Trustees’ Annual Report for the period
From 06/04/2023 Period start date to 05/04/2024 Period end date Charity name: MESOPOTAMIA
Charity registration number: 1167781
Objectives and Activities
SORP reference Summary of the purposes of Para 1.17 Mesopotamia is a UK-registered charity that the charity as set out in its works to provide relief from poverty and governing document hardship worldwide. The Charity aims to support the vulnerable and allow them to rebuild their lives with dignity. Since its inception in 2015, the Charity has fed and clothed thousands provided access to medical care and helped vulnerable refugees in France, Greece and Turkey. While the Charity has several projects abroad, the Charity also provides support to many individuals in the UK. The main goal is to assist those in need, feed those who are hungry, and cloth those who are cold. Mesopotamia believes the aid they offer should be available to all. This is why we strive to support those in hard-toreach areas. From refugee camps in war zones to shelters in our local community, we offer assistance to individuals in need. We provide financial, emotional and psychological support for refugees, veterans, the young, the elderly, the hungry and the homeless. Mesopotamia team has in-depth knowledge and connections in the serving areas. This also helps to ensure that resources are delivered to those who need them most. The trustees have considered the Charity Commision's guidance on public benefit, including the guidance 'public benefit: running a charity (PB2)'. Volunteers The Contribution made by volunteers throughout the year has been immense. The Charity is run entirely by volunteers during this year, and volunteers are therefore paramount in Mesopotamia meeting its objectives. This year, Mesopotamia's foodbank and other activities have increased in both area and capacity, and the volunteers have enabled the Charity to do this. Mesopotamia encourages those who use their services to come in and volunteer; as such, Mesopotamia's
| volunteer group has grown and diversified. The majority of those volunteering with Mesopotamia class themselves as disabled, and they have struggled to find a volunteering role prior to coming to the Charity. The Charity continues to support some of the most vulnerable people within the community and genuinelyimpacts their well-being. |
||
|---|---|---|
| Summary of the main activities in relation to those purposes for the public benefit, in particular, the activities, projects or services identified in the accounts. |
Para 1.17 and 1.19 |
This year Mesopotamia has once increased its work towards its objectives locally. The Cost of Living Crisis and its aftermath have pushed a more significant proportion of people towards poverty, the cost of living is increasing, and those on the cusp of poverty have fallen into it. Again those struggling financially are impacted more so due to the inability to fund their basic living costs. The food bank, clothing bank and household support project continue to be our priorities. Mesopotamia has increased its charity projects, such as expanding the food and clothing banks. The Charity also started initiatives to tackle the rising issue of food poverty. They have added a Community Fridge and larder to the Community Kitchen, they have also been expanding the furniture projects to provide free and affordable household essentials to those in need. Again those struggling financially were impacted more so due to the inability to fund their welfare. The impact of the cost of the living crisis on the need for education and healthcare was paramount when distributing aid and prioritising spending. Educating people to budget, prepare basic meals and live a healthy lifestyle has been an ongoing service throughout the year. The Charity has identified persistent deficiencies in the UK and abroad for hygiene items, household items and essential clothing, all of which have been rising in cost throughout theyear. |
Achievements and Performance
SORP reference
| Summary of the main achievements of the charity, identifying the difference the charity’s work has made to the circumstances of its beneficiaries and any wider benefits to society as a whole. |
Para 1.20 | Mesopotamia has remained one of the largest food banks in Nottinghamshire during this financial period. Our client group grew, as did our network. Mesopotamia now regularly take referrals from local authorities, social care, city council and local schools. Mesopotamia also had an increase in referrals from local NHS Trust, asking them to support those affected by poverty and impacted by those who were still affected or financially impacted because of COVID. Mesopotamia increased its food distribution and directly saved people from Hunger and food poverty. Mesopotamia has brought the community together during this period. The Charity valued people and made them feel less isolated. Mesopotamia focused on Charity's core aims and objectives, preventing and relieving poverty. Due to ongoing travel restrictions, the Charity focused their work on the UK and helpingthe local community. |
|
|---|---|---|---|
Financial Review
| Financial Review | ||
|---|---|---|
