OSAWN
Support & Action Women's N•lw
ANNUAL REPORT
2024
2025 1(
Document ID.. 2c0015c2-8f7a44de-9c92-e1 eef39890ac
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Contents
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**03 11** An Introduction from our CEO Our Direction of Travel **04 12** An Introduction from our Chair Quote from J **05 13** Our Background Our Core Project **06 15** Quote from A Our Core Projects **07 18** Who We Are and What We Do Going Forward **08 19** Our Values Contact Details **09** Our Principals
**10** Our Impact
Document ID: 2c0015c2-8f7a-44de-9c92-e1eefa9890ac
## Rose Ssali | Chief Executive Officer
Welcome to our Annual Report 2024-2025. I thank God Almighty for another productive and yet challenging year. Our report covers the work we have done for and with our sisters, friends and Black African women and local community that have contributed, and who we have supported in some way. As a founder of Support and Action for Women’s Network - SAWN, I remain incredibly proud of SAWN, and everyone involved with SAWN. The work SAWN undertakes with Black African women supports, enables and empowers us to have a voice, be productive, contribute and thrive, living our lives our way whilst working our way through difficult and hostile systems to get where we ought to be.
I look forward to the coming year with passion, energy, excitement, courage and strength to face the possibilities, opportunities and challenges that this year will bring for us all at SAWN. Thank you to all who are involved with and support SAWN. Our commitment to our work and community is only possible because of your involvement and belief in SAWN. A special thanks to all our stakeholders, our funders and most of all the women who make SAWN a brave space where they grow to be come the best woman they can and demonstrate this growth through ongoing commitment to their community.
## **Rose Ssali, SAWN**
**03**
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## Annette Williams | Chair Board of Trustees
I am pleased to present this year’s Annual Report for SAWN, a moment to reflect on our progress, acknowledge our challenges, and reaffirm our commitment to the mission that guides us. Over the past twelve months, our organisation has deepened its commitment to community impact, ensuring that our efforts translate into tangible benefits for those we serve. We have focused on building stronger relationships, fostering inclusivity, and empowering individuals to thrive.
This year has been defined by meaningful community engagement, strategic investment in our ‑ people, and a renewed focus on long term sustainability. Despite a complex external environment, we remained disciplined in our priorities and agile in our response to emerging opportunities. Our teams across the organisation have demonstrated exceptional dedication, and their work has strengthened both our culture and our impact.
We advanced several key initiatives that will shape our trajectory in the years ahead. These include enhancing our digital capabilities, improving service delivery, and deepening our engagement with partners and stakeholders. Each of these efforts reflects our commitment not only to operational excellence but also to the communities we serve.
Financially, we maintained a stable position, supported by prudent management and responsible allocation of resources. This foundation enables us to continue investing in innovation, infrastructure, and talent—areas essential to our long‑term success.
Looking ahead, we remain focused on delivering value with integrity and ambition. The coming year will bring new opportunities to build on our achievements, strengthen our organisation, and pursue our strategic goals with clarity and confidence.
I would like to extend my sincere thanks to our staff, volunteers, partners, and board members for ‑ their unwavering commitment. Together, we are well positioned to continue driving positive impact and shaping a future we can all be proud of.
## **Annette Williams, SAWN**
**04**
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## 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 would like to thank our dedicated staff and volunteers, funders, local community, partners and supporters who despite the ongoing challenges have enabled SAWN 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 local community of Chadderton, Oldham Borough Council, Action Together, Women’s Resource Centre, Lloyds Bank Foundation, Lazarus Ministries, Great Places Housing Group, First Choice Homes, Equally Ours, Oldham Women’s Network, Jigsaw Homes, Women’s Environmental Network, Smallwood Trust, Lankelly Chase, Turn 2 Us, Oldham Community Meals, Agatha’s’ Space, Answer Cancer, Knightsbridge Solicitors, Tudor Trust, The Ideas Fund, Social Investment Business, School of Social Entrepreneurs, National Lottery Community Fund.
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 in the UK. SAWN promotes the welfare of and supports Black African Women to have a voice that is heard in matters that concern and affect the and their lives throughout Oldham and Greater Manchester.
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 providing culturally appropriate support including effective communication through languages spoken by the African communities settled in Greater Manchester 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.
This year has continued to present many opportunities and challenges for SAWN including the ongoing Cost-of-Living crisis and we thank God for what we have been able to achieve in response to the everincreasing challenges over the past year. SAWN has grown as an organisation in terms of staff, turnover and services and 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.
