REGISTERED COMPANY NUMBER: 08615897 {England and Wales) REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER: 1169279 REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES AND UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 FOR AFRICAN FRENCH SPEAKING COMMUNITY SUPPORT LTD GM ACCOUNTANCY 472A BEARWOOD ROAD SM￿HwICK WEST MIDLANDS B66 4HA African French Speaking Community Support LTD Company Limited by Guarantee Trustees. Annual Report {Incorporating the Director's Report) (continued) Year ended 31 March 2024 TABLE OF CONTENT Page Trustees, annual report (incorporsting the director's report) Independent examiner's report to the trustees 24 Statement of financial actlvltles (including income and expendlture account) 26 Statement of flnanclal position 27 Notes to the financial statements 28 The followlng pages do not form part of the flnanclal statements. Detalled statement of flnanc1al activities 39 Notes to the detailed ststement of flnanclal activities 41 Godfrey Massa African French Speaking Community Support LTD Company Limited by Guarantee Trustees. Annual Report (Incorporating the Dlrector's Report) (continued) Year ended 31 March 2024 The trustees. who are also the directors for the purposes of company law, present their report and the unaudited Financial Statements of the charity for the year ended 31 March 2024. Reference and administrative details Registered charlty name African French Speaking Community Support LTD Charlty registratlon number 1169279 Company reglstratlon number 08615897 Prlncipal offlcè and reglstered office St Phillps Centre Watt Street, Smethwick West Midlands B66 3DU United Kingdom The trustees Mr Jason Ndundula Mr Jacques Matensi- Kubanza Mr Gally Petelo Sakwanga Mrs. Simplice Odette Nkonge Mr. lan Cibanda Godfrey Massa African French Speaking Community Support LTD Company Limited by Guarantee Trustees. Annual Report (Incorporating the Dlrector's Report) (continued) Year ended 31 March 2024 Introduction This financlal year ending on 31st March 2024 has been very challenging for everyone in this country. The country is currently in the grip of the most severe cost of living crisis seen for decades. High inflation and sharply rising fuel bills are pushing more and more people Into poverty and hardship. Here are some of the key events and their effects: Cost of Llvlng Crlsis: The ongoing cost of living crisis has been one of the most severe in decades, characterized by high inflation, rising food prlces, and sharply increasing energy bllls. Many charities have had to shift their focus to provide immediate relief to those affected by poverty and financial hardshlp. Organizations have seen a surge in demand for food banks, emergency financial support, and housing assistance. 2. Energy Prica Increases.. The dramatic rise In energy prices has put additional strain on households and charilable organlzatlons allke. Charities have fac8d Increased operatlonal costs, while also needing to support a growing number of people struggllng to pay their utility bills. 3. Government Policy Changes: Various changes in government policies, including adjustments to welfare benefits and funding cuts for certain social servlces, have affected how charities operate and the level of support they can offer. Charities have had to adapt qulckly to these changes to contlnue supporting thelr beneficiaries effectively. 4. COVID-19 Pand8mlc Aftereffects: The lingering effacts of the COVID-19 pandemlc continued to influence charitable work. Many organlsatlons have had to address ongoing health Issues, mental health support, and the economlc fallout from the pandemlc. The need for digital servlces and remote support has remained high. 5. Ukraine Crlsls.. The war in Ukraine has had a ripple effect, with many UK- based charities extending their support to refugees and those affected by the conflict. This has included providing shelter. food. and other essential services, both locally and through international partnerships, 6. Environmental Disasters: Events such as flooding and extreme weather conditions in parts of the UK have required immediate response from charities. These organizations have provided emergency relief, rebuilding efforts, and support for affected communities. Godfroy Massa African French Speaking Community Support LTD Company Limited by Guarantee Trustees. Annual Report (Incorporating the Director's R8POrt) (continued) Year ended 31 March 2024 7. Public Awareness and Fundraising Challenges: With economic hardshlp affecting many, fundraising has become more challenging. Charities have had to innovate with virtual events, social media campaigns, and other methods to maintain funding levels while public donations have generally decreased. 8. Royal Events: The Coronation of Klng Charles111 in May 2023 was a significant national event that brought communities together and provided opportunities for charities to engage with the public, raise awareness, and fundraise. 9. Mental Health Crisls: The mental health of the population has Continued to be a major concern. with charities focusing on providing mental health support and counselling seNices to cope with the increased demand. 