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2025-03-31-accounts

Docusign Envelope ID: 97CE8AE6-4B1A-4690-9D51-35EF00455D35

Project MAMA

ACCOUNTS

Year ended 31[st] March 2025

Charity Number 1182112

Docusign Envelope ID: 97CE8AE6-4B1A-4690-9D51-35EF00455D35

Project MAMA

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

CONTENTS PAGE
Legal and Administrative Information 2
Trustees’ Annual Report 3 to 16
Independent Examiner’s Report 17
Statement of Financial Activities 18
Balance Sheet 19
Notes to the Accounts 20 to 29

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Project MAMA

Legal and administrative information

YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

Status

Project MAMA is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) granted charitable status on 19th February 2019.

Registered Charity Number: 1182112

Address: Unit 16 Easton Business Centre, Felix Road, Bristol BS5 0HE

Trustees: Trustees who served during the period and up to the date of this report were as follows:

Board of Trustees:

Angela Conway, Safeguarding Bethany Benedict Catherine Gilmore - Co-Chair Ermioni Xanthopoulou - Co-Chair Heeral Dave, Treasurer

Julia Dixon-Barrow - stepped down in December 2024 Monique Lakhman- Secretary Ruth Whincop - stepped down in November 2024 Payzee Mahmod - stepped down in December 2024

Bank: CAF (Charities Aid Foundation) 25 Kings Hill Avenue Kings Hill West Malling Kent ME19 4TA

Independent examiner: Jacob Trowbridge MAAT Bristol Community Accountants CIC The Park Daventry Road, Knowle Bristol BS4 1DQ

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Project MAMA

TRUSTEES’ REPORT

YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

The Trustees present their report and the unaudited financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31 March 2025.

Reference and administrative information form part of this report. These accounts have been prepared in accordance with the Statement of Recommended Practice: Accounting and Reporting by Charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102), the Charities Act 2011 and UK Generally Accepted Practice.

Objectives

To preserve and protect the physical and mental health of vulnerable women in the Bristol postcode area particularly, but not exclusively, migrants, through pregnancy, labour, childbirth, and early parenting by providing one-to-one support, advocacy, specialist information, referrals to partner agencies and peer support groups and other relevant activities as may be determined by the trustees.

For the purposes of this clause, we define ‘vulnerable women’ as those with unstable/insecure immigration status and/or barriers to healthcare, survivors of sexual abuse, gender-based violence, exploitation or with poor mental health.

A note on language: Throughout the text we refer to ‘mama’. We use the word mama as it is recognisable to people from different cultural and language backgrounds to denote people who are pregnant or that have given birth.

Activities

1. Overview

This year marked a period of consolidation and growth for Project MAMA. We increased our service capacity, deepened partnerships with perinatal and migrant support organisations, and strengthened our operational systems. Against a backdrop of systemic instability and hostility, our organisation remained focused on offering support, solidarity, and community to Mamas who are navigating pregnancy and early parenthood after migration.

The policy and political context in 2024/25 remained deeply unsettled. Renewed efforts to process the backlog of asylum claims and move people out of hotel accommodation were rolled out at speed, often without adequate planning, creating significant instability. Parents in our community seeking sanctuary faced constant uncertainty and sudden relocation, disrupting the care plans and support systems Mamas had carefully built.

This year, hatred directed at people from migrant backgrounds intensified. Anti-immigration riots took place across the UK and inflammatory rhetoric dominated media and political discourse. In Bristol, protesters gathered outside hotels housing asylum seekers, fuelling fear within our community. At the same time, we took heart in the powerful counter-protests that filled the city sending a clear message of welcome and resistance. This context underlines the importance of Project MAMA’s work being rooted in solidarity, as well as support.

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Project MAMA TRUSTEES’ REPORT

YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

The national picture of maternity care continues to be deeply concerning for migrant and other vulnerable women. The 2024 MBRRACE-UK[1] report highlighted that Black women are three times more likely to die during the perinatal period compared to white women, while Asian women face twice the risk. Maternal mortality is also twice as high for those living in the most deprived areas and language barriers further exacerbate these risks. These statistics underscore the urgent need for systemic change. At Project MAMA, we witness the human reality of these inequalities every day. In addition to frontline service delivery, our charity continued our advocacy efforts. We worked with local NHS networks and Voluntary, Community, and Social Enterprise (VCSE) organisations to highlight the barriers Mamas face in accessing care and to advocate for more equitable maternity services.

Despite the challenges, 2024/25 was a year of growth and positive developments for Project MAMA. Both our Mother Companion and MAMAhub services expanded, enabling us to offer more parents vital support. We also reached a key milestone with the launch and successful embedding of Project MAMA’s client Advisory Board. This group of women, who previously accessed our support, actively shaped our projects and contributed to strategic planning throughout the year. As a grassroots, community-led organisation, we are proud to be guided by those we serve. We’re excited to see where their leadership takes Project MAMA next.

2. Mother Companion Project (MC Project)

Our core project provides continuous care throughout pregnancy, birth, and early parenthood. The majority of referrals to this service come from NHS midwives and doctors. This reflects the strong profile Project MAMA has built in local hospitals and that healthcare professionals value the specialist support we offer to migrant parents.

