THE GAMBIA WELFARE SOCIETY LEEDS
OAK HOUSE
BALM WALK
HOLBECK
LEEDS
LS11 9PG
CHARITY NO: 1182433
ANNUAL TRUSTEE REPORT
The Gambia Welfare Society hereby present its annual report for 01/02/ 2023 – 31/01/2024, which conforms to the stipulations of the Charities Act 2011, the trust deed and the Charities SORP (FRS 102)
OUR VISION
The Gambia Welfare Society aspires to the achievement of a vibrant and sustainable community, through a shared- vision perspective, modeled around effective community engagement, involvement, and collaboration. The organization strives to operate in an equal opportunity environment, welcomes individuals from diverse backgrounds, treats everyone equally irrespective of religion, race, ethnicity, sex, disability, creed, or color, in accordance with the Equality Act (2010). The protection of the environment in which we operate and live is of paramount importance to us. We adhere to sound sustainable practices aimed at reducing our carbon footprint and promote credible environmental awareness within our areas of operation.
The organization is committed to the safeguarding of children, the vulnerable, and operates in an environment that is safe, and free from harm, whilst ensuring maximum compliance with legislative guidelines.
ORGANISATIONAL STRUCTURE
The organization is a Charitable Incorporated Organization with voting members other than the charity trustees and governed by a written constitution. The general affairs are overseen by the trustees, who meet as and when required. Implementation and execution of organizational policy is conducted by the executive Committee, composed of both sexes, appointment by the chairman, upon recommendation from members.
OPERATIONAL MANAGEMENT
The executive committee is solely responsible for the day-to-day operation of the organization, under the leadership of the Chairman, in conjunction with the Treasury, the Secretariat, Center Management, Educational and Religious Affairs, and Social and Communities department.
CHARITY TRUSTEES
The charity trustees of The Gambia Welfare Society are dully elected through voting, by members of the society at annual general meetings. Trustees are expected to possess character, expertise, and commitment in the execution operational affairs. Trustees are orientated on the modalities of the trust deed, policies and procedures, and the charity commission guidelines upon appointment. Both trustees and executive committee members offer their services voluntarily and freely. The current charity trustees of the Society are: Bampha Jaiteh Yankuba Balajo Foday Sanneh Amadou Touray Seedy Sanneh
OUR CORE OBJECTIVES
• Promote social inclusion for the benefit of migrants who are socially excluded on grounds of ethnic origin, religion, belief, creed or their social and economic position, helping them with their basic needs, and assistance in integrating into society.
- Help young people through educational, recreational and sporting activities, to develop their capabilities, enabling them to contribute productively and positively towards societal development.
• Promote religion by raising awareness and understanding of the Muslim faith through community engagement, and collaboration with partner agencies. We will also provide our center as a praying ground for the benefit of the local community where communal prayers will be held during the Muslim feast of Eid and Friday congregational prayers.
- The Society will provide support to the community in funeral arrangements, especially those less fortunate members of the community of Leeds.
ACTIVITIES AND ACHIEVEMENTS:
PURCHASE OF OAK HOUSE:
The Gambia Welfare Society acquired Oak House by commercial rental agreement in 2017 to serve as a community hub, for the various activities the organization embarks upon, geared towards the delivery of sustainable community advancement, cohesion, and positive integration of the diverse sections of Leeds society.
However, the owner served notice of their intention to sell the property, and knowing the vital role the premises offer, TGWS embarked on a search for opportunities to facilitate the purchase of the property. Fortunately, TGWS was successful in obtaining a mortgage for the purchase of oak House, fulfilling the organization's biggest ambition since its inception. The process of buying the property is at the advanced stages, with final completion expected soon.
COMMUNITY AND SOCIAL WELL-BEING
As communities transitioned into the post Covid-19 recovery era, an unprecedented energy crisis crept into the fold, forcing more people into hardship and debt, living in cold homes, due to fuel poverty, predicated by rising energy bills that subsequently created a consumer goods inflation. This situation ushered in a cost-of-living crisis, with the cost of food items spiraling at an alarming rate. Faced with this unprecedented dilemma, the organization through its multi-agency partnership collaboration with the Hamara Center Leeds, was able to source regular food supplies for the vulnerable within the community, which is currently being distributed from Oak House, as and when availability allows.