10.Digltal Transformatlon: Charities have increaslngly tumed to digital platforms to provide services and engage with supporters. The ongolng digital transformation has required investment in technology and training to ensure that servlces are accessible and effectlve. These events have shaped the landscape of charitable work in the UK over the last flnancial year, highlightlng the resllience and adaptability of charitable organizatlons In the face of numerous challenges. The AFSCS has been among the organisations providing help and support mainly, but not excluslvely, to disadvantaged people from the French community Ilvlng in Birmlngham and the Black Country, as well as throughout the UK, thanks to our telephone drop-in service and our dlgital social media presence on Facebook and YouTube. Despite the rising cost of living, we strlved to respond to the multiple needs of our target groups and provide a range of events for celebratlon 8nd the promotion of important causes. Being part of the voluntary sector is so speclal, partlcularly when you see Ihe positive impact that our services and activities can have. Supporting so many vulnerable people has been truly wonderful. Annual Re ort umma for the Financial Year Endin 31st Mar h 2024 Throughout this flnancial year, our beneficiaries have received support through face- to-face interactions, ov8r the telephone. and via our social media channels (YouTube: UKFC TV and Facebook". www.facebook.comlafscsuk). We have continued to serve the French-speaklng community across Birmingham and the Black Country, as well as our local community in Smethwick, without any disruption. Our dedicated team at the drop-in centre has been instrumental in deliverlng these services. This team includes two permanent staff members, a Community Development Officer and a Community Welfare & Outreach Officer. Additionally. we have an ESOL Tutor. a Volunteer Outreach Worker. nine volunteers, and seven freelance staff members (music tutors and sports coaches) committed to providlng a range of services. Our trustees, staff, and volunteers have worked tirelessly to Godfrey Massa African French Speaking Community Support LTD Company Limited by Guarantee Trustees, Annual Report (Incorporating the Director's Report) (contlnued) Year ended 31 March 2024 enhance our service delivery and improve organizational operations. We have also delivered numerous community events and groups, activities as usual. Challen es and Determination Despite facing numerous challenges Ilke other organisations, we remained steadfast in our mission to dellver essential services to our beneficiaries and other vulnerable individuals in the local community. This report outlines the activities and services we provided during the financial year ending 31st March 2024, as well as Ihe financial overview prepared by our accountant following an independent examination. Financial Su ort and Ca aclt Buildin Our charlty has benefited from various funding sources, including core funding. Trustees express their special thanks to the Lloyds Bank Foundation and the Tudor Trust for their continuous support throughout the financial year. W& have also received numerous fundlng pots from other funders, which have been crucial in equlpplng trustees, management committee members, volunteers, and staff with enhanced skllls for running the organisation and providing resources to meet the needs of our beneflciarles. The capacity-building training has significantly improved our competitlveness in the thlrd sector. overnance and Futur Plans Our board now includes five trustees, wlth two additional members on the management committe8. These trustees are committed to continuing to deliver essential activities and services tailored to the needs of our primary target group and other community members. We urge local community members to join us as volunteers to support our beneficiaries and vulnerable residents. Financial Re ortln The trustees, who are also the directors of the charity underthe Companies Act 2006, present this report along with the financlal statements. The trustees have adhered to the provisions of Accounting and Reporting by Charities.. Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts per the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republlc of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2015). Thank you to all our supporters, funders. and the dedicated team who have made It possible to achieve our goals and support our community effectively. Company General Secretary JASON NDUNDULA Godfrey Massa African French Speaking Community Support LTD Company Limited by Guarantee Trustees, Annual Report (Incorporating the Directorfs Report) (continued) Year endéd 31 March 2024 INCORPORATION The charitable company was Incorporated on 18 July 2013 and commenced trading on 1 April 2015. Independent examiner Godfrey Massa 472A BEARWOOD ROAD SMETHWICK WEST MIDLANDS ENGLAND B66 4HA Structure, governance, and management Governlng document The charlty Is controlled by Its governing document, a Memorandum of Association, and constitutes a Ilmlted company. limited by guarantee. as defined by the Companies Act 2006. The AFSCS is a charitable company Ilmlted by guarantee, Incorporated on 18 July 2013 (Company No. 8615897) and registered as a charlty on 12th February 2012 with Its prevlous charlty registration number (1145893). The charity has recently been awarded a new registration number as it has become a charitable company limited by Guarantee (Charity No. 1169279). The organisation was establlshed under 8 Memorandum and Articles of Association (Constitution} which established the objects and powers of the charltable organisation and is governed under its Articles of Association. The directors of the company are also charity trustees for the purposes of charlty law and under the company's Articles are known as members of the Management Committee. Under the requirements of the Memorandum and Articles of Association, members of the Management Commlttee are elected to serve for a