## **Neath Port Talbot Black Minority Ethnic Community Association** Annual Report 2025 # **Registered Charity Number: 1182825** **2** ## **Contents** **Page 3: Chair’s Foreword Page 4: Introduction & Governance and Organisational Development Page 5: Partnership Development & Community Cohesion** **Pages 6-7: Community Projects and Activities Page 8: Eat Smart, Save Better Programme Page 9: Funding and Sustainability & Community Impact** **Pages 10-11: Financial Report Page 12: Looking Ahead & Appreciation** ## **3 Chair’s Foreword** ## **It is my pleasure to present the Neath Port Talbot BME Community Association Annual Report 2025-2026.** This past year has been one of progress, reflection, and renewal. The Board of Trustees has focused on strengthening the Association's governance, reviewing priorities, and building a stronger foundation for the future. While much of this work has taken place behind the scenes, it has been essential in ensuring the organisation remains accountable, sustainable, and responsive to the needs of our communities. Alongside this, we have continued to deliver projects that make a positive difference to people's lives. We are proud of the partnerships we have developed with Neath Port Talbot County Borough Council, Neath Port Talbot CVS, Swansea Bay University Health Board, South Wales Police, local community organisations, and many other stakeholders. These relationships demonstrate the value of collaborative working and our shared commitment to supporting local people. As an Association, we remain committed to promoting equality, diversity, and inclusion while fostering positive community relations across Neath Port Talbot. We also continue to advocate for Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic communities, helping to ensure their voices are heard and represented. This year has also been marked by the sad passing of our founding Chair, Farida Patel. Farida played a vital role in establishing the Association and in laying the foundations upon which our work continues today. Her dedication, vision and commitment to community service made a lasting impact on the organisation and on the many people whose lives she touched. We remember her with great respect and gratitude, and we remain committed to honouring her legacy through the continued growth and development of the Association. My sincere thanks go to my fellow Trustees, our members, volunteers, partner organisations, and funders for their continued dedication and support. Without their contribution, the work of the Association would not be possible. Looking ahead, we will continue to strengthen the organisation, develop new opportunities, and build on our successful partnerships. Our ambition is to remain a trusted, inclusive, and sustainable organisation that makes a lasting contribution to the communities we serve. On behalf of the Board of Trustees, thank you for your continued support. We look forward to working with you in the year ahead. **Mohammed Usman, Chair Neath Port Talbot Black Minority Ethnic Community Association** **4** ## **Introduction** The past year has been one of rebuilding, strengthening governance and increasing the Association's impact across Neath Port Talbot. Alongside improving the organisation's governance and strategic direction, the Association has continued to deliver projects that promote health, wellbeing, community resilience and social inclusion for Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic communities, whilst benefiting the wider community. Working in partnership with statutory bodies, voluntary organisations and community groups, we have continued to strengthen relationships, identify community needs and deliver activities that improve the lives of local residents. ## **Governance and Organisational Development** Throughout the year, Trustees have focused on strengthening the governance of the Association by improving board engagement, reviewing governance arrangements and establishing clear priorities for the future. The Board has continued to develop a forward work programme, ensuring that the Association is well positioned to respond to the changing needs of our communities whilst operating in accordance with good governance principles. Work has also commenced to identify future funding opportunities, strengthen organisational capacity and prepare the Association for future growth. **5** ## **Partnership Development** The Association continues to work collaboratively with a wide range of partners, recognising that strong partnerships are essential to delivering effective services and achieving positive outcomes for our communities. During the year we have continued to strengthen relationships with: - Neath Port Talbot County Borough Council - Neath Port Talbot CVS - Swansea Bay University Health Board - South Wales Police - Community Safety Partnership - Local voluntary organisations - Community and faith groups These partnerships have enabled the Association to access specialist expertise, develop joint initiatives and ensure that the voices of Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic communities continue to be represented within local decision-making. ## **Community Cohesion** The Association has continued to play an active role in promoting equality, inclusion and community cohesion across Neath Port Talbot. Working alongside key partners, discussions have focused on strengthening relationships between communities, addressing community concerns, challenging misinformation and supporting coordinated responses where required. The Association remains committed to promoting understanding, reducing inequalities and ensuring Neath Port Talbot remains an inclusive and welcoming place for