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2025-07-26-accounts

Revert2Reality

Revert2Reality

Report and Accounts Year Ending 26 July 2025

Charity Registration no. 1168971

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Revert2Reality

Report and accounts for the year ended 26 July 2025

Contents

Legal and Administrative Information 3
Trustees Annual Report 4
Independent Examiner’s Report 11
Statement of Financial Activities 12
Balance Sheet 13
Notes to the accounts 14

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Trustees Aliya Iqbal: Chair Mohbub Alom: Treasurer (resigned 30 June 2025) Timothy Chambers (resigned 1 August 2025) Reece Byfield (appointed 10 September 2024, resigned 30 June 2025) Bilal Ahmad (appointed 9 September 2025) Anees Shaikh (appointed 15 August 2025) Abbie Unita Searle (appointed 1 August 2025) Charity number 1168971 Registered Office Unit 2, 736b Lea Bridge Road Leyton London E10 6AW Independent Examiner RNM Services Ltd 69 Icknield Drive Ilford Essex IG2 6SE Bankers Barclays Bank Plc Leicester, LE87 2BB

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Trustees Annual Report for the year ended 26th July 2025

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 they have complied with the duty under Section 4 of the Charities Act 2006 to have regard to the Charity Commission’s guidance on public benefit.

Revert 2 Reality (R2R) began around 1997, founded by local community members in Waltham Forest to provide social events, classes, and support services for vulnerable individuals. Registered charity number 1168971, R2R remains primarily volunteer led, with a dedicated team supporting regular activities year-round.

In Ramadan 2025, Barakah Branding was appointed as R2R’s social media contractor to manage and promote the “No Revert Left Behind” campaign. Although the trial arrangement fell short of some expectations, it proved a valuable learning experience and highlighted the benefits of dedicated social media support.

During the same period, R2R partnered with 31st Walthamstow Scouts and other local masjids to run a collaborative fundraising campaign focused on supporting Muslim reverts. By combining volunteers and community networks, they organized charity iftars, donation drives, and awareness events that engaged both the scouting community and wider groups,

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amplifying outreach and fundraising impact in line with R2R’s mission of aftercare during this spiritually significant month.

Led by community members deeply familiar with the borough’s demographic, R2R offers counselling, mentoring for new Muslims, marriage and divorce advice, advocacy, health and fitness guidance, spiritual support, and social gatherings to combat isolation. Cultural exhibitions and community dinners further enrich the charity’s offerings.

Recognised as a leading voluntary social support provider in Waltham Forest, R2R received the ‘Excellence in Community Development’ award from the Waltham Forest Council of Mosques in 2011. The charity maintains strong ties with local mosques, businesses, and charities and regularly receives referrals 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 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.

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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.

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 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.

Revert Gatherings

This year, our Sisters’ Afternoon Teas continued to run quarterly (September, December, March, and July), each built around an Islamic theme. The most recent, held in July 2025, focused on Surah An-Nahl, offering an uplifting space for reflection and sisterhood. Organised by volunteers and supported by the wider community, these gatherings have steadily grown in popularity, as seen in increasing attendance, positive feedback, and strong engagement on social media.

In addition, our Monthly Revert Gatherings take place on the last Friday of every month for both brothers and sisters. These sessions are held in a segregated format, with a guest speaker invited to deliver an inspiring talk, followed by refreshments and food.

Both the afternoon teas and monthly gatherings form part of R2R’s wider post-shahada support framework, strengthened further through the launch of the Reverts Minarets programme in June 2024. Together, these initiatives ensure that new Muslims have consistent opportunities for learning, connection, and community integration.

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

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committed to addressing this gap by offering safe, culturally sensitive, and faith-informed support for young people.

Community & Fundraising Events Summary

New Initiatives & Revert Support

In 2024, R2R launched Reverts Minarets, a strategic initiative designed to equip UK Masjid 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 continued to grow, 2024 marked a pivotal year for R2R, with a renewed focus on strategic networking, programme development, and community outreach.

A key driver of this shift was the work our dedicated Community Liaison Officer, whose experience and deep understanding of community engagement have been instrumental in highlighting the importance of building strong, lasting connections. Under his guidance, R2R strengthened relationships with masajid, community groups, and sector peers, recognising that collaboration is essential for long-term sustainability and impact.

