OpenCharities

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

2025-03-31-accounts

SHANTHONA WOMEN’S GROUP

TRUSTEE’S ANNUAL REPORT

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31[st] MARCH 2025

LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION
Registered Charity Number: 1133117
Trustees:
Saheli Begum
Forida Chowdhury – Resigned 22/11/2023.
Rajbin Naher
Janet Montgomery – Appointed 01/12/2023.
Registered Office:
Hockwell Ring Community Centre
Mayne Avenue
Luton
Bedfordshire
LU4-9LB
Bankers: NatWest
Market Hill Branch,
31 George Street, Luton
Bedfordshire
LU1 2YN
Project Co-Ordinator: Fatima Nessa

The Trustees presented their report with the financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31 March 2025. The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out in the notes to the financial statements and comply with the charity's trust deed, applicable law and the requirements of the Statement of Recommended Practice, "Accounting and Reporting by Charities", issued in October 2005.

STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT

Constitution :

Shanthona Women’s Group is a registered charity. The organization was established in 2004 when it was run on a completely voluntary basis.

Organizational Structure:

The Charity is wholly UK based with its registered office and projects based in Luton, Bedfordshire. The trustees meet regularly during the year to determine the policy and strategy of the Charity. The charity’s management is carried out by staff and the trustees for the day-to-day decisions.

Wider Relations:

Decision Making:

The Trustees of the charity who served during the year are listed with the legal and administrative details. Policy and Strategy are decided by the Board following consultation with staff and volunteers. Decisions regarding daily delivery of services in line with Board decisions are delegated to the staff. Trustees expect staff to keep them informed of potential opportunities and challenges which may lead to new developments.

Statement of Trustees responsibilities:

The trustees are responsible for preparing the Trustees’ Report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards. The law applicable to charities in England and Wales requires the trustee(s) to prepare financial statements for each financial year which gives a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charity and of the incoming resources and application of resources of the charity for that period. In preparing these financial statements, the trustees are required to:

The trustees are responsible for keeping accounting records which disclose with reasonable accuracy the financial position of the charity and enable them to ascertain to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Charities Act 1993, the Charity (Accounts and Reports)

Regulations 2008 and the provisions of the trust deed. 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.

Risk review:

The trustees review these risks on an ongoing basis and satisfy themselves that adequate systems and procedures are in place to manage the risks identified. Where appropriate, risks are covered by insurance. The following framework is central to ensuring adequate risk assurance:

Trustee Recruitment & Training:

Shanthona is a voluntary sector project which is managed by a Board of Trustees. Trustees are responsible for the strategic direction, management and resourcing of the organization. The Board of Trustees meets at least 3 times a year to consider and transact business. Trustees identify and undertake regular opportunities to develop skills to enable them to fulfill their roles effectively and each Trustee has taken on a key area of responsibility to ensure the Board fulfills its role.

OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES

Principal activities and objectives of the charity:

The principal activity of the registered charirty is to give people a better chance in life, economically and socially, promote stronger communities, by developing healthier, more active people and communities, provide support and advice to women and families from asian and bme communities, especially in the Leagrave, Hockwell Ring and surrounding area’s in particular with the following purposes:

Aims:

The prime aim of the organization is any charitable purpose for the benefit of inhabitants of Leagrave Ward and other districts where disadvantage or deprivation affects quality of life for Asian and BME women, in particular, and families, in particular to protect and preserve

public health, training, provide and assist in the provision of information and advice and develop a self-support group for women of all ages to enhance their quality of life relating to health, educational and social opportunities. We aim to continue providing Free quality information to service users.

Strategies for achieving Principal Aims and Objectives:

  1. Recruitment and retention of appropriate staff and volunteers

  2. Ensuring training and development of 1) above

  3. Ongoing research and networking with community, voluntary and statutory organizations and providers to identify issues plus opportunities for developing service delivery to address the same

  4. Identifying and providing information and resources to users on a wide range of subjects

  5. Obtaining and developing sources of funding, support and resources for organization

  6. Development of appropriate procedures and policies for the organization with regular reviews

  7. Ensure good management and financial management of the organization.

Objectives for the year 2024-2025

  1. Support

  2. Establish a range of support groups arising from advice and information needs, health promotion & awareness needs, learning & employment needs, social support, and other issues as identified,

  3. Health Promotion and Awareness

Establish a range of programs for delivery of health awareness and health information,

  1. Community Development:

Work with Luton Borough Council and Third Sector organizations as opportunities arise.