everyone. **6** ## **Community Projects and Activities** ## **First Aid Training Programme** On 22 April 2025, the Association funded and organised a one-day Emergency First Aid course at Tir Morfa for 12 residents from across Neath Port Talbot. Participants received practical training in casualty assessment, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), the safe use of an automated external defibrillator (AED), responding to choking incidents, seizures, severe bleeding, burns and other common medical emergencies. By the end of the course, participants had gained valuable lifesaving skills and increased confidence to respond effectively in emergency situations within their homes, workplaces and local communities. **7** ## **Community Projects and Activities** ## **Health and Wellbeing Programme** Promoting physical and mental wellbeing continues to be an important priority for the Association. On 18 November 2025, the Association funded a Health and Wellbeing Autumn Walk at Penllergaer Valley Woods in partnership with the Port Talbot Chai and Chat Group. The event brought together 25 participants, encouraging gentle physical activity, reducing social isolation and promoting positive mental wellbeing through shared outdoor experiences. Participants enjoyed the opportunity to explore the woodland and waterfalls whilst building friendships, improving confidence and appreciating the benefits of spending time in nature. **8** ## **Eat Smart, Save Better Programme** In partnership with Neath Port Talbot CVS and Nutrition Skills for Life, Swansea Bay University Health Board, the Association funded two Eat Smart Save Better workshops delivered in Port Talbot and Neath during January 2026. The sessions attracted 28 participants, with an estimated 117 people benefiting through participants' households. The programme focused on: - Healthy eating on a budget - Meal planning and reducing food waste - Understanding the Eatwell Guide - Making healthier food choices - Practical ways to reduce household food costs Each participant received a recipe book and nutrition guide to support healthier eating at home. These sessions provided practical skills to help families improve their health whilst managing increasing household costs. **9** ## **Funding and Sustainability** The Association has continued discussions with Neath Port Talbot County Borough Council regarding the long-standing Third Sector Grant arrangements and the historical funding linked to the Community Cohesion Officer post. These discussions are helping to strengthen understanding between both organisations and support future planning, ensuring the Association is well placed to develop and deliver services directly for local communities. Trustees have also begun exploring additional funding opportunities to diversify income and increase the range of projects delivered across Neath Port Talbot. ## **Community Impact** During the year the Association has: - Delivered three funded community projects supporting health, wellbeing and practical life skills. - Engaged 65 residents directly through community activities. - Extended the estimated benefit of projects to over 150 people through participants and their households. - Strengthened partnerships with public sector organisations, voluntary organisations and local community groups. - Continued promoting equality, inclusion and community cohesion across Neath Port Talbot. - Strengthened governance and laid the foundations for future organisational growth. **10** ## **Financial Report** ## Accounts for the year ended 31st March 2026 **Opening Balance** £43,861.63 ## **Income Receipts** ## **Donations** Grants - NPTCBC: £4,256.80 **Total Receipts:** £4,256.80 **Reports and accounts for the year ended 31st March 2026** **Staff Costs** NPTCVS Admin Support: £6,129.00 ## **Non-Staff Costs** First Aid: £590.00 Transport: £140.00 Room Hire: £107.00 Healthy Eating: £207.39 **Total:** £1,044.39 ## **Total Payments: £7,173.39** **Net surplus/deficit for the year: £2,916.59** **Net Assets: £40,945.04** **11** ## **Statement of Assets and Liabilities at 31st March 2026** ## **Monetary Assets** Bank and Cash Balance Bank Current Account: £40,945.04 Debtors: £0 Cash in Hand: £0 **Net Assets: £40,945.04** The Board of Trustees have approved the above Statement and Account as making up the annual accounts for the charity for the year to 31st March 2026 which the Trustees have elected to prepare under section 42(3) of the Charities Act 1993 in accordance with the provisions of that section. ## **Muhammed Usman** **Neath Port Talbot Black Minority Ethnic Community Association** **12** ## **Looking Ahead** During the coming year, Trustees will continue to focus on: - Strengthening governance and organisational capacity; - Increasing community engagement; - Securing additional external funding; - Expanding health and wellbeing programmes; - Developing new community cohesion initiatives; - Increasing volunteering opportunities; - Delivering projects that address the needs of Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic communities whilst benefiting the wider communities of Neath Port Talbot. ## **Appreciation** The Trustee Board would like to thank all our members, volunteers, partner organisations, funders and supporters for their continued commitment throughout the year. Although much of the year's work has focused on strengthening the organisation and building firm foundations for the future, we are proud of the progress that has been made. Through strong partnerships, dedicated volunteers and the support of our communities, the Association is well placed to continue growing its impact and delivering meaningful opportunities for the people of Neath Port Talbot.