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2024-07-26-accounts

Revert2Reality

Report and Accounts Year Ending 26 July 2024

Charity Registration no. 1168971

Revert2Reality

Report and accounts for the year ended 26 July 2024

Contents
Trustees Annual Report 3
Statement of Financial Activities 10
Balance Sheet 11
Notes to the accounts 12

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Revert2Reality

Trustees Annual Report for the year ended 26th July 2024

Trustees:

Aliya Iqbal: Chair

Zahid Ahmed: Treasurer, Resigned 20[th] May 2024

Mohbub Alom: Treasurer, Appointed 22[nd] April 2024

Joanna Sloughly: Appointed 25[th] April 2024

Timothy Chambers: Appointed 1[st] July 2024

Charity’s Trust:

Trustee Induction and Training:

All trustees are provided with relevant information as well as documentation along with our Charitable Objectives.

They are provided with an induction that includes the Charity aims and objectives, organisational structure, policy and procedures as well as trustees responsibilities.

Objectives, Activities, Achievements and Performance:

Public Benefit

The Trustees confirm that they have complied with the duty in Section 4 of the Charities Act 2006 to have regard to the Charity Commission's general guidance on public benefit.

Revert2Reality’s (R2R) beginnings date back to around 1997, when a group of local community members from Waltham Forest came together to organise social events, classes, and community support services for the vulnerable and those in need.

R2R is a registered charity (Number 1168971) and continues to be primarily volunteer-led, with a committed team of local volunteers who support regular activities and events throughout the year.

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In 2024, the Trustees recognised the growing demands on the organisation and the need to appoint a dedicated support to assist the Chair and trustees in day-to-day operations. This role was essential for overseeing the premises, coordinating volunteers, supporting those within the community, and acting as a liaison with mosques, particularly for fundraising.

This support role is fulfilled by a contractor, whose duties and remuneration were carefully determined by the Board of Trustees. His contribution has been invaluable in enabling R2R to respond more effectively to the needs of the community while preserving the volunteerdriven ethos of the charity.

In parallel, the trustees have also begun early discussions around appointing a dedicated social media and communications lead. This role and requirement is still in its exploratory phase, would help R2R expand its reach, improve community engagement, and better promote the work we do both online and offline. While no appointment has yet been made, the intention reflects our desire to modernise and sustain our outreach in an increasingly digital world.

R2R is led by the local community members who have lived and worked in the borough for many years, bringing a deep understanding of the local demographic. The charity’s services include counselling, mentoring for new Muslims, marriage and divorce advice, advocacy, health and fitness guidance, spiritual support, and regular social gatherings to combat isolation. Cultural exhibitions and community dinners further enrich our offering.

R2R remains one of the leading voluntary, social, and community support service providers in Waltham Forest. In recognition of our work, we received an ‘Excellence in Community Development’ award from the Waltham Forest Council of Mosques in 2011.

We continue to maintain strong ties with local mosques, businesses, and charities, and regularly receive referrals both from within and beyond the borough.

Revert2Reality Services

Supporting New Muslims

Revert2Reality (R2R) offers a unique and vital service within the borough, addressing the needs of new Muslims in ways many mosques and community organisations are unable to. At the core of R2R’s work is a commitment to supporting individuals who have embraced Islam many of whom experience isolation, rejection, abuse, or confusion during their transition. Through our dedicated mentoring programme, R2R supports reverts in learning the essentials of Islam, while also offering emotional and practical support during this critical life phase.

Tackling Extremism and Supporting Young Muslims

In an era where extremism and violence remain real threats, R2R provides mentoring and education to young Muslims in a safe, supportive, and faith-aligned environment. Our

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premises have enabled us to expand our services and operate under one roof — building capacity and ensuring accessibility.

Women’s Wellbeing & Community Engagement

Our weekly Coffee Mornings , running for over 14 years, have been a cornerstone of community wellbeing. The new premises have created a space where women, particularly from BAME backgrounds can meet, share experiences, and feel supported. These sessions have had a profound impact, particularly among mothers and older women with limited social opportunities.