**05**
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_My heart is full of gratitude for the generous support towards me and my family. I came to you when life was all over the place but through SAWN, I have found sisters, mothers and friends who have helped walk with me through joining in various. It is hard to navigate life when you are new to the country but finding people who can stand with you and help guide and signpost you to the right direction felt heavenly. Sawn is like a safe space where I can be myself._
**Quote from A who has received support from SAWN**
**06**
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Who We Are and What We Do
Our Mission
African Women becoming
independent, self-
sustainable, and key
players in decision matters
that concern them.
Ourvision
To realise the full potential
of the African Woman
through solidarity.
07
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## Our Values
SAWN respects the fundamental human rights and beliefs of all people and Respect 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.
SAWN recognises that we are accountable to others and has policies and procedures that protect all beneficiaries, stakeholders and its organisational reputation to funders, the Charity Commission and the public.
Accountability
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Culturally
sensitive
approach
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Whatever SAWN does is in a fair and just way creating a trust relationship Integrity demonstrated by truthful, responsible accountable conduct.
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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**08**
## Our Principles
**We have 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.**
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Opportunity
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Partnership
Work
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Environment &
sustainability
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SAWN exists to provide opportunities to Black African women to support them to be the best they can be. All projects are co-created with the women, 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 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 for all. We know that grassroots groups are closer to the issues and solutions and that they need to be part of the decision-making process, and we want people’s time and experience to be valued.
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.
**09**
Document ID: 2c0015c2-8f7a-44de-9c92-e1eefa9890ac
## Our Impact
Our holistic approach tackles a range of challenges faced by marginalised Black African women including isolation, poverty, domestic abuse and language barriers. Our volunteer driven initiatives create and amplify resilience support and improved emotional health and well-being. Providing culturally sensitive support to women with a choice of multilingual emotional support in a safe space empowers women to make decisions at their own pace improving their lives and those of their children positively.
In the last 12 months SAWN has supported 2,127 women and their families to access various projects to provide support in a range of areas to meet their need their way. Projects and support delivered during this year are comprised of our core services and additional programmes and projects tailored to specific areas. These are all interlinked and in the local community.
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92% 90% 98%
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95%
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92% of women attending SAWN’s peer support group SARATI have told us they have made new friends, are less isolated and not as lonely and are more confident and know how to access services and find out about information in their community.
90% of women singing in the Sisters of the Yam choir said their emotional well-being and general health had improved and given them a sense of purpose
98% of women attending the growing hub told us their physical health and well-being is better through being outdoors and growing some vegetables
95% of women say general involvement with SAWN has given hope for their future and they are becoming more resilient.
**10**
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## Our Direction of Travel
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. To meet the increasing demand on our services we have diversified our work into five strands as follows:
Supporting, nurturing and growing SAWN Support women on a one-to-one basis, group Engine work, activities, system change and advocacy along with opportunities for women to start businesses or projects.
Our furniture hub selling low-cost preloved furniture and gifting furniture SAWN packs to those most in need and Furniture Hub identify other needs and used as a vehicle to support people holistically and supports our social value
We have access to a natural space where women learn about land justice, food sovereignty, growing skills and Islands of climate action at a community allotment. SAWN has sessions to grow Sanctuary and nurture food, fruit and vegetables which is shared amongst the women and community.
SAWN Climate Action and Food Sovereignty SAWN Sisters of the Yam Choir
SAWN has a 4-bedroom house where we welcome women with No Recourse to Public Funds (NRPF) with affordable low rents and benefits such as include no deposits and support on a one to one for our tenants and opportunity to benefit from our wider projects.
SAWN Sisters of the Yam choir is a space for women to utilise their creativity. SOTYC has grown in membership (25 women) who meet weekly and can perform a range of songs in a variety of African languages. Sisters of the Yam choir has performed at a variety of community events over the last year.
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**11**
_What a blessing to have you all by my side. Sawn has been a pillar I have leaned on since I became a single parent to my 4 beautiful children. They have supported me through thick and thin, they believed in me when no one believed in me, Not even myself. Through Sawn, I have gained knowledge on how to start my business (bringing my dream to life) through the ‘SUPPORTING WOMEN INTO BUSINESS’ project. I have now started some thing as a give back to support women and girls look beautiful by doing and teaching them to do hair and makeup which helps to better a woman/girl’s mental health and improve their confidence._
**Quote from J who has received support from SAWN**
**12**
Document ID: 2c0015c2-8f7a-44de-9c92-e1eefa9890ac
## Our Core Projects
Our work is supported by a diverse range of projects to meet identified need. This has only been possible due to the resilience, creativity, energy and commitment of everyone involved with SAWN and we will endeavour for this to continue.
## **Cultural Awareness and Harmful Cultural Practices Training**
Group and individual support for students on placements were provided to health and education professionals, mental health student nurses, social work students, community leaders with 87 learners participating.
