SAWN
Support l ACOM Wfrfnen's Nets
Annual Report
March 2022- April 2023

## **FOREWORD** 



## **Annette Williams Chair Board of Trustees** 

Welcome to our Annual Report 2022 – 2023. I joined the board of trustees at SAWN in 2018/19 because I was so excited about the work undertaken by SAWN, Support and Action for Women’s Network to support women and children who were suffering disadvantage due to their adverse life experiences. 

Within my role as Chair, I have witnessed and experienced the amazing growth of the organisation and team in developing the support available to women and their families from all walks of life. 

We are very proud of providing a space for women to be brave and vulnerable. Women tell us that SAWN is a safe space where they are not judged, they no longer have to suffer in silence, as the chances are that someone in the peer support group will be going through the same as you or they have been through it, and they can offer support in Oldham, many of whom are living with poor mental health and physical health. 

SAWN will work to further increase its engagement with the local communities by hosting more events, workshops, and outreach activities at the same time as building on our existing services and projects. The aim is to build even stronger relationships with service users, stakeholders, and partners, and to enhance the sense of ownership and investment in the organisation's mission and work. 

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## **Rose Ssali Chief Executive Officer – SAWN** 

I hope the information provided will be of use to you all either as a sister, a friend or for a Black African woman you know or support in some way. As the Lead and Founder of Support and Action for Women’s Network - SAWN, I am incredibly proud of SAWN, and everyone involved with SAWN. The work SAWN undertakes with Black African women supports, enables, and empowers them to have a voice, be productive, contribute and thrive, living their life their way whilst working their way through difficult and hostile systems to get where they want to be. 

I look forward to the coming year with passion, energy, excitement, courage, and strength to face the challenges that this year will undoubtedly bring for us all at SAWN. Thank you to all who are involved with and support SAWN, this is only possible because of you all. 

## **OUR BACKGROUND** 

Support and Action Women’s Network (SAWN) was established in 2007, to promote the welfare of Black African women in the Greater Manchester region of Oldham. SAWN provides culturally specific services, information, guidance and training.  In addition, SAWN develops opportunities to raise awareness in order to strengthen relationships with decision-makers, investors and supporters of social change. 

SAWN works predominantly with Black African women and families, who are first generation immigrants in the UK. These families are a minority within the BAME community, especially in Oldham, many of whom are living with poor mental health and physical health. 

Support and Action Women’s Network SAWN registered charity CIO NO 1184501 is based within Stockfield Mill Chadderton Oldham, an area recognised as one of the most deprived areas of the country. SAWN promotes the welfare of and supports Black 

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African Women to have a voice that is heard in matters that concern and affect the and their lives throughout Oldham and Greater Manchester. 

This year, our third following the Covid 19 pandemic has continued to present many challenges for SAWN including the Cost-of-Living crisis and we thank God for what we have been able to achieve in response to the ever-increasing challenges over the past year. SAWN has grown as an organisation in terms of staff, turnover and services and although we have seen a huge demand on our services SAWN is proud to have responded positively and proactively ensuring marginalised Black African women and their families have a voice that is heard, support that is timely and culturally appropriate and provides them with the opportunity to be the best they can irrespective of their status and barriers faced daily. 

SAWN would like to thank our dedicated staff and volunteers, funders, local community, partners, and supporters who despite the ongoing post COVID 19 Cost of living crisis. SAWN continues to grow and make significant progress in the support we offer to empower women and enable them to be the best they can be. SAWN continues to work in partnership with the community of Chadderton, Oldham Borough Council, Action Together Women’s Resource Centre, Positive Steps, Lazarus Ministries, Great Places Housing Group, First Choice Homes, Oldham Women’s Network, Women’s Environmental Network, Forever Manchester, The Children’s Society, Co-op Community Fund, Smallwood Trust, Lankelly Chase, Turn 2 Us, Young Women’s Trust, Oldham Community Meals, Agathas’ Space, NTHIKO, Answer Cancer, In Control and Knightsbridge Solicitors. 