  1. Learning and Employment :

Be a part of network of referral organizations and program of delivery to encourage and support people into training, both formal and informal, and employment. Provision of informal pre-entry learning activities with IAG support for clients to assist them in progression to other learning, employment or services.

  1. Marketing and PR

Print new information leaflets, updating information on Facebook and website, ongoing advertising activities and services. Attend Networking meetings, ensure profile of organization raised. Redevelop Website and/or identify funding for new site.

  1. Leadership and management:

Consolidate roles of Board Members

Review and update Policies

Strategic Review - Risk Review and exit strategies.

Develop a new business plan for 3-year periods addressing above. Increase funding from other sources.

Contribution of Volunteers

Shanthona continues to be grateful for the support of volunteers: who have helped to run the activities, one-off events, administration and various other roles.

Achievements and Performance in March 2024- March 2025

We re-started our pre ESOL classes, Yoga, and Design & Sewing Classes. We are currently holding our sessions at Hockwell ring community center, Luton.

We have been running monthly Health & Awareness Wellbeing sessions within our PRE ESOL classes, which have been very beneficial and well attended.

The health and wellbeing sessions have been very informative, we have worked with various different organizations, Links have been established with Osteoporosis society, Alzheimer's Society UK and Autism UK for developing long term program of visits at health and wellbeing events, also contacts and promotional materials have been distributed to local GPs, Luton Borough Community Support Officers, in order that they may refer women with need to our activities

We held women's community celebrations events for End of year party, Eid, Design and exhibitions for the Sewing group and for other cultural purposes such as Seasonal celebrations, International Women's Day, Enrolment for new projects.

We have had launch days to promote our new sessions and what they consist of, our arts and craft sessions, we asked ladies to make recommendations about what they would like to do in the sessions.

We have had several new volunteers join us and also progress to employment locally and have provided information of learning providers (including Training 4 You Services Luton, Barnfield College, Luton Adult Learning) to others seeking to do Basic computer skills, foundation level English, and identified learners needs for courses promoting employability and education, as well as ongoing adaptation of Pre Esol to encourage Women speaking No English to participate in our activities.

We often signpost service users.

We are continuously looking for funding as some of our current fundings are coming to an end.

Balance brought forward
frompreviousyear
March 31st Year Ending 2025 March 31st Year Ending 2025
Receipts
Unrestricted
£
Restricted
£
Year Ending
2023
Year Ending
2024
Year Ending
2025
Previous years balance brought
forward:
----------------- -------------- +£13,874.27
+£874.27
(other)
+ £6279.21 + £21,171.62
Warm Hubs 2022/2023 ----------------- --------------- +£1000. --------------------- ------------------------
BLCF 2022/2024
Stability Fund
----------------- --------------- +£10,000 ---------------------- ------------------------
Yoga 2022/2023 ----------------- --------------- +£2000. ---------------------- ------------------------
Total Grants received in 2023 ----------------- --------------
+£13,000.
---------------------- ------------------------
Other income Balance brought
forward
----------------- --------------- ---------------------- ---------------------- ------------------------
Grants received 2023/2024 ----------------- --------------- ---------------------- ---------------------- ------------------------
Luton Rising 2023/2024 ----------------- --------------- ---------------------- £10,000. ------------------------
Warm hubs 2023 received
06/04/2023
----------------- --------------- ---------------------- £500. ------------------------
BLCF Stability Fund ----------------- --------------- ---------------------- +£10,000. ------------------------
Awards for All Sewing 2024
received Feb 2024
----------------- --------------- ---------------------- +£20,000. ------------------------
Citizen Fund received
21/02/2024
----------------- --------------- ---------------------- +£4000. ------------------------
Total Received in grants
2023/2024
----------------- --------------- ---------------------- +£44,500. ------------------------
Grants received 2024/2025 ----------------- --------------- ---------------------- --------------------- ------------------------
Borras for 50+ Group
10/04/2024
----------------- --------------- ---------------------- ---------------------- + £250.
Stability Fund, last payment
02/05/2024
----------------- --------------- ---------------------- --------------------- + £10,000.
Luton Rising BLCF
Good ways to health, 1st
Payment 12/07/2024
----------------- --------------- --------------------- ---------------------- +£8,900.
Cricket East Limited payment
27/11/2024
+£45
Luton Rising BLCF Good ways to
good health last payment
21/02/2025
----------------- --------------- ---------------------- ---------------------- +£1,100.
BLCF Citizen Fund +50 plus
21/02/2025
----------------- --------------- ---------------------- ---------------------- +£3,500.
Awards for all 2025 21/03/2025 ----------------- --------------- ---------------------- ---------------------- +£20,000.
Total Received 2024/2025 ----------------- --------------- ---------------------- ---------------------- +£43,795.
Expenditure:
Total Salary costs ----------------- --------------- -£16,328.50 -£17,306.00 -£29,470.00
Sessional Worker ----------------- --------------- --------------------- --------------------- --------------
Venue Hire & Office Costs ----------------- --------------- -£1,298.35 -£3377.59 -£4,570.76
Activity materials & equipment ----------------- --------------- -£615.98 -£150.37 -£863.42
Printing & Stationery ----------------- --------------- -£177.24 -£401.27 -£955.10
Volunteer costs/refreshments ----------------- --------------- -£663.07 -£689.03 -£2,130.22
Laptop/ servicing ----------------- --------------- -£134.00 -£1067.79 -£0.00
Phone ----------------- --------------- -£590.15 -£651.14 -£492.13
Publicity/Networking/Launch ----------------- --------------- -£660.09 - £442.44 -£308.80
Insurance ----------------- --------------- -£127.68 -£221.98 -£207.20
Accounts/Website ----------------- --------------- ---------------------- -£600. -£600.00
Other Organisation (T4U) ----------------- --------------- ---------------------- -£4699.98 ------------------
Sub total ----------------- -------------- ---------------------- ----------------------
Total Expenditure ----------------- --------------- -£20,595.06 -£29,607.59 -£39,597.63
Net of Receipts (Payments) ----------------- -------------- -£7,595.06 £14892.41 £4,197.37
March 31st, 2025. b/fwrd ----------------- --------------- £6,279.21 £21,171.62 £25,368.99

