Telford African and Afro-Caribbean Resource Centre (TAARC)
Accounts
1[st] May 2024 – 30[th] April 2025
Charitable Purposes and Public Benefit
TAARC, a registered charity since 2017, exists to advance community cohesion, equality, education and wellbeing across Telford & Wrekin. Our work supports people of all ages — children, young people, adults and older residents—while contributing positively to local priorities around inclusion, health, cultural awareness and social value.
A core focus of TAARC’s charitable activity is the promotion and celebration of African and Afro-Caribbean history, heritage and culture. We deliver this through inclusive community events, intergenerational activities, educational workshops in schools, mentoring initiatives, cultural exhibitions, sports programmes and collaborative partnerships. Through these activities, TAARC works to promote mutual understanding, reduce isolation, and strengthen harmony within Telford & Wrekin’s increasingly diverse population.
All activities undertaken during this period were carried out in furtherance of TAARC’s charitable objectives and for public benefit.
Organisational Structure and Volunteers
TAARC remains a volunteer-led organisation with no paid staff. The charity is governed by a Board of Trustees and supported by a committed network of volunteers, facilitators and community partners. Trustees confirm that they have complied with their duties under charity law, including having due regard to Charity Commission guidance on public benefit.
Partnerships and Collaborative Working
During the period 1 May 2024 – 30 April 2025, TAARC continued to develop and strengthen strategic partnerships with statutory bodies, community organisations, faith groups, schools, health providers and local businesses. These partnerships are integral to TAARC’s reach, sustainability and impact.
Key partners included:
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Age UK Shropshire Telford & Wrekin
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All Saints Wellington Parish Church
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Asda Donnington
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Avara Foods
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Bayfield Vehicle Hire
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Energize Shropshire
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Keele University
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Mitie
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Morrisons Wellington
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NHS Community Engagement Facilitator
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Police Crime Commissioner
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Telford Elim Community Church
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Telford & Wrekin Council
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Telford & Wrekin Interfaith Council
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Telford & Wrekin Multicultural Development Team (MDT)
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The Wellington Orbit
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Seldom Heard Voices Forum
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Wellington Community Art Gallery (WelliArt)
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West Mercia Police
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Windrush Exhibition Telford & Wrekin
Summary of Activities Delivered During the Period Cultural, Educational and Heritage Activities
TAARC continued to deliver a strong programme of cultural and educational activity throughout the year, with a particular emphasis on intergenerational learning and school engagement.
Key highlights included:
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Windrush-Focused Programmes
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Building on legacy funding and partnerships, TAARC delivered Windrushthemed workshops, exhibitions and community celebrations, ensuring the continued recognition of the Windrush Generation and their contributions locally and nationally.
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School Engagement and Workshops
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TAARC delivered bespoke cultural, heritage and awareness workshops in local primary and secondary schools. Sessions explored African and Caribbean history, identity, music, fashion, storytelling and social contribution, reaching hundreds of pupils across the borough.
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Black History Month (October 2024)
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TAARC’s flagship annual programme included school-based learning, community discussions and a celebratory event that brought together residents from across diverse backgrounds to learn, reflect and celebrate Black history and culture.
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International Women’s Day (March 2025)
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A multi-cultural celebration recognising the achievements, leadership and lived experiences of women from diverse communities.
Community Events and Annual Celebrations
TAARC continued to deliver its established programme of annual community events, each designed to be accessible, inclusive and family-friendly:
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Windrush Day Commemorations
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CaribFest / Family Fun Day – TAARC’s large-scale summer event celebrating Caribbean culture through food, music, arts and community stalls
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Christmas Community Celebration – recognising volunteers, elders and community contributors
These events collectively attracted thousands of attendees, creating safe, welcoming spaces for connection, learning and celebration.
Ongoing Sports, Health and Wellbeing Activities
Throughout the year, TAARC maintained its regular programmes that provide consistency, structure and wellbeing benefits:
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Football in the Community – weekly indoor 5-a-side sessions for adults (18+), promoting physical health, social connection and informal mentoring
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Netball in the Community – weekly women-only sessions (16+), delivered in partnership with Netball England
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Community Garden – continued development of a community garden, promoting wellbeing, social connection and intergenerational engagement through shared outdoor activity.
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Monthly Over-60s Social Group – particularly supporting Windrush elders, combining seated exercise, shared meals, games and companionship
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Warm Winter Hub – seasonal support providing a safe, warm and welcoming environment during colder months
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Youth Engagement – ongoing engagement with young people through schools and colleges, including workshops and cultural awareness sessions that support learning, confidence and inclusion.