SAWN continues to be an active partner and to take a lead role within the Mama Health & Poverty Partnership (MHaPP), a collective of individual organisations that work with Black African Women throughout the 10 Boroughs of Greater Manchester starting from where the person is. The language skills from within the partnership continue to expand and cover most languages spoken by the African communities settled in Greater Manchester. Excellent use of this valuable resource continues through close collaboration and linking to mainstream services including health, education, benefits, job search, ESOL, life skills that provide general services and support to people to culturally appropriate support that enables African women to access and understand the system and removes barriers to participation and understanding. 

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_**“We feel better just being together and just part of the group, having fun and forgetting the other parts of life if only for a short time” AB**_ 

_**“People are starting to listen to us and know that we mean business. We understand and sometimes can help sort things out if they listen” AP**_ 

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## **WHAT WE ARE HERE TO DO** 



**Our Values** 

Respect: SAWN respects the fundamental human rights and beliefs of all people and values everyone's personal opinion on issues that matter to them. This includes the Trust Board, staff, volunteers, women and all who come to our space. 

Integrity: Whatever SAWN does is in a fair and just way creating a trust relationship demonstrated by truthful, responsible accountable conduct. 

Accountability: SAWN recognises that we are accountable to others and has policies and procedures that protect all beneficiaries, stakeholders and it's organisational reputation to funders, the Charity Commission and the public. 

Culturally sensitive approach: SAWN recognises that we are aware of our own cultural values and support women to retain their own and become aware of other cultures. 

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**OUR PRINCIPLES** 

We have identified 3 intersecting principles to guide our work in supporting women. They are indivisible from each other and form the core of what we do, and we believe in at SAWN. 

## **Opportunity** 

SAWN exists to provide opportunities to Black African women to support them to be the best they can be. We design all our projects and services with the underlying principle of increasing opportunities enabling women to provide peer support, share their skills and knowledge within the African communities increasing the impact on our communities across Oldham and Greater Manchester. 

## **Partnership** 

Partnership working sits at the core of all our work at SAWN. We work with partners as we know that this is the best way to support the women and families in our services and across the Greater Manchester area. By working collaboratively, we can amplify both our impact and the impact of our partners ensuring greater outcomes. We know that grassroots groups are closer to the issues and solutions and that they need to be part of the decision-making process. At the same time, we want people’s time and experience to be valued, for a commitment that something will change, for power to be shared, and value their contribution. We want real collaboration, from the start and throughout rather than being consulted and not hearing back or there is a lack of accountability – we want to change this structural power and have a voice at the table that is respected and heard. 

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## **Environment & sustainability** 

Our commitment to the environment and sustainability is woven throughout our projects and services at SAWN. SAWN is committed to doing everything we can to help with climate change and the environment. We are proud of the services and projects that we have established are aimed at helping the environment whilst supporting our SAWN sisters. Each project whether we run or support it has an ecocomponent whether this is explicit – Biofuel project in Uganda and Kwara state poultry project or less explicit in our plans to retrofit sustainable and environmentally friendly elements to our new housing project or our CEO’s redesigned eco garden. 

## **Our Impact** 

As our work is aimed at supporting women holistically, it is multi-faceted and cuts across a number of discrete service areas. This enables us to not only provide culturally appropriate projects, support and services but also to be flexible and adapt to the changing political and economic environment around us. Through working in partnership with the women we support, we know that change is more achievable. 

In the last 12 months SAWN has supported 1259 women and their families to access various projects to provide support in a range of areas to meet the need. Projects and support delivered during this year include the following 4 key and overlapping areas, which are comprised of our core services and additional programmes tailored to specific areas, but which are all interlinked. 

## **Our direction of travel** 

Over the past three years we have grown significantly as an organisation, in terms of staff, turnover and services. At the same time, the lasting impact of covid and the current cost of living crisis has meant there is ever more demand on our services and need for us to support women across our communities. 

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Whilst the last year has seen a huge increase in demand for all services and support SAWN is proud to have responded positively and proactively ensuring marginalised Black African women and their families have a voice that is heard, support that is culturally appropriate and the opportunity to be the best they can be irrespective of their status and the barriers they face daily. 

We are proud that SAWN continues to grow and make significant progress in the support we offer to empower women; as a result of this women have become more confident, connected, empowered, resilient and able to stand as equals with others. This has only been possible due to the resilience, creativity, energy and commitment of everyone involved with SAWN. 