| Going Concern | Para 1.21 | The Charity is in the best position it has ever been. The Charity is now more established within the community and is more certain than ever that they are making a genuine difference in people's lives. COVID is still an uncertainty and has had an enormous effect on how we fundraise and operate. The help is needed more than ever, yet the charity shop has been unable to open its doors, so that income is uncertain in the comingmonths. |
| Statement explaining the policy for holding reserves stating why they are held |
Para 1.22 | The Charity has been accumulating funds in order to purchase a property as a community centre for its charitable causes in the forthcoming years. Trustees must ensure that the charity’s funds are monitored and used appropriately, prudently, lawfully and in accordance with the charity’s purpose for the public benefit. |
| Amount of reserves held | Para 1.22 | |
| Reasons for holding zero reserves |
Para 1.22 | |
| Details of fund materially in deficit |
Para 1.24 | |
| Explanation of any uncertainties about the charity continuing as a going concern |
Para 1.23 |
Additional information (optional) You may choose to include further statements where relevant about:
| The charity’s principal sources of funds (including any fundraising) |
Para 1.47 | |
| Investment policy and objectives including any social investment policy adopted |
Para 1.46 | |
| A description of the principal risks facing the charity |
Para 1.46 | |
| Other |
Structure, Governance and Management
| Description of charity’s trusts: |
||
|---|---|---|
| Type of governing document (trust deed, royal charter) |
Para 1.25 | Mesopotamia is a Charity staffed entirely by volunteers. The Trustees, in general, play an active role in the running of the Charity. We work closely with other groups in the UK and abroad who share the same ethos, standards, and objectives as Mesopotamia. Although the Charity works closely with other groups in the UK and abroad, they are financially and structurallyindependent. |
| How is the charity constituted? |
Para 1.25 | Association |
| Trustee selection methods including details of any constitutional provisions e.g. election to post or name of any person or body entitled to appoint one or more trustees |
Para 1.25 | Elected by the majority of members’ vote at AGM |
Additional information (optional)
You may choose to include further statements where relevant about:
| Policies and procedures adopted for the induction and training of trustees |
Para 1.51 | |
| The charity’s organisational structure and any wider network with which the charity works |
Para 1.51 | |
| Relationship with any related parties |
Para 1.51 | |
| Other |
Reference and Administrative details
| Charityname | Mesopotamia |
|---|---|
| Company registration Number |
CE007600 |
| Registered charity number | 1167781 |
| Charity’s principal address | 557 Valley Road Nottingham NG5 1JE |
|---|---|
Names of the charity trustees who manage the charity
| 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 |
Trustee name | Office (if any) | Dates acted if not for whole **year ** |
Name of person (or body) entitled to appoint trustee (ifany) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alan Freestone | ||||
| Maureen Thomas | ||||
| Rachel Miller | ||||
| Ibrahim Oktay Emec | ||||
| Ian Smith | ||||
| Andrew Thomas | ||||
Additional information (optional)
Names and addresses of advisers (Optional information)
| Names and addresses of advisers (Optional information) | Names and addresses of advisers (Optional information) | Names and addresses of advisers (Optional information) |
|---|---|---|
| Type of adviser Name Address |
||
| Accounta nts |
Immediate Accounting Solutions Limited |
131a Middleton Boulevard, Nottingham, NG8 1FW |
Responsibilities and Basis of Report
As the charity Trustees, who are also directors for the purposes of company law, are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 ('the 2006 Act'). Having satisfied myself that the accounts of the Company are not required to be audited under Part 16 of the 2006 Act and are eligible for independent examination, I report in respect of my examination of your charity's accounts carried out under section 145 of the Charities Act 2011 ('the 2011 Act'). In carrying out my examination I have followed the Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act.
Independent examiners statement
I have completed my examination. I confirm that no matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect: 1. accounting records were not kept in respect of the Company as required by section 386 of the 2006 Act; or 2. the accounts do not accord with those records; or 3. the accounts do not comply with the requirements of section 396 of the 2006 Act other than any requirement that the accounts give a 'true and fair view' which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination; or 4. the accounts have not been prepared in accordance with the methods and principles of the Statement of Recommended Practice for accounting and reporting by charities applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102). I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
………… Rizwan….
Immediate Accounting Solutions 131a Middleton Boulevard Nottingham NG8 1FW 3 January 2025
Other optional information
Declarations
The trustees declare that they have approved the trustees’ report above.
