Trustees’ Annual Report for the period
From 01/04/2023 Period start date To. 31/03/2024 Period end date Charity name: AFNO (Advocacy for Nepalese Organisation)
Charity registration number: 1173816
Objectives and Activities
| SORP reference | ||
|---|---|---|
| Summary of the purposes of the charity as set out in its governing document |
Para 1.17 | The promoton of health and social wellbeing, integraton and social inclusion among London’s Nepalese community, with emphasis on the Gurkha community providing an advocacy service provided through local drop-in surgeries holding workshops and events throughout the year promotng statutory and non- statutory services. AFNO operates mostly in the West London area with all age groups |
| Summary of the main activities in relation to those purposes for the public benefit, in particular, the activities, projects or services identified in the accounts. |
Para 1.17 and 1.19 |
To promote social inclusion for the public beneft by working with the Nepalese community, especially the Gurkha community in London, who are socially excluded on the grounds of their ethnicity, to relieve the needs of such people and assist them to integrate into society in partcular by ● Providing a local network group that encourages and enables members of the Nepalese community to partcipate more efectvely with the wider community; ● Increasing or co-ordinatng opportunites for members of the Nepalese community to engage with service providers, to enable those providers to adapt services to beter meet the needs of that community; ● Organising events to encourage social interactons to tackle loneliness and promote well being among the isolated elderlyindividuals in the |
| Nepalese community. ● Regularly learn about the needs of the elderly and vulnerable members of the Nepalese community and bring forth projects and events to address those needs. ● AFNO also has an open telephone line for anyone to contact us for any support or assistance or queries. |
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|---|---|---|
| Statement confirming whether the trustees have had regard to the guidance issued by the Charity Commission on public benefit |
Para 1.18 | We review our aims, objectves and actvites each year. This review looks at what we achieved and the outcomes of our work in the previous 12 months. The review looks at the success of each key actvity and the benefts they have brought to those groups of people we are set up to help. The review also helps us ensure our aim, objectves and actvites remain focused on our stated purposes. We have referred to the guidance contained in the Charity Commission’s general guidance on public beneft when reviewing our aim and objectves and in planning our future actvites. In partcular, the trustees consider how planned actvites will contribute the aims and objectves they have set. |
Additional information (optional) You may choose to include further statements where relevant about:
SORP reference |
||
|---|---|---|
| Policy on grant making | Para 1.38 | N/A |
| Policy on social investment including program related investment |
Para 1.38 | N/A |
| Contribution made by volunteers |
Para 1.38 | We have a cohort of volunteers that participated in fundraising and our monthly Chiya & Sangini sessions. |
| Other |
Achievements and Performance
| SORP reference | ||
|---|---|---|
| Summary of the main achievements of the charity, identifying the difference the charity’s work has made to the circumstances of its beneficiaries and any wider benefits to society as a whole. |
Para 1.20 | Chiya & Sangini” sessions, specifcally designed for women from the Nepalese community in the London boroughs of Ealing, Harrow, Hillingdon, and Brent. These sessions have successfully created a safe and supportve environment where women can share their personal experiences and gain awareness on crucial topics such as mental health, various health conditons, well-being, and mindfulness. The stability of the venue in Harrow has been instrumental in ensuring that partcipants feel comfortable and confdent in atending. This consistency has allowed women, including those who work or live alone, to fnd a reliable space for social interacton and support. The sessions have been partcularly benefcial for elderly women and those who are widowed or living alone, providing them with a much-needed opportunity to connect with others. The achievements of these sessions are evident in the growing confdence of the atendees. Women are now more open in discussions, sharing their thoughts, views, and experiences with greater ease. The joy and grattude expressed by the partcipants highlight the positve impact of these gatherings, as seen in their smiles and appreciaton for AFNO’s eforts. Beyond the immediate benefts to the atendees, these sessions have a broader positve impact on society. By providing informaton on health conditons and bringing in experts such as nutritonists and psychologists, AFNO helps raise community-level awareness in the partcipants’ natve language. This proactve approach not only enhances the well-being of the women but also reduces the pressure on health facilites by promotng preventatve care. The improved well- |
being of the participants also positively influences their families, friends, and social circles, creating a ripple effect of enhanced health and happiness.