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## **OUR CORE PROJECTS, SERVICES, AND WORK** 

**Cultural Awareness and Harmful Cultural Practices Training -** Support was provided to health and education professionals, mental health student nurses, social work students, community leaders with 87 women supported on an individual basis. **SAWN Furniture Hub** - SAWN continues to provide the best shopping experience for people using the hub providing choice from available stock. SAWN continues to provide furniture packs for those most in need. In partnership with The Children’s Society and as part of the Oldham Community Crisis Response support SAWN has continued to provide 630 subsistence and basic furniture packs to Black African and BME families. 



**Stones and Roses Achievements Towards Independence SARATI** -SARATI continues to grow and meet weekly and is now led by the women. 35 women engage in person with another 10 joining via zoom every week. Women see this as their space, their place using their voice where they support each other both formally and informally. The agenda and topics are suggested and set by the women with guest 

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speakers invited as appropriate. Peer support in action as women have grown in confidence and resilience taking the lead together. 

**Agatha’s Space-** A new peer led support group has emerged from SARATI. Agatha’s Space supports women with HIV and provides a safe confidential space for Black African women living with HIV and Aids to come together weekly. Women supporting others to become contributing resilient women in their community confidently and confidentially, sharing information and informing lives. 



**GROWE-** SAWN in partnership with Northern Lily CIC have since June 2022 acquired a new eco-friendly space a derelict acre of land with 166 tree Orchard in need of restoration in Failsworth, Oldham. Grassroots Oldham Women’s Enterprise (GROWE). Our vision is to enhance and grow our current offer and develop new, social enterprise and wellbeing initiatives through delivery and training for women in a natural outdoor space. This amplifies the wellbeing benefits even further for both individuals and communities experiencing food poverty through gaining skills to grow and access organic fruit and vegetables improving health & wellbeing whilst supporting marginalised women to grow with nature and planet in mind. The training will provide skills experience and knowledge to move towards accredited training and access to a wide range of green careers. 

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**Cancer Support Group-** Awareness raising of cancer within the BAME community is often surrounded by myths and religious explanations that need dispelling. Many are not aware and of free health care and the importance of having routine checks, people usually only respond to illnesses which is too late. In partnership with Answer Cancer, we invite guest speakers from organisations including Maggie’s Cancer Centre Oldham, Health and Wellbeing Specialists, alongside Black African women with lived experience to dispel myths, raise awareness, inform and educate and empower women to have those difficult conversations whilst offering culturally appropriate peer support. 

_’Today has given me something to live for’’ (Cancer sufferer after having a 1-1 sound bath in SAWN’s ecotherapy cabin at GROWE)_ 

_“It cleared my brain fog I wish I could have this every day. I can think and remember things. I can’t move my tumour but I can clear my head DE”_ 

**Domestic Violence peer support-** SAWN and Black African women as peer mentors provide support to those experiencing abuse, raising the profile and understanding of domestic abuse and the way it affects women and children from the local community. 

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Providing a safety net of relevant factual information and culturally competent support amongst women, professionals and statutory services is essential to support women to make better choices about their life. 

**Supporting Women into Business** Black African women are creating their social enterprises are assisted with resources to deliver their projects. The impact of the project is measurable and far reaching. SAWN is building an army of resilient, successful, women entrepreneurs like OLCOM who provide hope and inspiration to other women. 





**Equally Ours** -This project supports the furniture hub to improve the infrastructure and develop activity, increasing sales and sustainability for the future. Volunteers receive training in retail, online-sales, customer services and safe trading standards, marketing and customer service. SAWN is currently upskilling volunteers and staff to improve its digital presence and marketing of goods to ensure we continue to reach our community and improve in this area. 

**Food Sovereignty and Land Justice-** SAWN is a member of the Poverty Truth Commission ensuring issues of food poverty amongst the Black African Community are recognised and heard in particular those with No Recourse to Public Funds. We advocate for food sovereignty and land justice and want real collaboration with policy 

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makers highlighting the need to change the way food is produced, gender food poverty and changes we need to make including environmental and ethical food. 

**The Ideas Fund-** SAWN women working in partnership with Dr Suryia Nayak Academic Researcher at Manchester University to think and learn how research can support better mental health and wellbeing with activities such as singing, writing and growing produce. SAWN has partnered with Northern Lily CIC to utilise space at Grassroots Failsworth to facilitate sessions learning how to grow and nurture food, fruit and vegetables which will be shared amongst the community. SAWN Sisters of the Yam choir has been born and now meet weekly performing a range of songs in a variety of African languages. 



