OpenCharities

This text was generated using OCR and may contain errors. Check the original PDF to see the document submitted to the regulator.

2023-03-31-accounts

Charity registration number: 1169497

----- Start of picture text -----
Out & Proud African LGBTI (OPAL)
----- End of picture text -----

Annual Report and Financial Statements

Financial Annual Report For the Year Ended 31 March 2023

1

Out & Proud African LGBTI

Contents:

Charity Information Page 3
Chairman’s Statement Page 4
Independent Examiner Report Page 5
Trustees Report Page 6 - 7
Financial Review Page 11-15
Statement of Financial Activities Page 16 - 17
Balance Sheet Page 18
Cash in hand certificate Page 19

2

Out & Proud African LGBTI

Reference and Administrative Details

Report and Financial Statements For the Year Ended 31 March 2023

CHARITY INFORMATION

Trustees

Charity Registration Number 1169497 Registered Office 198 Railton Road London, SE24 0JD Bankers Barclays Bank 193 Camden Town London NW1 7PJ

Independent examiners Swan Accounting Services Accounting & Business Consultancy 55 Stephens Road London, E15 3JJ Tel: 0845 467 7245

3

MESSAGE FROM DIRECTOR

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

Over the past year, OPAL has made an incredible, humbling, and life-changing impact on many LGBTIQ+ asylum seekers and refugees throughout the UK. This success is due to the unwavering support of donors, volunteers, staff, trustees, and other stakeholders who have helped raise the charity's profile and extend its reach.

At OPAL, we have shared many memorable moments, watching individuals who lacked hope rise to become business owners and university students. We have seen community members who were at their breaking point now volunteering to provide comfort and assistance to other members facing difficulties such as the asylum process and mental health issues. We are a family dedicated to helping and uplifting one another.

It has been a great honour and privilege to be part of OPAL's fantastic story, and it is a cause that is very close to my heart. I want to thank everyone who has supported us, including members, volunteers, funders, friends, and other stakeholders. Without your support, OPAL would not exist. We appreciate your dedication and ask that you continue to support our work and encourage your friends to do the same.

I am hopeful for the future of OPAL as we continue to expand our outreach and make lasting changes.

Abbey Kiwanuka

Director and Founder

Date: 29 August 2023

4

Independent Examiners

INDEPENDENT EXAMINER’S STATEMENT

FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 31 March 2023

20/09/2023

5

TRUSTEES' REPORT

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

The Trustees present their report and the financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2023. The Board of Trustees approved this report on 04 September 2023 and signed on its behalf. The Trustees present their Report and Financial Statement for the year ended 31 March 2023. The statements appear in the format required by the Statement of Recommended Practice for Accounting and Reporting by Charities.

Introduction

Out and Proud African LGBTI (OPAL) is a grassroots group set up by, for and run by lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex and queer (LGBTIQ) refugees and people seeking asylum. We started after identifying gaps and needs for inclusive support in the wake of the growing toxic anti-gay persecution people seeking asylum in the UK, faced in their countries of origin for their perceived sexuality. Today OPAL provides a safe and supportive environment for those seeking asylum in the UK. OPAL registered as a charity in October 2016.

Vision, Mission, and Core Values

Vision

Our vision is a strong, inclusive, respectful African LGBTIQ+ community in the UK and worldwide.

Mission

Our mission is to support LGBTIQ+ refugees and those seeking asylum, creating a safe and inclusive environment for them. We aim to integrate those granted refugee status into UK society and guide those in the asylum procedure. Our goal is to provide resources for LGBTIQ+ refugees and those seeking asylum to build better lives and contribute to society.

Core Values

OPAL COMMUNITY /WHAT WE DO

OUR 2022-2023 -- RESULTS

Our achievements briefly during the financial year 31 March 2022 – 31 March 2023:

7

Expected Outcomes

The expected outcomes we wanted to see in our client group included:

Outcomes Achieved

In reflecting on our EOY March 2023, our community members' anonymous annual survey respondents said:

“Whenever I come to the weekly social, I feel a sense of belonging and security with my new family. I am no longer scared of anything, and I can kiss my girlfriend with absolute confidence and without any fear of reprisal - something I would never have thought possible in my home country”. Members from Nigeria

CASEWORK SERVICES

We have been able to refer many of our members to specialist legal and third-sector support, thanks to our connections with those organisations – this includes law firms specialising in “outside of the rules” family reunion and complex immigration matters,

8

community care law firms, homelessness organisations, counselling and mental health support organisations, mentoring and educational organisations, and many more. We have worked on 97 cases (including immigration and asylum issues, social services disputes, housing and homelessness, health and mental health matters, family reunion cases and more) to support our members with their special needs. Of those 97 cases, 47 have been resolved and closed, while 50 are still ongoing and being worked on. In addition, we also work with social services and advocate for vulnerable people when their voices aren't heard.