YOUTH CLUB
The establishment of a youth club has been a great success, providing recreational and sporting activities directed at young people, to develop their social and behavioral skills, and enable them to contribute positively and productively towards the development of societal affairs. The existence of the youth club helps young people to develop vital life's skills, as detailed below:
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Personal Development
-
Community Involvement
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Mentoring and Coaching
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Communication and socializing
GENDER INCLUSIVITY
The organization provides women within the community regular respite sessions to unwind, chat and the opportunity to ponder on the state of their individual lives and families, as well as celebrate their dedication, hard work and contribution to societal affairs. It serves as a recognition of their invaluable work in ensuring the smooth running of community continuity and resilience.
The Leeds Women ATAYA (Green tea) PROJECT , which provides a forum for interested parties to engage over a cup green tea, serves to indicate that the organization is open to all, regardless of gender, creed or color.
The project targets women from disadvantaged communities across Leeds, with the aim of empowering women to function effectively as mothers, wives, and professionals within their communities.
BENEFITS:
• Promotes awareness around health and well-being, ensuring that women are better equipped to contribute and make a difference to themselves and the community.
• Minimizes social isolation and ensure that women are encouraged to come together to support one another.
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Encourages skills acquisition in areas like sewing classes, jewelry making, and startups.
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Helps educate individuals about Leeds and the roles and responsibilities of a good resident and citizen.
MEN’S SOCIAL GATHERINGS
The organization conducts regular sessions for men to meet up and chat, discuss and share their feelings and thoughts on contemporary issues of the day. This is crucially important as indicated by the BBC article, authored by Dr Ben Hine “The Fathers and Family Breakdown, Separation, and Divorce Project “(19[th] November 2023). The work explores the links between family breakdowns, and mental health issues among men. These social gathering help alleviate isolation and encourages individuals to discuss issues affecting their well-being, because as the saying goes “A problem shared, is a problem half solved “
FINANCIAL WELL-BEING
TGWS continues to provide free financial advice at point of need. Covering areas of personal finance, tax, investments, pensions, and access to financial help. This service provides vital guidance to members of the community, enabling and empowering individuals to manage their financial affairs, especially during these economically challenging times
EDUCATION
EXTRA CURRICULAR YOUTH EDUCATION
The Gambia Welfare Society (TGWS) believes that organizing interactive activities for children is better than allowing them to spend more of their waking hours in front of a screen. Parents want their children to grow up to be healthy, well-rounded individuals with a strong sense of independence and compassion. Therefore, keeping kids engaged is the best way to teach them vital social skills and moral development at an early stage of life plays a critical role in shaping a child’s character.
TGWS organizes educational sessions which play a vital role in evoking a sense of morality in young children. These sessions help teach good character, moral values, humility, kindness, and compassion, which is crucial during their formative years.
FUTURE STRATEGIC DIRECTION
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1: Completion of the purchase of Oak House
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2: Promotion of community tolerance and unity, especially in the aftermath of the July 2024 riots
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3: Further the organization’s reach, and aspire to cover
the length and breadth of the Leeds community
4: Embark on succession planning, to enable the future generation to start taking up shadowing roles within the executive committee.
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5: Continue to improve and increase multi-agency partnership and cooperation
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6: Establishment of a supplementary Primary School at Oak House, which will offer lessons in Mathematics and English
End of report
The Gambia Welfare Society Leeds
Unaudited Financial Statements for the Year ended 31 January 2024
The Gambia Welfare Society Leeds
Contents of the Financial Statements
| Business Information | 2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Accountants' Report | 3 | |
| Income Statement | 4 | |
| Statement of Financial Position | 5 | |
| Detailed Profit and Loss Account | 6 | - 7 |
1
The Gambia Welfare Society Leeds
Business Information
for the year from 1 February 2023 to 31 January 2024
Proprietor
Address
Accountant
The Gambia Welfare Society Balm Walk Leeds LS11 9PG Beckett Accountants Leeds Ltd Suite 204 33 Great George Street Leeds LS1 3AJ
2
The Gambia Welfare Society Leeds
Accountants' Report
Report to the sole proprietor on the preparation of the unaudited accounts of The Gambia Welfare Society Leeds.