**Women’s Environmental Network (WEN)-** SAWN women attended a Wen Forum event in 2022. We also visited Kew Gardens in London Insights gained from these workshops, along with roundtable events with policy makers, informed WEN’s series of Feminist Green New Deal policy papers and recommendation. We are proud that the voices of Black African women and other marginalised groups continue to be heard and influence environmental debates, participate in climate change forums learning about climate change and the damaging impact it has on everyone. SAWN UK has 

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partnered with SAWN Sisters Uganda, a group of young mothers living in poverty to upcycle and repurpose duvet covers to enable them to provide food, homes, and a better future for their children. Black African women from SAWN Oldham supporting young African women to become small businesswomen able to provide for themselves and their children, peer support in action. More than just words. 

**Oldham Community Advisory Network (OCAN)** -SAWN in partnership with The Children’s Society and voluntary groups created and tests an online referral system of support to improve and streamline the process. This network provides a communication link to statutory services ensuring the voice, issues and challenges faced by women are heard and a creative platform to collaborate, share ideas and ensure the collective voice of women’s groups at the heart of women’s’ issues are heard. 

**Local Motion-** SAWN is an active partner and member of the core group of Local Motion for Oldham. Local Motion supported by a group of 6 National Funders aims to address issues of injustice, poverty and inequality through bringing together people, organisations and community to influence system change. SAWN is a core group member alongside women, the Local Authority and grassroots organisations working together testing out how closer working can support better systemic change based on local community priorities in addition to changing funder practice. This long- term project is in the early stages with funding decisions being made in December 2023. 

**Lankelly Chase and System Changers-** SAWN in partnership with Lankelly Chase, Inspire Women and grassroots organisations connect with and ask policy/decision makers to work with us acknowledging these are the people closer to the issues and have solutions therefore need to be part of the decisions making process. System Changers want people’s time, contribution and experience to be valued, a commitment to real change, for power to be shared with honest collaboration throughout with accountability and a shift in structural power. 

Quote from funder of festival CG _- ‘_ _**’ Women from SAWN made the festival it came alive and was an unforgettable experience, listening to the women telling stories about their journeys with poverty, immigration and racial injustice was both harrowing and awe inspiring. Sisters of the Yam filled the room with energy and got everybody up dancing together, it was amazing thank you’’.**_ 

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**Advisory Groups-** SAWN is a valued member of various advisory groups and boards such as Lankelly Chase Greater Manchester System Changers Core Group, BASNET, Oldham Women’s Network, GM Race and Equality Board, BAME Maternity Advisory Board and Oldham Locomotion Core Group 

**Turn2us** -SAWN continues to be a trusted referral partner with Turn 2 Us and successfully applied and administered grants on behalf of Black African women recognising the ongoing hardship Covid 19 caused particularly for those with No Recourse to Public Funds. 

**Oldham Metropolitan Borough Council Household Fund-** SAWN in partnership with Action Together has distributed grants on behalf of Oldham Council reaching out to Black African families and vulnerable people in Oldham during these difficult times with the cost-of-living crisis. 225 families have been supported to date with furniture and other essential items preventing further crisis and potential family breakdown. 

**Smallwood/ The Children’s Society Grant-** Funding via SAWN was provided to support women through COVID 19 and the period of recovery recognising the increasing and ongoing impact of COVID 19 and the cost-of-living crisis on African women and children. 120 women and families have been supported via this grant. 

**ACTS 435** -SAWN as a trusted referral partner has accessed funding to support women and families to support individual need, prevent further crisis and enabled people to move forward with their lives positively. 

**Young Women’s Trust-** The Young women’s Trust was instrumental in getting emergency funds twice to young women who would have had no support otherwise. The Young Women Trust also gave women laptops to enable digital inclusion so girls would participate in school and socialising during the lockdown. Many of our young women are also benefiting from other services like mentoring continually. 