In 2022-2023, our organisation has supported:

NO Issue Support Offered
46 Members Dealing with asylum issue By giving help to access
specialist legal support and
support on how to claim
asylum and go to testify in
immigration tribunals.
26 Members Dealing with a housing issue
or homelessness		 By advocating, making
referrals and providing
advice.
16 Members Struggling to access mental
and physical health care		 By ensuring their voice is
heard and making referrals
to support.
9 Members Who the Home Office
dismissed their asylum
cases		 By referring them to good
lawyers and support to
document their evidence
and testify in their
Immigration Tribunals.
6 Members Family reunion Referring them to legal
advisors and fundraising for
their legal advice.

OPAL Music & Dance Project

In 2021, members of OPAL came up with various activities such as football, dance & music, and running projects. We were proud to have taken on the dance & music project successfully. This allowed members to learn new contemporary dance styles, socialise with others, play games, and enjoy delicious meals. Our members were invited to perform at many community organisations, including the England vs. Uganda Netball match at the O2 Arena in July 2022. They were also asked to perform various functions, allowing them to learn a new skill and stay fit and healthy.

9

We look forward to continuing to provide these fantastic experiences for OPAL members in for many years.

for many years.
Number of OPAL members who attended OPAL
Dance and Voice		 146 OPAL Members
Average attendance per week across the last 6
months of the financialyear		 22 OPAL Members

OPAL members highly value socialising with their peers and connecting with their community. One member described their experience of being a part of OPAL as feeling "at home", which shows how significant it is for individuals to be part of something and feel connected to their environment and those around them. OPAL gives members a sense of belonging and a nurturing atmosphere to cultivate meaningful relationships.

POLICY & CAMPAIGNS.

Our campaign against the Home Office Rwanda Policy was driven by our passionate mission to speak up for the rights of LGBTQ+ refugees. We argued that the policy would have a negative impact on asylum seekers who entered the UK unlawfully or through deception, pushing many into the hands of traffickers and increasing cases of domestic servitude. We contacted our allies in the House of Commons and Lords to raise awareness of the policy's implications and advocated internationally to protect the rights of LGBTQ+ in countries such as Uganda with anti-gay laws.

Additionally, OPAL provided a platform for members to share their experiences, and we contributed to research about the experiences of LGBTQ+ refugees in the UK. We hope that these efforts will help to bring about changes in policy and practice and raise understanding among the public about the challenges faced by our members.

Campaign against the Nationality and Borders Bill

Before the Nationality and Borders Bill was given Royal Assent, we campaigned against this cruel legislation that will cause harm to those seeking asylum in the UK. What we achieved:

Voice in media

We have contributed to many news articles in mainstream UK newspapers and tabloids. In the UK, concerning the plight of LGBTIQ+ people seeking asylum and refugees in the UK and globally, most recently in countries that criminalise homosexuality and others that have introduced or enacted new anti-gay laws.

10

TEAM OPAL

In 2022-23, the OPAL Service welcomed 12 new volunteers. Their patience and hard work over the past year have been truly appreciated. We want to extend our deep gratitude to them, as well as the community members who have shown support by bringing food, setting up meeting places, documenting our work & posting it on our social media platforms such as Facebook, TikTok, or otherwise helping to make the OPAL socials a success. We also replaced four trustees with two new energetic trustees, resulting in four trustees. Our team sincerely appreciates the help and support from all those involved, and we look forward to what the next year will bring.

Looking forward

The trustees looking forward hope to:

FINANCIAL REVIEW

During 2022/2023, our income grew from £39,599.24 to £59.581.65 and expenditure decreased by £10,427.46. As a result, the cash held by the charity increased by £30,411.41.

RECRUITMENT AND APPOINTMENT OF TRUSTEES

Apart from the first charity trustees, every trustee must be appointed for three years by a resolution passed at a properly convened meeting of the charity trustees. In selecting individuals for appointment as charity trustees, the charity trustees must have regard to the skills, knowledge and experience needed for the effective administration of the CIO.

RISK STATEMENT

The charity is exposed to various risks - be they operational, financial, or reputational. The trustees review the charity's activities regularly to identify significant risks, and, where possible, they take appropriate measures to mitigate those risks.