period of three years after which they must be re-elected at the next Annual General Meeting. Structure During this financia5 year ending on 31 March 2024, details of some trustees wer8 added into the Charity Commission and Companies House's accounts, for instance: Board of Trustees was strengthened by the appointment of three members after the resignation of the Treasurer. Upskilling Trustees through capacity-building training was adopted during this financial year and will carry on during the next financial year 8s well. Godfrey Massa African French Speaking Community Support LTD Company Limited by Guarantee Trustees. Annual Report (Incorporating the Directorfs Report) (contlnued) Year ended 31 March 2024 Members of the Board of trustees were keen on attending our meetlngs during financial year, and the current structure of the board of Twstees is made up by the following.. Mr. Jacques Matensi-kubanza (Chair); Mr. Jason Ndundula (General Secretary), Mr. lan Cibanda (Vice-chair), Mrs. Slmplice Odette Nkonde-mbomba (Treasurer), and Mr. Gally Petelo Sangwanga (Project Monitoring). Mr. Fiston Muana Mputu (HR> and Miss Angela Gonsalves are part of the Management Committee. In addition, thanks to the ongoing capacity building support, some sub-committees have been set up for the management of our charity, for instance.. Financial Management and Fundraising; HR Policies. EDI and Legal., Marketing, Partnerships and Communication., Monitoring and Learnlng. and Service Plannlng. Three Steering groups are also part of the management of our organisation, for instance.. Older People., Children and Young People, and Social Media and Musical Instrument. Volunteers The AFSCS is a volunteer-led organisatlon, The charlty has got a Volunteers Policy, guiding us to recrult, train and support volunteers. Volunteers working with vulnerable groups (Chlldren, older people or disabled) are DBS checked. In total, the charity has benefited from the input of 9 volunleers (apart from members of th@ Board of trustees) supporting our target group to 8chleve their needs, they h8ve glven thelr free tlme to get involved in the running of a range of actlvltles as hlghllghted below In thls report. Without volunteers, input, the organisatlon couldn't survive. Since the Covid-19 crisis, our volunteers hav8 been proactive to support vulnerable families and older people wlth dropplng food stuffs, shopping, paying bills. toping up gas and electricity and making phone calls on their behalf. Objectlves and actlvltles We believe In a society where every household from African French background accesses support to overcome disadvantages and strive to lead a fulfilling life. The AFSCS exists to advan￿ the development and Integration of the African French speaking communities living in the UK and in French speaking African Countries through the promotion of civic responsibility, good citizenship, social empowerment support, guidance and a voice of influence for the communlties. Objectives and alms (1) The prevention and relief of financial hardship in people of African ethnic origin whose first language is French and who are residing in Africa or in England and Wales by provldlng or asslstlng In the provlslon of edu¢8tion, training, healthcare proJects and Godfrey Massa African French Speaking Community Support LTD Company Limited by Guarantee Trustees. Annual Report (Incorporating the Director's Report) (continued) Year ended 31 March 2024 all necessary support designed to enabl8 individuals to generate a sustsinable income and be self - sufficient. (2) The development of the capacity and skills of the socially and economically dlsadvantaged communitles of French speaking Africa so that they 8re better able to Identlfy and meet their own needs and participate more fully in society. (3> The relief and assistance of people who live in French speaking African Countries or who have been displaced from French speaking areas of Africa by natural disaster or catastrophe by the supply aid to such persons. We aim at: enabllng our members to Integrate as cltlzens; Improving spoken English and education stsndards,. improving health & wellbelng., enhancing training and Ilfelong learning. and promoting their employability. Our main aims, In Afrlca, will be to.. Relieve poverty and distress of disadvantaged people ' Promote human rights Respond to emergency situations by campaigning and collecting aids for people in distress In Afrlcan French countries ' Support local organisations, activities related to educatlon, agrlculture, health, women and chlldren's actlvltles ' Share the bread with the hungry, shelter the homeless poor, clothe the man who Is naked and give relief to the oppressed. Strateglc Report The following sectlons, hlghlightSng the achievements, performance and financial review, form the strategic report of the charity. Godfrey Massa African French Speaking Community Support LTD Company Limited by Guarantee Trustees. Annual Report (Incorporating the Director's Report) (contlnu•dJ Year ended 31 March 2024 Achievements, performance & Significant activitles The organisation provides a range of services and activities contributing to the public benefits as it is underpinned by the Equality and Diversity Policy. Although the organisation aims at targeting primarily people from the African French-speaking community, it doesn't discriminate against people in terms of accessing its services. The organisation is based in Soho & Victoria Ward, in Smethwick (Sandwell, West Midlands). In fact, Soho & Victoria ward is a very deprived neighbourhood, it is characterised by a relatively young