**Islands of Sanctuary:** Kadalie House-SAWN is in the process of buying their first home, a safe space for single Black African women, some with no recourse to public 

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funds. This will enable women to recharge, reflect and plan for a better future. We aim to charge a low rent to those who can pay and support those who can’t by providing them with a little respite and breathing space to enable women to move forward and overcome issues and barriers that affect every aspect of their life. 

## **GOING FORWARD** 

SAWN remains rooted in and an integral part of the local community continuing to grow, develop and serve Black African women and their families within Oldham and Greater Manchester. This is achieved through building relationships, having open honest conversations that challenging thinking and systems whilst ensuring Black African women not only have a presence, voice, and a seat at the table regarding matters that affect them daily but a presence and voice that is heard, respected and valued. 

This has only been possible due to the resilience, creativity, energy and ongoing commitment of everyone one involved with SAWN, and we humbly thank you for your ongoing support now and in the future. 

## _WOMEN TELL US…._ 

_“SAWN is the family we have left behind, we are all sist_ ers here.’’ 

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- _“We are not alone when we meet with our SAWN sisters, we are one. We can forget everything that is happening when we sing if only for a short while, we can be happy”. “We forget the issues when we start to sing and dance if only for a minute”._ 

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_“We are not alone when we meet with our SAWN sisters, we are one. We can forget everything that is happening when we sing if only for a short while, we can be happy”. “We forget the issues when we start to sing and dance if only for a minute”._ 

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**SAWN** 

**Chadderton** 

**Oldham** 

**OL9 9ES** 



**Email | sawn.org@gmail.com** 

**Website | www.sawn.org.uk** 


**Twi�er | @SupportSawn Facebook | @SAWNwoman** 

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**SUPPORT AND ACTION FOR WOMEN'S NETWORK (SAWN) TRUSTEES' REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2023** 

**CHARITY REGISTRATION  NO:  1184501 COMPANY NUMBER : CE018255** 

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## **SUPPORT AND ACTION FOR WOMEN'S NETWORK (SAWN) STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2023** 

|**CONTENTS**|**PAGE**|
|---|---|
|LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION|1|
|TRUSTEES REPORT|2-3|
|INDEPENDENT EXAMINERS REPORT|4|
|STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES|5|
|BALANCE SHEET|6|
|NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL  STATEMENTS|7-8|
|DETAILED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES|9-12|



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## **SUPPORT AND ACTION FOR WOMEN'S NETWORK (SAWN) LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2023** 

**CHARITY REGISTRATION NUMBER:** 1184501 **COMPANY NUMBER :** CE018255 

## **REGISTERED OFFICE:** 

Unit 1 Stockfield Mill Melbourne Street Chadderton, Oldam OL9 9ES 

## **TRUSTEES:** 

Annette Williams Rose Kirunda Tendayi Madzunzu Michelle Leacock 

## **INDEPENDENT EXAMINER** 

Cangaf Accountants & Business Advisers 235 Tonge Moor Road Bolton BL2 2HR 

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## **SUPPORT AND ACTION FOR WOMEN'S NETWORK (SAWN) REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2023** 

The trustees  present their report with the financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31st March 2023. The trustees have adopted the provisions of the Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP) 'Accounting and Reporting by Charities' issued in March 2005. 

## **STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT** 

## **Governing document** 

The charity is controlled by its governing document, a CIO, and constitutes an incorporated charity. 

## **Risk management** 

The Board has reviewed the effectiveness of the system of internal control.  In particular, it has reviewed and updated the process for identifying and evaluating the major risks affecting the business and the policies and procedures by which these risks are managed. 

## **OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES** 

The Charity's objects are, for the benefit of the public:1)  To promote social inclusion; by working with women and families in and around Greater Manchester through the provision of workshops, one-to-one support and advice. 

2)  The relief of financial hardship amongst families in Greater Manchester. 

## **Significant Activities** 

SAWN promoted the welfare of and support for Black African Women and to have a voice that is heard in matters that concern and affect them and their lives throughout Oldham and Greater Manchester. SAWN is now the proud host of an amazing meeting space and office area which can host 25 women and is available for other groups in the area to use. SAWN has delivered the services and projects this year both in person and online. 

SAWN helped to realise the full potential of women by engaging them in activities, providing opportunities and events to make women independent,self-sustaining and key players in matters that concern them. SAWN has supported 1003 women and their families to access various projects to provide support in a range of areas to meet the need. 

