2025-03-31-accounts

Suvai Deaf East Community (SDEC)

Trustees’ Annual Report For the period 1 April 2024 – 31 March 2025

Reference and Administrative Details

Charity Name: Suvai Deaf East Community Charity Number: 1180055

Registered Address: 124 Horns Road

Ilford IG2 6BL

Reporting Period: 1 April 2024 – 31 March 2025

Structure, Governance and Management

Suvai Deaf East Community (SDEC) was established and formally registered as a charitable organisation in September 2018. Prior to becoming a charity, SDEC operated as a community café in Ilford. While the café faced challenges as a business venture, it highlighted a clear need for community-led support for deaf people in the local area.

Following charitable registration, SDEC was able to access funding opportunities that supported the development of its services. This enabled the charity to expand its activities and establish a range of clubs, workshops, and social events, supported by a committed team of staff and volunteers.

The charity is governed by a Board of four Trustees, who provide strategic oversight and ensure compliance with charity law. Trustees work closely with staff and volunteers, and all services are delivered with appropriate British Sign Language (BSL) support to ensure accessibility.

Charitable Aims and Objectives

SDEC exists to enhance education, inclusion, and wellbeing within the deaf community. Our core objectives are to:

• Reduce isolation experienced by deaf individuals

• Promote social inclusion and community connection

• Improve confidence, mental health, and overall wellbeing

• Provide accessible education, training, and social opportunities

The charity places strong emphasis on empowerment, enabling deaf people to participate fully in community life.

Vision

Suvai Deaf East Community aims to create a vibrant, inclusive, and supportive environment for deaf people. Through regular educational, social, and cultural activities, we strive to remove barriers of isolation and exclusion and contribute to an improved quality of life for deaf individuals and families.

Our work is driven by a commitment to equality, positivity, and long-term community wellbeing.

Values and Beliefs

SDEC is proudly Deaf-led. All staff members and 75% of Trustees are deaf, giving the organisation lived experience and deep understanding of the challenges faced by our beneficiaries.

Our services are designed primarily for deaf people, but we also actively engage with hearing communities to build understanding and break down communication barriers. We believe that empowerment, encouragement, and access to opportunity are key to reducing isolation, stress, and mental health challenges.

Through collaboration, pride, and shared identity, we aim to build a stronger and more inclusive society.

Public Benefit

The Trustees confirm that they have had due regard to the Charity Commission’s guidance on public benefit. SDEC’s activities directly benefit deaf individuals by reducing social isolation, improving wellbeing, and increasing access to education,

fitness, and community support. Our services are open and accessible to deaf people of all ages, with particular attention to Black, Minority and Ethnic (BME) and grassroots deaf communities.

What We Do

SDEC was established to provide:

• Educational and training opportunities for deaf people

• Social clubs and community events

• Fitness and wellbeing activities

• Inclusive events for children, families, adults, and older people

Our activities are open to all deaf people, regardless of age or gender. While SDEC does not currently provide formal Advice and Advocacy services, we maintain strong partnerships with local organisations to ensure beneficiaries can be referred for additional support when needed.

Activities and Achievements During the Year

Community and Social Activities

During the year, SDEC delivered a wide range of activities designed to strengthen connection, reduce isolation, and support wellbeing.

The Sunday Lunch Club became a cornerstone of our weekly programme, offering a welcoming space for shared meals, conversation, and friendship.

Our Women Only Club provided a safe and empowering environment where deaf women explored topics such as healthy relationships and domestic abuse, fostering confidence, knowledge, and peer support.

Education and Skills Development

SDEC hosted career and skills development workshops and a guest speaker series, offering practical learning opportunities and inspiration to support personal and professional growth.

Family and Children’s Activities

Family-oriented events were delivered throughout the year, including:

• An Easter chocolate-making workshop

• Creative activities during Deaf Awareness Week with two deaf artists, enabling children to explore creativity and deaf culture

Health, Wellbeing and Fitness

Workshops focused on health awareness, including the risks of smoking and alcohol, access to healthcare information, and wellbeing resources.

