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2021-03-31-accounts

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S O L I D A R I T Y

S P I R I T I S T S O C I E T Y 2021

T RU S T E E S ’ A N N UA L R E P O RT

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Trustees’ Annual Report 2020-2021

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o Spiritual Activities

o Administrative

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Trustees’ Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 March 2021

Organisation Name: Solidarity Spiritist Society Status: Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) Registered Number: 1172599 Operational address: Quakers Meeting House
59, Wandsworth High St. London SW18 2PT

Chairperson and Trustee’s Statements

Upon reviewing the activities of the last twelve months, we are very proud of the contributions this organisation has made. The charity takes seriously its important role in enhancing the lives of its members and of the general public.

It has been a difficulty year, particularly regarding the COVID impact in all society and the world. We had to stop our 5-year project to raise money to invest in a property outside London as a first step in the property ladder to eventually acquire our own premises. Also, we had to create online meetings instead presential ones.

Volunteers continue to provide Community support helping “The Upper Room” (St. Saviour’s with St. Mary’s) with the provision of supplies and helped in “Operation Christmas Child” which was promoted by the Samaritan’s Purse and sent by themselves due to the restrictions.

The Youth Department taught Christian principles professed by Jesus, in order to teach the importance of being a good person to themselves and to others, teaching, respect, forgiveness, caring, prayer, friendship, and worship. They encouraged a good sense of friendship and socialisation with the hope they will help our world to progress to be a more civilised, caring, tolerant and enlightened society; a world where all human beings will be treated fairly and equally, regardless of their race, background, or disabilities. These meetings were also adapted to the online meeting with adult supervision.

We would like to thank the Non-Trustee Members, Committee Members, Volunteers, BUSS and all our benefactors. They are all very busy and give up their precious time to ensure this charity is run properly, lawfully and prudently, both now and in the future.

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As a small charity, our report focuses on the main activities undertaken by the organisation to further its charitable purposes for the public benefit.

The operating statements, Receipts and Payments have been prepared in accordance with Charity Commission’s TAR and Statement of Recommended Practice. They give an accurate view of the state of The Solidarity Spiritist Society affairs and of its accounts for the period stated.

Chairperson Vice-chairperson Secretary Mr Marcos J Camarotte Mr. Anibal H Oliveira Mrs. Ana Paula R da Silva

____

Treasurer Mrs Lolita C Stein Johnson

Date: 26/01/2022

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Aims and Purposes

  1. To promote the advancement of the Spiritism for the benefit of the Public in accordance with the Christian principles established in Allan Kardec’s five books of the Spiritist Codification: The Spirits' Book; The Mediums' Book; The Gospel According to Spiritism; Genesis; and Heaven and Hell.

  2. Provision of religious education and training, advocacy, information, culture, counselling (spiritual guidance, providing comfort to those in need) and spiritual healing (there is no claim to diagnose or cure illness in spiritual healing, rather it is complementary to conventional medical treatment.)

  3. Provision of a positive moral and ethical framework as promoted by Spiritism, with the purpose of benefiting the public.

  4. Promoting charitable actions and investing into improving actions to attain those goals.

History of Solidarity

The Solidarity Spiritist Society was founded on 17th January 1997 and has operated continuously since. As interest grew the meetings were attracting greater numbers from the Public, the Healing department was founded, and we needed additional facilities.

In 1999 members requested a programme for children to be established, after reaching an agreement at that year’s AGM, the children’s initiatives were established. In 2001 a Family oriented group was created to support parents during the children’s activities.

In 2005, the need to conduct meetings in both Portuguese and English appeared, and an educational department was founded to run courses and training in greater depth. These courses were on subjects such as Gospel studies, Healing, Mediumship, and philosophy. These meetings have always been well attended.

In 2007 a “Friends of Solidarity” department was established to, in conjunction with other charities, help the needy (e.g., homeless, individuals and groups suffering financial hardship and illness).

Today, Solidarity is open three times a week for the Public meetings and courses. Activities are open to the public and they include study meetings, courses, healing sessions and talks on Spiritism. These programmes provide a non-judgmental framework to aid and support an individual’s search for the meaning of life, reasons for suffering, finding solutions for their problems and providing Spiritual support by means of counselling, spiritual healing and prayers.

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Structure, Governance and Management

The Trustees

Solidarity operates under the Charity Commission’s Model Constitution and is governed in accordance with the updated and approved Constitution dated 9[th ] July 2016. General management and control are vested in a Board of 5 Trustees who are appointed at the Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the charity. Day-to-day operations are exercised through meetings of the Board and its operating committees.