Signed on behalf of the charity’s trustees
Signature(s) R.Miller Full name(s) Rachel Miller Position (eg Secretary, Trustee Chair, etc) Date 03/01/2025
Charity Name CE007600 MESOPOTAMIA Receipts and payments accounts CC16a For the period Period start date Period end date To from 06/04/2023 05/04/2024 ~~es ee ee ee~~ Section A Receipts and payments
| Unrestricted funds |
Restricted funds |
Restricted | Endowment funds |
Endowment funds |
Total funds | Last year | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| to the nearest £ |
to the nearest | to the nearest £ | to the nearest £ | to the nearest £ | to the nearest £ | to the nearest £ | to the nearest £ | ||||||
| A1 Receipts | |||||||||||||
| Donations | 118,045 | - | - | - | - | 118,045 | 85,211 | ||||||
| Grants | 7,096 | - | - | - | - | 7,096 | 233 | ||||||
| - | - | - | - | - | - | - | |||||||
| - | - | - | - | - | - | - | |||||||
| - | - | - | - | - | - | - | |||||||
| - | - | - | - | - | - | - | |||||||
| - | - | - | - | - | - | - | |||||||
| - | - | - | - | - | - | - | |||||||
| Sub total(Gross income for AR) |
(Gross income for AR) |
125,141 | - | - | - | - | 125,141 | 85,444 | |||||
| A2 Asset and investment sales, (see table). - - - - - - - - - Sub total - - - - - Total receipts 125,141 - - 125,141 85,444 ~~——————~~ |
|||||||||||||
| A3 Payments | |||||||||||||
| Rent | 19,500 | - | - | - | - | 19,500 | 18,000 | ||||||
| Utilities | 5,920 | - | - | - | - | 5,920 | 1,626 | ||||||
| Charitble activities | 85,702 | - | - | - | - | 85,702 | 64,922 | ||||||
| - | - | - | - | - | - | ||||||||
| - | - | - | - | - | - | - | |||||||
| - | - | - | - | - | - | - | |||||||
| - | - | - | - | - | - | - | |||||||
| - | - | - | - | - | - | - | |||||||
| - | - | - | - | - | - | - | |||||||
| **Sub total ** | 111,122 | - | - | - | - | 111,122 | 84,548 | ||||||
| A4 Asset and investment purchases, (see table) - - - - - - - - Sub total - - - - - Total payments 111,122 - - 111,122 84,548 ~~——————~~ |
|||||||||||||
| Net of receipts/(payments) 14,019 - - 14,019 896 A5 Transfers between funds - - - - - A6 Cash funds last year end - - - - - Cash funds this year end 14,019 - - 14,019 896 ~~SSS5~~ |
CCXX R1 accounts (SS)
09/01/2025
1
| Section B Statement of assets and liabilities at the end of the period | Section B Statement of assets and liabilities at the end of the period | Section B Statement of assets and liabilities at the end of the period | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Categories Signed by one or two trustees on behalf of all the trustees B1 Cash funds B2 Other monetary assets B5 Liabilities |
Signature R.Miller Accruals Loans more than one year Details Cash at bank Details Details Total cash funds (agree balances with receipts and payments account(s)) Intangible assets Tangible Assets Details |
Unrestricted funds Restricted funds to nearest £ to nearest £ 5,966 - - - - - 5,966 - Agreement Error OK Unrestricted funds Restricted funds to nearest £ to nearest £ 240 - 8,504 - - - - - - - 8,744 - Fund to which asset belongs Cost (optional) Fund to which liability relates Amount due (optional) 750 - 4782 - - - 9,178 - Print Name Rachel Miller |
Endowment funds to nearest £ |
| - | |||
| - | |||
| - | |||
| - | |||
| OK | |||
| Endowment funds to nearest £ |
|||
| - | |||
| - | |||
| - | |||
| - | |||
| - | |||
| - | |||
| Current value (optional) When due (optional) |
|||
| Date of approval |
|||
| R.Miller | Rachel Miller | 03/01/2025 | |
CCXX R2 accounts (SS)
09/01/2025
2
Trustees’ Annual Report for the period
From 06/04/2023 Period start date to 05/04/2024 Period end date Charity name: MESOPOTAMIA
Charity registration number: 1167781
Objectives and Activities
SORP reference Summary of the purposes of Para 1.17 Mesopotamia is a UK-registered charity that the charity as set out in its works to provide relief from poverty and governing document hardship worldwide. The Charity aims to support the vulnerable and allow them to rebuild their lives with dignity. Since its inception in 2015, the Charity has fed and clothed thousands provided access to medical care and helped vulnerable refugees in France, Greece and Turkey. While the Charity has several projects abroad, the Charity also provides support to many individuals in the UK. The main goal is to assist those in need, feed those who are hungry, and cloth those who are cold. Mesopotamia believes the aid they offer should be available to all. This is why we strive to support those in hard-toreach areas. From refugee camps in war zones to shelters in our local community, we offer assistance to individuals in need. We provide financial, emotional and psychological support for refugees, veterans, the young, the elderly, the hungry and the homeless. Mesopotamia team has