## **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 Oldham Community Crisis Response support SAWN has continued to provide 790 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. In total 1,452 women participated this year leading sessions on topics that affected their lives. 30 women engage weekly in person with another 10 joining via zoom. Women see this as their space, their place using their voice where they support each other both formally and informally. Peer support in action as women have grown in confidence and resilience taking the lead together.
## **Twerinde ( Lets talk Cancer}**
Twerinde project focussed on early detection and prevention of cancer recognising awareness of cancer within the BAME community is often surrounded by myths and stigma 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 often too late. In partnership with Cancer Research UK, the community and religious leaders, we invited 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.
## **Domestic Violence/ Gender Based Violence peer support**
SAWN and Black African women 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. Providing a safety net of culturally competent support and relevant factual information amongst women, professionals and statutory services is essential to support and empower women to make better choices about their life. Individual and group support alongside culturally appropriate counselling is available on request. This year:
- 109 women and 60 children directly experiencing abuse received 1 to 1 support
- 1 woman relocated to an out of area refuge
- 41 women referred to culturally appropriate counselling
- 2 woman supported for specialist psychiatric assessment
## **Growing hub, food sovereignty and land justice**
SAWN ensures 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 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.
## **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.
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**13**
## Our Core Projects
## **Supporting Women into Business**
14 Black African women who 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 Joyful World of Beauty who provide hope and inspiration to other women.
## **Obutonde Project**
Obutonde project, inform, educates and empowers Black African women and the community at large to act for a Greener Healthier Planet by increasing participation in nature and climate action. This has included growing, harvesting, educative sessions on Fly tipping, compost making, clothes swapping and sewing , cookouts.
## **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-ofliving crisis. 310 families have been supported to date with furniture and other essential items preventing further crisis and potential family breakdown.
_‘’SAWN are a key partner to the council in terms of support for some of our most disadvantaged residents. SAWN receive many referrals from many statutory services in respect of support for women and families. They work without some of the barriers or restrictions in terms of eligibility for support as statutory service and allow residents to open up in terms of their support and at their own pace, which builds trust. SAWN is a staple in the Borough, one that works towards the common goal of our residents. They are weaving the fabric of our community every day, with every choice and are an inspiration and well-loved by everyone who knows them’’_ AM Emerging Communities Manager Oldham Council.
## **The Ideas Fund**
SAWN women working in partnership with Dr Suryia Nayak Academic Researcher within Salford University have been thinking and learning about how research can support better mental health and wellbeing with activities such as singing, writing and growing produce.
## **SAWN Podcast Training**
SAWN podcast (Our Story Your Voice) covering a range of topics on different issues affecting Black African Migrant Women. The second season has been released are available on the SAWN website.
**14**
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## Our Core Projects
## **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 is long- term project with a range of pilot test and try projects with funding decisions being made in January 2025 **.**
## **Advisory Groups**
SAWN continues to be a valued member of various advisory groups and boards including ; Greater Manchester System Changers Core Group, BASNET, Oldham Women’s Network, Refugee and Asylum seeker Network , BAME Maternity Advisory Board and GM Living Income Steering Group.
## **GM System Changers**
SAWN is still part of the GMSC Network which focuses on organising towards collective liberation. 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.
## **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. SAWN in partnership with Turn 2 Us administered and evaluated a grant to people living with long term health conditions recording the impact and cost of living with a condition.
## **Kadalie House**
SAWN continues to provide a safe space for single Black African women, some with no recourse to public funds. This enables women to recharge, reflect and plan for a better future. We charge affordable 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.
**15**
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## Our Core Projects
## **SAWN Sisters Uganda**
SAWN Sisters Uganda was born out of Covid in response to Uganda closing all schools and amenities having the longest lockdown during Covid. Schools and amenities were safe spaces for girls who became extremely vulnerable to people in power during this time. Issues arising were an increase in teen pregnancy, having to flee from harm to perceived safety. Following a visit to Uganda by SAWN UK recognising there was and is a wealth of experience, understanding and empathy of the issues facing African girls and young women as most of the project workers and volunteers have had first-hand experience of the issues that young girls continue to face SAWN UK has supported the construction and opening of a community shop based on the SAWN UK model, has supported 15 young girls through training and support to become self-employed sole traders in selling street food, making yoghurt, making and selling clothes at the market. Hand up not hand out to a life of their choice free from abuse and a future with hope.
**16**
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## 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 only achieved through building relationships, working in partnership, having open honest conversations that challenge 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, valued and acted upon as partners in the process.