Mental Health and Listening Services

R2R provides mental health support through counselling and listening services, addressing issues such as depression, anxiety, abuse, domestic violence, and Islamophobia. We have worked with organisations including Sakoon Counselling, Mindworks UK, Inspirited Minds, and Afiyah Project. Our Free Listening Service is open to those who may not afford counselling or prefer anonymity.

Workshops and Seminars

We regularly run workshops on key topics such as parenting, forced marriage, adolescence, culture, integration, and environmental issues. Creative and therapeutic sessions help women manage stress and improve wellbeing. Professionals including local GPs, nurses, and teachers support our workshops on mental health, nutrition, education, and general wellbeing. Dr Ali, a local GP, runs monthly women’s health guidance sessions.

Community Wellbeing & Active Engagement

Promoting physical health, mental wellbeing, and social connection remains a core priority for R2R. Throughout the year, we have continued to offer women-only fitness classes and support groups, while also exploring creative ways to get the wider community engaged and active.

In July 2024, R2R partnered with JoyRiders, one of the UK’s largest cycling charities, to deliver a powerful community engagement event. The initiative involved a bike ride from the R2R Wellbeing Centre to Southend-on-Sea, with over 20 cyclists taking part to raise awareness and funds for the centre. Alongside the ride, we organised a community coach trip for those who may not otherwise have had the means to enjoy a seaside visit. Thanks to support from Walthamstow Council, we were able to transport additional bikes, allowing coach participants including children and families to ride along the seafront. The day was a successful blend of physical wellbeing, social connection, and inclusive community building.

Our walking group also continues to thrive, offering a simple but effective way to promote movement, conversation, and mental health support in a relaxed and open environment.

Creative Empowerment & Small Business Support

In 2024, R2R launched the Creative Muslim Women’s Networking Event , empowering women with creative talents and small businesses to connect and share their stories. Attendees

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included authors, artists, therapists, and entrepreneurs. Two events were hosted in January and May, both highly successful.

Life Coach Alison Manning also returned this year, hosting free in-person and online workshops for women’s empowerment. Her sessions have led to visible increases in confidence and engagement among attendees.

Quarterly Revert Gatherings

Our Reverts Afternoon Tea continues to be held quarterly (September, December, March), offering a safe, friendly space for converts to Islam to connect, share their journeys, and find support.

Therapy Services

Since launching our therapy room in October 2021, our counsellor Shumaila Rashid has been supporting a growing number of clients each week. To meet increasing demand, R2R is looking to bring on an additional counsellor to expand our adult therapy provision.

We are also planning to introduce child-focused counselling, led by one of our volunteers currently training in this field. Children of reverts as well as those from BAME communities often face emotional and identity-related challenges that go unrecognised. R2R is committed to addressing this gap by offering safe, culturally sensitive, and faith-informed support for young people.

Community & Fundraising Events Summary

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New Initiatives & Revert Support

In 2024, R2R launched Reverts Minarets, a strategic initiative designed to equip UK Masajid and Islamic centres with the tools, training, and resources to provide structured, long-term support for reverts to Islam.

The programme delivers on-site seminars, bespoke Shahada Packs, and mentorship frameworks to build institutional capacity in post-shahadah care. Following a successful pilot involving 47 participants and multiple masjid partnerships, Reverts Minarets is now positioned for national scale, with over 20 organisations expressing interest.

The project aligns with R2R’s 27-year legacy in revert care and reflects our commitment to sustainable, community-led integration of new Muslims into the wider ummah.

Collaboration & Growth

As we continue to grow, 2024 marks a transitional year for R2R, with longstanding trustees stepping down and new contributors bringing fresh energy, insight, and commitment.