An Outdoor Adventure Day promoted physical activity, teamwork, and confidence, contributing positively to mental and physical health.

Reflection on the Year

The activities delivered during the year were more than events; they created moments of connection, empowerment, and shared experience. Trustees are proud of the positive impact these initiatives have had on reducing isolation and strengthening the deaf community.

Plans for the Future

Looking ahead, SDEC is committed to building on its successes and expanding its reach.

Key priorities include:

• Expanding services to reach more deaf individuals, particularly those currently underserved

• Enhancing educational workshops and training programmes

• Diversifying events, including cultural and wellbeing-focused activities

• Improving digital accessibility and communication, including planned technology sessions with Apple to support deaf people in using iPhones and other devices

• Developing partnerships with like-minded organisations to broaden support

• Strengthening fundraising activity to ensure long-term sustainability

All future plans will be shaped by community feedback to ensure services remain relevant and responsive.

Financial Sustainability and Fundraising

Fundraising remains a key priority for SDEC. The Trustees are committed to securing diverse funding sources to maintain and grow services while ensuring sound financial management and sustainability.

Trustees’ Responsibilities

The Trustees are responsible for preparing this Annual Report and ensuring it complies with charity law and Charity Commission requirements.

Risk Management

The Trustees regularly review the risks facing Suvai Deaf East Community and take appropriate steps to mitigate them. Key risks identified include funding sustainability, volunteer capacity, and ensuring continued accessibility of services.

To manage these risks, the Trustees:

• Monitor financial performance and fundraising activity

• Maintain strong partnerships with local organisations

• Engage with volunteers and staff to ensure service continuity

• Review policies and procedures regularly

The Trustees are confident that appropriate systems and controls are in place to manage risk and support the charity’s long-term sustainability.

Safeguarding Statement

Suvai Deaf East Community is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all children, young people, and vulnerable adults who engage with our services.

The charity has appropriate safeguarding policies and procedures in place, which are reviewed regularly. Trustees, staff, and volunteers are aware of their safeguarding responsibilities, and concerns are acted upon promptly and appropriately.

Safeguarding remains a core priority, and the Trustees are committed to providing a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment for all members of the deaf community.

Case Study / Beneficiary Voice

“Before joining Suvai Deaf East Community, I felt very isolated and alone. Through the Sunday Lunch Club and women’s sessions, I have made

friends, gained confidence, and feel part of a community again. SDEC has made a big difference to my wellbeing and happiness.”

— Deaf community member

Volunteers

Volunteers play a vital role in the success of Suvai Deaf East Community. During the year, volunteers supported the delivery of events, clubs, workshops, and community activities.

Their dedication, skills, and commitment have enabled the charity to reach more deaf individuals and provide a welcoming, supportive environment. The Trustees would like to express their sincere thanks to all volunteers for their invaluable contribution to the charity’s work.

:

CHARITY COMMISSIO FOR ENGLAND AND WALE Suvai D•af East Communlty 1180055 Recelpts and payments accounts CC16a Forthe perlod 31103r202S To Section A Receipts and payments Unr•$trided fund• Restricted fvnd• Endowment fundB Total fvnd• L&¥t ya•r A1 R￿•1 Fund Grnnts HKIRC 101171 102,176 r8nts Sub tot•l{Gross uwme for ARJ 101171 102,171 A2 A8••t and In￿•tM•nt Ml••. • tabl• . tot• Tot•1 r•¢•lpts 102.1T6 I￿,11• A3Pa nts 61.11• 12D B¥nk ¢horg•9 Mantainqnc• 120 Prof••$￿1 •xp•n Rent la¢t eynma I7￿5 23.765 2J.71S Sub tot•1 11034 ItO.249 19,$Q8 A4 A•••t and Inv••lrn•nt purcha%••, IM• tsbl•l Sub total 110,249 110.249 69.969 Not 0fme￿p1￿P•V￿mftts) 8.07 8.07 20,672 AS Tran•hr• bth#*n lund• AS Ca•h fund# last year énd Cash funds Ihls yvar end 92,988 92,988 84,915 72,313 92,98 84.91 Section B Statement of assets and liabilities at the end of the period Unrn8tr1¢tsd Restr+¢ted Endowment funds afeg0￿e$ Detsils