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Community Leadership, Advocacy and Representation
TAARC continued to play an active role in borough-wide forums and advisory groups, ensuring the voices of African and Afro-Caribbean communities are represented in local decision-making.
This included:
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Participation in multi-agency focus groups addressing race equality and community cohesion
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Ongoing involvement with Age UK Shropshire T&W, including ambassadorial support
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Continued leadership within the Seldom Heard Voices Forum, addressing inequalities in health and public services
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Active membership of the Telford & Wrekin Interfaith Council, supporting dialogue and understanding across faith communities
Finance, Funding and Financial Position
During the period 1 May 2024 – 30 April 2025, TAARC received funding from a range of sources, including:
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Heart of England
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Telford & Wrekin Council
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West Mercia Police / Office of the Police & Crime Commissioner
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NHS / Keele University (community engagement and research collaboration)
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Morrisons
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Veolia
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Hadley & Leegomery Parish Council
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Donations from individuals and local supporters
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Income received for bespoke workshops and school-based delivery
All funds were applied in accordance with funder conditions and TAARC’s charitable objectives.
The charity has no outstanding debts and continues to manage its finances prudently. Financial controls and oversight are provided by the Trustees, supported by the Finance Officer. Below is a detailed Statement of Income and Expenditure presented within this accompanying accounts.
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Balance Brought Forward: 1[st] May 2023 - 30[th] April 2024 = 1,237.71
| MONTH INCOME EXPENDITURE BALANCE |
MONTH INCOME EXPENDITURE BALANCE |
MONTH INCOME EXPENDITURE BALANCE |
MONTH INCOME EXPENDITURE BALANCE |
|---|---|---|---|
| May 2024 | £35,024.81 | £1,327.27 | £34,935.25 |
| B/F £34,935.25 | |||
| Jun 2024 | £583.57 | £8,553.42 | £26,965.40 |
| B/F £26,965.40 | |||
| Jul 2024 | £2,585.25 | £11,331.84 | £18,218.81 |
| B/F £18,218.81 | |||
| Aug 2024 | £2,086.34 | £4,687.87 | £15,617.28 |
| B/F £15,617.28 | |||
| Sept 2024 | £713.28 | £3,178.50 | £13,152.06 |
| B/F £13,152.06 | |||
| Oct 2024 | £8,369.98 | £7,593.21 | £13,928.83 |
| B/F £13,928.83 | |||
| Nov 2024 | £261.63 | £3,744.00 | £10,446.46 |
| B/F £10,446.46 | |||
| Dec 2024 | £974.55 | £4,549.81 | £6,871.20 |
| B/F £6,871.20 | |||
| Jan 2025 | £1,196.73 | £976.30 | £7,091.63 |
| B/F £7,091.63 | |||
| Feb 2025 | £362.64 | £1,266.28 | £6,187.99 |
| B/F £6,187.99 | |||
| Mar 2025 | £295.00 | £3,382.50 | £3,100.49 |
| B/F £3,100.49 | |||
| Apr 2025 | £432.00 | £1,844.95 | £1,687.54 |
| B/F £1,687.54 |
Balance: 1[st] May 2024 - 30[th] April 2025 = £1,687.54
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| Summary 1st May 2024 – 30th April 2025 |
Summary 1st May 2024 – 30th April 2025 |
Summary 1st May 2024 – 30th April 2025 |
|
|---|---|---|---|
| Balance Brought Forward | £1,237.71 | ||
| Grants | £41,479.00 | Total Income | + £52,885.78 |
| Donations / Fundraising |
£2,093.82 | ||
| Charitable Activities | £2,574.96 | ||
| Other trading activities |
£6,738 | ||
| = £54,123.49 | |||
| Total Expenditure | - £52,435.95 | ||
| Balance | = £1,687.54 |
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Investments
0% TAARC I&E
Other trading actiivites
13%
Charitable
activities
5%
Donations/Fund
raising Grants
4% 78%
Grants Donations/Fundraising Charitable activities Other trading actiivites Investments
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Looking Ahead
TAARC enters the next financial year with strong partnerships, growing demand for its services, and a clear strategic focus on sustainability, youth engagement, intergenerational work and community wellbeing. Trustees remain committed to strengthening governance, securing diversified funding, and continuing to deliver high-quality, impactful programmes for the benefit of the community.
Report prepared by: Heather Reid – Finance Officer
Natalie Headley – Chair of Trustees
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TELFORD AFRICAN AND AFRO-CARIBBEAN RESOURCE CENTRE(TAARC)