Statement of Assets and Liabilities as of 31 March 2025

Monetary Assets
Unrestricted Funds Restricted funds
£ £
Cash in Hand and
at Bank £25,368.99
+
Non-Monetary
Liabilities
Accruals -
Fund to
Acquired which At cost £
asset
belongs
25,368.99

Approved by the Trustees and signed on their behalf by: ………………….

SHANTHONA WOMEN’S GROUP

TRUSTEE’S ANNUAL REPORT

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31[st] MARCH 2025

LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION
Registered Charity Number: 1133117
Trustees:
Saheli Begum
Forida Chowdhury – Resigned 22/11/2023.
Rajbin Naher
Janet Montgomery – Appointed 01/12/2023.
Registered Office:
Hockwell Ring Community Centre
Mayne Avenue
Luton
Bedfordshire
LU4-9LB
Bankers: NatWest
Market Hill Branch,
31 George Street, Luton
Bedfordshire
LU1 2YN
Project Co-Ordinator: Fatima Nessa

The Trustees presented their report with the financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31 March 2025. The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out in the notes to the financial statements and comply with the charity's trust deed, applicable law and the requirements of the Statement of Recommended Practice, "Accounting and Reporting by Charities", issued in October 2005.

STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT

Constitution :

Shanthona Women’s Group is a registered charity. The organization was established in 2004 when it was run on a completely voluntary basis.

Organizational Structure:

The Charity is wholly UK based with its registered office and projects based in Luton, Bedfordshire. The trustees meet regularly during the year to determine the policy and strategy of the Charity. The charity’s management is carried out by staff and the trustees for the day-to-day decisions.

Wider Relations:

Decision Making:

The Trustees of the charity who served during the year are listed with the legal and administrative details. Policy and Strategy are decided by the Board following consultation with staff and volunteers. Decisions regarding daily delivery of services in line with Board decisions are delegated to the staff. Trustees expect staff to keep them informed of potential opportunities and challenges which may lead to new developments.

Statement of Trustees responsibilities:

The trustees are responsible for preparing the Trustees’ Report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards. The law applicable to charities in England and Wales requires the trustee(s) to prepare financial statements for each financial year which gives a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charity and of the incoming resources and application of resources of the charity for that period. In preparing these financial statements, the trustees are required to:

The trustees are responsible for keeping accounting records which disclose with reasonable accuracy the financial position of the charity and enable them to ascertain to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Charities Act 1993, the Charity (Accounts and Reports)

Regulations 2008 and the provisions of the trust deed. 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.

Risk review:

The trustees review these risks on an ongoing basis and satisfy themselves that adequate systems and procedures are in place to manage the risks identified. Where appropriate, risks are covered by insurance. The following framework is central to ensuring adequate risk assurance:

Trustee Recruitment & Training:

Shanthona is a voluntary sector project which is managed by a Board of Trustees. Trustees are responsible for the strategic direction, management and resourcing of the organization. The Board of Trustees meets at least 3 times a year to consider and transact business. Trustees identify and undertake regular opportunities to develop skills to enable them to fulfill their roles effectively and each Trustee has taken on a key area of responsibility to ensure the Board fulfills its role.

OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES

Principal activities and objectives of the charity:

The principal activity of the registered charirty is to give people a better chance in life, economically and socially, promote stronger communities, by developing healthier, more active people and communities, provide support and advice to women and families from asian and bme communities, especially in the Leagrave, Hockwell Ring and surrounding area’s in particular with the following purposes:

Aims:

The prime aim of the organization is any charitable purpose for the benefit of inhabitants of Leagrave Ward and other districts where disadvantage or deprivation affects quality of life for Asian and BME women, in particular, and families, in particular to protect and preserve

public health, training, provide and assist in the provision of information and advice and develop a self-support group for women of all ages to enhance their quality of life relating to health, educational and social opportunities. We aim to continue providing Free quality information to service users.

Strategies for achieving Principal Aims and Objectives:

  1. Recruitment and retention of appropriate staff and volunteers

  2. Ensuring training and development of 1) above

  3. Ongoing research and networking with community, voluntary and statutory organizations and providers to identify issues plus opportunities for developing service delivery to address the same

  4. Identifying and providing information and resources to users on a wide range of subjects

  5. Obtaining and developing sources of funding, support and resources for organization

  6. Development of appropriate procedures and policies for the organization with regular reviews

  7. Ensure good management and financial management of the organization.

Objectives for the year 2024-2025

  1. Support

  2. Establish a range of support groups arising from advice and information needs, health promotion & awareness needs, learning & employment needs, social support, and other issues as identified,

  3. Health Promotion and Awareness

Establish a range of programs for delivery of health awareness and health information,

  1. Community Development:

Work with Luton Borough Council and Third Sector organizations as opportunities arise.

  1. Learning and Employment :

Be a part of network of referral organizations and program of delivery to encourage and support people into training, both formal and informal, and employment. Provision of informal pre-entry learning activities with IAG support for clients to assist them in progression to other learning, employment or services.

  1. Marketing and PR

Print new information leaflets, updating information on Facebook and website, ongoing advertising activities and services. Attend Networking meetings, ensure profile of organization raised. Redevelop Website and/or identify funding for new site.

  1. Leadership and management:

Consolidate roles of Board Members

Review and update Policies

Strategic Review - Risk Review and exit strategies.

Develop a new business plan for 3-year periods addressing above. Increase funding from other sources.

Contribution of Volunteers

Shanthona continues to be grateful for the support of volunteers: who have helped to run the activities, one-off events, administration and various other roles.

Achievements and Performance in March 2024- March 2025

We re-started our pre ESOL classes, Yoga, and Design & Sewing Classes. We are currently holding our sessions at Hockwell ring community center, Luton.

We have been running monthly Health & Awareness Wellbeing sessions within our PRE ESOL classes, which have been very beneficial and well attended.

The health and wellbeing sessions have been very informative, we have worked with various different organizations, Links have been established with Osteoporosis society, Alzheimer's Society UK and Autism UK for developing long term program of visits at health and wellbeing events, also contacts and promotional materials have been distributed to local GPs, Luton Borough Community Support Officers, in order that they may refer women with need to our activities

We held women's community celebrations events for End of year party, Eid, Design and exhibitions for the Sewing group and for other cultural purposes such as Seasonal celebrations, International Women's Day, Enrolment for new projects.

We have had launch days to promote our new sessions and what they consist of, our arts and craft sessions, we asked ladies to make recommendations about what they would like to do in the sessions.

We have had several new volunteers join us and also progress to employment locally and have provided information of learning providers (including Training 4 You Services Luton, Barnfield College, Luton Adult Learning) to others seeking to do Basic computer skills, foundation level English, and identified learners needs for courses promoting employability and education, as well as ongoing adaptation of Pre Esol to encourage Women speaking No English to participate in our activities.

We often signpost service users.

We are continuously looking for funding as some of our current fundings are coming to an end.