RESPONSIBILITIES OF TRUSTEES

Charity law requires us as Trustees to prepare financial statements for each accounting year, which record the receipts and payments of the charity for the year.

We are responsible for keeping proper accounting records which disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the charity's financial position and enable us to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Charities Act 2011.

We also have a responsibility to safeguard the assets of the charity and to take reasonable steps to prevent fraud or any other irregularities.

11

RESERVES POLICY

OPAL is currently dependent mainly on grant funding to sustain its activities. This means that if there were to be a shortfall in grant funding, OPAL would likely have to close services. To avoid closure if funding difficulties were to happen, the Trustee Board has agreed to keep a certain level of financial reserves to ensure that primary operations can continue for six months minimum. The main concerns of the Trustee Board are to provide: that staff can continue working, primarily to secure new funding so clients can move on to other services. Reserves will be built up from unrestricted income.

Key activities

Outreach: We leveraged our social media networks, such as our YouTube Channel, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok via our website, www.africanlgbti.org, to reach as many people as possible. We promoted our work online, visited detention centres, and forged partnerships with the NHS, local authorities, and Doctors of the World. Furthermore, many organisations and individuals referred LGBTQ+ refugees and asylum seekers to OPAL, and other members learned about our work through online searches or word of mouth from people we have supported.

Assessment: The initial assessment was conducted to identify the individual's needs and provide them with the necessary support. We invited people to our office, where a team of male, female and trans people were available to talk to. We ensured everyone felt comfortable and safe to open up and discuss their needs. For privacy and confidentiality, private rooms were provided where words spoken in confidence could not be overheard. We also explained our services and the expectations we had of our members. Furthermore, if needed, we connected members to external support networks such as lawyers, therapists, housing associations, social workers, or physical or psychological trauma specialists.

Workshops : OPAL hosted weekly seminars for its members, facilitated by experienced OPAL volunteers or respected external speakers who are experts in their field. Our workshops sought to enhance understanding of issues specific to LGBTQ+ refugees and to empower members with the skills needed to settle in a new country successfully. These seminars covered topics such as 'coming out' and the consequences of concealing one's identity, as well as educational sessions on physical, mental, and sexual health, finding safe housing as an LGBTQ+ asylum seeker, and an overview of LGBTQ+ rights in the UK.

Social events and reducing isolation: We continued with our social events and provided opportunities for members to connect, socialise, and share experiences and encouragement.

We organised men's and women’s retreats, house parties and end-of-the-year. Our men's retreat is a five-day retreat in Weybridge in Surrey. The retreat helped our members who attended to interact with other British-born or non-refugee black gay men in the UK. By sharing their experiences, they learn about other people's struggles. It also helped members to network and sometimes generated support for their asylum claims.

At OPAL, we believe that advocacy is a crucial aspect of our work. We understand that members face challenges when navigating the asylum process, and we strive to provide

12

comprehensive support in all areas. Our team has attended immigration tribunals and engaged with the Home Office and local authorities on behalf of our members, ensuring that they receive the necessary assistance to express themselves and live comfortably. Additionally, we offer ongoing support, including access to food banks and homeless shelters, help with letter writing and more. Our office is open from Monday to Friday, and members can seek legal support, welfare assistance, financial aid, help with CV writing, form filling, and finding volunteer opportunities. We have even helped members volunteer with organizations like Gasworks, a non-profit community arts space, and the Peter Tatchell Foundation. Our goal is to provide members with the resources and support they need to achieve success.

SUPPORTERS

Charitable trusts and foundations

We received grants from the following foundations:

Individual donors

We received significant donations from individuals whose support has allowed OPAL to support more LGBTQ+ asylum seekers and refugees in the UK than ever before. These donors include some supporters who have run creative initiatives, crowdfunding, and sporting events to raise funds for OPAL.

Plans for the Year Ahead

Key Fundraising Objectives

13

Our goal is to broaden our reach in supporting LGBTIQ+ individuals seeking asylum and engage with a broader audience by implementing pioneering initiatives such as workshops, seminars, newsletters, press releases, and various other ventures. We acknowledge the significance of obtaining supplementary funding to sustain these endeavours. We are grateful for the kindness of our benefactors, including those who generously donate and fundraise on our behalf.

Statement of Responsibilities of the Trustees

The Trustees must prepare financial statements, for each financial year, which give a true and accurate overview of the charity's financial activities and position, including the net income or expenditure of the charity for the year. In preparing these statements the trustees are required to:

14

The Trustees state that they are aware of any information that is relevant to the audit that the independent examiners should be informed of. They also confirm that they have taken all necessary measures to obtain and communicate all relevant examination information to the independent examiners.

