60 Ecclestone Road, Wolverhampton WV112QB Tel: 07713156506 ntem Emall: m 2018 ahoo.com Register Charlty Number: 1183706 Reports And Accounts For The Year Ended 31112122 Mryt Empowernient Group (MEG) MEG Trust£es: Alvine Dongmo-Noumey (Chair) Dr Femi Obatomi (Secretary) Alex Kamgaing Kamguia (freasurer) Pxecutive Director. Alvine Dongmo-Noumey (Project Manager) The trustees present their annual reports and Independently examined financial statements for the year ended 31st December, 2021. The trustees confirm that the reports and the financial statement comply fully with the Charities Act 1993, as amended by the charitks act 2006, the Misrant Empowerment Group's constitution and the charities SORP 2005. Key Aim: The Mi8rant Empowerment Group was founded by a former asylum seeker in July 2013. In Wolverhampton , In the West Midlands. The Migrant Empowerment Group's constitution is her approved governlng document. This document states clearly that the sole aim of our charlty 15 to . prevent or relief poverty among migrant in the United Kingdom, especially for those seekin8 refuge and asylum. Our main focus Is to help migrant integrate within thelr communities In the West Midland5. Our range of services enable migrants to seek better health, education, employment, family Ilfe and also to adapt quickly to multicultural life in the Unlted Kingdom. MEG also aims to reduce negative stereotypes and break down barriers within local communities Organlzatlonal Structure:
The overall responsibility for the mana8ement of the charlty rest upon the trustees as a body. This group of trustees constitute the board of trustees whlch 15 led by the chaiman of the board. There is no fixed temi of service for a trustees. All trustees are appointed and removed at the beglnning of the year by the existlng trustees at their first meetin8 for that year based on a majority decision. The chairman of the board of trustees is not appointed by the election of the trustees, but shall serve In an ex off icio capacity as the executlve director and project manager of the charity. At least half of the number of trustees are required to form a quorum for a valld meeting to be held, however, the chair can waive the requirement for a quorum in order to hold emergency meetings. The project manager who is also, an executive director and chalr of the board of trustees Is responsible for the day to day runnin8 of the charity. She works with a number of tralned volunteers to deliver the services to the users. Her roles includes plannin8, orEanlzing and coordinatin8 the service delivery process, The project manager reports to the board as a 8roup. Dr. Alvlne DongmovNoumey• Projert Manager Report My heart is full when reflecting on the work at Migrant Empowerment Group over the past year. We are truly blessed to have such an extraordinary group of dedicated staff, volunteers, and funderfs supporters. We have seen another extraordinary year, not without challenges and uncertainty along the way, with some remarkable achievements. Hard to imagine now that we have spent two years In significant lockdowns. compelling all of us to dig a little deeper, Ilving with the Impacts and consequences as many were directly Impacted wlth covld through sickness or death5. The ablllty to navigate the COVID environment and the uncertainties around funding and programming, creatively and flexibly, is a true testament to the human condition. We are extremely proud of the hard work, enthusiasm & resilience of MEG, staff and volunteer5. Notwithstanding, these complexities of the challenges, we mana8ed to achieve, deliver a range of exlsting & innovative projects providing more optlon5 for people to choose how they want to shape thelr INes. Our servlce delivery and reach has Increased substantially as our budgeL So now we're determlned to do more, driven by the needs of the people who need our support. There is much more to report on our achievements for the past 12 months. We look ahead, 8rateful for what has been achieved, open to the challenges and more committed than ever to our mission and fulfilling our full potential to support familie5 at the critkal time of Ilfe. Achlevements and Performan Throughout the year our activltles have been 8uided by our commitment to fulfill the objective of alleviating poverty amon8 those seekln8 refuge and asylum. The beneficiaries of our projects constitutes a significant proportlon of the BAME group who have been hard hlt financlally by the cost of livin8 crisis. This 8roup Is also facing difficult financial choices after having been battered by the Covid.19 pandemlc. During the year under review, there was a steady Increase in the use of our servlce throughout Wolverhampton and West Mldland& Our strength comes from our staff, volunteers and supporters commitmenL time and donations. The rlslng number of trained volunteer (Befrienders) has helped us to meet the continuous demand for our services, this year we have seen a marked increase in the number of referrals. During 2022, a total of 2568 people received a seTrice from Migrant Empowerment Group (MEG). Sewln8 projects remain at the core of our services during the year 2022. The majorlty of our servlce Users a8ain fall wlthin the 18- 70 age bracket. all of our service users came from West Mldland and