and diverse population and suffers from multiple deprivation. We deliver face-to-face services mainly accessed by people living in Birmingham and the Black Country. In addition, we also deliver Drop-in telephone Service for customers who can't attend any appointment at our drop-in centre. Our Digital Social Media studio streams live shows to educate our beneficiaries throughout the UK. To demonstrate the public benefit achieved by our charity, we hereby present the services and activities delivered during the year ended on 31 st March 2024. During this financial year ending on 31st March 2024, most of our activities have been delivered on face-to-face basis either at our Drop-ln Centre, outreach or in a group setting. We have carried oul using our digital social media studio streaming several live shows on You Tube IUKFC TV) and Facebook. Our activities are evidenced through our Facebook page www.facebook.comlafscsuk). Muslc and Arts Music Tuition.. Partly funded by the Eveson Trust and The National Foundation l Youth Music, this initiative provides music education and opportunities for young people. Our music tuition program offers a variety of classes, including instrument lessons (guitar, keyboard, and drum), vocal training, and music theory. These classes not only develop musical skills but also foster creativity, discipline, and confidence among participants. The program is designed to be inclusive, catering to various skill levels and musical interests, and aims to inspire a lifelong appreciation for music. At least 36 young people have benefited from our music tuition scheme. Well-being and Support Services Chlldren and Young People {CYP) Well-being {Asylum Seeking CYP).. Supported by SCVO, this project focused on improving the mental health and well-being of young asylum seekers experiencing trauma. This program established a multi-agency partnership working between our charity (AFSCS}, Brushstrokes Community Project and Birmingham Centre of Arts Therapies {BCAT). The Open Mind Therapy Centre worked alongside Brushstrokes to provide counselling to CYP. BCAT was providing arts therapies in different schools in Sandwell. It aimed at helping young asylum Godfrey Massa 10 African French Speaking Community Support LTD Company Limited by Guarantee Trustees. Annual Report (Incorporating the Director's Report) {witlnuFd) Year ended 31 March 2024 seekers cope with trauma. adapt to new envlronments. and build resilience. The program also includes workshops on stress management, cultural adjustment, and accessing local resources, ensuring that participants have comprehenslve support. Refugee & Asylum Seekers Support: Funded by Lloyds Bank Foundation, this initiative offers essential services to refugees and asylum seekers. Our support program provides legal assistance. housing support, language. classes, and integration activities. By addressing the immediate needs of refugees and asylum seekers, we help them build a foundation for a stable and self-sufficient life in the UK. The program also advocates for their rlghts and works to create a welcoming community environment. Beneficiaries of this program have also accessed other support provided by our charity and some were also referred to other agencies for more specialised support. Welfare Support.. PWC Foundation and CAF have both conlributed to general welfare support seNi¢es. Our welfare support programs include financial assistance, food distribution, and access to essential services. We provide one-on-one case management to help Individuals and families navigate complex systems, secure benefits, and access necessary resources. These programs aim to allevlate immediate hardship and promote long-term stability- Cost of Living Fund.. availab18 resources were used to help those affected by the rising cost of living. This fund provldes emergency financial assistance to cover essential expenses such as rent, utllitles, and groceries. The fund also supports flnancial literacy workshops, helplng beneficiaries manage their budgets and plan for the future. By addressing both Immediate and long-term needs, the fund aims to mltigate tha Impact of the cost-of-llving crisis on vulnerable populations. Youth and Communlty Actlvitiès Hollday Activities and Food (HAF): Funded by the Department for Educallon, vla SMBC, this scheme delivered the followlng activities.. football, netball, arts & carfts and muslc tultlon {keyboard. guitar and drum) for disadvantag8d children and young people in Sandwell. Youth Club: The Eveson Trust has funded activities aimed at engaging youth in positive ways. Our Youth Club offers a safe and supportive envlronment where young people can participate in recreational and educational activities. Programs include sports, arts and crafts, homework assistance, music tuitlon and leadership development. The Youth Club aims to promote social skills, teamwork, and personal growth among its members. Youth Activities: National Lottery Community Fund, through Millions Hours Fund. supported a variety of activities for young people. These activities range from outdoor sports, indoor sports and cultural excursions to skill-building workshops and Godfrey Massa 11 African French Speaking Community Support LTD Company Limited by Guarantee Trustees. Annual Report (Incorporating the Dlrector's Report) (cotrJttnu¢dJ Year ended 31 March 2024 community service projects. By providing diverse and enriching experiences, the program helps young people develop new interests, build self-confidence, and contribute positively to their communities. Youth Employmènt Project: HPLC'S initiative to