The Mother Companion project matches a Mama with 2-3 volunteer Mother Companions (MCs), who are all experienced doulas or midwives. MCs provide:

Antenatal Support

From week 30 of pregnancy, MCs provide regular one-to-one antenatal sessions. These visits take place in a Mama’s home/accommodation and are facilitated by female telephone interpreters, if required. MCs support a Mama to understand her UK healthcare entitlements and birth-related choices. They explore her needs and birth wishes, paying close attention to any culturally or religiously important childbirth practices. MCs ensure a Mama is aware of the gynaecological processes that can arise during birth, as unknown intimate procedures often trigger past experiences of trauma. Importantly, our specialist volunteers listen, reassure, encourage, and remain a consistent nurturing presence in the antenatal period.

On-Call Birth Support

1 MBRRACE-UK. Saving Lives, Improving Mothers’ Care State of the Nation Report: Surveillance findings and lessons learned to inform maternity care from the UK and Ireland Confidential Enquiries into Maternal Deaths from thrombosis and thromboembolism, malignancy and ectopic pregnancy 20202022, and morbidity findings for recent migrants with language difficulties. Oxford: National Perinatal Epidemiology Unit, University of Oxford 2024.

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Project MAMA

TRUSTEES’ REPORT

YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

If a Mama would otherwise give birth alone, her MCs will be her birth partner. They will be on-call, 24 hours a day, for the four weeks around her due date. During childbirth, MCs offer continuous traumainformed support and share practical ways to improve comfort, such as breathing techniques and positioning. Crucially, they ensure a mama understands all procedures offered and can make informed decisions.

Postnatal Support

MCs visit a woman up to three times in the week following birth and continue to see her regularly until her baby is 8 weeks old. They offer emotional support as she adjusts to her new role, reducing anxiety and isolation in those key early days. MCs assist with infant feeding, settling, and bonding, and seek to build a Mama’s confidence in her parenting. In the postpartum period, they also assist a new Mama to establish links to her community and create a supportive peer network, reinforcing long-term resilience and wellbeing.

Performance & Achievements - Mother Companions Project

Within this reporting period, Project MAMA’s staff provided short-term signposting to 13 women, a slight decrease from 15 the previous year. Our Mother Companions supported 43 women, including 10 who received on-call birth support. This marks a 48% increase from 2023/24, when 29 Mamas were supported with 8 receiving on-call support. This illustrates that 2024/25 was a season of renewed growth for our charity. Following a period of transition in 2023, we expanded the capacity of our core service. Our dedicated staff team and incredible volunteers worked together to meet rising demand and provide more mamas and babes with essential support.

As our project grew, we continued to prioritise in-depth support, continuity of care, and community. It feels important to highlight the level of involvement and connection Mother Companions offer. A woman

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Project MAMA

TRUSTEES’ REPORT

YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

could receive a 2-hour initial assessment with a staff member, up to 20 antenatal and postnatal visits, continuous nurture during labour and childbirth, and additional check-ins by phone throughout the perinatal period. A single Mama may, therefore, receive more than 55 hours of one-to-one support, forming a trusted relationship with the companion walking alongside her. As such, statistics on this project alone cannot capture the depth of care, time, and solidarity it provides.

While the reach of our Mother Companion service increased in 2024/25, referrals also rose. The number of women requesting support was 19% higher this year than last and we anticipate continued growth in demand. Our volunteer Mother Companions go above and beyond to offer parents holistic support and the commitment, care, and knowledge they bring to their roles is inspiring. However, as a volunteer-led service, there are naturally challenges in the consistency and capacity of our team. With this in mind, we are exploring long-term strategies to sustainably grow the project further to meet the needs of our community.

Mother Companion Project Client Group

The women accessing our service face complex vulnerabilities as they navigate pregnancy, birth, and early parenthood. Of the 43 women Mother Companions supported this year:

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Project MAMA

TRUSTEES’ REPORT

YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

Immigration Status of Mamas supported by the Mother Companion Project in 2024-25:

The majority of those we supported this year (68%) were seeking asylum or had refugee status. We also supported a significant number of Mamas with other immigration statuses, many of whom had insecure rights to remain and no recourse to public funds.

Origin Country of Mamas supported by the Mother Companion Project in 2024-25:

In this reporting period, Mamas from 26 countries accessed our service. Together, they spoke more than 30 different languages.

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Project MAMA

TRUSTEES’ REPORT

YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

This data highlights the importance of our project being culturally safe, trauma-informed, and accessible to people from diverse backgrounds. Our charity is committed to offering person-focused care, tailored to what each parent needs to feel safe and well-supported.

We are in awe of the strength and resilience the Mamas in our community show, despite the adversity they face. It is a privilege to stand with these women on their journey to motherhood.

3. MAMAhub

MAMAhub is a weekly drop-in for pregnant people and new Mamas with babes under two. This group is a safe space where women who have migrated to the UK can connect and build community. Given the high levels of isolation and poor mental health experienced by displaced parents, this support and friendship can be life-changing.

Every week we share a hot lunch, which is often prepared by the Mams themselves. For asylum-seeking families living in hotel accommodation, this is one of the few times when they can cook and enjoy nutritious and culturally appropriate food. We also offer activities to promote wellbeing, such as lullaby singing, crafts, and baby massage.