The deputy conducts operations under the direction of the Management Board. Trustees report quarterly to the general membership on their activities.

The work of the organisation is supported financially by membership contributions, private donations, fundraising events and retail sales. Various volunteer-based departments fulfil the organisational objectives and activities.

How we work

Solidarity Spiritist Society

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Trustees Working Groups
Administration
Secretary
Treasury
Courses
Education Lectures
Doctrine Studies
Marcos J Camarotte
Anibal H Oliveira Reception
Social Social Projects
Antonio J Leal
Recreational Events
Ana Paula Silva Spiritual Guidance Spiritual Guidance
Mediumship work
Marketing Website/Media/Newsletter
Library
Cafeteria
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Public Benefit, Objectives and Activities

The Trustees have considered the guidance produced by the Charity Commission regarding the provision of public benefit and they confirm that Public Benefit has been provided by:

Achievements and Performance

The Business Plan for 2020/21 established objectives for which the Trustees, Management Board and the Departments were accountable. These objectives corresponded to the declared aims of Solidarity and reflected in the measurable outputs of its Financial Operating plan. In parallel the Board of Trustees undertook a review of the Corporate Governance and agreed new procedures that reflect best operating practice in line with Regulatory expectations. This Plan set out priorities and management objectives that enhanced our public-facing work.

The following Department reports summarise this year’s achievements and activities:

Public Meetings Department

We held 49 online study meetings in which the Spirits’ Book and the Gospel according to Spiritism by Allan Kardec was read or presented, commented and discussed as a tool for self-realisation and self-help. These books were reviewed without any imposed views or dogmas, just a free discussion where individual opinions were respected and validated.

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People coming to our Public online meetings (Zoom platform) were welcomed by the meeting host, who, in the case of newcomers, explained the format of the meetings and the assistance offered (e.g., healing, counselling) and in some cases provided a basic general idea of the main principles of Spiritism.

The study meetings were followed by a short talk on a theme of the Gospel according to Spiritism, highlighting the relevance of Jesus’ teachings in our daily lives. This serves as a preparation for the spiritual healing that follows.

Healing Department

Since the Covid-19 pandemic started we are offering this service online.

The aim of spiritual healing is to provide balance between the physical and spiritual being, offering equilibrium, serenity and patience to our daily lives.

Spiritual healing is a mix of magnetic and spiritual energies delivered through a healer who is merely the channel for the power of the Divine. As a rule, we do not suggest that medical conditions can be treated solely through the healing administered at the institution. This is especially true in those cases in which the manifested disease generates a physical impairment; in these cases, we do not advise that the action of the healer alone can replace the role of the doctor. And if the patient uses medication prescribed by a physician, it should not be suspended, except by direction of the doctor.

The sole purpose of the healing is to assist those who seek spiritual restoration of their vital spiritual energies. At the end of the spiritual treatment the receivers of the healing return to their normal lives feeling more empowered, confident and ready to resume their activities, thus feeling revitalised to face the daily struggles of life with optimism and gratitude.

The Healing Department provided services to more than 2,000 individuals who wanted to receive healing as a complimentary service.

Counselling Department

We offered free sessions of spiritual guidance. The aim was to assist people with personal or spiritual difficulties and was provided in absolute confidentiality.

The individuals who asked for spiritual guidance were seeking spiritual support in resolving personal or family issues and this is how we could help: we offered spiritual guidance according to Spiritism guidelines, which offers a comprehensive approach to religion. When necessary, we advise participants to seek out medical specialists so that clinical care and follow up is in place.

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Teaching Department

Spiritism is based on Christian teachings and this Department provided 98 (weekly) courses and conducted 3 major workshops designed to raise the human consciousness of the general public; and to help them understand their purpose and duty towards their family, society and the world according to the Spiritist Doctrine.

This Department’s courses followed a calendar of weekly lessons, pre-structured on our established programme to which over 200 people have attended. The studies were organised into groups where specific themes such as Mediumship, science or philosophy were discussed in an informal and fraternal manner.

The Spiritist doctrine is a combination of scientific, philosophical and moral teachings and its foundations are formed on the following fundamental principles: the existence of God, the pre-existence and the survival of the spirit after death and its evolution, reincarnation, communication of the spirits and plurality of other existing worlds.

