MIDDLE EASTERN WOMEN & SOCIETY ORGANISATION
Registered Charity
FINANCIAL ACCOUNT
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED
31[ST] MARCH 2025
Charity number: 1150129
MIDDLE EASTERN WOMEN & SOCIETY ORGANISATION YEAR ENDED 31[ST] MARCH 2025
Registered Charity Number: 1150129
Principal address: St. Marys Neighbourhood Centre 124 Upper Street Islington London N1 2TX
Trustees:
Ms R Fatherazi – Chairperson – Appointed 26[th] June 2025 Ms T Foulds -Treasurer Mrs C Mayfield Ms M Sookias Ms M Ndeti Ms E Vacchelli Ms B Fatherazi – Not a trustee from 26[th] June 2025 Ms G Marco – Not a trustee from 26[th] June 2025
Governing document:
The charity is operated under the rules of its Constitution.
Bankers:
HSBC Bank
Independent Examiner and Accountant:
TACTS Accountant Chartered Certified Accountant 61 Fountains Crescent London, N14 6BD
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MIDDLE EASTERN WOMEN & SOCIETY ORGANISATION YEAR ENDED 31[ST] MARCH 2025
FINANCIAL ACCOUNTS
CONTENTS
Pages
4-7. Trustees Report
8. Independent Examiners Report
9. Statement of Financial Activities
10. Balance Sheet
11-14. Notes to the Accounts
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MIDDLE EASTERN WOMEN & SOCIETY ORGANISATION Report of the Trustees
For the year ended 31 March 2025
Middle Eastern Women and Society Organisation’s (MEWSo) Trustees are pleased to present their annual report and independently examined financial statements for the year ended 31st March 2025.
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).
Governance, Structure and Management
MEWSo was registered as a charity on 11th December 2012. The charity is governed by its Constitution. The trustees are appointed or reappointed annually at the Annual General Meeting. Appointment and retirement of trustees is in accordance with the Articles of Association. All trustees give their time voluntarily and received no benefits from the charity.
The overall management of finance is the responsibility of all the Trustees acting on the recommendations of the Chairperson, the Treasurer and the Director. The Trustees form the Management Committee who meet regularly to oversee the running of the organisation.
Background
MEWSo was established in 2010 by Halaleh Taheri to support migrant and ethnic minority women from Middle Eastern and North African backgrounds. Since our inception, we have provided culturally tailored services such as befriending, counselling, social activities, and specialist advice to support women escaping gender-based violence and discrimination.
We work with women from communities where patriarchal values, cultural pressures, and systemic inequalities have left many vulnerable to abuse, social exclusion, poverty, and ill health. MEWSo remains one of the only organisations in London advocating specifically for women impacted by polygamy, forced virginity testing, and hymenoplasty. We also support LGBTQ+ individuals, those with insecure immigration status, and women with no recourse to public funds.
Our mission is to challenge every form of discrimination and exclusion and promote a society where every woman, regardless of her background, lives in safety and equality. We are committed to values of secularism, solidarity and social justice.
Charitable Objects : The promotion of social inclusion for the public benefit in particular but not exclusively among women of Middle Eastern descent who are socially excluded on the grounds of their social and economic position, preventing them from becoming socially excluded, relieving their needs and assisting them to integrate into society, by:
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Providing workshops, forums, advocacy and general support;
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Education and training in vocational and other skills;
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Social and recreational facilities and events involving the local community;
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Raising public awareness of issues affecting these individuals and the reasons behind their social exclusion, including violence against women and harmful traditional practices.
Activities and Achievements : 2024-2025 The past year has been marked by increased hardship for many women in our communities due to the ongoing cost-of-living crisis, housing instability, and
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cuts to vital services. MEWSo responded by strengthening partnerships, expanding support services, and continuing to raise awareness around harmful practices and inequalities. Between April 2024 and March 2025, MEWSo supported:
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126 VAWG survivor
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90 sessions of 1:1 counselling were delivered
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66 women participated in group therapy
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40 therapeutic sessions delivered in Farsi and Arabic
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316 women participated in our projects, workshops, services, and social clubs.