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…..**
_At SAWN I know I have a safe space to chat, cry and laugh out loud. I can be me._
_This is my happy place, I am grateful for the beauty of nature all around as it gives me life and makes me smile._
_Connecting with other women like me, helps me to cope and know I am not alone and I am ok._
_I am not fearful, I have hope that one day my son and I will be together. Thank you for being there._
_We forget the issues when we start to sing and dance if only for a minute._
**18**
Document ID: 2c0015c2-8f7a-44de-9c92-e1eefa9890ac
SAWN, Unit 1 Stockfield Mill, Chadderton, Oldham, OL9 9ES sawn.org@gmail.com www.sawn.org.uk SupportSawn SAWNwoman
Document ID: 2c0015c2-8f7a-44de-9c92-e1eefa9890ac
Charity Registration Number : 1184501
## **SUPPORT AND ACTION FOR WOMEN'S NETWORK (SAWN)**
A CHARITABLE INCORPORATED ORGANISATION (CIO) TRUSTEES’ REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
Document ID: 2c0015c2-8f7a-44de-9c92-e1eefa9890ac
## **SUPPORT AND ACTION FOR WOMEN'S NETWORK (SAWN) LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION**
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
|**Trustees**|Yetunde Folasade Olurin|
|---|---|
||Rose Kirunda|
||Annette Williams|
||Tendayi Madzunzu|
||Michelle Leacock|
|**Charity Number**|1184501|
|**Registered Ofce**|Unit 1|
||Stockfeld Mill Melbourne Street|
||Chadderton|
||OL9 9ES|
|**Bankers**|CAF Bank|
||30 Old Broad Street|
||London|
||EC2N 1HT|
||Lloyds Bank|
||25 Gresham Street|
||London|
||EC2V 7HN|
|**Independent Examiner**|Cangaf Accountants & Business Advisers|
||235 Tonge Moor Road|
||Bolton|
||BL2 2HR|
Document ID: 2c0015c2-8f7a-44de-9c92-e1eefa9890ac
## **SUPPORT AND ACTION FOR WOMEN'S NETWORK (SAWN)**
## **CONTENTS**
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
Trustees' Report 1 Independent Examiner's Report 2 Statement of Financial Activities 3 Balance Sheet 4 Notes to the Financial Statements 5-12
Document ID: 2c0015c2-8f7a-44de-9c92-e1eefa9890ac
## **SUPPORT AND ACTION FOR WOMEN'S NETWORK (SAWN)**
## **TRUSTEES' REPORT**
## FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
The trustees present their annual report and financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2025.
## **Trustees' report and financial statements**
The trustees who are also directors of the charity for the purposes of the Companies Act 2006, present their report with the financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31 March 2025. The trustees have adopted the provisions of 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).
## **Trustees' responsibilities statement**
The trustees, who are also the directors of Charity For Support And Action For Women's Network (Sawn) for the purpose of company law, are responsible for preparing the Trustees' Report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).
Company Law 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, including the income and expenditure, of the charitable company for that year.
In preparing these financial statements, the trustees are required to:
- select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;
- observe the methods and principles in the Charities SORP;
- make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
- state whether applicable UK Accounting Standards have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements; and
- prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the charity will continue in operation.
The trustees are responsible for keeping adequate 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 Companies Act 2006. 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 was approved by the trustees and signed on its behalf by:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
**Annette Williams Chair**
Date : **23 January 2026**
Page 1 of 12
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## **SUPPORT AND ACTION FOR WOMEN'S NETWORK (SAWN)**
## **INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT**
## FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
Independent Examiner’s Report to the Trustees of Support And Action For Women's Network (Sawn)
I report to the Charity Trustees on my examination of the accounts of the charity for the year ended 31 March 2025 which consists of the statement of financial activities,balance sheet and the related notes
## **Responsibilities and basis of report**
As the charity’s trustees 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 charity's accounts carried out under section 145 of the 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**
The charity’s gross income exceeded £250,000 and I am qualified to undertake the examination by being a qualified member of
I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination (other than that disclosed below *) which gives me cause to believe that in, any material respect:
- the accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 130 of the Charities Act; or the accounts did not accord with the accounting records; or
- the accounts did 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.