In accordance with the engagement letter, we have prepared for your approval the financial information of The Gambia Welfare Society Leeds for the year ended 31 January 2024, which comprises of the Income Statement, the Statement of Financial Position and the related notes, from the entity’s accounting records and from information and explanations you have given us.
You have approved the financial information for the year ended 31 January 2024 and have acknowledged your responsibility for it, for the appropriateness of the financial reporting framework adopted and for providing all information and explanations necessary for its compilation.
We have not verified the accuracy or completeness of the accounting records or information and explanations you have given to us and we do not, therefore, express any opinion on the financial information.
Beckett Accountants Leeds Ltd Suite 204 33 Great George Street Leeds LS1 3AJ
Date: 14 March 2024
3
The Gambia Welfare Society Leeds
Income Statement
for the year from 1 February 2023 to 31 January 2024
| Turnover Other income Cost of raw materials and consumables Other Charges Profit for the year |
2024 £ 54,248 20,445 (7,463) (24,790) |
2023 £ 31,081 - (4,800) (17,316) |
|---|---|---|
| 42,440 | 8,965 |
4
The Gambia Welfare Society Leeds
Statement of Financial Position
31 January 2024
| Fixed Assets Current Assets Net current assets (liabilities) Total assets less current liabilities Net assets (liabilities) Capital and reserves |
2024 £ 500 91,650 |
2023 £ - 49,711 |
|---|---|---|
| 91,650 | 49,711 | |
| 92,150 | 49,711 | |
| 92,150 | 49,711 | |
| 92,150 | 49,711 |
These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with UK Generally Accepted Accounting Principles.
They were approved on 14 March 2024 by:
The Gambia Welfare Society Proprietor
5
The Gambia Welfare Society Leeds
Detailed Profit and Loss Account
for the year from 1 February 2023 to 31 January 2024
| Turnover Dara Fees Fundraising Profits Gift Aid Donations Grants Health for All Grant Household Support Fund Grant Leeds City Council Communities Grant Other Donations Other Income Safe Space Grant Subscriptions TGWS Youth Project Grant Other Operating Income Gambia House Project Raw materials and consumables used Dara Expenses Expenses - Health for All Grant Expenses - Leeds City Council Communities Grant Other charges Bank Fees Burial & Repatriation Community Welfare Support Entertainment - 0% Entertainment-100% business Gambia House Rent General Expenses Hall Hire Insurance LACON - Leeds African Cup of Nations Repairs & Maintenance Telephone & Internet Water, Electricity & Gas and Boiler Insurance |
2024 £ 870 8,968 4,269 - 4,706 3,450 1,000 2,047 - 750 23,187 5,001 |
2023 £ 1,110 4,669 3,601 500 - - - 205 609 - 20,387 - |
|---|---|---|
| 54,248 20,445 |
31,081 - |
|
| 20,445 4,800 1,704 959 |
- 4,800 - - |
|
| 7,463 (2) - 1,953 (9) 300 9,240 - 850 257 50 6,555 581 5,015 |
4,800 - 3,400 2,325 - - 7,500 150 350 269 422 - 1,223 1,677 |
6
The Gambia Welfare Society Leeds
Detailed Profit and Loss Account (continued)
for the year from 1 February 2023 to 31 January 2024
| Profit/(loss) for the year Net Profit |
2024 £ 24,790 42,440 |
2023 £ 17,316 8,965 |
|---|---|---|
| 42,440 | 8,965 |
7
The Gambia Welfare Society Leeds
Unaudited Financial Statements for the Year ended 31 January 2024
The Gambia Welfare Society Leeds
Contents of the Financial Statements
| Business Information | 2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Accountants' Report | 3 | |
| Income Statement | 4 | |
| Statement of Financial Position | 5 | |
| Detailed Profit and Loss Account | 6 | - 7 |
1
The Gambia Welfare Society Leeds
Business Information
for the year from 1 February 2023 to 31 January 2024
Proprietor
Address
Accountant
The Gambia Welfare Society Balm Walk Leeds LS11 9PG Beckett Accountants Leeds Ltd Suite 204 33 Great George Street Leeds LS1 3AJ
2
The Gambia Welfare Society Leeds
Accountants' Report
Report to the sole proprietor on the preparation of the unaudited accounts of The Gambia Welfare Society Leeds.
