Rainbow Home (North East England) (Registered charity, number 1173782) Financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2025
| Page | Contents |
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| 2 - 7 | Trustees’ annual report |
| 8 | Independent examiner’s report |
| 9 | Receipts & payments account |
| 10 | Statement of assets & liabilities |
| 11 - 12 | Notes to the accounts |
Rainbow Home (North East England) Trustees’ annual report for the year ended 31 March 2025
Full name Rainbow Home (North East England)
Registered charity number 1173782
Principal address
c/o Northern Lights, MCC, St James Church, Northumberland Road, Newcastle Upon-Tyne, NE1 8JF
Trustees
Jacqueline Jobson, Co-chair Andrea Cowie Dave Smith, from 12/06/2025 Charlotte West, until 28/01/2025
Richard Rhodes, Co-chair Patrick Ngabonziza Shervin Nouri, from 12/06/2025 Steven Takunda, until 13/06/2024
Independent examiner
Eva Stevens, employee of Community Accounting Plus, Units 1 & 2 North West, 41 Talbot Street, Nottingham, NG1 5GL
Governance and management
The charity is operated under the rules of its constitution adopted 08/07/2016 and most recently amended 08/12/2024.
Prospective trustees complete a Fitness to Practice Form; receive a copy of the accounts and annual report plus read the Charity Commission information regarding being a trustee. https://www.gov.uk/guidance/charity-trustee-whats-involved. Prospective trustees meet with the co-chairs to discuss the charity and their interests and are then invited to attend a board meeting to observe. As part of our governance review, we are reviewing our processes re trustee recruitment, appointment and retention, including a skills audit. We are keen to attract more trustees from the global majority, including those with lived experience of the asylum system and exploring ways in which to do so. Currently, all our trustees are from the LGBTQ+ community, and 2 have lived experience of the issues we aim to address. We also have non trustee board members, bringing further experience and expertise.
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Rainbow Home (North East England)
Objectives and activities
The objectives of the charity are to provide relief, assistance and to promote social inclusion to those seeking asylum; those granted refugee status and any other migrants, and their families and dependents, and in particular such of those said persons who identify as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual or Transgender, by preventing them from becoming socially excluded, relieving the needs of those who are socially excluded and assisting them to integrate into society.
(For this purpose "socially excluded" refers to "those who are excluded from society, or parts of society, as a result of one or more of the following factors: ill health; disability; unemployment; poverty or financial hardship; race; nationality or ethnic origin; language; gender; sexuality; poor education or skills attainment; being within or having experience of the public care system, detention or prison).
We provide specialist support to LGBTQ+ people navigating the asylum system across the North East in a range of ways, offering 1:1 case support to help people tell their story to the Home Office and others with as much dignity as possible, and in a trauma informed way. We provide practical and emotional support, helping people find their feet, to feel safe and welcome and live the best lives possible while they wait for a decision on their case, or become settled after a decision is made regarding their asylum status. We support people and walk their journey with them, until their case concludes, or beyond if required.
We have a proven framework for practice, which our members have shaped over time.
We also provide social opportunities for our beneficiaries to connect with others from LGBTQ+ communities. We remove barriers to access, including practical blocks such as covering all costs to meet us and meeting in locations and in ways where members are comfortable and safe. We provide interpreters and provide choice of in person/phone where possible as we have learned this helps confidence. We learn what people need to engage and aim to meet this to promote inclusivity and meet their needs. The UK in many ways has become a more hostile and challenging place for the people we support over the past year, and many report being more afraid than they previously were, likening fear and events of the summer riots, for example, to the trauma they faced in their own countries. People report experiencing racism, magnified due to their asylum status and the negative intense rhetoric, compounded by their profound fear of their sexuality and/or gender identity being discovered. The impact of intersectionality is hugely significant. Sadly, our members are often excluded from both the LGBTQ+ and asylum/refugee communities, often unintentionally.