SAWN continues to work in partnership with the community of Chadderton, Oldham Borough Council, Action Together, Women’s Resource Centre, Positive Steps, Lazarus Ministries, Bethesda Church, Great Places Housing Group, First Choice Homes, Oldham Women’s Network, Women’s Environmental Network, The Children’s Society, Co-op Community Fund, Forever Manchester, Smallwood Trust, Lankelly Chase, Turn 2 Us, Young Women’s Trust, Oldham Community Meals, Answer Cancer, Cash for Kids, Screwfix, In Control, Knightsbridge solicitors, Platts solicitors, Mama Health and Partnership-MHaPP, Enterprise Development Fund, Oldham Council,Locomotion, Acts345, National Lottery, Good Thing Foundation and British Science Association. 

The full trustees report is attached as an appendix to read. 

## **FINANCIAL REVIEW** 

The Trustees have implemented robust budgetary controls to monitor costs in an effort to continue to deliver its service in the future. Income - the total income for the twelve months under review was £590,490 

Expenditure - total expenditure in the year was £333,339. The Charity recorded an operating surplus for the year which is £257,151 

During the year the Trustees continued to place emphasis on financial management to ensure that the funds within the organisation are properly managed. 

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## **SUPPORT AND ACTION FOR WOMEN'S NETWORK (SAWN) REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2023** 

## **STATEMENT OF TRUSTEE RESPONSIBILITIES** 

The trustees are responsible for preparing the Report of the Trustees 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 and Wales, the Charities Act 2011, Charity Regulations 2008 and the provisions of the trust deed requires the trustees to prepare financial statements for each (Accounts  and Reports) 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, including the income and expenditure of the charity  for that period. In preparing those financial  statements, the trustees are required to: 

- select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently; 

- make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent; 

-prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the Charity will continue in business. 

The trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records which disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity and to enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Charity's Act 2011. 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. 

This report is prepared in accordance with the special provision of Part 15 of the Companies Act 2006 relating to small companies. 

19/01/2024 

Approved  by order of the Board of Trustees on **…..................................... 2024** and signed: 

The full trustees report is attached as an appendix to read. 

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD: 

............................................. 

## **Annette Williams - Chair** 

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# **SUPPORT AND ACTION FOR WOMEN'S NETWORK (SAWN) INDEPENDENT EXAMINIER'S REPORT YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2023** 

I report on the accounts for the year ended 31st March 2023 set out on pages five to eleven. 

## **Respective responsibilities of trustees and examiner** 

The Charity's Trustees (who are also the Directors for the purposes of Company Law) are responsible for 

the preparation of the preparation of the accounts. 

The Charity's Trustees consider that an independent examination is required. 

Having satisfied myself that the charity is not subject to audit under company law and is eligible for independent examination, it is my responsibility to: 

- examine the accounts under Section 145 of the 2011 Act 

- -to follow the procedures laid down in the General Directions given by the Charity Commission (under Section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act); and 

- to state whether particular matters have come to my attention. 

## **Basis of the independent examiners 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 of the accounts presented with those records. 

## **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 accounts which accord with the accounting records and comply with the accounting requirements of the 2011 Act  have not been met; or 

(2) to which, in my opinion, attention should be draw in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached. 

Cangaf Accountants & Business Advisers 

235 Tonge Moor Road BL2 2HR Bolton Manchester 

## **Date : 5th January 2024** 


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## **SUPPORT AND ACTION FOR WOMEN'S NETWORK (SAWN) STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2023** 