In accordance with the engagement letter, we have prepared for your approval the financial information of The Gambia Welfare Society Leeds for the year ended 31 January 2024, which comprises of the Income Statement, the Statement of Financial Position and the related notes, from the entity’s accounting records and from information and explanations you have given us.
You have approved the financial information for the year ended 31 January 2024 and have acknowledged your responsibility for it, for the appropriateness of the financial reporting framework adopted and for providing all information and explanations necessary for its compilation.
We have not verified the accuracy or completeness of the accounting records or information and explanations you have given to us and we do not, therefore, express any opinion on the financial information.
Beckett Accountants Leeds Ltd Suite 204 33 Great George Street Leeds LS1 3AJ
Date: 14 March 2024
3
The Gambia Welfare Society Leeds
Income Statement
for the year from 1 February 2023 to 31 January 2024
| Turnover Other income Cost of raw materials and consumables Other Charges Profit for the year |
2024 £ 54,248 20,445 (7,463) (24,790) |
2023 £ 31,081 - (4,800) (17,316) |
|---|---|---|
| 42,440 | 8,965 |
4
The Gambia Welfare Society Leeds
Statement of Financial Position
31 January 2024
| Fixed Assets Current Assets Net current assets (liabilities) Total assets less current liabilities Net assets (liabilities) Capital and reserves |
2024 £ 500 91,650 |
2023 £ - 49,711 |
|---|---|---|
| 91,650 | 49,711 | |
| 92,150 | 49,711 | |
| 92,150 | 49,711 | |
| 92,150 | 49,711 |
These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with UK Generally Accepted Accounting Principles.
They were approved on 14 March 2024 by:
The Gambia Welfare Society Proprietor
5
The Gambia Welfare Society Leeds
Detailed Profit and Loss Account
for the year from 1 February 2023 to 31 January 2024
| Turnover Dara Fees Fundraising Profits Gift Aid Donations Grants Health for All Grant Household Support Fund Grant Leeds City Council Communities Grant Other Donations Other Income Safe Space Grant Subscriptions TGWS Youth Project Grant Other Operating Income Gambia House Project Raw materials and consumables used Dara Expenses Expenses - Health for All Grant Expenses - Leeds City Council Communities Grant Other charges Bank Fees Burial & Repatriation Community Welfare Support Entertainment - 0% Entertainment-100% business Gambia House Rent General Expenses Hall Hire Insurance LACON - Leeds African Cup of Nations Repairs & Maintenance Telephone & Internet Water, Electricity & Gas and Boiler Insurance |
2024 £ 870 8,968 4,269 - 4,706 3,450 1,000 2,047 - 750 23,187 5,001 |
2023 £ 1,110 4,669 3,601 500 - - - 205 609 - 20,387 - |
|---|---|---|
| 54,248 20,445 |
31,081 - |
|
| 20,445 4,800 1,704 959 |
- 4,800 - - |
|
| 7,463 (2) - 1,953 (9) 300 9,240 - 850 257 50 6,555 581 5,015 |
4,800 - 3,400 2,325 - - 7,500 150 350 269 422 - 1,223 1,677 |
6
The Gambia Welfare Society Leeds
Detailed Profit and Loss Account (continued)
for the year from 1 February 2023 to 31 January 2024
| Profit/(loss) for the year Net Profit |
2024 £ 24,790 42,440 |
2023 £ 17,316 8,965 |
|---|---|---|
| 42,440 | 8,965 |
7