Charity Commission Annual Return Draft for The Bakau Community Project
Name of the Charity: The Bakau Community Project Charity Registration Number: 1177933 Financial Year: 1st June 2022 to 31st May 2023
Objectives and Activities
The Bakau Community Project is committed to providing supported accommodation and essential services for vulnerable individuals, including asylum seekers, homeless individuals, and victims of domestic abuse. Our primary focus is to offer these individuals safe housing and the support they need to rebuild their lives and integrate into society.
Achievements and Performance
Key Highlights
Securing Housing:
In the financial year ending 31st May 2023, we successfully secured a building that now houses seven asylum seekers. This building provides a safe and stable environment, allowing residents to focus on rebuilding their lives after traumatic experiences.
Support Services Provided:
Our support for the asylum seekers goes beyond providing housing. Over the past year, we have helped residents with:
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Healthcare Access: Assisting with the registration of all residents at local GP practices and providing support to ensure they can access healthcare when needed.
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Community Integration: We helped residents navigate the local community, showing them how to access essential services like markets, libraries, and transport links. Our orientation programs also facilitated connections between the asylum seekers and local community members.
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Education and Skills Development: Several residents were enrolled in local colleges for English language courses. We provided logistical support and guidance to help them take advantage of these educational opportunities.
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Legal and Administrative Support: We assisted residents with essential documentation processes, including applying for driver’s licenses and receiving guidance on immigration and legal processes.
Case Study – A Successful Integration Journey:
One of our residents, [Name Changed for Confidentiality], who arrived with no understanding of English and little knowledge of how to navigate life in the UK, has made significant progress. With our support, they registered with a GP, enrolled in English classes, and applied for their provisional driver’s license. Over the year, they developed connections within the local community and gained valuable skills, making strides toward full integration into society.
Financial Overview
Income:
For the financial year ending 31st May 2023, the charity’s total income was £18,900 . This income was generated through a combination of government grants, donations from individuals, and support from charitable trusts.
Expenditure:
The total expenditure for the year was £18,874 . The main areas of expenditure were:
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Property Costs: This includes rent, utilities, and maintenance of the building housing the asylum seekers. Total cost: £10,000 .
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Support Services: This includes staffing, volunteer expenses, and resources required for helping residents access healthcare, education, and community integration services. Total cost: £6,500 .
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Training and Development: We allocated funds towards English language courses, skill-building workshops, and transportation for residents to attend these programs. Total cost: £2,374 .
Surplus:
For the year, the charity had a slight surplus of £26 , reflecting a well-managed balance between income and expenses.
Governance and Structure
The Bakau Community Project is governed by a Board of Trustees who meet quarterly to oversee the charity’s financial performance, operational strategy, and progress. A dedicated team of staff and volunteers manages the day-to-day operations, ensuring that our residents receive the support they need.
Challenges and Future Plans
Challenges:
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Limited Accommodation Capacity: One of the main challenges we faced was the limited capacity of our accommodation, which houses only seven individuals. The demand for our services continues to grow, and we have a waiting list of vulnerable people in need of housing.
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Sustaining Funding: While we have been able to cover our expenses this year, securing sustainable funding for the future remains a priority to continue providing support and expand our capacity.
Future Plans:
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Expanding Housing: In the next 12 months, we plan to secure an additional property to increase our capacity to house more vulnerable individuals, including asylum seekers, homeless individuals, and victims of domestic abuse.
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Enhancing Services: We aim to strengthen our partnerships with local educational institutions, businesses, and community organizations to provide more job placement opportunities and advanced skills training for our residents.
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Volunteer Program Growth: We intend to recruit and train more volunteers with expertise in mental health, language tutoring, and legal advisory services to enhance the level of support we provide to residents.
Public Benefit Statement
The trustees confirm that they have complied with the duty to have regard to the Charity Commission’s guidance on public benefit. The Bakau Community Project provides clear public benefit by offering safe accommodation and critical support services to vulnerable individuals, including asylum seekers, homeless individuals, and victims of domestic abuse. By helping these individuals integrate into society, access essential services, and develop life skills, we not only improve their quality of life but also benefit the wider community by fostering inclusion and reducing social isolation.
Declaration
We declare that the information provided in this Annual Return is accurate and truthful to the best of our knowledge.
Signed, Alhagie Sanneh
26[th] September 2024