Our members express such great relief about being able to talk openly about their sexual orientation and/or gender identity with their Rainbow Home case worker and the wider Rainbow Home team, often for the first time in their lives, certainly without fear. The majority of those accessing refugee/asylum support services locally and regionally keep their sexuality hidden and do not feel comfortable to be themselves.
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Rainbow Home (North East England)
Summary of the main activities undertaken for the public benefit
Our activities promote community cohesion, inclusivity and integration through improving wellbeing and providing spaces for people to connect and find out about their community.
Public benefit statement
The Trustees confirm that they have complied with the duty in section 17 of the Charities Act 2011 to have due regard to the Charity Commission's general guidance on public benefit, 'Charities and Public Benefit'.
Summary of the main achievements during the period
Rainbow Home have experienced many successes during this reporting period. We have worked with 68 people directly, providing a blend of emotional and practical support, 1:1 casework and detailed statements of support for member’s asylum claims. As a result, 10 of our members were granted Leave to Remain. Alongside this, we have supported people to settle, build networks and community and participate in life where possible, including support to access education and voluntary work.
Sadly, during this time, many others have either been unsuccessful and therefore appealing the decision, or are waiting for an outcome.
Demand for our specialist service continues with an active waiting list for support. To meet this demand, we have increased staff hours in providing more capacity and resource due to support from funders towards both core costs and restricted grants enabling, for example, our successful member led, Members Club. We thank everyone who has supported us during this time and our funders, enabling people to receive crucial support and positive experiences.
Rainbow Home have also developed our strategic document, outlining our core objectives going forward that shape our delivery, aligning with ambitions and funding applications:
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Contribute positively to the lives of LGBTQ+ people seeking and/or granted asylum in the NE of England.
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To challenge and raise awareness of the unique and intersectional discrimination faced by the LGBTQ+ asylum community.
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For Rainbow Home to be a fully member led organisation.
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Create financial flexibility.
Rainbow Home are developing our Members Advisory Board to further influence our service offer and growth of the organisation. Supporting this aim is a funded partnership with Newcastle University further exploring members’ experiences including training members to become Peer Listeners through Citizens UK and peer workshops with researchers.
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Rainbow Home (North East England)
We continue to value and develop partnerships with other organisations and allies, building effective networks that support the needs of our members, including our longstanding relationship with Northern Lights and the closed support group, facilitated by Mind with Rainbow Home staff. Members have shared how important this is as if they are unable to access mental health support; they often feel unable to share their sexuality and real experiences. Peer support in this format has proven to be empowering, safe and supportive.
We would like to say a heartfelt thanks to our funders, supporters and allies. Thank you. Alongside grant funding, without which we could not operate, we receive wonderful donations from supporters. Please read testimonials from our members:
‘My name is XXXXX, my pronouns are he/him and I’m a bisexual man from Sierra Leone, West Africa. I want to take a moment to share a piece of my experience with Rainbow Home with you all. Before I met Rainbow Home I was going through a difficult time, challenging moments when I felt overwhelmed, isolated, and unsure of how to move forward. But in the midst of that storm, Rainbow Home stood by me in ways I will never forget. Being in the asylum system was an overwhelming and stressful journey, a journey that I couldn’t have made it this far without your support. Rainbow Home listened to my story and believed in me. They support me in every single step of my journey to freedom. Freedom to be open and free as a bisexual man.
From the kind words during appointments with me, from the safe space you created, to the encouragement that lifted my spirit, I felt loved, heard, and seen. The Mind group and trips with other members of the group have contributed immensely to my mental well-being. Each message, hug, and moment of understanding during appointments, meetings and outings reminded me that I’m not alone. You showed me what true community and chosen family look like.
Because of your support, I’m now free from that constant fear that was weakening my self-worth. Now I’m finding my strength again, I’m learning to be kinder to myself, to embrace the next chapter of my life, and to move forward with courage.
I’m deeply grateful for every one of you. Thank you for being my light in a dark time. I carry your love in my heart with me, always.