around Wolverhampton & Walsall: 52% Black African5: 15% white British & Caucaslan . 22% Aslans & Middle Easterners and Il% Eastern Europeans. As usual, asylum seeker5 and refugees make up the bl8gest number. 59% for the year in 2022. -55% of those asked increased their sense of Ilfe satisfaction. -30% felt a decrease in the levels of loneliness. -100% of those who answered said they'd gained greater social connection from participatlon in the online groups. -92% of those who answered felt their sense of belon8in8 and their skllls and knowledge (generally) increase -80% of those who answered felt an Increase In self<onfidence. This year our befriending sewin8 service has contlnued to offer a free and culturally sensitive listening ear, support, friendship and understanding at a time when most women are vulnerable and isolated across Wolverhampton. Durlng the year 2022 MEG distributed 135 Tablets and 26 Laptops to most vulnerable people in the community to access our services. Access to food and basic necessitie5 was one of the maln Issues that our service users faced during these unprecedented times. MEG quickly responded by setting up a local food bank which provides food parcels to famllles faclng food shortages in and around Walsall and Wolverhampton. A significant proportion of our servlce users facin8 hlgh food price5 and heating bills had to rely on our food parcel to suNlve the current economlc crisis. Thi5 project 15 on80in8 and we hope to make a permanent feature of it. Durlng 2022, MEG Improved and enhanced Its therapeutic servlce to provide a holistlc outlook on the wellbein8 of people who are experiencing the devastatin8 and damaging consequences of domestic violence and abuse. We worked hard to ensure a seamless transition to ongoing sUPPOrt wlthin the organizatlon, especially for women who are sufferin8 isolation without knowin8 who to turn to. or how and where to seek help. MEG Impact 202112022 Communlry Support & Outreach of hours, IT Equipment 6890 hours, Befriendin8 Support 9067 hours, Counsellin8 Support 2129 hours, Food Distribution 4874 houfs, Telephone Helpllne Support 2654 hours, Volunteers 50, Workshop SuppK)rt 876. Crlsis Interventlon over 656, Children & Young People Supported 1456, Women & Men Attended Groups 756. CHRISTMAS GIFTS We provided gifts for 800 famllles. reaching a total of 624 children. The reality Is that many of the families who we have worked with throughout the year often don't have enough money to support their families day-to4ay, never mind havin8 enou8h money to indul8e at Chrlstmas. The aim of our Christmas party is not just to provide some fun and normallty for a child but It's about di8nity and comfort at a time thavs extremely difficult financially to so many parents. Each gift bag wa5 donated with love, thanks to the generous donations recelved especially from Interfaith & Minority Ethnic Council Wolverhampton. The party successfully achleved its aim of each famlly feellng loved and supported by the community at a tlme when 50 many people feel very isolated and lonely. Financlal Revlew Durlng the year under consideration. our charlty received a total of 87648, a bulk of th15 amount represents donations and grants. The magnanimity of the public was on full display. There was a stron8 desire to be there for one another and to share with those In need. The community splrit rose to a full
force like we have never seen. Our activities were mainly funded by contributlon5 from indNiduals. We also received some finance support from our charity shop, we also received some grant support from some external or8anizations. For the year under review we recorded an excess of income over expendlture of £24,483 and a closing bank Icash balance of £25,922. There was no significant financial risk associated with running the charity. However. all risk have been assessed and policies have been put in place to mitigate and avert all risk. ALZEC FOUNDATION CAMEROUN Wa r•••d your support To contlnu• th• gooa wor Concluslon: The year under review was quite challenging for all settors of the economy and publlc life. The ener8Y crlsis and the resultant Inflationary spiral afferted every sector of the economy. The charity sector was hit harder and most charitties had to fold. For us at MEG it offered both opprtunities and challenges. We hard the opportunity to leam new skills to be able to be more effectlve in our servlce delivery and to better prepare for such eventualities. The key bottlenecks that we faced during the year were lack dwindlin8 resources in the face of mounlin8 needs. Our volunteers were also overstreched durlng th15
perlod. Notwithstanding, our cornmittment to be a helpline for the needy In Wolverhampton and Walsall is intact inspite of the tumultous year. We want to thank our trustees, volunteers, donors, members, other benefactors. beneficiarie5 and the public at alrge for all your support and goodwill towards MEG. Without you we could not have achieved anything this year. We did it together and hopefully next year we shall do better. Alvine DongMNOurney (Chair) 60 Ecclestone Road. Wolverhampton WV112Q8 Alex Morel Kamguia (Treasurer) 6 Boundary way Wolverhampton WV6 8DL