|**Incoming resources**<br>Grants<br>Rental Income<br>Consultancy<br>Activities for generating funds<br>Bank Interest<br>**Resources expended**<br>Charity Main<br>Charity Shop<br>**_Reconciliation of funds:_**<br>**_Net movement in funds_**<br>Total funds brought forward<br>**_Total funds carried forward_**<br>**_Total RESOURCES EXPENDED_**<br>**Net income/(expenditure) for the**<br>**year**|**Unrestricted**<br>**funds**<br>**£**<br>-<br>2,235<br>5,840<br>43,915<br>3,285<br>55,275<br>-<br>47,913<br>47,913<br>7,362<br>7,362<br>169,278<br>176,640|**Restricted**<br>**income**<br>**funds**<br>**£**<br>535,215<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>535,215<br>240,404<br>45,022<br>285,426<br>249,789<br>249,789<br>-<br>249,789|**Total**<br>**funds**<br>**£**<br>535,215<br>2,235<br>43,915<br>3,285<br>590,490<br>240,404<br>92,935<br>333,339<br>257,151<br>257,151<br>169,278<br>426,429|**Prior year**<br>**funds**<br>**£**<br>326,340<br>-<br>-<br>70,502<br>890<br>397,732<br>262,020<br>85,998<br>348,018<br>49,714<br>49,714<br>119,564<br>169,278|
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**None of the charity's activities were acquired or discontinued during the year and there were no recognised gains and losses for 2023 other than those included in the statement of financial activities.** 

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Document ID: 9b34a567-b16a-4560-a1af-536037c1a3da 



## **SUPPORT AND ACTION FOR WOMEN'S NETWORK (SAWN) BALANCE SHEET YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2023** 

|**Unrestricted**<br>**Funds**<br>**£**<br>**Fixed Assets**<br>Net Book Value<br>3,309<br>**Current assets**<br>Cash at bank and in hand<br>233,746<br>Stock<br>1,042<br>238,098<br>**Total Assets**<br>241,407<br>Net Current Liabilities<br>-<br>Net current assets/(liabilities)<br>238,098<br>**Total assets less current liabilities**<br>241,407<br>**Funds of the Charity**<br>**Opening Balance Equity**<br>**Surplus/(Deficit)**<br>**_Total funds_**<br>**…………………………………………………….**<br>**The financial statements were approved by the Board of Trustees on**<br>**were signed on its behalf by:**|**Restricted**<br>**Income**<br>**Funds**<br>**Total this**<br>**year**<br>**£**<br>**£**<br>-<br>3,309<br>185,022<br>418,768<br>-<br>1,042<br>185,022<br>423,120<br>185,022<br>426,429<br>-<br>-<br>185,022<br>423,120<br>185,022<br>426,429<br>**….......................................**<br>19/01/2024|**Total last**<br>**year**<br>**£**<br>-<br>169,278<br>-<br>169,278<br>169,278<br>-<br>169,278<br>169,278<br>169,278<br>257,151<br>426,429<br>**... 2024 and**|
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## **Annette Williams - Trustee** 

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Document ID: 9b34a567-b16a-4560-a1af-536037c1a3da 



## **SUPPORT AND ACTION FOR WOMEN'S NETWORK (SAWN) NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2023** 

## **1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES** 

Basis of preparing the financial statements The financial statements 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) issued on 16 July 2014 and the  Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) and the Charities Act 2011. 

Support and Action for Women's Network (SAWN) meets the definition of a public benefit entity under FRS 102. 

## **Incoming resources** 

All incoming resources are included on the Statement of Financial Activities when the charity is  legally entitled to the income and the amount can be quantified with reasonable accuracy. 

Donations and other incoming resources - Income from grants and other activities for generating funds such as the charity shop. 

## **Resources Expended** 

Expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis and has been classified under headings that aggregate all cost related to the category. Where costs cannot be directly attributed to particular headings they have been allocated to activities on a basis consistent with the use of resources. 

## **Charitable activities** 

Costs of charitable activities are those costs relating to the activities carried out to meet the objectives of the charity. These include both directly attributable costs and apportioned support costs. 

## **Governance costs** 

Governance costs are the costs associated with the strategic direction of the organisation and with meeting regulatory responsibilities including apportioned support cost. 

## **Taxation** 

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

## **Fund Accounting** 

Unrestricted funds can be used in accordance with the charitable objectives at the discretion of the trustees 

The full trustees report is attached as an appendix to read. 

Restrictions arise when specified by the donor or when funds are raised for particular restricted purposes. Further explanation of the nature and purpose of each fund is included in the notes to the financial statements. 

## **Tangible fixed assets** 

Depreciation is provided at the following annual rates in order to write off each asset over its estimated useful life where applicable. 