## Name: **Cecilia Asamoah**
for and on behalf of **Cangaf Accountants & Business Advisers**
Date: **26 January 2026**
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## **SUPPORT AND ACTION FOR WOMEN'S NETWORK (SAWN)**
## **STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES**
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
|**Recommended**
**categories by activity**
**Notes**
**Income and**
**endowments from:**
Donations and legacies
2
Charitable activities
3
Other trading activities
4
Investments
5
Other
6
**Total**
**Expenditure on:**
Charitable activities
7
**Total**
Net income
**Net movement in**
**funds**
**Reconciliation of**
**funds:**
Total funds brought
forward
**Total funds carried**
**forward**|**Unrestricted**
**funds**
**£**
26,895
9,805
61,645
8,055
20,243
**126,643**
94,134
**94,134**
32,509
**32,509**
125,665
**158,174**|**Restricted**
**funds**
**£**
550,428
19,120
590
-
-
**570,138**
439,431
**439,431**
130,707
**130,707**
361,133
**491,840**|**Total Funds**
**2025**
**£**
577,323
28,925
62,235
8,055
20,243
**696,781**
533,565
**533,565**
163,216
**163,216**
486,798
**650,014**|**Total Funds**
**2024**
**£**
386,931
5,530
55,737
318
22,003|
|---|---|---|---|---|
|||||**470,519**|
|||||318,432|
|||||**406,841**|
|||||63,678|
|||||**63,678**
423,120|
|||||**486,798**|
Page 3 of 12
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## **SUPPORT AND ACTION FOR WOMEN'S NETWORK (SAWN)**
## **BALANCE SHEET**
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
|**Notes**
11
12
13
14
14
**Recommended categories by**
**activity**
Fixed assets
Tangible assets
**Total fxed assets**
Current assets
Cash at bank and in hand
**Total current assets**
Creditors: amounts falling due within
one year
**Net current assets/(liabilities)**
**Total net assets**
**Funds of the Charity**
Unrestricted funds
Restricted funds
Reserves
**Total funds**|**Total Funds 2025**
**£**
183,902
**183,902**
473,429
**473,429**
7,317
**466,112**
**650,014**
133,174
491,840
-
25,000
**650,014**|**Total Funds 2024**
**£**
179,916
**179,916**
319,753
**319,753**
12,871
**306,882**|
|---|---|---|
|||**486,798**|
|||100,665
361,133
-
25,000|
|||**486,798**|
For the year ended 31 March 2025 the company was entitled to exemption from audit under section 477 of the Companies Act 2006 relating to small companies.
The members have not required the company to obtain an audit of its accounts for the year in question in accordance with section 476.
The trustees acknowledge their responsibilities for complying with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 with respect to accounting records and the preparation of accounts.
These accounts have been prepared and delivered in accordance with the provisions applicable to companies subject to the small companies regime.
The financial statements were approved by the trustees on 23 January 2026 and signed on its behalf by:
**Annette Williams Chair**
Date : **23 January 2026**
Page 4 of 12
Document ID: 2c0015c2-8f7a-44de-9c92-e1eefa9890ac
## **SUPPORT AND ACTION FOR WOMEN'S NETWORK (SAWN)**
## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS**
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
## **1. Accounting Policies**
The principal accounting policies adopted by the Charity, which is a public benefit entity, in the preparation of the accounts are as follows.
## **1.1 Basis of preparation**
These accounts have been prepared under the historical cost convention, as modified by the inclusion of charitable properties and fixed asset investments and investment properties at valuation.
These accounts 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) and the Charities Act 2011.
These accounts are presented in pounds sterling and rounded to the nearest pound.
## **1.2 Going concern**
The Trustees have prepared financial projections, taking into consideration the current economic conditions and have, at the time of approving these accounts, a reasonable expectation that the charity has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. Thus they continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting in preparing the accounts.
## **1.3 Income from donations or grants**
Income from donations and grants is recognised when the charity is entitled to the funds, the receipt is probable and the amount can be measured reliably. For donations, this is usually on receipt. For grants, this is usually when a formal o'er is made in writing. If a donation or grant contains terms and conditions outside of the charity’s control which must be met before the charity is entitled to the funds, or if the donor specifies that the funds must be used in future time periods, then the income is deferred.
## **1.4 Tax reclaims on donations and gifts**
Gift Aid receivable is included in income when there is a valid declaration from the donor. Any Gift Aid amount recovered on a donation is considered to be part of that gift and is treated as an addition to the same fund as the initial donation unless the donor or the terms of the appeal have specified otherwise.
## **1.5 Contractual income and performance related grants**
This is only included in the SoFA once the charity has provided the related goods or services or met the performance related conditions.
Page 5 of 12
Document ID: 2c0015c2-8f7a-44de-9c92-e1eefa9890ac
## **1.6 Donated goods**
Donated goods are measured at fair value (the amount for which the asset could be exchanged) unless impractical to do so.
Gifts in kind for use by the charity are included in the SoFA as income from donations when receivable.
## **a) Donated goods for distribution to beneficiaries**
The cost of any stock of goods donated for distribution to beneficiaries is deemed to be the fair value of those gifts at the time of their receipt and they are recognised on receipt. In the reporting period in which the stocks are distributed, they are recognised as an expense at the carrying amount of the stocks at distribution.
