## **London Spark Annual Report** ## **For the year ended 31 March 2025** ## **1. Trustees’ Annual Report** ## **Overview and Mission** London Spark is a community organisation established to support members of the Polish community living in the United Kingdom. Its mission is to improve social inclusion, wellbeing and access to advice by providing culturally appropriate services, information and education. During the year ended 31 March 2025, London Spark continued to deliver advice, health promotion and parental support activities, primarily through online and telephonebased services. ## **Principal Activities** During the reporting period, London Spark delivered its charitable objectives through the following key activities: ## **Citizens Advice Centre** London Spark operated a Citizens Advice Centre providing free, confidential advice to members of the Polish community. Advice was delivered online and over the telephone, ensuring accessibility for individuals who may face language or mobility barriers. The service focused on welfare benefits, housing, employment, immigration-related signposting, and general social welfare issues. ## **Summer Health Academy** The Summer Health Academy was organised to promote health and wellbeing within the community. The programme focused on preventative health, mental wellbeing, healthy lifestyles and access to health services. Activities were designed to increase awareness and empower participants to make informed decisions about their health. ## **Parental Academy Webinars** London Spark delivered a programme of webinars under the Parental Academy. These sessions supported parents with topics such as child development, education, emotional wellbeing, and navigating public services in the UK. Webinars were delivered online, enabling wide participation. ## **Public Benefit** The trustees confirm that they have had due regard to the Charity Commission’s guidance on public benefit. London Spark’s activities are directed at providing clear public benefit by supporting a defined community group that may experience barriers to accessing mainstream services. The services are provided free at the point of use and are open to all members of the Polish community who require support. 1 ## **Achievements and Performance** Despite a challenging funding environment, London Spark successfully delivered its core services throughout the year. Demand for advice services remained strong, particularly for online and telephone-based support. The Summer Health Academy and Parental Academy webinars were well received and contributed positively to community wellbeing and engagement. ## **Financial Review** ## **Income** Total incoming resources for the year amounted to £27,166, compared with £22,907 in the previous year. Income comprised: - Donations and legacies of £600 - Income from charitable activities of £26,400 - Other income of £166 The majority of income (£26,400) was restricted funding received to deliver specific charitable activities. filecite turn0file0 ## **Expenditure** Total resources expended during the year were £27,212 (2024: £23,307). Expenditure included: - Costs of generating voluntary income of £4,340 - Expenditure on charitable activities of £22,872 Charitable activity expenditure primarily related to the delivery of advice services, health promotion activities and parental support programmes. filecite turn0file0 ## **Funds and Reserves** The net movement in funds for the year was a deficit of £46 (2024: deficit of £400). At 31 March 2025, total funds amounted to £4,932 (2024: £4,886), comprising: - Unrestricted funds of £(24,867) - Restricted funds of £19,935 The trustees monitor reserves regularly and consider current levels to be sufficient to meet short-term obligations while continuing core activities. filecite turn0file0 ## **Reserves Policy** London Spark aims to maintain a modest level of unrestricted reserves to ensure financial stability and continuity of services. Due to the project-based nature of funding, unrestricted 2 reserves remain limited. The trustees continue to seek diversified funding to strengthen the charity’s financial position. ## **Risk Management** The trustees have identified the main risks facing the organisation as funding uncertainty, increased demand for services, and reliance on restricted project funding. These risks are mitigated through careful budgeting, regular financial monitoring, and ongoing fundraising and partnership development. ## **Plans for Future Periods** In the coming year, London Spark plans to: - Maintain and develop its online and telephone advice services - Expand health and wellbeing education activities - Continue delivering parental support webinars - Seek additional funding to improve long-term sustainability ## **2. Financial Statements Summary** ## **Statement of Financial Activities (SOFA)** For the year ended 31 March 2025, London Spark reported total income of £27,166 and total expenditure of £27,212, resulting in a net deficit of £46 for the year. filecite turn0file0 ## **Balance Sheet** As at 31 March 2025, the charity had net assets of £4,932 (2024: £4,886). Current assets consisted primarily of cash at bank and in hand of £55. Creditors falling due within one year amounted to £4,986. filecite turn0file1 ## **3. Trustees’ Statement of Responsibilities** The trustees are responsible for preparing the Trustees’ Annual Report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (FRS 102) and the Charities SORP. ## **4. Approval** This report was approved by the trustees and signed on their behalf. 3 Signed: Radoslaw Staszeeski Name: Trustee Date: 30/06/2025 4