| Additional information (optional) You may choose to include further statements where relevant about: |
Additional information (optional) You may choose to include further statements where relevant about: |
Additional information (optional) You may choose to include further statements where relevant about: |
|---|---|---|
| Achievements against objectives set |
Para 1.41 | AFNO keeps an open phone helpline for any of our benefciaries to contact us with any request of help and support. We contnue to assist individuals in one - one support that could range anywhere from interpretng leters, to questons regarding medical appointments, benefts queries or housing support etc. This personalised support empowers individuals to overcome challenges and access the services they need, enhancing their overall well-being and quality of life. |
| Performance of fundraising activities against objectives set |
Para 1.41 | To support and expand this valuable work, AFNO’s trustees and volunteers undertook a charity hike of Mt. Snowdon in August 2023, raising funds to ensure the contnuaton and growth of these monthly sessions. This collectve efort underscores the commitment to making a lastng diference in the lives of the Nepalese women and the wider community |
| Investment performance against objectives |
Para 1.41 | N/A |
| Other |
Financial Review
| Financial Review | ||
|---|---|---|
| Review of the charity’s financial position at the end of the period |
Para 1.21 | Total Income- £1248 Total Spending- £790 |
| Statement explaining the policy for holding reserves stating why they are held |
Para 1.22 | N/A |
| Amount of reserves held | Para 1.22 | N/A |
| Reasons for holding zero reserves |
Para 1.22 | N/A |
| Details of fund materially in deficit |
Para 1.24 | N/A |
| Explanation of any uncertainties about the charity continuing as a going concern |
Para 1.23 | None |
Additional information (optional)
You may choose to include further statements where relevant about:
The charity’s principal sources of funds (including any fundraising) |
Para 1.47 |
Fundraising hike in August 2023 and personal donations. |
|---|---|---|
| Investment policy and objectives including any social investment policy adopted |
Para 1.46 | N/A |
| A description of the principal risks facing the charity |
Para 1.46 | N/A |
| Other |
Structure, Governance and Management
| Description of charity’s trusts: |
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|---|---|---|
| Type of governing document (trust deed, royal charter) |
Para 1.25 | Constitution |
| How is the charity constituted? (e.g unincorporated association, CIO) |
Para 1.25 | Charitable Incorporated Organisation |
| Trustee selection methods including details of any constitutional provisions e.g. election to post or name of any person or body entitled to appoint one or more trustees |
Para 1.25 | Election to post every 2 years at AGM |
Additional information (optional)
You may choose to include further statements where relevant about:
Policies and procedures adopted for the induction and training of trustees |
Para 1.51 |
Training Safeguarding Adults Training Safegurarding Children’s Training Volunteer Induction Training Equality and Diversity Financial Management Trustee Training provided by local CVS Procedures: ● A role description outlining the duties of the Trustee. ● Copies of all the current up to date policies provided. ● Health & Safety policies. ● incident reporting. ● claiming expenses procedures. ● Data Protection/GDPR. |
|---|---|---|
| The charity’s organisational structure and any wider network with which the charity works |
Para 1.51 | The Charity is run mainly by its board members and trustees. In addition to the trustees, AFNO is supported by a small number of volunteers who contribute their time on an ad hoc basis. All decisions for the charity are taken by the charity’s trustees. AFNO works in partnership with other Nepalese community groups with similar aims and objectives. |
| Relationship with any related parties |
Para 1.51 | N/A |
| Other |
Reference and Administrative details
| Charity name | AFNO (Advocacy for Nepalese Organisation) |
|---|---|
| Other name the charity uses | |
| Registered charity number | 1173816 |
| Charity’s principal address | 6A Montpelier Avenue W5 2XP |
Names of the charity trustees who manage the charity
| 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 |
Trustee name | Office (if any) | Dates acted if not for whole year |
Name of person (or body) entitled to appoint trustee (ifany) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bhawana Rai | Chair | |||
| Sumita Ale | Vice Chair | |||
| Sujata Gurung | Secretary | |||
| Durga Gurung | Treasurer | |||
| Cima Pun | Trustee | |||
| Asmita Sharma | Trustee | |||
– Corporate trustees names of the directors at the date the report was approved
Director name
Name of trustees holding title to property belonging to the charity
Trustee name Dates acted if not for whole year
Funds held as custodian trustees on behalf of others
Description of the assets N/A held in this capacity
Name and objects of the N/A charity on whose behalf the assets are held and how this falls within the custodian charity’s objects
Details of arrangements for N/A safe custody and segregation of such assets from the charity’s own assets
Additional information (optional)
Names and addresses of advisers (Optional information)
Type of Name Address adviser
Name of chief executive or names of senior staff members (Optional information)
Exemptions from disclosure
Reason for non-disclosure of key personnel details
Other optional information
Declarations
The trustees declare that they have approved the trustees’ report above.
Signed on behalf of the charity’s trustees
Signature(s) Full name(s) Durga Gurung Position (eg Secretary, Treasurer Chair, etc)
Date
17/02/2024