We are especially pleased to welcome Reece Byfeld to the team as an academic instructor. A revert himself, Reece brings both lived experience and deep scholarly grounding through his ʻAlimiyya studies at Al-Salam Institute and his MPhil in Theology, Religion and Philosophy of Religion at the University of Cambridge. His involvement will support our ambition to establish R2R as a centre of Islamic learning particularly for reverts and individuals seeking structured, authentic Islamic education. We hope that his role within the organisation will grow further.

In addition, Timothy Chambers, whose connections within the Muslim charity sector are both extensive and well-regarded, has joined the board. His experience will be key in strengthening our fundraising strategy and expanding our network of support.

Through all our programmes and partnerships, R2R remains committed to building meaningful collaborations and serving as a safe, inclusive, and empowering space for all.

Sustainability:

R2R is committed to long-term sustainability, not only in terms of income generation but also in how we engage with our community and manage our resources. We continue to diversify our services in ways that support both the charity and those who benefit from our work. This includes maximising use of our current facilities to host activities, events, and partnerships that generate income while remaining accessible and beneficial to the public.

Our services are designed to be practical, inclusive, and community-driven, ensuring that people who walk through our doors feel welcomed, valued, and inspired to return often bringing others with them.

We also take steps toward economic sustainability, such as distributing excess food from events or community donations to those in need, reducing waste while supporting

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households facing hardship. Through these small but meaningful actions, we create a culture of giving, reuse, and compassion.

In line with our growing awareness of environmental responsibility, R2R is actively working to reduce its carbon footprint. Some of our efforts include:

Supported by a strong and dedicated team of volunteers, we also aim to grow partnerships with local businesses and community groups strengthening our ability to serve while remaining mindful of the planet and the public we serve.

Financial Review

At the end of Financial Year 26[th] July 2024 Revert2Reality Accounts show:

Total Income: £59,247

Total Expenditure: £66,764

Top three areas of expenditure are:

  1. Rent 62% 2. Admin expenditure 15% 3. Premises Contractor 8%

We endeavour to ensure that best value for money is obtained when procuring goods and services and in most cases we find that local members of the community are willing to help with covering costs or even donating items for free.

Reserve Policy:

The aim of the trustees is to maintain free reserves in unrestricted funds at a level, which equates to 3-6 months of unrestricted expenditure, which we believe is sufficient. The designated reserves have been set up to provide for any further refurbishment costs at the centre, and to allow for further developmental projects.

Since Covid general public donations have significantly dropped due mainly to cost of living crises. We are hoping that this trend will be reversed as well as more funding available to help us sustain ourselves for longer periods.

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Revert2Reality

Report of the Accountant to the Trustees of the charity on the accounts for the year ended 26[th] July 2023

We report on the financial statements of Revert2Reality for the year ended 26[th] July 2024, as set out on pages 10 to 11, which comprise the Statement of Financial Activities, the Balance Sheet, and the related notes. The financial reporting framework that has been applied in their preparation is applicable law and the Financial Reporting Standard 102, (effective 1st January 2016), and the accounts have been prepared in accordance with FRS 102 SORP (Statement of Recommended Practice for Accounting and Reporting by Charities) 2015 (as amended by the Bulletin issued in February 2016) published by the Charity Commission in England & Wales (CCEW), effective January 2016, (The SORP), under the historical cost convention, and in accordance with the accounting policies set out on page 10, which framework constitutes the applicable United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice.

Respective responsibilities of the directors and the accountant

The charity's Trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts.

The Trustees consider that the audit requirement of Section 144(1) of the Charities Act 2011 (the Act) does not apply and the Trustees also consider the charity to be exempt from the requirement to be subject to Independent Examination.

Our responsibility is to prepare accounts upon the basis of the information supplied to us, without conducting any formal scrutiny.

No statement of opinion

We have not carried out any audit procedures and have relied upon information supplied to us by the Trustees, and the information supplied by the Trustees in the course of the examination is not subjected to audit tests or enquiries, and consequently we do not express an audit or other assurance opinion on the view given by the accounts.