## **b) Donated goods for resale**
Donated goods for resale are measured at fair value on initial recognition, which is the expected proceeds from sale less the expected costs of sale, and recognised in 'Income from other trading activities' with the corresponding stock recognised in the balance sheet. On its sale the value of stock is charged against 'Income from other trading activities' and the proceeds from sale are also recognised as 'Income from other trading activities'.
## **c) Donated goods and services capitalised as Tangible fixed assets**
Goods donated for on-going use by a charity in carrying out its activities are recognised as tangible fixed assets with the corresponding gain recognised as income from donations within the SoFA.
## **1.7 Donated services and facilities**
Donated services and facilities are included in the SOFA when received at the value of the gift to the charity provided the value of the gift can be measured reliably.
Donated services and facilities that are consumed immediately are recognised as income with an equivalent amount recognised as an expense under the appropriate heading in the SOFA.
## **1.8 Income from charitable activities**
Income from charitable activities is recognised over the period to which the income relates. Concert fees are recognised at the date of the event. Membership fees are recognised over the period of the membership. Rent is recognised over the period to which it relates. Any amounts relating to future periods are deferred.
## **1.9 Other trading income**
Other trading income from non-charitable sources is recognised over the period to which it relates, Any relating to future periods is deferred.
Page 6 of 12
Document ID: 2c0015c2-8f7a-44de-9c92-e1eefa9890ac
## **1.10 Expenditure**
Expenditure is recognised when a present legal or constructive obligation exists at the balance sheet date as a result of a past event, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefits will be required to settle the obligation, and the amount can be estimated reliably. It is inclusive of VAT which cannot be recovered.
Direct costs are those costs which directly attribute to its activities. Wages and salaries are allocated to direct costs based on an estimate of time spent on charitable activities by staff members.
Support costs include staff costs and are those which do not produce a direct output. Staff costs relate to specific activities and this is reflected in the allocation of payroll costs based on the percentage of time spent.
All costs, including governance costs, are allocated between the expenditure categories of the charity on a basis designed to reflect the use of the resource. Costs relating to a particular activity are charged directly; others are apportioned on an appropriate basis.
Support costs and overheads have been calculated by allocating staff time to the level of involvement in the various activities of the Charity.
## **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 £696,781.
Expenditure- total expenditure in the year was £532,665. The Charity recorded an operating surplus for the year, which is £164,116.
During the year, the Trustees continued to emphasize financial management to ensure that the funds within the organisation are properly managed.
## **POLICY RESERVES**
SAWN, as aregistered charity, recognizes the importance of maintaining reserves to ensure financial stability and sustainability.
The charity acknowledges that unrestricted funds can be used in accordance with the charitable objectives at the
discretion of the trustees.
Reserves will be held to cover unexpected costs, fund future projects, and provide a safety net during periods of financial uncertainty.
The level of reserves will be reviewed periodically and adjusted to reflect the charity's financial position and risk appetite.
The Trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records that 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 Charities Commission.
The Trustees are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charity and hence taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and
other irregularities. The above report has been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to with the Charities SORP (FRS 102).
## **1.11 Pensions**
The Charity makes contributions to defined contribution pension schemes through auto enrolment. These contributions are charged to the income and expenditure account in the year in which they become payable.
## **1.12 Taxation**
The organisation is a registered charity and has no liability to income tax or corporation tax on its charitable activities during the year.
Value added tax is accounted for on an accruals basis.
## **1.13 Creditors**
The charity has creditors which are measured at settlement amounts less any trade discounts.
Page 7 of 12
Document ID: 2c0015c2-8f7a-44de-9c92-e1eefa9890ac
## **1.14 Fund accounting**
Unrestricted funds are those funds which are available for use at the discretion of the Trustees in furtherance of the general objectives of the charity and which have not been designated for other purposes. Restricted funds are funds which are to be used in accordance with specific restrictions imposed by donors or which have been raised by the charity for particular purposes.
## **1.15 Tangible fixed assets**
Tangible fixed assets, such as land and buildings, plant, vehicles and equipment, are held to provide an on-going economic benefit to a charity through their contribution, directly or indirectly, to the provision of goods or services by the charity.
Tangible fixed assets, other than freehold land, are stated at cost or valuation less depreciation and any provision for impairment. Depreciation is provided at rates calculated to write off the cost or valuation of fixed assets, less their estimated residual value, over their expected useful lives on the following basis:
**Name Rate (%) Year Method** Fixtures and fittings 20%
## **1.16 Stocks and work in progress**
Stocks held for sale as part of non-charitable trade are measured at the lower cost or net realisable value.
Goods or services provided as part of a charitable activity are measured at net realisable value based on the service potential provided by items of stock.