The Trustees have no beneficial interest in the charity.

15

Out & Proud African LGBTI Statement of Financial Activities

For the year ended 31 March, 2023

Note
INCOME FROM:
Opening Bal
Donations
1
Grants
2
Other Income
TOTAL INCOMING
RESOURCE
EXPENDITURE ON:
Volunteer expenses
4
Event/communication
Capacity Building
Telephone
Stationary
On-line Subscription
Office/Meeting Rent
IT (software hardware
Equipment
Office Furniture
Fundraiser Fees
Legal Fees
Transport
Boat Hire
General expenses
Food/Refreshment
Social/meeting/Items
Emergency Hardship
Fund
TOTAL EXPENDITURE
NET INCOMING
(OUTGOING) RESOURCES		 Unrestricte
d
Funds (£)
Restricted
Fund (£)
Total 2023
Total 2022
1,154.88
17,626.77
17,626.77
17,241.26
40,800.00
40,800.00
15,900.00
6,443.99
17,626.77
40,800.00
59,581.65
39,597.24
1,521.78
875.86
4562.00
1,571.45
850.98
1,090.40
179.13
1,031.87
895.97
449.76
9,073.00
9,717.29
533.74
1,340.20
4,835.71
1,438.00
1,359.54
840.00
880.00
4,416.80
4,328.02
4,132.99
3,961.78
3,483.22
5,968.92
1,173.13
763.00
12,765.49
16,610.24
20,195.22
36,806.47
47,233.98
22,775.18
337.84

RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS

16

Total Fund Brought Forward

8,791.62

Total Fund Carried Forward 22,775.18 1,154.88

All of the charity’s activities derive from continuing operations during the above two periods.

Notes to the accounts for the year ended 31 March 2023

1. Donations.

Members’ donation 17,626.77
Total 17,626.77

During FY23, we received individual donations from our community members through standing orders, attending fundraising events such as Boat Cruise Parties and House Parties, and buying some of our merchandise, i.e., We Exist T-shirts and Jumpers.

2. Grants

Grants
Grantors Amount
UK Black Pride 5,000.00
Black Lives Matter 30,000.00
LGBT Consortium 5,800.00
40,800.00

The UK Black Pride funds were allocated for the Voice and Dance Project and were meant to be used within six months. The UK Black Lives Matter grant, on the other hand, was awarded to cover general charity expenses and support the organisation's daily activities for 24 months. The funds from the LGBT Consortium were intended for capacity building and general expenses for a one-year period. This grant helped the charity to provide urgent and basic day-to-day necessities for its members.

  1. We did not have a paid staff and depended mainly on volunteers.

  2. During FY23, we acquired more podcast equipment, cameras, an outdoor PA system, and office and studio furniture.

17

Out & Proud African LGBTI

Balance Sheet

As Of 31 March 2023

Unrestricted Restricted Total 2023
Fund (£) Funds (£) (£)
FIXED ASSETS
Office Furniture/Equipment 5 6,195.30 6,195.30
CURRENT ASSETS
Accrued Income
Cash at bank and in hand 6 1,016.54 20,904.78 21,921.32
Depreciation
CREDITORS:
amount falling due within one year - - -
NET CURRENT ASSETS 7,211.84 20,904.78 28,116.62
NET ASSETS 7,211.84 20,904.78 28,116.62
CHARITY FUNDS
General Funds 7,211.84
Restricted Funds 20,904.78
TOTAL FUNDS 7,211.84 20,904.78 28,116.62
Notes to the accounts for the year ended 31 March 2023 (continued)
5. Cash at the bank and in hand
Cash at bank 22544.00
Cash at hand 231.18
Total 22,775.18

18

OPAL maintains a small fund for transportation and food costs for members forced to survive without access to public funds or on the National Asylum Support Service’s standard payment £40.85 per week.

We did not calculate the depreciation of the asset since we bought most of the assets towards the end of our financial year.

Cash in hand certificate

This cash in hand as of 31 March 2023 is as follow:

Location
198 Contemporary Office
Total cash in Hand		 Amount £s
231.18
231.18

As approved by the trustees on and signed on their behalf by:

Abbey Kiwanuka, Chair of the Board of Trustees

----------------------------------------------------Edrisa Kiyemba, Trustee

----------------------------------------------------Date 05 September 2022 2023

19