Performance & Achievements - MAMAhub Project

MAMAhub has thrived throughout this reporting period, with consistently high attendance. Over the year, 67 different women attended with their children at least once, an 18% increase from 2023/24, expanding who we are reaching. Our total numbers of attendances also increased. In response to this growth, we are moving to a new venue in April 2025 that can accommodate more families.

Many Mamas that attend the Hub do not go to other drop-ins, underlining that this project supports families who are often excluded from mainstream support. We’ve fostered an incredible community through shared languages less commonly represented elsewhere (including Kurdish Sorani, Albanian and Tigrinya), the provision of bus tickets to reduce financial barriers to attendance, and a warm, culturally safe atmosphere. This is marked by Mamas openly breastfeeding, removing hijabs and praying within the space.

Many women attend MAMAhub regularly from pregnancy through to their child’s second birthday, building lasting peer networks and a strong sense of belonging over nearly three years.

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Project MAMA

TRUSTEES’ REPORT

YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

4. Advisory Board

In 2024, Project MAMA launched a client Advisory Board, made up of seven parents who have previously accessed our support. Over this reporting period, the group became embedded within our organisation, meeting every 2–3 months to guide our work. The Advisory Board discusses project design, organisational development, and how we respond to emerging challenges. This ensures we continue to meet the needs and priorities of our community and, crucially, that the Mamas voices direct our organisation.

The Advisory Board shared insights that shaped service delivery in 2024/25 and fed into our future strategic planning. Their contributions ranged from suggesting lullaby singing at the Hub to highlighting the lack of spaces for migrant parents with preschool-aged children to connect. In response, we’re launching monthly ‘Play & Grow’ sessions at MAMAhub for women with children under 5, starting in April. We hope to see the Advisory Board play an even greater role in leading Project MAMA in 2025/26 and beyond.

5. Organisational Development

Staffing

In July 2024, our Service Manager took a six-month sabbatical, with the role covered by an excellent interim who brought commitment and care to the position. As an organisation that prioritises staff wellbeing, Project MAMA is committed to supporting staff breaks where possible.

In December 2024, Project MAMA’s CEO, Clare Smith, went on maternity leave. Her role is being covered by Emily Carter who will share the position with Clare when she returns. Emily is a trained social worker with a wealth of experience in supporting women facing complex challenges, as well as in charity governance, so we are delighted she's joined Project MAMA.

In 2024/25, Project MAMA expanded its team with two new roles to strengthen and grow our services. In August, we welcomed a Caseworker (0.2 FTE) to help bridge capacity gaps in our Mother Companion service and offer additional support to Mamas navigating particularly complex vulnerabilities. Then in September, we hired a Kitchen Lead to coordinate the meals shared at our Hub and support Mamas to cook in this space. This new team member is an incredible cook with lived experience of seeking asylum who has brought real warmth to the role.

Strategic Development and Future Plans

Over the last year, we have continued to embed the organisational change that took place in 2023/2024. The staff team and volunteers continue to grow and evolve, bringing significant knowledge of both the maternity and refugee sectors. We are now in a position of beginning to develop a longer term strategy having secured multi year funding for the organisation.

As we are in a period of development, we want to shift away from being an organisation that is solely reactive to the needs of our community, rather ensuring that we are responsive to need and practicing in an evidence based way. Further developing our research opportunities and looking at the best available

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Project MAMA

TRUSTEES’ REPORT

YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

existing research, we hope to deepen our roots and have a strong evidence base for our ways of working, moving towards a best practice model.

Our advisory board has continued to expand and develop with 7 Mama’s from various migrant communities contributing to the development and progress of Project MAMA. As well as bringing lived experience to the organisation, their tenacity, determination, advocacy skills and insight are all integral to Project MAMA. The Advisory Board currently meets every other month, in line with our Trustee Board meetings. Our hope is that as they continue to contribute to the strategic planning, development, evaluation and monitoring of our work, that Project MAMA would develop innovative ways of becoming an organisation that is led ‘by’ and ‘for’ our Mamas.

We want to ensure that the Advisory Board is not just for the benefit of Project MAMA in terms of the organisation receiving the knowledge, wisdom and expertise that the mamas hold. Rather we want to hold a space where mutual learning can take place amongst a community of women who have shared experiences but also individual areas of expertise. Our aim is to provide opportunities within the Advisory Board to support mamas development and progress in their journey through motherhood and beyond. We have ensured that there are clear and open channels of communication with the Advisory Board who have a direct channel of communication with our CEO. The aim is to continue to develop communication further between the Advisory Board and our Board of Trustees.

In addition, during this reporting period, some key areas for development for the year ahead have been identified. These include:

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Project MAMA

TRUSTEES’ REPORT

YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

QUOTES AND TESTIMONIES

“When I was pregnant I didn't have anyone and I felt like Project MAMA was my family. My Mother Companions were there for me when I had questions or needed advice. When I was emotional I could talk to them and they were so supportive. They came with me to my hospital appointments so I wasn't going through it alone.”

“I always liked it when they visited. I really enjoyed just chatting with them. They always asked how I was doing and were so supportive. I'm alone here, but with them I felt safe.”

“I didn’t know anything about caring for a baby. They showed me how to breastfeed, how to use a sling, how to bathe my baby and they were so kind. They showed me how to use the bus so I could feel confident to go out with him (babe).”