in-depth knowledge and connections in the serving areas. This also helps to ensure that resources are delivered to those who need them most. The trustees have considered the Charity Commision's guidance on public benefit, including the guidance 'public benefit: running a charity (PB2)'. Volunteers The Contribution made by volunteers throughout the year has been immense. The Charity is run entirely by volunteers during this year, and volunteers are therefore paramount in Mesopotamia meeting its objectives. This year, Mesopotamia's foodbank and other activities have increased in both area and capacity, and the volunteers have enabled the Charity to do this. Mesopotamia encourages those who use their services to come in and volunteer; as such, Mesopotamia's
| volunteer group has grown and diversified. The majority of those volunteering with Mesopotamia class themselves as disabled, and they have struggled to find a volunteering role prior to coming to the Charity. The Charity continues to support some of the most vulnerable people within the community and genuinelyimpacts their well-being. |
||
|---|---|---|
| Summary of the main activities in relation to those purposes for the public benefit, in particular, the activities, projects or services identified in the accounts. |
Para 1.17 and 1.19 |
This year Mesopotamia has once increased its work towards its objectives locally. The Cost of Living Crisis and its aftermath have pushed a more significant proportion of people towards poverty, the cost of living is increasing, and those on the cusp of poverty have fallen into it. Again those struggling financially are impacted more so due to the inability to fund their basic living costs. The food bank, clothing bank and household support project continue to be our priorities. Mesopotamia has increased its charity projects, such as expanding the food and clothing banks. The Charity also started initiatives to tackle the rising issue of food poverty. They have added a Community Fridge and larder to the Community Kitchen, they have also been expanding the furniture projects to provide free and affordable household essentials to those in need. Again those struggling financially were impacted more so due to the inability to fund their welfare. The impact of the cost of the living crisis on the need for education and healthcare was paramount when distributing aid and prioritising spending. Educating people to budget, prepare basic meals and live a healthy lifestyle has been an ongoing service throughout the year. The Charity has identified persistent deficiencies in the UK and abroad for hygiene items, household items and essential clothing, all of which have been rising in cost throughout theyear. |
Achievements and Performance
SORP reference
| Summary of the main achievements of the charity, identifying the difference the charity’s work has made to the circumstances of its beneficiaries and any wider benefits to society as a whole. |
Para 1.20 | Mesopotamia has remained one of the largest food banks in Nottinghamshire during this financial period. Our client group grew, as did our network. Mesopotamia now regularly take referrals from local authorities, social care, city council and local schools. Mesopotamia also had an increase in referrals from local NHS Trust, asking them to support those affected by poverty and impacted by those who were still affected or financially impacted because of COVID. Mesopotamia increased its food distribution and directly saved people from Hunger and food poverty. Mesopotamia has brought the community together during this period. The Charity valued people and made them feel less isolated. Mesopotamia focused on Charity's core aims and objectives, preventing and relieving poverty. Due to ongoing travel restrictions, the Charity focused their work on the UK and helpingthe local community. |
|
|---|---|---|---|
Financial Review
| Financial Review | ||
|---|---|---|
| Going Concern | Para 1.21 | The Charity is in the best position it has ever been. The Charity is now more established within the community and is more certain than ever that they are making a genuine difference in people's lives. COVID is still an uncertainty and has had an enormous effect on how we fundraise and operate. The help is needed more than ever, yet the charity shop has been unable to open its doors, so that income is uncertain in the comingmonths. |
| Statement explaining the policy for holding reserves stating why they are held |
Para 1.22 | The Charity has been accumulating funds in order to purchase a property as a community centre for its charitable causes in the forthcoming years. Trustees must ensure that the charity’s funds are monitored and used appropriately, prudently, lawfully and in accordance with the charity’s purpose for the public benefit. |