The objectives of our Spiritist courses are to study these principles, so that the attendee builds self-awareness and creates a positive need to change their behaviour by eliminating bad habits or negative life patterns which will help them to become better citizens and better human beings in the community. They learn to practice love for God and to their fellow human beings through charity, as professed by Jesus.

As the attendees acquire more knowledge of the Spiritist Doctrine they generally became happier, friendlier, more tranquil and more balanced. As the consciousness of their responsibilities towards society grows, they can become more engaged with the charity, delivering voluntary services, supporting the general running of the institution, providing healing, visiting the sick and elderly, offering spiritual guidance to fraternal members and to the Public, thus contributing to a better world.

Volunteering (Charity) Department

The concept of charity is central to the teaching of Spiritism. It promotes a moral framework based on Christian principles. The Solidarity Spiritist Society encourages and guides people to live their lives accordance to the ethical codes of Spiritism. The Spiritist teachings inspire people to undertake voluntary work within the community and support other charities.

The Friends of Solidarity Department was established with the aim of intensifying the practise of charity. This has been achieved through raising awareness about local charities that need volunteers. We provided Community support helping “The Upper Room” (St. Saviour’s with St. Mary’s) with the provision of supplies. Every year we also help the “Operation Christmas Child” which is promoted by the Samaritan’s Purse and delivered by SSS.

SSS promote their objectives, publicise their fundraising events and encourage our members to help and engage with their activities.

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Children Department

The Children’s Department was created in 1999; its services were interrupted between 2006-2008 and resumed in 2009 as the Blue Fish Crèche. The primary objective of the crèche is to support the growth of the member’s children and allow the whole family to benefit from the Spiritist Doctrine.

A child’s education in Spiritism goes far beyond their academic education. We cater to their thirst for knowledge as a returning spirit that is here to learn new lessons, to grow and ultimately raise their level of consciousness.

Our Spiritist education helps to bring awareness to a human being’s conscience and we believe the earlier this happens, the better. The teachings of Spiritism for children were filled with activities where they could express themselves through their feelings, conflicts or emotions and in ways they feel comfortable with. This greatly helped them to know who they are, what they expect from the world in which they live and how they can deal with problems that will arise throughout their lives.

This programme provided Christian principles, as taught by Jesus, in order to teach the importance of being a good person to themselves and to others, teaching respect, forgiveness, caring, prayer, friendship, and worship.

The activities brought a good sense of friendship and socialisation, where they could get to know each other and themselves, always trying to improve individually and as a group.

We believe that although the body of a child may be in its early development, the Spirit within however, has lived numerous lives and has therefore accumulated a wealth of knowledge, emotion and feelings. Bearing this in mind, we provide activities in which children can understand and learn that they are progressing spiritually as well as, intellectually and physically.

Children are our future. Our programmes appealed to them spiritually hoping that they will help our world to progress to be more civilised, caring, tolerant and an enlightened society; a world where all human beings will be treated fairly and equally, regardless of their race, background or disabilities.

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Publicity / Website Department

Solidarity has a unified communications strategy. We advertised our free Public events and made information freely available through our website (www.solidarityspiritistsociety.org.uk) and Facebook (www.facebook.solidarityspiritistsociety) pages.

Our Public meetings are conducted weekly (online) on Thursdays in Portuguese and in English. Our courses are held every Monday (online) in Portuguese. The quality of the courses, training and seminars is one of our key strengths.

Statistics

The following statistics bears witness to the diversity and quantity of Solidarity’s achievements manifested during the reporting period (Jan-Dec 2020) include:

Associated Charities

Solidarity is a full voting member of the British Union of Spiritist Societies (BUSS). It participates with other charities such as The Upper Room, by providing hygiene products to the homeless, the Samaritans’ Purse (the annual shoe box campaign to help the children in poor countries on Christmas time).

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Trustees’ Annual Report 2020-2021

Financial Review 2021

IN THIS SECTION:

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Trustees’ and Treasurer’s Annual Report and Foreword

Solidarity had an income of £5,632. As the charity is above the audit threshold, we have prepared this report based on the UK Charity Commission- Receipts and Payments Accounts, form CC16a.

Solidarity’s financial goals do not change significantly from year to year and provide a useful yardstick to assess performance. We fulfil our charitable objectives by offering services to the Public in the UK.