“My Mother Companion was always helpful and explaining and sharing information. I had the information I needed to prepare me before birth, about rights and that I had choices. I didn't know this before. She was very welcoming and friendly and she was always there for me. I felt like she was a member of my family.”

“I enjoy every Friday, meeting new mums at MAMAhub and socialising and learning from them. I'm really grateful Project MAMA has set this up.“

“[MAMAhub] helped my mental health get better, I started meeting people and going outside more. I made friends.”

CASE STUDY

Aisha[2] was 30 weeks pregnant when she arrived in the UK with her two young children to seek asylum. She had fled war, forced marriage and domestic violence and was now the sole carer of her growing family. In a new city where she knew no one, Aisha was preparing to give birth alone. She could not speak English and had not yet accessed any maternity care. Despite her vulnerable situation, Aisha was excited to welcome her new babe and determined to fight for a safer, brighter future for her family.

A referral from the Red Cross connected Aisha to Project MAMA. Within a week, two experienced Mother Companions (MCs) began visiting her regularly. They reassured Aisha that she would not have to face pregnancy, birth or postnatal recovery by herself. Over 2 months, the MCs slowly built trust with her. They offered companionship and a listening ear as she prepared for life with a new babe, while coping with trauma and caring for two small children. They supported her to navigate the UK maternity system and understand her rights and options. Together they created a birth plan that reflected her needs and wishes, so she felt in control of her care.

As the due date approached, the MCs created a 24-hour on-call rota so that, whenever Aisha went into labour, she would have a birth partner. When the time came, they were with her, offering nurture and

2 A pseudo name has been used to protect this mama’s anonymity.

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Project MAMA

TRUSTEES’ REPORT

YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

encouragement throughout 15 hours of labour. They advocated for Aisha’s wishes and stayed by her side until her baby boy was born safely.

After the birth, the MCs visited Aisha in the hospital and at home. They created a safe space for her to process her emotions as she adjusted to being a mama of three and supported her with breastfeeding and securing essentials for her new arrival.

Gradually, their focus shifted to helping Aisha settle into her new community. They encouraged her to explore her neighbourhood, introduced her to local groups, and supported her to take the bus for the first time. By the end of her time with Project MAMA, Aisha was confidently making trips independently and regularly attending a women’s group.

PUBLIC BENEFIT

The Trustees have complied with their duty under the Charities Act 2011 to have due regard to public benefit guidance published by the Charity Commission for England and Wales.

FINANCIAL REVIEW

The total income for the 1st April 2024 to 31st March 2025 was £368,874 . The chart below shows a comparison to the income from the previous year. Total funds brought forward at 1st April 2024 were £197,166 and total funds carried forward on 1st April 2025 are £312,138 of which £98,203 are restricted (2024: £61,471). We recognise that our income in 2024/25 is relatively high for a charity of our size and a detailed explanation of our closing figures are listed in the carry over section below.

Within this reporting period, the largest proportion of income, £343,488 , came from grant funding, with the rest coming from individual donations £14,715 , corporate partnerships £5,775, alongside merchandise sales, Gift Aid and bank interest. All funding received has enabled service delivery and organisational running to provide vital support for our clients.

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Project MAMA

TRUSTEES’ REPORT

YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

Within this reporting period our expenditure was £253,902 a 24% increase compared to the previous year. Higher expenditure reflects Project MAMA’s growth in 2024/25, as well the increased cost of living which impacted our organisation’s regular expenditures, such as rent and utilities.

Below is a breakdown of how expenditure has been spent across the charity in this reporting period.

The financial support we have received throughout the year has continued to show that funders, corporations, and individual donors recognise the importance of Project MAMA’s work. Securing multi year funding demonstrates funders trust in Project MAMA, and their commitment to investing in the organisation’s future plans and financial sustainability. We are incredibly grateful to all donors who have supported us and continue to support us.

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Project MAMA

TRUSTEES’ REPORT

YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

RESERVES POLICY DISCLOSURE

The Trustees have agreed that the charity should maintain internal reserves at a level sufficient to cover 2 months of full organisational running costs and 4 months of wind-down expenses. This ensures that, in the event of financial challenges, we would have time to implement emergency fundraising protocols. Should Project MAMA need to close, our wind-down reserves guarantee we could offer all existing clients our full period of one-to-one support. As the Mamas accessing our project face extreme vulnerability during pregnancy and the postpartum period, we feel it would be irresponsible to cut off care early.

Our internal reserves are calculated at the beginning of each financial year based on the budgeted expenditure for the following year.

Essential operational spend includes:

For the current financial year, 2024/2025, our internal reserves level is calculated to be £113,824. From April 2025, this will increase to £127,641, for the financial year 2025/2026..

Our decision to hold 6 months of reserves is also a response to the current challenging fundraising climate. We increased our internal reserves level this year to make our charity more financially resilient and ensure we can continue providing critical support to migrated families.

NOTE ON CARRY OVER

The Trustees consider it important to end the year with carry over of at least the internal reserve level plus 25% of the next year’s annual budget - combined to a total of £190,204. This is to ensure there is continued cash flow and sustainability for our services and operations at the start of each financial year.