B1 Cash lund• B4,915 %•J¥ll Endowm• lund$ nMmlt funds Dotsils Cwr•Thl v•lu• Do1•11• Cwr•rf v4b D•t•ll¥ B4 A••et• r•laln•d forth• charlty• own u Deta51$ 85 UabSlltl SkJn8d by Ortsw)1T￿tOoS b8haff of all thotrwtees Dats ol apwo IrJ.ol. Shamwn Akier CCXXR2actotmts1&81

CHARITY COMMISSION FOR ENGLAND AND WALES Independent examiner's report on the accounts Section A Independent Examiner's Report Report to the Irustoesl members of Suvai Deaf East Community On accounts for tho year •nd•d 31 March 2025 Charlty no (If any) 1180055 Sot out on pag08 I rerM)rt to th8 trustees on my examination of the accounts of the abov8 charity llhe Trusf) for the y8ar 8nded 3110312025. Rèspon8ibilitlo• and ba•1• of r•port As th8 charity's trustees. you are responsible for the prepar8tlon of the accounts in aCCordar￿a wlth the requlr8ments of the charl￿e8 Acl 2011 ('the Acr). I report In respect of my examination of the Trusvs accounts carrled oul under section 145 of the 2011 Act and In carrying out my examination, I have followed all the applicablè Dirèctions given by the Charlty Commission und8r section 145(5Mb) of the Act. Independent examlnarfs statement I havè no concems and have com8 across no othèr matters in connectlon th the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable 8 proper understanding of the accounts to be reached. Slgnod: Dat¢: 3010112026 Namo: Osama Ayub Rol•vant profosslonal quallflcatlon{s) or body (If any): FCCA Address: 76 Avaling Close Purley CR8 4DW Section B Disclosure Only complete rf the examiner naed$ to highlight material matters of conc&m (see CC32. Independent examination of charity accounts.. directions and guidance for examiners). IER Oct 2018

Give here briaf details of any items that the examlner wlshes to dlsclose. IER Oct 2018

CHARITY COMMISSIO FOR ENGLMD AND WAL Suval Doal East Communlty 1180055 Receipts and payments accounts CC16a Forthe perlod 0iioirawa4 31103rI025 Section A Receipts and payments Unr•strfcted Endowm•nt funds Total funds Lalt year Al R•c•l ta Fund roknln Grant8 HMRC 101176 102.176 rAn Sub tDt•l (Gross inct)me for AR) 1R17• 102,176 A2 A888t and Inv••tm•rnt •4t••, • tabl• . Total r¥•lpts 102.176 101171 90,S40 A3P ,119 120 •1AI• 120 27.195 Bqnk th•ry•B k1*nt￿Nn 350 17,43S 17.435 390 IIU• Sub toe•i 11034• 110, A4 A•••t and Invo4tm•nt purcha•¢•. ••• tabl•) Sub total 110.249 11¢.249 69,868 N•¢ of rn¢•lptrfpayments) 8.07 AS Trnn•f•r• fund• A6 Cash funds last y•ar •nd Cash lund$ this year end 92,98 92,988 84,915 72,313 92,98 Section B Statement of assets and liabilities at the end of the period Unrestdcted nds Restricted Endowment fund8 Categorfes CCX< Riaccounts(￿l Dfttails OFHCIAL

B1 C8sh fund$ 14,91S Total cash ltsnds 84.915 Endowmont lund8 Detsil¥ etails CMtlopknaD B3 Investmont assets Curr•rrtvalu• Dgtalls B4 As$0ts r•tsine(I for the eharity¥ own u¥e D8ts11$ B5 Llabllltles 3lgn8d ty one or Iw) Iiu¥t88S C bohawof $11 tstrL*te88 Date of 8pprov8t Shamim Akter CCYX82accountsissi