Our major project this year was the culmination and launch of our five-year Polygamy Matters Project. The final report, co-produced with Greenwich University and funded by the National Lottery Community Fund, highlighted the emotional, financial, and legal impact of polygamy on over 20,000 women in the UK. The online conference on 20 March 2025 included presentations by experts and powerful testimonies by affected women.
We also participated in the Future of Immigration Conference, and the Harmful Practices Conference, where we addressed issues including virginity testing and polygamy. These engagements helped raise awareness among professionals and policymakers. Professional Training and Frontline Engagement: We delivered over 10 professional training sessions attended by 77 professionals for different organisations including:
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Hackney Migrant Centre
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National Survivor User Network (NSUN)
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Bromley and Croydon Women’s Aid
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Islington Council Frontline Training
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Brook Organisation
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The Harmful Practices Operational Group
Volunteering and Community Engagement:
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We were supported by 8 volunteers
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Choir sessions launched in Westminster with strong community participation
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New social clubs in Queen’s Park and Islington, supported by Westminster and Islington Councils
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Warm-Up Hubs provided meals and respite during winter
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We proudly celebrated International Women’s Day and Nowruz with music, dance, cultural activities, and food packages for service users observing Ramadan.
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Other initiatives included:
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Online safety sessions
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Health Cook & Eat sessions
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Self-defence and personal safety workshops in coordination with Metropolitan Police
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Olive Club and Women's Circle gatherings
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Advocacy and support for asylum seekers living in hotels
We are proud to report that in 2025, MEWSo was officially accredited by the Advice Quality Standard (AQS).
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Risk Management MEWSo’s 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
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The implementation of procedures designed to minimise or manage any potential impact on the charity should those risks materialise
Our key risk remains financial sustainability. We continue to monitor liquid reserves and funding pipeline to ensure continuity. Additional risk areas include staff capacity, data security, safeguarding, and health and safety. We regularly review our policies and ensure appropriate training.
Our hybrid delivery model allows for both digital and in-person support. We will continue to adapt our operations and advocate for the most marginalised in our communities.
We remain deeply grateful to all our funders, partners, trustees, staff, volunteers, and service-users for their continued belief in our mission. Together, we will continue to ensure every woman has the opportunity to live safely, freely, and with dignity.
Risk management
MEWSo’s 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;
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and
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the implementation of procedures designed to minimise or manage any potential impact on the charity should those risks materialise.
This work has identified that financial sustainability is the major financial risk for the charity. A key element in the management of financial risk is a regular review of available liquid funds. Attention has also been focussed on non-financial risks arising from fire, health and safety and food hygiene.
These risks are managed by ensuring accreditation is up to date, having robust policies and procedures in place and regular awareness training for staff working in these operational areas. The Trustees constantly review risks relevant to MEWSo. Any risks identified are reported to the Trustees and decisions made on how to minimise risk.
Financial Review
MEWSo’s main funding sources are restricted funding. This year we were successful in bringing in £ 156,257 (£189,815 in 2023/2024) from various funders.
Reserve’s policy and Going Concern
Reserves are needed to bridge the gap between the spending and receiving of income and to cover unplanned emergency repairs and other expenditure. The trustees consider that the ideal level of 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 MEWSo’s core activity could continue during a period of unforeseen
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difficulty. The target reserve amount represents at least 6 months’ (26 weeks) expenditure and will be reviewed annually.
Related parties and co-operation with other organisations
None of our trustees receive remuneration or other benefit from their work with the charity. Any connection between a Trustee or senior manager of the charity with its members must be disclosed to the full board of Trustees in the same way as any other contractual relationship with a related party. In the current year no such related party transactions were reported.
Statement Trustees 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 Trustees are required to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charity.
The trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records which disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the company.
Signed on behalf of the board,
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Halaleh Taheri
Founder & CEO 26/06/2025
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Independent examiner’s report to the trustees of MIDDLE EASTERN WOMEN & SOCIETY ORGANISATION (MEWSo)
I report on the accounts of the Trust for the year ended 31[st] March 2025, which are set out on pages 9 to 14.
Respective responsibilities of trustees and examiner
The charity's trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. The charity's trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year under section 144(2) of the Charities Act 2011 (the 2011 Act) and that an independent examination is needed.