Love always, XXXXX’
‘I cannot express in words just how grateful I am for everything you have done for me. From the very first moment I reached out to you, when I felt completely alone, you were there. You were the only ones who offered me a helping hand when I had no one else to turn to.
Your support throughout my asylum process has been incredible. You found me a place to stay when I had nowhere to go, connected me with a lawyer when I needed guidance, and were always there to provide whatever I needed, no matter how small.
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Rainbow Home (North East England)
What touches me the most is how you continuously checked in on me, always asking if there was anything else I needed. Your kindness and generosity have made me feel like I have a family here, like I’m truly home. I’ve never felt so supported, and I owe that all to you.
Rainbow Home isn’t just an organization to me; it’s a lifeline, a community that has embraced me and given me hope when I needed it the most. I honestly don’t know how I would have made it through this without you. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for everything you’ve done. I will forever be grateful. With all my thanks and appreciation.
I truly don’t have the words to fully express what Rainbow Home has meant to me. During the darkest and most uncertain time of my life, when I was navigating the fear and loneliness of the asylum process, they were the only ones who stood by me. They found me a safe place to stay when I had nowhere to go, and made sure I never felt abandoned. They didn’t just offer practical help they offered me dignity, warmth, and genuine care. They always checked in, asked how I was doing, and made sure I had what I needed, even when I didn’t have the strength to ask for it. Their support was constant and unwavering, and because of them, I never had to face any of it alone. Now that I’ve been granted asylum, I look back with overwhelming gratitude. Rainbow Home wasn’t just a helping hand they were my safe place, my anchor, and my family when I had none. I honestly don’t know where or how I would be today if there was no Rainbow Home.
“Rainbow Home” is Home ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤’
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Rainbow Home (North East England)
Financial review
Rainbow Home are currently waiting to hear about applications for multi-year grants, and other funding pots. We are expanding reserves over our planned amounts in case we are unsuccessful.
Risks
We are dependent on grant funding - the financial risks to the organisation are if funding ceases. Demands on funds across the sector continue to rise and the nature of the work Rainbow Home does is impacted by the political environment locally, nationally and globally. We have increased our staffing capacity, due to increased demand on services and receiving funding which has enabled us to do so.
The charity’s policy on reserves
The Board will ensure that Rainbow Home has free reserves on hand, not designated for specific purposes or otherwise committed, equivalent to not less than 8 months working expenditure. Where no designated funds are available to cover core costs such as Staff salary, Staff costs and other core costs, the reserves should rise to at least 8 months’ reserves. Reserves may be allowed to rise above this level where the Board intends to authorise and undertake substantial schemes in the furtherance of Rainbow Home objectives in the future if needed.
Any designated funds must be approved by the Finance Subgroup with final approval obtained by the Board. Plans are currently in place to actively manage down the surplus to address strategic objectives.
Signed on behalf of the charity’s trustees: Signed ______ Date _ 18/01/2026 Jacqueline Jobson, Trustee AF tte
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Independent examiner’s report to the trustees of Rainbow Home (North East England) for the year ended 31 March 2025
I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of Rainbow Home (North East England) (the charity) for the year ended 31 March 2025.
Responsibilities and basis of report
As the trustees of the charity you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 (‘the Act’). I report in respect of my examination of the charity’s accounts carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination I have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Act.
Independent examiner’s statement
I have completed my examination. I confirm that no matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect:
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accounting records were not kept in respect of the charity as required by section 130 of the Act; or
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the accounts do not accord with those records.
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.