Balance brought forward
frompreviousyear
March 31st Year Ending 2025 March 31st Year Ending 2025
Receipts
Unrestricted
£
Restricted
£
Year Ending
2023
Year Ending
2024
Year Ending
2025
Previous years balance brought
forward:
----------------- -------------- +£13,874.27
+£874.27
(other)
+ £6279.21 + £21,171.62
Warm Hubs 2022/2023 ----------------- --------------- +£1000. --------------------- ------------------------
BLCF 2022/2024
Stability Fund
----------------- --------------- +£10,000 ---------------------- ------------------------
Yoga 2022/2023 ----------------- --------------- +£2000. ---------------------- ------------------------
Total Grants received in 2023 ----------------- --------------
+£13,000.
---------------------- ------------------------
Other income Balance brought
forward
----------------- --------------- ---------------------- ---------------------- ------------------------
Grants received 2023/2024 ----------------- --------------- ---------------------- ---------------------- ------------------------
Luton Rising 2023/2024 ----------------- --------------- ---------------------- £10,000. ------------------------
Warm hubs 2023 received
06/04/2023
----------------- --------------- ---------------------- £500. ------------------------
BLCF Stability Fund ----------------- --------------- ---------------------- +£10,000. ------------------------
Awards for All Sewing 2024
received Feb 2024
----------------- --------------- ---------------------- +£20,000. ------------------------
Citizen Fund received
21/02/2024
----------------- --------------- ---------------------- +£4000. ------------------------
Total Received in grants
2023/2024
----------------- --------------- ---------------------- +£44,500. ------------------------
Grants received 2024/2025 ----------------- --------------- ---------------------- --------------------- ------------------------
Borras for 50+ Group
10/04/2024
----------------- --------------- ---------------------- ---------------------- + £250.
Stability Fund, last payment
02/05/2024
----------------- --------------- ---------------------- --------------------- + £10,000.
Luton Rising BLCF
Good ways to health, 1st
Payment 12/07/2024
----------------- --------------- --------------------- ---------------------- +£8,900.
Cricket East Limited payment
27/11/2024
+£45
Luton Rising BLCF Good ways to
good health last payment
21/02/2025
----------------- --------------- ---------------------- ---------------------- +£1,100.
BLCF Citizen Fund +50 plus
21/02/2025
----------------- --------------- ---------------------- ---------------------- +£3,500.
Awards for all 2025 21/03/2025 ----------------- --------------- ---------------------- ---------------------- +£20,000.
Total Received 2024/2025 ----------------- --------------- ---------------------- ---------------------- +£43,795.
Expenditure:
Total Salary costs ----------------- --------------- -£16,328.50 -£17,306.00 -£29,470.00
Sessional Worker ----------------- --------------- --------------------- --------------------- --------------
Venue Hire & Office Costs ----------------- --------------- -£1,298.35 -£3377.59 -£4,570.76
Activity materials & equipment ----------------- --------------- -£615.98 -£150.37 -£863.42
Printing & Stationery ----------------- --------------- -£177.24 -£401.27 -£955.10
Volunteer costs/refreshments ----------------- --------------- -£663.07 -£689.03 -£2,130.22
Laptop/ servicing ----------------- --------------- -£134.00 -£1067.79 -£0.00
Phone ----------------- --------------- -£590.15 -£651.14 -£492.13
Publicity/Networking/Launch ----------------- --------------- -£660.09 - £442.44 -£308.80
Insurance ----------------- --------------- -£127.68 -£221.98 -£207.20
Accounts/Website ----------------- --------------- ---------------------- -£600. -£600.00
Other Organisation (T4U) ----------------- --------------- ---------------------- -£4699.98 ------------------
Sub total ----------------- -------------- ---------------------- ----------------------
Total Expenditure ----------------- --------------- -£20,595.06 -£29,607.59 -£39,597.63
Net of Receipts (Payments) ----------------- -------------- -£7,595.06 £14892.41 £4,197.37
March 31st, 2025. b/fwrd ----------------- --------------- £6,279.21 £21,171.62 £25,368.99

Statement of Assets and Liabilities as of 31 March 2025

Monetary Assets
Unrestricted Funds Restricted funds
£ £
Cash in Hand and
at Bank £25,368.99
+
Non-Monetary
Liabilities
Accruals -
Fund to
Acquired which At cost £
asset
belongs
25,368.99

Approved by the Trustees and signed on their behalf by: ………………….

TO THE INDEPENDENTMEMBERS OF SHANTHONAEXAMINERSWOMEN’SREPORT GROUP FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

| report on the accounts of the charity for the year ended 31 March 2025.

Respective responsibilities of the Trustees and Examiners

The members’ are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. The members consider that an audit is not required for the year under section 144(2) of the Charities Act 2011 (the 2011 Act) and that an independent examination is needed.

It is our responsibility to

Basis of examiner’s statement

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 our in the statement below.

Independent Examiner’s Statement

Yavaria Sagmad FCA Holmes Peat Thorpe Chartered Accountants Basepoint Business Centre 110 Butterfield Great Marlings LUTON Beds LU2 8DL

Dated: 17 September 2025