It is my responsibility to:
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examine the accounts under section 145 of the 2011 Act;
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to follow the procedures laid down in the general Directions given by the Charity Commission
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under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act; and
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to state whether particular matters have come to my attention.
Basis of independent examiner's report
My examination was carried out in accordance with the general Directions given by the Charity Commission. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts, and seeking explanations from you as trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit and consequently no opinion is given as to whether the accounts present a 'true and fair view' and the report is limited to those matters set out in the 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:
- to keep accounting records in accordance with section 130 of the 2011 Act; and
● to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and comply with the accounting requirements of the 2011 Act
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.
Date: 26/06/2025
Chartered Certified Accountant
TACTS Accountant, 61 Fountains Crescent, London, N14 6BD
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MIDDLE EASTERN WOMEN & SOCIETY ORGANISATION STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR END 31 MARCH 2025
| INCOMING RESOURCES:- Incoming resources from generated funds Voluntary income Incoming resources from charitable activities Grants to provide charitable activities TOTAL INCOMING RESOURCES RESOUCES EXPENDED Expenditure on charitable activities TOTAL RESOUCES EXPENDED Net Incomings and (outgoings) resources Balances Brought Forward Balances Carried Forward |
Notes (16) (14) |
Unrestricted Funds £ 4,205 - 4,205 - - |
Unrestricted Funds £ 4,205 - 4,205 - - |
Restricted Funds £ - 152,052 152,052 254,054 **254,054 ** |
Total Total Funds Funds 2025 2024 £ £ 4,205 5,176 152,052 184,639 |
||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 156,257 189,815 |
|||||||
| 254,054 270,911 |
|||||||
| 254,054 270,911 |
|||||||
| 4,205 | (102,002) | (97,797) (81,096) |
|||||
| 95,743 | **124,994 ** | ||||||
| 220,737 301,833 |
|||||||
| 99,948 | 22,992 | 122,940 220,737 |
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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| MIDDLE EASTERN WOMEN & SOCIETY ORGANISATION BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31st March 2025 ~~a~~ |
MIDDLE EASTERN WOMEN & SOCIETY ORGANISATION BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31st March 2025 ~~a~~ |
MIDDLE EASTERN WOMEN & SOCIETY ORGANISATION BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31st March 2025 ~~a~~ |
MIDDLE EASTERN WOMEN & SOCIETY ORGANISATION BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31st March 2025 ~~a~~ |
|---|---|---|---|
| £ | £ | ||
| Note | 2024-2025 | 2023-2024 | |
| Fixed Assets | |||
| Tangible assets | - | - | |
| Current Assets: | |||
| Debtors | (12) | 44,999 | 70 |
| Cash at Bank and In Hand | Cash at Bank and In Hand | 98,044 | 223,912 |
| Current Liabilities: | |||
| Creditors: | |||
| Amount falling due within one year: | |||
| Accruals & Creditors | Accruals & Creditors (13) |
20,103 | 3,245 |
| Net Assets | 122,940 | 220,737 | |
| As Represented By | As Represented By | ||
| Unrestricted Fund | 99,948 | 95,743 | |
| Restricted Fund | (15) | 22,992 | 124,994 |
| Total Funds | 122,940 | 220,737 |
(The notes form part of this account)
The accounts were approved by the Trustees on 26/06/2025 and signed on their behalf by:
~~.~~
Ms R Fatherazi Chairperson
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MIDDLE EASTERN WOMEN & SOCIETY ORGANISATION NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31[ST] MARCH 2025
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). MEWSo 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. Taxation
MEWSo 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.
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6. Tangible fixed assets
Fixed assets are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation.
No Fixed asset to be depreciated in this year.
7. Staff Costs
The total staff cost for the year on payroll was £101,592 (£140,119 in 2023/24) including Tax, NIC and pension. Total numbers of employees were 4 in this year (6 in 2023-2024)
4 self-employed staff were used in this financial year
Trustees are not remunerated.
8. Status
MEWSo is a registered charity.
9. 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.
10. 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.
11. Taxation
MEWSo 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.