Freehold property - 2% on cost Furniture & Equipment - 20% on cost 

Motor vehicles - 20% on cost 

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Document ID: 9b34a567-b16a-4560-a1af-536037c1a3da 



## **SUPPORT AND ACTION FOR WOMEN'S NETWORK (SAWN) NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2023** 

|**2.**<br>**VOLUNTARY INCOME**<br>Grants<br>Rental Income<br>Consultancy<br>Activities for generating funds - Charity Shop<br>Bank Interest<br>**Total**<br>**3.**<br>**SUPPORT COSTS**<br>Charity Shop<br>Charity Main|**Unrestricted**<br>**funds**<br>**£**<br>-<br>2,235<br>5,840<br>43,915<br>3,285<br>55,275<br>47,913<br>-<br>47,913|**Restricted**<br>**income funds**<br>**£**<br>535,215<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>535,215<br>45,022<br>240,404<br>285,426|**Total funds**<br>**£**<br>535,215<br>2,235<br>5,840<br>43,915<br>3,285<br>590,490<br>92,935<br>240,404<br>333,339|
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Document ID: 9b34a567-b16a-4560-a1af-536037c1a3da 



## **SUPPORT AND ACTION FOR WOMEN'S NETWORK (SAWN) INCOME AND EXPENDITURE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2023** 

|**Incoming Resources :**<br>**Voluntary Income :**<br>Grants<br>Donations<br>Activities for generating funds - Charity Shop<br>**Total**|**Total funds**<br>**£**<br>535,215<br>-<br>**535,215**|
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The full trustees report is attached as an appendix to read. 

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Document ID: 9b34a567-b16a-4560-a1af-536037c1a3da 



## **SUPPORT AND ACTION FOR WOMEN'S NETWORK (SAWN) INCOME AND EXPENDITURE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2023** 

## **£** 

|**Unrestricted Funds**<br>Charity Shop<br>**Support Costs**<br>Cost of Sales - Goods<br>Shop Consumables<br>Shop Transport cost<br>Shop Associates /Contractors<br>Volunteer costs<br>Grants Paid Out<br>Packaging Materials<br>General Rates<br>Vehicle Fuel<br>Rent<br>Clothing Costs<br>Vehicle Repair and Servicing<br>Electricity<br>**Total**|**£**<br>43,915<br>250<br>59<br>10,319<br>29,400<br>23,815<br>11,885<br>70<br>540<br>800<br>12,863<br>103<br>116<br>2,715<br>92,935|
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Document ID: 9b34a567-b16a-4560-a1af-536037c1a3da 



## **SUPPORT AND ACTION FOR WOMEN'S NETWORK (SAWN) INCOME AND EXPENDITURE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2023** 

**Restricted Funds** Grants 

**£ 2023** 

535,215 

|**Support costs**<br>Marketing<br>Associates Project consultancy cost<br>Business Insurance<br>Equipment Hire<br>Repairs and Renewals<br>Cleaning<br>General Expenses<br>Subscriptions<br>Training Costs<br>Refreshments<br>Charity Volunteer Cost<br>Electricity<br>Office Equipment and IT Depreciation<br>Travelling<br>Rent<br>Printing<br>Postage and Carriage<br>Office Stationery<br>Telephone<br>Internet Charges<br>Computer & Software<br>Accountancy Fees<br>Consultancy & Professional Fees<br>**Total**|354<br>155,623<br>302<br>7,020<br>1,473<br>106<br>5,526<br>695<br>528<br>7,343<br>6,838<br>1,358<br>923<br>6,134<br>6,430<br>223<br>110<br>75<br>275<br>1,135<br>1,230<br>1,222<br>35,480<br>240,404|
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Document ID: 9b34a567-b16a-4560-a1af-536037c1a3da 



## **SUPPORT AND ACTION FOR WOMEN'S NETWORK (SAWN) INCOME AND EXPENDITURE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2023** 

|**Unrestricted Funds**<br>Consultancy<br>Activities for generating funds<br>YRental Income<br>Bank Interest  Received<br>**Total**<br>**Restricted Funds**<br>Grants - non specific<br>Grants - specific project delivery (trading)<br>Reserved Grant<br>**Total**|**2023**<br>**£**<br>5,840<br>43,915<br>2,235<br>3,285<br>55,275<br>535,215<br>535,215<br>**590,490**|
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Document ID: 9b34a567-b16a-4560-a1af-536037c1a3da