The charity charges for certain events and conducts retail sales operations to raise funding whilst upholding the principle and practice of free general access. While many indicators of our successful output will remain non-financial, it is possible to state financial objectives that can measure the fulfilment of our objectives. These include:

Corporate Governance

The governing body is the Board of Trustees whose members are appointed for fixed terms of service. They are unpaid positions. The Board meets regularly to retain full and effective control over the organisation and monitors the day-to-day management. The Board has access to independent financial advice and the Secretary ensures that Board procedures are followed.

Risk Management

The Board of Trustees conducted a review of the major risks to which the charity is exposed. A risk register has been established and is updated at least annually. Where appropriate, systems or procedures have been established to mitigate the risks the charity faces. Significant external risks to funding have led to the development of a strategic plan that allows for the diversification of funding and activities. Insurance for the charity is in place.

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Environmental Responsibility

Solidarity is committed to sustainable development (meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs) as a guiding principle within our work. Concern for the environment is an integral and fundamental part of this commitment. Our aim is to reduce the impact on the environment from our operations and we do this through:

Statement on the System of Internal Financial Controls

Internal Financial Controls

Both the Trustees and the Managing Board have overall responsibility for all systems of internal financial control. These systems are designed to provide reasonable, but not absolute, assurance against material misstatement or loss.

The Board has adopted a schedule of matters to ensure that effective control is maintained over appropriate strategic, financial, organisational and compliance issues. It is assisted by a number of committees with delegation of authority. An organisational structure is in place with clearly defined lines of responsibility and delegation of authority. Established regular procedures, including budgetary controls, operate to monitor the receipt of income and both revenue and capital expenditure.

Going Concern

It is the policy of the Board to budget each year to match income and expenditure and to fully fund capital expenditure so that the organisation is able to present a programme of work consistent with its aims. The Board has no reason to believe that any events are likely to occur, in the foreseeable future, which would put achievement of this policy at risk. Solidarity maintains balances in its Current and Deposit accounts (reserved for essential future spending) and the Board has adopted the going concern basis for preparing its Financial Statements.

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Payment of Creditors

The charity adheres to the Government’s code on bill paying by aiming to settle bills within 30 days or by the due date. During the year, Solidarity paid approximately 98% of its expenses within the target date of 30 days.

Investment and Reserves Policy

Investment Policy

Currently the only investment project planned by the charity is Solidarity’s house which is a project in progress, but no final decision made in terms of investment due to the ongoing economic uncertainty in the market.

Plans for Future Periods

The charity plans continuing the activities outlined above in the forthcoming years subject to satisfactory funding arrangements.

Report and Basis of Preparation of Financial Statements

This Report and the Financial Statements that follow meet the requirements of the accounting standards issued by the Accounting Standards Board and the Statement of Recommended Practice Accounting for Charities (SORP) in so far as those requirements are appropriate.

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Summary of Management Accounts (CC16a)

Charity Name
SOLIDARITY
SPIRITIST
SOCIETY		 Charity
Number
1172599

CC16 a

Receipts and payments accounts

For the
period from		 Period
start date
01/04/20		 To Period end
date
31/03/21

Section A Receipts and payments

Unrestricted Restrict Endowment funds ed funds funds

Total funds

Last year

to the to the nearest £ nearest £

to the nearest to the £ nearest £

to the nearest £

A1 Receipts

A1 Receipts nrestrcte
funds
to the nearest £		 nrestrcte
funds
to the nearest £		 nrestrcte
funds
to the nearest £		 nrestrcte
funds
to the nearest £		 nrestrcte
funds
to the nearest £		 nrestrcte
funds
to the nearest £		 nrestrcte
funds
to the nearest £		 nrestrcte
funds
to the nearest £		 Last year
to the
nearest £
BANK INTEREST 74 298
BOOKSALES - 823
VOLUNTARY DONATIONS - 5,507
FOOD SALES - 11,420
MEMBERSHIP 5,558 7,785
HMRC GIFT AID - 2,655
BANK REFUND - -
Sub total 5,632 28,488
A2 Asset and
investment sales,
etc.
Total receipts
A3 Payments
-
£ 28,488
INSURANCE 1,093 -


-


1,093 -
COST OF BOOKS SOLD - - - - 386
RENT & RATES 1,515 - - 1,515 8,586
SUPPORTCOSTS 889 - - 889 3,336
CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES - - 4,253
A3 Payments
INSURANCE 1,093 - - 1,093 -
COST OF BOOKS SOLD - - - - 386
RENT & RATES 1,515 - - 1,515 8,586
SUPPORTCOSTS 889 - - 889 3,336
CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES - - 4,253

