntary organisation), it is inevitable that transactions will take place with organisations in which a trustee may have an interest. All transactions in which a trustee may have an interest are conducted at arm's length and in accordance with the charity's financial regulations and expenditure procedures. No transactions were indentified which should be disclosed under FRS 102.

13

Liverpool Arabic Centre

Notes to the accounts

for the year ended 31 March 2024

4
Donations and legacies
Unrestricted
funds
£
Donations
46,025
46,025
5
Income from charitable activities
2024
Unrestricted
funds
£
Liverpool City Council: Community Resource Gra
-
Liverpool City Council: Community Champions
-
Liverpool City Council: Austin Smith
1,000
Merseycare NHS Fdtn Trust
-
Awards for All
-
LCVS: Health & Wellbeing Programme
-
LCVS: CIF
-
Torus Foundation
-
MPAC: HAF Activities
2,000
Donations
1,206
4,206
6
Other Incoming resources from
charitable activities
Unrestricted
funds
£
Contributions
2,955
2,955
7
Investment Income
Unrestricted
funds
£
Bank Interest Received
998
998		 Restricted
funds
£
-
-
2024
Restricted
funds
£
10,000
26,801
-
39,771
-
14,155
1,760
-
28,485
-
120,972
Restricted
funds
£
-
-
Restricted
funds
£
-
-		 Total
funds
£
46,025
46,025
2024
Total
funds
£
10,000
26,801
1,000
39,771
-
14,155
1,760
-
30,485
1,206
125,178
Total
funds
£
2,955
2,955
Total
funds
£
998
998		 Total
funds
£
35,469
35,469
2023
Total
funds
£
10,000
35,735
-
-
9,558
24,155
-
500
-
18,750
98,698
Total
funds
£
2,039
2,039
Total
funds
£
254
254

14

Liverpool Arabic Centre

Notes to the accounts for the year ended 31 March 2024

8 Expenditure of charitable activities
Incoming Resources
Grants
Contributions
Donations
Interest
Total Incoming Resources
Administration
Wages & Salaries
Session Tutors
Telephone & IT
Printing & Stationery
Travel & Training
Other Expenses
Advertising & PR
Subscriptions
Consultancy fees
Accountancy
Depreciation
Premises
Rent, Rates & Security
Utilities
Insurance
Cleaning
Repairs & maintenance
Other
Group Activities
Trustee Expenses
Volunteer Expenses		 Austin
Smith
1,000
1,000
996		 Prevent
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
269		 Merseycare
39,771
39,771
35,495
742
416
377
431
400
1,198
26
686		 LCC: CRG
10,000
10,000
5,599
786
432
140
1,582
1,455		 Community
Champions
26,801
26,801
23,499
200
2,204
248
454		 Community
Impact
1,760
1,760
16
350
100
39
1,414		 Education
Project
-
46,025
46,025
14,280
342
134
52
6,723
560
13
5,577
777		 LCVS:
Health
14,155
14,155
14,383
2,109
36
23
1,752
544		 Activities
Program
28,485
28,485
13,260
1,515
14
27
998
87
13,621
412		 VRP
-
-
35		 Central
Admin
2,000
2,955
1,206
998
7,159
1,000
360
370
350
142
526
143
68		 Total 2024
123,972
2,955
47,231
998
175,156
93,256
16,497
3,925
940
400
833
-
167
370
750
142
14,983
-
879
660
39
21,825
-
4,121
-
Total outgoing resources
Income / expenditure
Balance c/fwd @ 31st March 2024		 996
4		 269
(269)		 39,771
-		 9,994
6		 26,605
196		 1,919
(159)		 28,458
17,567		 18,847
(4,692)		 29,934
(1,449)		 35
(35)		 2,959
4,200		 159,787
15,369
15,369

15

Liverpool Arabic Centre

Notes to the accounts for the year ended 31 March 2024

8a Restricted funds summary
Balance b/f
£
Liverpool City Council: CC
101
Liverpool City Council: HAF
3,081
Liverpool City Council: CRG
-
LCVS: CIF
-
LCVS: Health & Wellbeing
-
Merseycare
-
Our Liverpool
4,280
7,462
Purpose of restricted funds
9
Governance Costs
Independent Examiners' fee
Annual Return Fee
Trustee Expenses
As outlined in the trustees' report		 Incoming
£
26,801
28,485
10,000
1,760
14,155
39,771
-
120,972		 Outgoing
£
26,605
29,934
9,994
1,919
18,847
39,771
-
127,070		 Transfers
£
-
-
-
4,692
-
(4,280)
412
2024
£
-
-
-
-		 Balance c/f
£
297
1,632
6
(159)
-
-
-
1,776
2023
£
350
13
-
363

15

Liverpool Arabic Centre

Notes to the accounts

for the year ended 31 March 2024

10
11
12
13
**14 **		 Tangible assets
Cost
At 1 April 2023
Additions
At 31 March 2024
Depreciation
At 1 April 2023
Charge for year
At 31 March 2024
Net book value
At 31 March 2024
At 31 March 2023
Debtors and prepayments
Debtors
Prepayments
Cash at bank and in hand
Current accounts
Business Account
Credit card
Cash in hand
Creditors and accruals
Creditors
Accruals
Trustee remuneration and expenses
Total amount paid		 Fixtures &
Computers &
Fittings
Equipment
£
£
-
17,131
-
-
-
17,131
-
16,704
-
142
-
16,846
-
285
-
427
2024
£
-
-
-
2024
£
56,763
60,611
235
7,008
124,617
2024
£
21,664
987
22,651
2024
£
-		 Total
£
17,131
-
17,131
16,704
142
16,846
285
427
2023
£
7,078
-
7,078
2023
£
55,765
42,625
1,000
8,140
107,530
2023
£
27,122
1,031
28,153
2023
£
-

No trustees received any out of pocket expenses (2023: 0)

16

Liverpool Arabic Centre

Comparative Statement of Financial Activities (Including Income & Expenditure Account) for the year ended 31 March 2024

15 Comparative income and expenditure by fund type

Income from:
Income from donations
Income from charitable activities
Other incoming resources
Investment income
Total incoming resources
Expenditure on:
Charitable activities
Net incoming / (outgoing) resources
Transfers between funds
Net movement in funds
Reconciliation of funds
Total funds as at 1 April 2023
Total funds as at 31 March 2024		 2024
£
46,025
4,206
2,955
998
54,184
32,717
21,467
-
21,467
79,420
100,887
Unrestricted		 2023
£
35,469
26,400
2,039
254
64,162
63,674
488
9,063
9,551
69,869
79,420
Funds		 2024
2023
£
£
-
-
120,972
72,298
-
-
-
-
120,972
72,298
127,070
72,033
(6,098)
265
-
(9,063)
(6,098)
(8,798)
7,462
16,260
1,364
7,462
Restricted Funds		 2024
2023
£
£
-
-
120,972
72,298
-
-
-
-
120,972
72,298
127,070
72,033
(6,098)
265
-
(9,063)
(6,098)
(8,798)
7,462
16,260
1,364
7,462
Restricted Funds
72,298
72,033
265
(9,063)
(8,798)
16,260
7,462

17