We recognise that the closing figure of £312,138 for our carry over at April 2025 is high for a charity of Project MAMA’s size, higher than the £190,204 targeted. This is primarily due to two factors: firstly, our income generation exceeded targets during this reporting period; and secondly, we are required to declare £78,151 in funding agreed in 2024/25 that will not be received until 2025/26, in line with Charity SORP 2019 guidelines. Our strong fundraising performance this year will enable Project MAMA to initiate our strategic development plans and expand our services in response to growing demand, while remaining financially sustainable in a challenging funding climate. Our fundraising efforts will continue over the coming year, focusing on securing multi-year, flexible funding, to allow us to continue planning for the longer term whilst remaining agile and

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Project MAMA

TRUSTEES’ REPORT

YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

responsive in a complex and challenging operating environment.

STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT

Project MAMA is registered as a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO). It is governed by a Constitution of a Charitable Incorporated Organisation.

The board has final legal authority and is responsible for overseeing the operation of the entire charity and its activities. Trustees are recruited through public advertising and existing networks of the board and CEO. Trustees, including the Co-Chairs and Treasurer, are appointed for a term of three years by a resolution passed at a properly convened Trustee meeting. In selecting individuals for appointment as charity trustees, the charity trustees must have regard to the skills, knowledge and experience needed for the effective administration of the CIO. The board meets every 8 weeks to discuss key matters such as finance, policy, staff and operational development. In addition, a Finance Sub-Committee meets ahead of each trustee meeting to add greater insight.

The trustees are responsible for preparing the Trustees’ Annual Report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).

The law applicable to charities in England & Wales requires the trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charity and of the incoming resources and application of resources of the charity for that period. In preparing these financial statements, the trustees are required to:

The trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records that disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Charities Act 2011, the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 and the provisions of the trust deed. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charity and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.

Independent examiner

Jacob Trowbridge MAAT of Bristol Community Accountants was appointed Independent Examiner to the charity during the year.

Approved by the board of Trustees on ………………………,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,… and signed on their behalf by:

1/12/2025

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Project MAMA

TRUSTEES’ REPORT

YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

……………………………….. ………………………………………..

Catherine Gilmore (Co-Chair)

Heeral Dave (Treasurer)

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Project MAMA

Independent Examiner’s Report

YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

I report to the Trustees on my examination of the accounts of Project MAMA for the year ended 31 March 2025.

This report is made solely to the Charity’s Trustees, as a body, in accordance with section 154 of the Charities Act 2011. My independent examiner’s work has been undertaken so that I might state to the Charity’s Trustees those matters I am required to state to them in an independent examiner’s report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, I do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the Charity, the Charity’s members as a body and the Charity’s Trustees as a body for my independent examiner’s work, for this report, or for the opinions I have formed.

Responsibilities and basis of report

As the Charity Trustees of the CIO 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 CIO’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

Since the charity’s gross income exceeded £250,000 your examiner must be a member of a body listed in section 145 of the 2011 Act. I confirm that I am qualified to undertake the examination because I am a member of The Association of Accounting Technicians, which is one of the listed bodies.

I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect:

  1. accounting records were not kept in respect of the CIO as required by section 130 of the Act; or

  2. the accounts do not accord with those records; or

  3. the accounts do not comply with the applicable requirements concerning the form and content of accounts set out in the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 other than any requirement that the accounts give a ‘true and fair view which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination.

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.

It should be noted that Bristol Community Accountants provide bookkeeping services to Project mama. I confirm that my duties are segregated, and I am not involved in the day-to-day bookkeeping matters of the charity

2/12/2025

……………………………………………………. Bristol Community Accountants CIC Mr Jacob Trowbridge MAAT The Park Centre, Daventry Road, Knowle, Bristol, BS4 1DQ

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PROJECT MAMA

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES

YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

Note
Incoming and Endowments from:
Donations and legacies
2
Trading activities
Investments
3
Total Income
Expenditure On:
Raising funds
5
Charitable activities
6
Other
7
Total Expenditure
Net income
Net movement in funds
Total funds brought forward
Total funds carried forward
Unrestricted
Funds
£
102,123
462
4,051
Restricted
Funds
£
262,238
-
-
Total Funds
2025
£
364,361
462
4,051
Total Funds
2024
£
239,564
590
2,531
106,636 262,238 368,874 242,685
18,011
9,271
1,114
13,012
212,235
259
31,023
221,506
1,373
24,784
168,997
3,145
28,396 225,506 253,902 196,926
78,240 36,732 114,972 45,759
78,240
135,695
36,732
61,471
114,972
197,166
45,759
151,407
213,935 98,203 312,138 197,166

All of the activities of the charity are classed as continuing

The notes on pages 20 to 29 form part of these financial statements

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PROJECT MAMA

BALANCE SHEET

YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

Note
Fixed assets
12
Current assets
Debtors
13
Cash at bank and in hand
Total current assets
Creditors : Amounts falling
due within one year
14
Net current assets or liabilities
Total net assets or liabilities
The Funds of the Charity
15
Restricted funds
Unrestricted funds
General funds
2025
£
213
79,900
243,132
2024
£
680
22,069
185,012
323,032
(11,107)
207,081
(10,595)
311,925 196,486
312,138 197,166
98,203
213,935
61,471
135,695
312,138 197,166

1/12/2025

These financial statements were approved by the trustees on ……………...……. and are signed on their behalf by:

………………………………. ………………………………. Catherine Gilmore (Co-Chair) Heeral Dave (Treasurer)

The notes on pages 20 to 29 form part of these financial statements

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Docusign Envelope ID: 97CE8AE6-4B1A-4690-9D51-35EF00455D35

PROJECT MAMA

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

1 Accounting Policies

Basis of preparation

These accounts have been prepared under the historical cost convention with items recognised at cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant note(s) to these accounts.