Signed ____ Date _______ 21/01/2026 Eva Stevens BSc, CPFA Employee of Community Accounting Plus
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Rainbow Home (North East England) Receipts & payments account for the year ended 31 March 2025
| 2024 Total Unrestricted Funds Funds £ Note £ Receipts 629 Bank interest 666 41946 Grants & donations 2 30283 2488 Sales/Fees 499 45063 Total receipts 31448 Payments - Activities & trips 354 15538 Management 15984 324 Equipment, repairs & renewals - - IT costs 581 - Fundraising costs 469 263 Hospitality/Refreshments 51 242 General office expenditure 1015 1092 Insurance 818 33 Travel 315 2816 Legal & professional 300 - Payroll service 276 - Printing & stationery 85 933 Rent & services 48 - Staff training 137 468 Sundry payments 211 - Telephone & postage 425 - Trustee expense 200 5898 Wages, NI & pension 22947 27607 Total payments 44216 17456 Net receipts/(payments) (12768) 71875 Cash funds at start of this period 89331 - Transfers between funds (25) 89331 Cash funds at end of this period 76538 |
2025 Restricted Total Funds Funds £ £ - 666 22485 52768 - 499 22485 53933 1239 1593 1199 17183 - - - 581 - 469 - 51 1071 2086 - 818 2162 2477 - 300 - 276 - 85 36 84 - 137 - 211 - 425 - 200 715 23662 6422 50638 16063 3295 - 89331 25 - 16088 92626 |
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Rainbow Home (North East England) Statement of assets and liabilities at 31 March 2025
----- Start of picture text -----
2024 2025
£ Cash assets Note £
89271 Bank accounts 92482
60 Cash in hand 144
89331 92626
_——. LT
Other monetary assets
- Prepayments 4 481
- 481
Liabilities
(505) Creditors 5 (751)
(505) (751)
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These financial statements are accepted on behalf of the charity by:
Signed _____ Richard Rhodes, Trustee
Date _____ 18/01/2026
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Rainbow Home (North East England) Notes to the accounts for the year ended 31 March 2025
1. Receipts & payments accounts
Receipts and payments accounts contain a summary of money received and money spent during the period and a list of assets and liabilities at the end of the period. Usually, cash received and cash spent will include transactions through bank accounts and cash in hand.
2. Grants & donations
| Unrestricted £ Mobile Cheque Barbour 1500 North East Law Centre 4000 Newcastle University 1500 National Lottery Community Fund - Lloyds Bank Foundation 2575 Joicey Trust 1000 Community Foundation 5500 LGBT Federation 750 Garfield Weston 5000 Newcastle Frontrunners 2500 Northern Lights Metropolitan Church Council 1320 Gift Aid 312 General Donations 4326 30283 Funds analysis Opening Receipts (Payments) balance £ £ £ Restricted funds C4C - 3575 (262) Monthly Members Club - 18910 (6135) NBS - - (25) - 22485 (6422) Unrestricted funds General fund 89331 31448 (44216) 89331 31448 (44216) |
Restricted £ - - 3575 18910 - - - - - - - - - 22485 Transfers £ - - 25 25 (25) (25) |
Total £ 1500 4000 5075 18910 2575 1000 5500 750 5000 2500 1320 312 4326 |
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|---|---|---|---|
| 52768 | |||
| Closing balance £ 3313 12775 - 16088 76538 76538 |
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3. Funds analysis
The transfer from the General fund to the NBS fund is to cover the deficit on this activity.
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Rainbow Home (North East England)
Connecting 4 Change (C4C) - a funded collaboration with Newcastle University, working with members and academics.
Monthly Members Club National Lottery Awards for All - funding activities and groups for members.
Newcastle Building Society (NBS) restricted fund - to support members with housing and homelessness, education and training and food poverty.
4. Prepayment
| Insurance Zoom Subscription Creditors HMRC Pensions |
£ 442 39 |
|---|---|
| 481 £ 547 204 |
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| 751 |
5. Creditors
6. Trustees’ remuneration
Trustees received no expenses, remuneration or benefits in this period.
7. Related party transactions
There were no related party transactions in this period.
8. Glossary of terms
Creditors: These are amounts owed by the charity, but not paid during the accounting period.
Prepayments: These are services that the charity has paid for in advance, but not used during the accounting period.
Restricted funds: These are funds given to the charity, subject to specific restrictions set by the donor, but still within the general objects of the charity.
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