## **2. Income from Donations and Legacies**
|**2. Income from Donations and Legacies**||||
|---|---|---|---|
|**Analysis**
**Unrestricted funds**
**Restricted funds**
**£**
**£**
Grants
26,895
550,428
**Total**
**26,895**
**550,428**
**3. Income from Charitable Activities**
**Analysis**
**Unrestricted funds**
**Restricted funds**
**£**
**£**
Consultancy
9,805
19,120
**Total**
**9,805**
**19,120**
**4. Income from Other Trading Activities**
**Analysis**
**Unrestricted funds**
**Restricted funds**
**£**
**£**
Shop
income
61,645
590
**Total**
**61,645**
**590**
**5. Income from Investments**
**Analysis**
**Unrestricted funds**
**£**
Interest income
255
Rental and leasing income
7,800
**Total**
**8,055**||**Total funds 2025**
**£**
577,323
**577,323**
**Total funds 2025**
**£**
28,925
**28,925**
**Total funds 2025**
**£**
62,235
**62,235**
**Total funds 2025**
**£**
255
7,800
**8,055**|**Total funds 2024**
**£**
386,931|
||||**386,931**|
||||**Total funds 2024**
**£**
5,530
**5,530**
**Total funds 2024**
**£**
55,737|
||||**55,737**|
||||**Total funds 2024**
**£**
318
-|
||||**318**|
## **3. Income from Charitable Activities**
## **4. Income from Other Trading Activities**
## **5. Income from Investments**
Page 8 of 12
Document ID: 2c0015c2-8f7a-44de-9c92-e1eefa9890ac
## **6. Other Income**
|**Analysis**
**Unrestricted funds**
**£**
Other
20,243
**Total**
**20,243**
**7. Expenditure on Charitable Activities**
**Analysis**
**Unrestricted funds**
**Restricted funds**
**£**
**£**
Shop associates
-
4,656
Project
equipment
expenses
-
4,694
Bank charges
397
-
Grants paid
450
61,476
Charity running
cost
9,730
-
Cost of services
-
-
Advertising and
marketing
650
578
Legal/professional
fees
3,792
-
Travel costs
8,798
-
Associate staf
-
62,133
Consultancy work
18,704
-
Shop deliveries &
fuel
-
-
**Total**
**42,521**
**133,537**
Support Costs
51,613
305,894
**94,134**
**439,431**||**Total funds 2025**
**£**
20,243
**20,243**
**Total funds 2025**
**£**
4,656
4,694
397
61,926
9,730
-
1,228
3,792
8,798
62,133
18,704
-
**176,058**
357,507
**533,565**||**Total funds 2024**
**£**
22,003|
|---|---|---|---|---|
|||||**22,003**|
|||||**Total funds 2024**
**£**
-
-
129
35,286
8,479
5,736
-
43,984
6,956
41,847
78,105
9,500
**230,022**
88,410|
|||||**318,432**|
Page 9 of 12
Document ID: 2c0015c2-8f7a-44de-9c92-e1eefa9890ac
## **8. Support Costs**
|**Analysis**
**Support Costs**
Sundry expenses
Vehicle expenses
Insurance
General Expenses
Refreshments
Clothing costs
Repairs and renewals
Subscriptions
Shop transport cost
Wages and salaries
Printing and stationery
Staf costs
Rent
Premises costs
Volunteers expenses
Employer's NIC
Pension costs
Staf training
**Governance Costs**
Independent examiners fees
**9. Details of certain Items of Expenditure**
**Independent examiner’s fees**
**Assurance services other than audit or independent**
**examination**
**Tax advisory fees**
**Other fees (for example: fnancial advice, consultancy,**
**accountancy services) paid to the independent examiner**|**Total funds 2025**
**£**
13,735
3,598
2,146
5,666
10,303
939
11,699
3,664
12,369
237,668
3,581
-
20,615
7,822
1,706
15,842
3,863
1,391
900|**Total funds 2024**
**£**
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
124,230
-
5,273
16,855
3,669
19,784
5,778
638
592
-|
|---|---|---|
||**357,507**
**176,819**||
||**This year**
**Last year**
£
**£**
900
900||
## **10. Employee’s Emoluments**
##
|**Salaries and wages**
**Social security costs**
**Pension costs (defned contribution scheme)**
**Total staf costs**
**This year:**|**This year**
**£**
**Last year**
**£**
237,668
124,229
15,842
5,778
3,863
638|
|---|---|
||**257,373**
**130,645**|
|||
**10.2 Ex-gratia payments to employees and others (excluding trustees)**
Page 10 of 12