This networking focus directly supported the successful launch of the Reverts Minarets programme in June 2024, a strategic initiative designed to equip masajid and Islamic centres with the tools, training, and resources needed to deliver structured, long-term support for reverts. Our first seminar at the R2R Centre was well attended, led to valuable new partnerships, and helped secure almost £20,000 in funding for the project’s first phase. This investment has allowed us to deliver on our vision and set the stage for national expansion.

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In addition, groundwork was laid for R2R’s participation in the Global Peace & Unity Festival, recognising its potential as a major networking opportunity to connect with like-minded organisations, strengthen masjid partnerships, and raise awareness of R2R’s mission on a national scale. While the event took place after year-end, the preparations made in 2024 ensured we were well positioned to make the most of this high-profile engagement.

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 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.

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Financial Review

At the end of Financial Year 26[th] July 2025 Revert2Reality Accounts show:

Total Income: £95,564

Top three areas of Income are:

  1. Kind Giving Reverts Minarets 21% 2. Donations 26% 3. Launch Good Fundraising 21%

Total Expenditure: £80,317

Top three areas of expenditure are:

  1. Rent 63% 2. Premises Contractor 21% 3. Business Rates 4.7%

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.

Key Drivers & Changes in Expenditure

The financial year saw notable shifts in expenditure, reflecting R2R’s increased programme delivery, investment in community engagement, and the operational demands of running the centre.

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Overall, while some areas saw higher costs due to strategic investment in people, outreach, and facilities, other operational costs were reduced through efficiency measures.

These movements reflect R2R’s continued focus on balancing financial sustainability with delivering impactful community services.

Key Drivers & Changes in Income

Income for the year-ending 26 July 2025 reflects both one-off funding successes and shifts in the mix of fundraising, donations, and trading activity.

While some trading areas saw declines, the strong growth in grant funding, donations, and hall hire demonstrates R2R’s ability to diversify income streams and secure funding for core and strategic projects.

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.

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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.

The Trustee’s Report was approved by the Board of Trustees.

Aliyah Iqbal Chair

Date 12 May 2026

Independent Examiner’s report to the Trustees of Revert 2 Reality

I report to the trustees on my examination of the financial statements of Revert2Reality, (the charity) for the year ended 26 July 2025.

Responsibilities and basis of report

As the charity trustees, you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the Charities Act 2011 (“the Act”).

I report in respect of my examination of the Trust’s accounts carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act. In carrying out my examination, I have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act.

Independent examiner's statement

I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination which gives me cause to believe that in, any material respect,:

 the accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 130 of the Act; or

 the accounts did not accord with the accounting records; or

 the accounts did not comply with the applicable requirements concerning the form and content of accounts set out in the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 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.

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.

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Shahid Majid RNM Services Ltd 69 Icknield Drive Ilford Essex IG2 6SE

Date: 12 May 2026

Statement of Financial Activities for the year ended 26[th] July 2025

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:
Unrestricted
Funds
2025
73,626
21,938
95,564
4,930
75,387
80,317
15,247
15,247
Total
Funds
2024
27,342
32,773
60,115
15,290
52,342
67,632
(7,516)
(7,516)

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Total funds brought forward 41,466 48,982 Total funds carried forward 56,713 41,466

All activities derive from continuing activities

The notes attached on pages 14 - 15 form an integral part of these accounts.

Balance Sheet as at 26th July 2025
Notes
Current assets:
Cash at bank and in hand
Total current assets
Liabilities:
Creditors: Amounts falling due within one year
Net current assets or liabilities
Total assets less current liabilities
Creditors: Amounts falling due after more than one
year
Creditors: Amounts falling due after one year
Total net assets or liabilities
The funds of the charity:
Unrestricted funds - General Reserve
4
Designated Reserves
4
Total charity funds
26-Jul-25 26-Jul-24
56,713
41,466
56,713
41,466
-
-
56,713
41,466
56,713
41,466
-
-
56,713
41,466
56,713
41,466
56,713
41,466

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The financial statements were approved by the trustees on 12 May 2026

Ms Aliya Iqbal Chair

The notes attached on pages 14-15 form an integral part of these accounts.

Notes to the accounts for the year ended 26[th] July 2025

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.

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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.

4 Movements of Funds

Fund
Unrestricted funds
General reserves
Total
Balance at
27 July 2024
Income
Expenditure
Transfers
Balance at
26 July 2025
41,466
95,564
(80,317)
-
56,713
41,466
95,564
(80,317) -
56,713

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