MIGRAP4T EMPOWERMENT GROUP CHARITY NUMBER 1183705 RECEIPTS AND PAYMENT ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2022 DETAILS AMOUNT AMOUNT 31112122 31112121 Recelpts.. Grants Membership Fees & Charity Shop Donations Fundraising Events Total Receipts For The Period Notes I 48,815.00 8.450.LK) 6,413.00 2,IIXI. 30,186.CKI 46.705.00 2.234.(X) 17.150.00 87.648. 74.405.LK) Notes 2 Notes 3 Payments: Alowances Travellin8 & Transport Training & Development Equipment Repalrs Refreshments Fo(xlbank Publlclty Utilities Rent Workshops Donations L¢)d8ing & Hotels Furniture & Fittings Prfnting & Stationery Audlo Visual Expenses Decorations Mis¢ellaneous Fabric materials Total Payments For The Perfod Notes 4 9.7C. 5,755.(xI 7(KJ.(K) 1,480.¢XJ 2,400.CL) 3,1(KI.IXI 15,600.(X) 31,(.(X) 800.Q) 544. 1,2(Kl.tXI 940.00 11,9(XJ.CA) 12,880.(X) 8.[) 1.220.IxJ 2.040.CKI 705.(XI 2.600.IJ) I,7.¢) 1.911.(X> 2.501.00 I,c. 9(X). 394.Q) 650.OQ l.2cKI. 2,6LX).IX) 1,120.00 810.IXI 2,4[KI. 2.840.CXI Notes S Notes 6 Notes 7 Notes 8 Notes 9 2,110.IXI 780.1)) 3..(X) 2.350. 63.165.00 73.655.(KI Excess of Receipts Ov•r Payments Openlng Cash Balance A5 At 1st January. 2021 Closlng Cash Balance As At 31st December. Z021 24.483.(Kl 750.CKI 1,439.00 689.00 25.921(Xl 1.439.ty) Thls account have been approved by The Migrant Empowerment Group board of trusteés on the 01 March 2023 Mlss Alvine t)onEmo-Noumev { Board Chair) Alex Morel Kam8uia (rrea5urer)
MIGRANT EMPOWERMENT GROUP CHARITY NUMBER 1183705 STATEMENT OF ASSET AND UA81LITY AS 31/1212022 Detslls Amount 31112122 Cash & Bank 8alances Equ5pment For Distribution( Sewing Machlne, tablets, etc) Furniture & Fittings Audio Visual Equipment 25,922.IXI 4.910.C 4.3CKI.LYJ 6,630.00 This account have been approved by The Migrant Empowerment Group board of trustees on the 01 March 2023 Miss Alvine Don8mTrNoumey ( Board Chalr) éH.x Alex Morel Kamguia (Treasurer)
MIGRANT EMPOWERMEKf GROUP CHARITY NUMBER 1183705 NOTES TO THE ACCOUNfs FOR THE YEAR ENDED 3V1212022 Notes I: The total grants comprises amounts received from the Wolverhampton City Council, Arnolt Clark. Ethnic Mlnority Council. Alzec Vislon , Interfalth etc Notes Z: The Donations represents contribution from private Indivlduals in the community both in cash and kind. A significant proportlon went into suppoting people who had been hard hit financially by the cost of Ilvin8 crisis Notes 3: Ourfundralsing events yielded the sum reported for the year under review. Our cultural and fashion shows recelved attracted a significant audience in and out of the local communlty. Notes 4: This represnts malnly payments made to volunteers who run the various projects we carry out in support of the vulnerable people. Notes 5: This amount conslst of the cost of carrylng out regular tralnlng for our volunteers and also induction for new volunteers who join our charlty Notes 6: Thls represents the cost of sewing machines. kids sewing kits, tablets, laptops etc whlch we puchased and dlstrlbuied as part of our on 8oing projects Notes 7: We had a fclodbank pro8ramme to support people during the pandemlc. This has been extended to SUPPOrt people who have been hard hit by the cost of livirt8 Crisis. The amount represents food parcel and other supplles distributed durin8 the period. Note5 8: During the year under review we had workshops for volunteers and trustees to enable them understand thoir role in a rapidly changin8 envirenmenL The amount Consist of payments to external expert5 who conducted the workshop. Note5 9: The cost invested in equlpments use in house for meetings. seminars, workshops. conferences etc Thls account have been approved by The Mi8fant Empowerment Group board of trustees on the 01 March 2023 Miss Alv. e Don8mo-Noumey { 8oard Chalr) Alex Morel Kamguia (Treasurer)
THE INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF THE MIGRANT EMPOWERMENT GROUP.
I report on the financial Statements and the accompanying notes of the charity for the year ended 31st December 2022
THE RESPONSIBILITIES OF TRUSTEES AND EXAMINER
The charity's trustees are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements. The charity’s trustee considers that an audit is not required for this year under section 144(2) of the Charities Act 2011 (the 2011 Act) and that an independent examination is needed. It is my responsibility to:
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Examine the financial statements under section 145 of the 2011 Act;
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Follow the procedures laid down in the general directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act; and
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State whether particular matters have come to my attention
This report, including my statement, has been prepared for and only for the charity's trustee as a body. My work has been undertaken so that I might state to the charity's trustee 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 and the charity's trustee as a body for my examination work, for this report, or for the statements I have made.
BASIS OF INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT
My examination was carried out in accordance with the general directions given by the Charity Commission. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison with the financial statements presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the financial statements and seeking explanation from you as trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit, and consequently no opinion is given as to whether the financial statements presents a "true and fair view" and the report is limited to those matters set out in the statement below.
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S STATEMENT
In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention: 1. Which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect the requirements
to keep accounting records in accordance with section 130 of the 2011 Act; and
- to prepare financial statements which accord with the accounting records and comply with the accounting requirements of the 2011 Act have not been met; or
to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the financial statements to be reached.
Kenneth Mensah (MSc) 1 Dulverton Grove, LS11 0LD, Leeds. 15 March 2023