Document ID: 2c0015c2-8f7a-44de-9c92-e1eefa9890ac
## **10.3 Redundancy payments**
## **11. Tangible Fixed Assets**
|**Freehold Land &**
**Buildings**
**Computer**
**Equipment**
**£**
**£**
**11.1 Cost or valuation**
At 01 April 2024
177,212
6,690
Additions
-
-
Disposals
-
-
Revaluations
-
-
Transfers
-
-
At 31 March 2025
**177,212**
**6,690**
**11.2 Depreciation and impairments**
At 01 April 2024
-
-
Charge for the year
-
-
Disposals
-
-
Revaluations
-
-
Transfers
-
-
At 31 March 2025
**-**
**-**
**11.3 Net book value**
At 01 April 2024
177,212
6,690
At 31 March 2025
**177,212**
**6,690**
**12. Cash at bank and in hand**
**Total funds 2025**
**£**
Cash at bank and in hand
473,429
**Total**
**473,429**
**13. Creditors: Amounts falling due within one year**
**Total funds 2025**
**£**
Accruals and deferred income
900
Taxation and social security
6,417
Other creditors
-
**Total**
**7,317**|**Freehold Land &**
**Buildings**
**£**
177,212
-
-
-
-|**Freehold Land &**
**Buildings**
**£**
177,212
-
-
-
-|**Computer**
**Equipment**
**£**
6,690
-
-
-
-|**Computer**
**Equipment**
**£**
6,690
-
-
-
-|**Fixtures &**
**Fittings**
**£**
-
-
-
-
-
**-**
-
-
-
-
-
**-**
-
**-**
**Total funds 2024**
**£**
319,753|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|||**177,212**|**6,690**|||
|||-
-
-
-
-|-
-
-
-
-|||
|||**-**|**-**|||
|||177,212|6,690|||
|||**177,212**|**6,690**|||
|||||||
||||||**319,753**|
||||||**Total funds 2024**
**£**
-
-
12,871|
||||||**12,871**|
Page 11 of 12
Document ID: 2c0015c2-8f7a-44de-9c92-e1eefa9890ac
## **14. Charity funds**
## **14.1 Details of material funds held and movements during the CURRENT reporting period**
|**Fund names**
**Fund**
**balances**
**brought**
**forward**
**Income**
**Expenditure**
**Transfers**
**Gains and**
**losses**
**Fund**
**balances**
**carried**
**forward**
**£**
**£**
**£**
**£**
**£**
**£**
**Unrestricted**
**funds**
125,665
126,643
94,134
-
-
158,174
**Restricted**
**funds**
361,133
570,138
439,431
-
-
491,840
**Total**
**486,798**
**696,781**
**533,565**
**-**
**-**
**650,014**
**14.2 Details of material funds held and movements during the PREVIOUS reporting**
**period**
**Fund names**
**Fund**
**balances**
**brought**
**forward**
**Income**
**Expenditure**
**Transfers**
**Gains and**
**losses**
**Fund**
**balances**
**carried**
**forward**
**£**
**£**
**£**
**£**
**£**
**£**
**Unrestricted**
**funds**
156,640
83,588
114,563
-
-
125,665
**Restricted**
**funds**
266,480
386,931
292,278
-
-
361,133
**Total**
**423,120**
**470,519**
**406,841**
**-**
**-**
**486,798**|**Fund**
**balances**
**brought**
**forward**
**Income**
**Expenditure**
**Transfers**
**Gains and**
**losses**
**Fund**
**balances**
**carried**
**forward**
**£**
**£**
**£**
**£**
**£**
**£**
125,665
126,643
94,134
-
-
158,174
361,133
570,138
439,431
-
-
491,840|**Fund**
**balances**
**brought**
**forward**
**Income**
**Expenditure**
**Transfers**
**Gains and**
**losses**
**Fund**
**balances**
**carried**
**forward**
**£**
**£**
**£**
**£**
**£**
**£**
125,665
126,643
94,134
-
-
158,174
361,133
570,138
439,431
-
-
491,840|**Fund**
**balances**
**brought**
**forward**
**Income**
**Expenditure**
**Transfers**
**Gains and**
**losses**
**Fund**
**balances**
**carried**
**forward**
**£**
**£**
**£**
**£**
**£**
**£**
125,665
126,643
94,134
-
-
158,174
361,133
570,138
439,431
-
-
491,840|
|---|---|---|---|
||**486,798**
**696,781**
**533,565**
**-**|**-**|**650,014**|
||**423,120**
**470,519**
**406,841**
**-**|**-**|**486,798**|
## **15. Average Number of Employees**
||**This year**|**Last year**|
|---|---|---|
||**£**|**£**|
|Average No. of Employees|11|8|
## **Total**
Page 12 of 12
Document ID: 2c0015c2-8f7a-44de-9c92-e1eefa9890ac