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Sub total 3,497 - - 3,497 16,561
A4 Asset and
investment
purchases, etc. - - - - -
Total payments 3,497 - - 3,497 16,561
Net of
receipts/(payments) 2,135 - - 2,135 11,927
A5 Transfers
between funds - - - - -
A6 Cash funds last
year end 91,150 - - 134,804 122,878
Cash funds this year
end 93,285 - - 136,939 134,804

Section B Statement of assets and liabilities at the end of the period

Unrestricted Restricted Endowm funds funds ent Categories Details funds to nearest £ to nearest £ to nearest £ B1 Cash funds Cash Box - Current Account - Deposit Account - (agree balances with receipts and payments Agreement account(s)) Error OK OK Unrestricted Restricted Endowm funds funds ent funds to nearest £ to nearest £ to nearest Detailsetailsilss £ B2 Other monetary assets - - - - -

Detailsetailsilss £ B2 Other monetary assets - - - - - Current Fund to which Cost value Details asset belongs (optional) (optional) B3 Investment assets - - - -

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Current
Fund to which Cost
value
Details asset belongs (optional) (optional)
B4 Assets retained
for the charity’s own -
use
-
- -
Fund to which Amount due When due
Details liability relates (optional) (optional)
B5 Liabilities
Signed by one or two
Date of
trustees on behalf of all Signature Print Name
the trustees Approval
Marcos Jose Camarotte
30/04/2021
Lolita C Stein Johnson
30/04/2021
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Solidarity TAR 2019 Final Final Audit Report

2022-01-26

"Solidarity TAR 2020 Final" History

Charity Name Charity CC16a Number SOLIDARITY SPIRITIST SOCIETY 1172599 s accounts For the period Period start date Period end To from date 01/04/20 31/03/21

Receipts and payments accounts

Section A Receipts and payments

Section A Receipts and payments Section A Receipts and payments Section A Receipts and payments
Unrestricted
funds
to the nearest £
A1 Receipts		 Restricted
funds
to the nearest £		 Endowment
funds
to the nearest £		 Total funds
to the nearest £		 Last year
to the nearest £
BANK INTEREST 74





-



-



74





298
BOOK SALES - - - - 823
VOLUNTARY DONATIONS - - - - 5,507
FOOD SALES - - - - 11,420
MEMBERSHIP 5,558 - - 5,558 7,785
HMRC GIFT AID - - 2,655
BANK REFUND - - -
Sub total
5,632
A2 Asset and investment sales, etc.
-
Total receipts
£ 5,632
A3 Payments
INSURANCE
1,093
COST OF BOOKS SOLD
-
RENT & RATES
1,515
SUPPORT COSTS
889
CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES
-
Sub total
3,497
A4 Asset and investment purchases, etc.
-
Total payments
3,497
Net of receipts/(payments)
2,135
A5 Transfers between funds
-
A6 Cash funds last year end
91,150
Cash funds this year end
93,285		 5,632 - - 5,632 28,488
-
£ 28,488

INSURANCE		 1,093 -
COST OF BOOKS SOLD - 386
RENT & RATES 1,515 8,586
SUPPORT COSTS 889 3,336
CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES - 4,253
Sub total
A4 Asset and investment purchases, etc.
Total payments
Net of receipts/(payments)
A5 Transfers between funds
A6 Cash funds last year end
Cash funds this year end
16,561
-
16,561
2,135 - 11,927
- - -
91,150 - 122,878
93,285 - 134,804

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Section B Statement of assets and liabilities at the end of the period
Unrestricted Restricted Endowment
Categories Details funds funds funds
to nearest £ to nearest £ to nearest £
B1 Cash funds Cash Box - -
Current Account - -
Deposit Account -
- -
(agree balances with
receipts and payments
account(s)) Agreement Error OK OK
Unrestricted Restricted Endowment
funds funds funds
Details to nearest £ to nearest £ to nearest £
B2 Other monetary assets - -
- - -
Fund to which Current value
Details asset belongs Cost (optional) (optional)
B3 Investment assets - -
- -
Fund to which Current value
Details asset belongs Cost (optional) (optional)
B4 Assets retained for the charity’s own use -
-
- -
Fund to which Amount due When due (optional)
Details liability relates (optional)
B5 Liabilities
Signed by one or two trustees on behalf of all the
trustees Signature Print Name Date of approval
Marcos Jose Camarotte 21/09/2021
Anibal Hernandes de Oliveira 21/09/2021
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