enhance youth employment opportunities. This project offers career counselllng, job search assistance, and vocational training to young people. It aims to bridge the gap between education and employment, providlng participants with the skills and support they need to secure meaningful work. The project also collaborates with local buslnesses to create internship and apprenticeshlp opportunities. Sciences Workshop: British Sciences Week has sponsored educatlonal workshops in science. These workshops are designed to spark curiosity and interest in STEM (Science, Technology. Engineering, and Mathematics) subjects. Activities include hands-on experiments. interactive presentations, and visits from guest speakers. The workshops aim to Insplre young people to pursue STEM careers and develop critlcal thinking skllls. Sandwell Publlc Health (SMBC) has provided support for Indlviduals recovering from substance misuse. In partnershlp with Cranstoun Sandwell, we assisted clients in their recovery journey from drugs and Slcohol by addressing welfare, beneflt, houslng, and debt Issues. Additionally, we offer employment support and organlse several football tournaments to promote physical activlty among our service users, helping to prevent relapse. Smethwlck Baptlst Church Drop-ln Scheme: We provide support and activities to group of vulnerable older people living in the Soho & Victoria Ward in Smethwick. Among the aclivities delivered during feature.. Arts & crafts, Gentle exercise (Extend), talks from different professional guests (such as scam awareness- diabeles awareness)., and welfare support. Talk & Walk session Is undertaken in Victoria Park before the Drop-ln session whlch takes place every Friday. In addltion, due to the rising cost of livlng, our Community Welfare & Oulreach Officer was very busy providing one-to-one support to older people in their homes across Birmingham and The Black Country. Budgeting support, financial capabillties, benefit checks, benefit applications. and support with applying for white goods. furnlture, and other individual funding were developed. Furthermore, support to this age group has been extended to other older people from our local community including those from other ethnic backgrounds. Almost, 175 older people received one-to-one support with a range of services as described above. Reducing isolatlon and loneliness among this age group was also promoted by our Befriending Service. Moreover, support with fuel poverty was extensively provided especially after one of our ch8rity's members achieved the Level 3 diploma in Energy Advice. Many older people are still benefiting with advice around energy efficiency. This project was supervised by John Mwanga. Godfrey Massa 12 African French Speaking Community Support LTD Company Limited by Guarantee Trustees, Annual Report (Incorporating the Dlrectorfs Report) {¢on(lftued) Year ended 31 March 2024 Educational Support ESOL Programs: Several funders includlng Sandwell Consortium, Walsall MBC. Black Country Consortium, and Tudor Trust have supported English language programs for non-native speakers. These ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) programs provide language instruction at various levels. from beginner to advanced. The classes help participants improve their communication skills. which are essentlal for daily life, employment, and further education. The programs also offer cultural orientation sessions to help newcomers integrate Into the community. Employment and Tralnlng Employment Projects: Fundlng from The Edward Cadbury, HECF, and Walsall MBC have been Instrumental in running employment-related projects. These projects offer job readiness training, resume building, interview preparation, and job placement services. They aim to equip participants wlth the skills and confidence needed to secure employment. The projects also Include partnerships with local employers to create job opportunitles and support career advancement. We carried on delivering Employment support with funding received from the Harborne Parlsh Lands Charity targeting young people from one specific geographical area and from the Heart of England Community Foundalion targeting the general public. Furthermore, basic IT Skills lessons were also delivered as part of the employment support and many Jobseekers have tsken advantage to improve thelr skills and knowledge in basic digital skills. The scheme was supervised by Mr Jacques Matensl- kubanza. Anlicipatory Care Grant Project: funded by SCVO, this grant supports proactive health and social care planning for individuals with chronic conditions or complex needs. The program includes health assessments, care coordination, and personalised care plans. It aims to improve health outcomes and quality of life by addressing needs before they become emergencies. The project was designed to support frail and older people to avold unnecessary hospital admissions and readmissions, Community and Social Activities Welcomlng Space: SCVO'S initiative to create a welcoming environment for all. The Welcoming Space project provides a safe and Inclusive community hub where people can access services, participate in activities, and build social connectlons. The space offers various programs such as language classes, arts & crafts. and support groups. It aims to foster a sense of belonging and community cohesion. The Welcoming space was held at the Smethwlck Baptist Church. Godfrey Mas¥a 13 African French Speaking Community Support LTD Company Limited by Guarantee Trustees. Annual Report (Incorporating the Directorfs Report) {contlnu¢