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2019) - (Charities SORP (FRS 102)), the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102).

The accounts have been prepared on the assumption that the charity is able to continue as a going concern, which the trustees consider appropriate having regard to the current level of unrestricted reserves. There are no material uncertainties about the charity's ability to continue as a going concern.

The charity meets the definition of a public benefit entity as defined by FRS 102.

Change in basis of accounting or to previous accounts

There has been no change to the accounting policies (valuation rules and method of accounting) since last year and no changes have been made to the accounts for previous years.

Fund accounting

Unrestricted Funds These are available for use at the discretion of the trustees in furtherance of the general objects of the charity. Designated funds These are unrestricted funds earmarked by the trustees for particular purposes. Restricted funds These are available for use subject to restrictions imposed by the donor or through terms of an appeal. Income Recognition of income Income is included in the Statement of Financial Activities (SoFA) when the charity becomes entitled to, and virtually certain to receive, the income and the amount of the income can be measured with sufficient reliability. Income with related expenditure Where income has related expenditure the income and related expenditure is reported gross in the SoFA. Donations and legacies Voluntary income received by way of grants, donations and gifts is included in the SoFA when receivable and only when the Charity has unconditional entitlement to the income. Tax reclaims on donations and gifts� Income from tax reclaims is included in the SoFA at the same time as the gift/donation to which it relates. Volunteer help These are only included in income (with an equivalent amount in expenditure) where the benefit to the Charity is reasonably quantifiable, measurable and material.

- 20 -

Docusign Envelope ID: 97CE8AE6-4B1A-4690-9D51-35EF00455D35

PROJECT MAMA

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

Expenditure

Recognition of expenditure Expenditure is recognised on an accruals basis. Expenditure includes any VAT which cannot be fully recovered, and is reported as part of the expenditure to which it relates. Expenditure on raising funds These comprise the costs associated with attracting voluntary income, fundraising trading costs and investment management costs. Expenditure on charitable activities These comprise the costs incurred by the Charity in the delivery of its activities and services in the furtherance of its objects, including the making of grants and governance costs. Governance costs These include those costs associated with meeting the constitutional and statutory requirements of the Charity, including any audit/independent examination fees, costs linked to the strategic management of the Charity, together with a share of other administration costs. Other expenditure These are support costs not allocated to a particular activity

Taxation

The charity is exempt from corporation tax on its charitable activities.

Tangible fixed assets and depreciation

Tangible fixed assets are carried at cost less accumulated depreciation and impairment losses.

Depreciation is calculated so as to write off the cost of an asset, less its estimated residual value, over the useful economic life of that asset as follows:

Office Equipment 33.3 % straight line

Trade and other debtors

Trade and other debtors are recognised at the settlement amount due after any trade discount offered. Prepayments are valued at the amount prepaid net of any trade discounts due.

Cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents comprise cash at bank and on hand, demand deposits with banks and other short-term highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less and bank overdrafts. In the statement of financial position, bank overdrafts are shown within borrowings or current liabilities.

Trade and other creditors

Short term creditors are measured at the transaction price. Other creditors and provisions are recognised where the charity has a present obligation resulting from a past event that will probably result in the transfer of funds to a third party and the amount due to settle the obligation can be measured or estimated reliably. Creditors and provisions are normally recognised at their settlement amount after allowing for any trade discounts due.

Financial Instruments

The charity only has financial assets and financial liabilities of a kind that qualify as basic financial instruments. Basic financial instruments are initially recognised at transaction value and subsequently measured at their settlement value.

- 21 -

Docusign Envelope ID: 97CE8AE6-4B1A-4690-9D51-35EF00455D35

PROJECT MAMA

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

Pensions costs

The charity operates a defined contribution pension scheme. The assets of the scheme are held separately from those of the charity in an independently administered fund. Pension costs charged in the financial statements represent the contribution payable by the charity during the year.

- 22 -

Docusign Envelope ID: 97CE8AE6-4B1A-4690-9D51-35EF00455D35

PROJECT MAMA

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

Income and Endowments From:
2
Donations and Legacies
Miscellaneous donations
Grants from Trusts
Gift Aid reclaimed
Donations and Legacies - prior year
Miscellaneous donations
Grants from Trusts
Unrestricted
Funds
£
20,490
81,250
383
Restricted
Funds
£
-
262,238
-
Total Funds
2025
£
20,490
343,488
383
Total Funds
2024
£
17,575
221,989
-
102,123 262,238 364,361 239,564
Unrestricted
Funds
£
17,575
81,500
Restricted
Funds
£
-
140,489
Total Funds
2024
£
17,575
221,989
99,075 140,489 239,564

The Charity also benefits greatly from the involvement and dedicated support of a team of volunteers. In accordance with Charities SORP, the value of their contributions is the value of their contributions is not recognised in the accounts but is described in the Trustees' Annual Report.