| Amount of reserves held | Para 1.22 | |
| Reasons for holding zero reserves |
Para 1.22 | |
| Details of fund materially in deficit |
Para 1.24 | |
| Explanation of any uncertainties about the charity continuing as a going concern |
Para 1.23 |
Additional information (optional) You may choose to include further statements where relevant about:
| The charity’s principal sources of funds (including any fundraising) |
Para 1.47 | |
| Investment policy and objectives including any social investment policy adopted |
Para 1.46 | |
| A description of the principal risks facing the charity |
Para 1.46 | |
| Other |
Structure, Governance and Management
| Description of charity’s trusts: |
||
|---|---|---|
| Type of governing document (trust deed, royal charter) |
Para 1.25 | Mesopotamia is a Charity staffed entirely by volunteers. The Trustees, in general, play an active role in the running of the Charity. We work closely with other groups in the UK and abroad who share the same ethos, standards, and objectives as Mesopotamia. Although the Charity works closely with other groups in the UK and abroad, they are financially and structurallyindependent. |
| How is the charity constituted? |
Para 1.25 | Association |
| Trustee selection methods including details of any constitutional provisions e.g. election to post or name of any person or body entitled to appoint one or more trustees |
Para 1.25 | Elected by the majority of members’ vote at AGM |
Additional information (optional)
You may choose to include further statements where relevant about:
| Policies and procedures adopted for the induction and training of trustees |
Para 1.51 | |
| The charity’s organisational structure and any wider network with which the charity works |
Para 1.51 | |
| Relationship with any related parties |
Para 1.51 | |
| Other |
Reference and Administrative details
| Charityname | Mesopotamia |
|---|---|
| Company registration Number |
CE007600 |
| Registered charity number | 1167781 |
| Charity’s principal address | 557 Valley Road Nottingham NG5 1JE |
|---|---|
Names of the charity trustees who manage the charity
| 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 |
Trustee name | Office (if any) | Dates acted if not for whole **year ** |
Name of person (or body) entitled to appoint trustee (ifany) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alan Freestone | ||||
| Maureen Thomas | ||||
| Rachel Miller | ||||
| Ibrahim Oktay Emec | ||||
| Ian Smith | ||||
| Andrew Thomas | ||||
Additional information (optional)
Names and addresses of advisers (Optional information)
| Names and addresses of advisers (Optional information) | Names and addresses of advisers (Optional information) | Names and addresses of advisers (Optional information) |
|---|---|---|
| Type of adviser Name Address |
||
| Accounta nts |
Immediate Accounting Solutions Limited |
131a Middleton Boulevard, Nottingham, NG8 1FW |
Responsibilities and Basis of Report
As the charity Trustees, who are also directors for the purposes of company law, are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 ('the 2006 Act'). Having satisfied myself that the accounts of the Company are not required to be audited under Part 16 of the 2006 Act and are eligible for independent examination, I report in respect of my examination of your charity's accounts carried out under section 145 of the Charities Act 2011 ('the 2011 Act'). In carrying out my examination I have followed the Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act.
Independent examiners statement
I have completed my examination. I confirm that no matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect: 1. accounting records were not kept in respect of the Company as required by section 386 of the 2006 Act; or 2. the accounts do not accord with those records; or 3. the accounts do not comply with the requirements of section 396 of the 2006 Act other than any requirement that the accounts give a 'true and fair view' which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination; or 4. the accounts have not been prepared in accordance with the methods and principles of the Statement of Recommended Practice for accounting and reporting by charities applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102). I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
………… Rizwan….
Immediate Accounting Solutions 131a Middleton Boulevard Nottingham NG8 1FW 3 January 2025
Other optional information
Declarations
The trustees declare that they have approved the trustees’ report above.
Signed on behalf of the charity’s trustees
Signature(s) R.Miller Full name(s) Rachel Miller Position (eg Secretary, Trustee Chair, etc) Date 03/01/2025