12. Debtors
| Other debtors 13. Accrual and Creditors Other Creditors |
2025 £ 44,999 44,999 2025 £ 20,103 20,103 |
2024 £ 70 |
|---|---|---|
| 70 | ||
| 2024 £ 3,245 |
||
| 3,245 |
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14. Expenditure on Charitable Activities
| 4. Expenditure on Charitable |
Activities | Activities | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Unrestricted | Restricted | Total |
Total | ||||
| Funds | Funds | Funds | Funds | ||||
| 2025 | 2024 | ||||||
| RESOUCES EXPENDED | £ | £ | £ | £ | |||
| Charitable Expenses | |||||||
| Staff Costs and Sessional Workers | - | 176,041 | 176,041 |
206,782 |
|||
| Recruitment | - | 270 | 270 |
- | |||
| Training, Workshops and other activities | - | 8,431 | 8,431 |
14,719 |
|||
| Partnerships and Collaboration | - | 31,626 | 31,626 |
16,099 |
|||
| Participants Expenses | - | 2,193 | 2,193 |
2,318 | |||
| Volunteer Expenses | - | 4,221 | 4,221 |
4,601 | |||
| Rent and Room Hire | - | 8,262 | 8,262 |
6,581 | |||
| Equipment & Hiring | - | - | - |
630 | |||
| Publicity & Advertisement | - | 1,800 | 1,800 |
378 | |||
| Memberships and Subscription | - | 4,440 | 4,440 |
1,887 | |||
| Refreshments and Catering | - | 1,614 | 1,614 |
1,834 | |||
| Transport and Travel | - | 1,767 | 1,767 |
2,231 | |||
| Professional and Consultancy Fees | - | 6,900 | 6,900 |
6,690 | |||
| Insurance | - | 586 | 586 |
228 | |||
| Office & IT Expenses | - | 5,903 | 5,903 |
5,933 | |||
| Total Charitable Activities | - | 254,054 | 254,054 |
270,911 |
|||
| 5. Analysis of Restricted Fund |
|||||||
| Balance at 1st April 2024 |
Incoming resources |
Outgoing resources Balance at 31st March 2025 |
|||||
| £ | £ | £ | £ | ||||
| Action Funder | 4,805 | 5,000 | 7,969 | 1,836 | |||
| Islington Fund | 3,135 | 24,244 | 19,661 | 7,718 | |||
| London Community Foundation |
68,358 | 44,999 | 113,357 |
0 | |||
| Smallwood Trust | - | 10,000 | 7,186 | 2,814 | |||
| Greater London Authority | - | 1,000 | 1,000 | - | |||
| The Health Forum Fund | - | 10,155 | 10,155 | - | |||
| Cripplegate | 4,000 | - | 4,000 | - | |||
| The National Lottery Fund | 20,488 | - | 20,488 | - | |||
| City of Westminster Trust | 3,692 | - | 3,692 | - | |||
| Westminster Council | 20,515 | 56,654 | 66,544 | 10,625 | |||
| 124,993 | 152,052 | 254,052 |
22,992 |
15. Analysis of Restricted Fund
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16. Grant Receivable
Funder
| Funder Purpose of Fund The London Com. Foundation Asylum/Migrants/Health Action Funder Health and Wellbeing Islington Fund Health and Wellbeing Haringey Council Health and Wellbeing Smallwood Trust Health and Wellbeing Health Forum Fund Health and Wellbeing GLA Fund Health and Wellbeing The National Lottery Fund Domestic Violence Support City of Westminster Trusts Young Girls Support Cripplegate Foundation Information & Advice Westminster Council Sports, Health & Wellbeing TOTAL INCOMING RESOURCES |
Funds Funds 2025 2024 £ £ 44,999 66,991 5,000 4,999 24,244 5,585 - 4,125 10,000 - 10,155 10,735 1,000 500 - 46,521 - 7,528 - 4,000 56,654 33,656 |
| 152,052 184,639 |
17. Governance and Support cost
| Professional and Consultancy Fees Insurance Office & IT Expenses Office Rent and Room Hire |
General Support Governance Total £ £ £ 5,950 950 6,900 - 586 586 5,903 - 5,903 8,262 - 8,262 |
|---|---|
| 20,114 1,536 21,650 |
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