Investment income
Interest received on interest-bearing accounts
Unrestricted
Funds
£
Restricted
Funds
£
Total Funds
2025
£
Total Funds
2024
£
4,051 - 4,051 2,531

3 Investment income

Investment income prior year - all unrestricted

4 Government Grants

The charity receives government grants, defined as funding from Bristol City Council Bristol Impact Fund and South Gloucestershire Council to fund charitable activities. The total value of such grants in the period ending 31 March 2025 was £15,190 (2024: £14,924). There are no unfulfilled conditions or contingencies attaching to these grants in the year ended 31 March 2025.

- 23 -

Docusign Envelope ID: 97CE8AE6-4B1A-4690-9D51-35EF00455D35

PROJECT MAMA

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

Expenditure on:
5
Raising funds
Fundraising costs
Merch costs
Staff costs
Raising funds - prior year
Fundraising costs
Merch costs
Staff costs
Unrestricted
Funds
£
579
1,781
15,651
Restricted
Funds
£
18
36
12,958
Total Funds
2025
£
597
1,817
28,609
Total Funds
2024
£
1,410
3,332
20,042
18,011 13,012 31,023 24,784
Unrestricted
Funds
£
1,410
3,332
10,019
Restricted
Funds
£
-
-
10,023
Total Funds
2024
£
1,410
3,332
20,042
14,761 10,023 24,784
6
Charitable Activities
Direct expenditure
Advisory Board - Project costs
Advisory Board - Staff costs
MAMA Hub - Project costs
MAMA Hub - Staff costs
Mother Companion - Project costs
Mother Companion - Staff costs
Support costs
Administration costs
HR Costs
Legal & Finance costs
Premises costs
Staff costs
Charitable Activities - prior year
Direct client expenditure
MAMA Hub - Project costs
MAMA Hub - Staff costs
Mother Companion - Project costs
Mother Companion - Staff costs
Support costs
Administration costs
HR Costs
Legal & Finance costs
Premises costs
Staff costs
Unrestricted
Funds
£
1,088
26
-
-
120
40
1,594
804
2,852
789
1,958
Restricted
Funds
£
972
168
7,486
18,520
18,337
94,977
2,193
1,932
4,665
6,660
56,325
Total Funds
2025
£
2,060
194
7,486
18,520
18,457
95,017
3,787
2,736
7,517
7,449
58,283
Total Funds
2024
£
-
-
4,595
12,596
12,830
67,476
3,644
1,955
8,102
7,615
50,184
9,271 212,235 221,506 168,997
Unrestricted
Funds
£
175
2,346
2,104
12,698
3,136
1,256
4,370
2,275
786
Restricted
Funds
£
4,420
10,250
10,726
54,778
508
699
3,732
5,340
49,398
Total Funds
2024
£
4,595
12,596
12,830
67,476
3,644
1,955
8,102
7,615
50,184
29,146 139,851 168,997

- 24 -

Docusign Envelope ID: 97CE8AE6-4B1A-4690-9D51-35EF00455D35

PROJECT MAMA

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

7 Other Costs

Governance costs
Independent Examiner's fee
Unrestricted
Funds
£
31
1,083
Restricted
Funds
£
259
-
Total Funds
2025
£
290
1,083
Total Funds
2024
£
2,160
985
1,114 259 1,373 3,145

Other costs prior year - all unrestricted

8 Net incoming resources for the year

This is stated after charging:

This is stated after charging:
Independent Examiner's Fees
Staff costs and numbers
The aggregate payroll costs were:
Wages and salaries
Social security costs
Pension costs
2025
£
1,083
2024
£
985
2025
£
170,078
6,609
5,222
2024
£
140,442
6,547
3,309
181,909 150,298

9 Staff costs and numbers

No employee received emoluments of more than £60,000 (2024: £nil) The average monthly head count was 9 staff (2024: 7 staff)

The key management personnel of the charity comprise the trustees, Chief Executive Officer, CEO maternity cover. Total employee benefits paid to the 2 key management personnel were £48,388 (2024: £43,501).

10 Trustee expenses

The charity trustees were not paid or received any other benefits from employment with the charity in the year (2024: £nil). The trustees were reimbursed expenses during the year of £nil (2024: £nil). No charity trustee received payment for professional or other services supplied to the charity (2024: £nil).

11 Defined pension contributions 2025 2024
£ £
Amount of contributions recognised in the SOFA as an expense 5,222 3,309

- 25 -

Docusign Envelope ID: 97CE8AE6-4B1A-4690-9D51-35EF00455D35

PROJECT MAMA

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

12 Fixed assets

Cost
At 1st April 2024
At 31st March 2025
Depreciation
At 1st April 2024
Charge
At 31st March 2025
Net book value
31st March 2025
At 1st April 2024
Debtors
Accrued income
Prepayments
Creditors
Trade creditors
Other creditors
Accruals and deferred income
Office
Equipment
3,695
Total
3,695
3,695 3,695
3,015
467
3,015
467
3,482 3,482
213 213
680 680
2025
£
78,150
1,750
2024
£
20,000
2,069
79,900 22,069
2025
£
3,038
4,263
3,806
2024
£
2,039
4,154
4,402
11,107 10,595