Mohbub Alom (ACCA)

Trustee & Treasurer Revert 2 Reality

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Statement of Financial Activities for the year ended 26[th] July 2024

Income and endowments
from:
Donations and legacies
Other trading activities
Total
Expenditure on:
Raising funds
Charitable activities
Total
Net income/(expenditure)
Net movement in funds
Reconciliation of funds:
Total funds brought forward
Total funds carried forward		 Unrestricted
Funds
2024
27,824
31,423
59,247
15,290
52,342
67,632
(7,516)
(7,516)
48,982
41,466		 Total
Funds
2023
21,995
15,678
37,673
54,694
561
55,255
(17,582)
(17,582)
66,564
48,982

All activities derive from continuing activities

The notes attached on pages 12 - 13 form an integral part of these accounts.

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Balance Sheet as at 26th July 2024
Notes 26-Jul-24 26-Jul-23
Current assets:
Cash at bank and in hand 41,466 48,982
Total current assets 41,466 48,982
Liabilities:
Creditors: Amounts falling due within one year - -
Net current assets or liabilities 41,466 48,982
Total assets less current liabilities 41,466 48,982
Creditors: Amounts falling due after more than one
year
Creditors: Amounts falling due after one year - -
Total net assets or liabilities 41,466 48,982
The funds of the charity:
Unrestricted funds - General Reserve 4 41,466 48,982
Designated Reserves 4
Total charity funds 41,466 48,982

Ms Aliya Iqbal Founder & Trustee Approved on 09 May 2025

The notes attached on pages 12-13 form an integral part of these accounts.

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Notes to the accounts for the year ended 26[th] July 2024

1 Accounting Policies

Policies relating to the production of the accounts .

Basis of preparation and accounting convention

The accounts have been prepared on the accruals basis, under the historical cost convention, and in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard 102, (effective 1st January 2016) and 'FRS 102 SORP (Statement of Recommended Practice for Accounting and Reporting by Charities) 2015 (as amended by the Bulletin issued in February 2016) published by the Charity Commission in England & Wales (CCEW), effective January 2016, (The SORP), and in accordance with all applicable law in the charity's jurisdiction of registration, except that the charity has prepared the financial statements in accordance with the FRS 102 SORP (Statement of Recommended Practice for Accounting and Reporting by Charities) 2015 (as amended by the Bulletin issued in February 2016) in preference to the previous SORP, the SORP 2005, which has been withdrawn, notwithstanding the fact that the extant statutory regulations, the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 refer explicitly to the SORP 2005. This has been done to accord with current best practice.

2 Liability to taxation

The Trustees consider that the charity satisfies the tests set out in Paragraph 1 Schedule 6 of the Finance Act 2010 for UK corporation tax purposes. Accordingly, the Charity is potentially exempt from taxation in respect of income or capital gains received within categories covered by chapter 3 part 11 of the Corporation Tax Act 2010 or Section 256 of the Taxation of Chargeable Gains Act 1992, to the extent that such income or gains are applied exclusively on the specific charitable objects of the charity and for no other purpose. Value Added Tax is not recoverable by the charity, and is therefore included in the relevant costs in the Statement of Financial Activities.

3 Purposes for which the funds are allocated

All the funds accumulated to date are unrestricted and as such are held to meet the objectives of the charity and to provide reserves for future activities. Whilst it is possible that a portion of these unrestricted funds could be designated for specific projects in the future, it is currently not the case. The trustees aim to build up sufficient reserves to be able to meet six months of running costs for the charity.

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4 Movements of Funds

Fund
Unrestricted funds
General reserves
Designated reserves
Total		 Balance at
27 July 2023 Income
Expenditure
Transfers
Balance at
26 July 2024
48,982
59,247
(66,764)
-
41,466
- - -
-
-
48,982
59,247
(66,764)
-
41,466

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