13 Debtors

14 Creditors

- 26 -

Docusign Envelope ID: 97CE8AE6-4B1A-4690-9D51-35EF00455D35

PROJECT MAMA

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

15
Movement in funds
Restricted funds
Hilden
John James
Choose Love
Bristol Impact Fund
Postcode Local Trust
The Big Give
BRASP
Denman Charitable Trust
The Hospital Saturday Fund
James Tudor Foundation
Nisbets Trust
Quartet Community Foundation
Wessex Water Community Fund
South Gloucestershire Council
Society of the Holy Child Jesus CIO
Wesleyan Foundation
AB Charitable Trust
Bristol City Council
DWF Foundation
The Grocers Charity
Henry Smith Foundation
Islamic Relief Fund
National Lottery Community Fund
Seven Friends Foundation
Swan Mountain Trust
St Stephen and St James Trust
Van Neste Foundation
Unrestricted funds
General funds
Total funds
At
01-Apr
2024
£
5,000
-
-
3,862
905
1,623
-
1,429
2,000
4,741
10,000
1,028
4,000
6,883
15,000
5,000
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Incoming
resources
£
-
16,000
51,533
10,230
-
-
1,528
-
-
10,000
-
22,040
-
-
-
10,000
1,500
4,960
2,000
5,000
60,900
21,597
24,930
2,000
4,020
4,000
10,000
Outgoing
resources
£
(5,000)
(13,101)
(50,889)
(11,545)
(905)
(1,623)
(1,528)
(1,429)
(2,000)
(11,559)
(10,000)
(17,039)
(2,260)
(6,883)
(15,000)
(15,000)
(1,500)
(4,660)
-
-
(29,763)
(6,138)
-
(2,000)
(4,020)
(1,664)
(10,000)
Transfers
£
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
At
31-Mar
2025
£
-
2,899
644
2,547
-
-
-
-
-
3,182
-
6,029
1,740
-
-
-
-
300
2,000
5,000
31,137
15,459
24,930
-
-
2,336
-
61,471 262,238 (225,506) - 98,203
135,695 106,636 (28,396) - 213,935
197,166 368,874 (253,902) - 312,138

- 27 -

Docusign Envelope ID: 97CE8AE6-4B1A-4690-9D51-35EF00455D35

PROJECT MAMA

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

Purposes of restricted funds

Hilden Mother Companion John James Mother Companion costs (excl. salary) Choose Love Providing services for expecting and new Mamas from the refugee and asylum-seeking community Bristol Impact Fund MAMAhub Postcode Local Trust Ops Coordinator salary The Big Give Salary Costs Thresholds Communications Coordinator salary The Big Give Salary costs Thresholds Communications Coordinator salary BRASP Bristol based partnership working in solidarity with refugees and asylum seekers Denman Charitable Trust Mother Companion (can include salaries) The Hospital Saturday Fund Mother Companions for vulnerable women in Bristol James Tudor Foundation Mother Companion (can include salaries) Nisbets Trust Mother Companion (can include salaries) Quartet Community Foundation For core costs Wessex Water Community Fund To support the weekly drop in MAMAhub group South Gloucestershire Council Supporting the resettlement of refugees and asylum seekers Society of the Holy Child Jesus CIO Mother Companion Service Wesleyan Foundation Service Manager salary AB Charitable Trust Towards work responding to additional needs deriving from widespread violence across the UK Bristol City Council Support for women from migrant backgrounds in Bristol during pregnancy DWF Foundation Resources and support to help communities The Grocers Charity Mother Companion Project Henry Smith Foundation Running costs to provide peri-natal support for women seeking asylum Islamic Relief Fund Mother Companion Project National Lottery Community Fund Support for pregnant people and new parents from migrant backgrounds Seven Friends Foundation Mother Companion Project Swan Mountain Trust Interpreter costs St Stephen and St James Trust Supporting work of Project Mama Van Neste Foundation Mother Companion Project

- 28 -

Docusign Envelope ID: 97CE8AE6-4B1A-4690-9D51-35EF00455D35

PROJECT MAMA

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

16
Analysis of net assets between funds
Fixed Assets
Cash at bank and in hand
Other net current assets or liabilities
Analysis of net assets between funds - prior year
Fixed Assets
Cash at bank and in hand
Other net current assets or liabilities
Unrestricted
Funds
£
213
144,929
68,793
Restricted
Funds
£
-
40,053
58,150
Total Funds
2025
£
213
184,982
126,943
213,935 98,203 312,138
Unrestricted
Funds
£
680
123,541
11,474
Restricted
Funds
£
-
61,471
-
Total Funds
2024
£
680
185,012
11,474
135,695 61,471 197,166

17 Related party transactions

Other than disclosed in note 10, there have been no other related party transactions during the year (2024: £nil)

18 Analysis of charitable funds - previous year, as required by paragraph 4.2. of the SORP

Incoming and Endowments from:
Donations and legacies
Trading activities
Investments
Total income
Expenditure On:
Raising Funds
Charitable activities
Other
Total expenditure
Net Income
Net movement in funds
Total funds brought forward
Total funds carried forward
Unrestricted
Funds
£
99,075
590
2,531
Restricted
Funds
£
140,489
-
-
Total Funds
2024
£
239,564
590
2,531
102,196 140,489 242,685
14,761
31,288
1,003
10,023
139,851
-
24,784
168,997
3,145
47,052 149,874 196,926
55,144 (9,385) 45,759
55,144
80,551
(9,385)
70,856
45,759
151,407
135,695 61,471 197,166

- 29 -