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2022-04-04-accounts

Trustee Annual Report

From 05[th] April 2021 - 04 April 2022

Legal charity Name: Soora Association Charity number: 1185315

Operational address: 17-19 wednesbury road, Walsall, West Midlands, WS1 3RU.

Trustees:

Trustees who served during the period from formation and up to the date of this report were as follows:

Farhan Mohamed Chairperson Garad Baaw Secretary Hassan Egeh Deputy chair

Introduction

Soora Association is a non-governmental non-profit making charity organisation founded on 17[th] January 2018 in Walsall, United Kingdom, and legally registered from the UK Charity Commission as a CIO Foundation on 16[th] September 2019. Soora values the local existing potential and resources from the communities and aims strengthening of the community cohesion, improving community development and self-reliance to achieve better life for all. Our vision targeted the diversity of people's different backgrounds and cultures to have similar life opportunities. The organisation as set up to relieve the needs of the community in UK who are in need by reason of their youth, age, infirmity or disablement, financial hardship or social and economic circumstances, in particular but not exclusively those who are from immigrant and refugee communities, by:

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Aims and objectives review

Soora Association Trustees review the aims, objectives and activities of the charity each year. This report looks at what the charity has achieved and the outcomes of its work in the reporting period from 05[th] April 2021 – 4[th] April 2022. Soora Association reports the success of each key activity and the benefits the charity has brought to those groups of people that it is set up to help. The review also helps the Soora Association Trustees ensure the charity's aims, objectives and activities remained focused on its stated purposes. The trustees have referred to the guidance contained in the Charity Commission's general guidance on public benefit when reviewing the charity's aims and objectives and in planning its future activities. In particular, the trustees consider how planned activities will contribute to the aims and objectives that have been set. the trustees adhered the health and safety guidelines particularly this pandemic time.

Achievements and performance

In this year, the organisation delivered valuable charitable projects in both United Kingdom and Somaliland and successfully carried out a significant contribution to the lives of many adults and young people in United Kingdom and Somaliland, Walsall and Birmingham and as well positioned to deepen our impact over the next twelve months. Soora Association continues to grow and is making a significant contribution to the lives of many disadvantaged Adults and young people across West Midlands and UK in general. This above-mentioned period Soora successfully achieved 4 charitable goals which was main for our communities.

the two activities were:

  1. The relief of financial hardship, Isolation and disadvantaged persons in the community: implemented welfare and work project, this project improved financial stability and self-sufficiency for the vulnerable individuals and families visit our community Centre in Birmingham east (Small heath and surroundings) who are struggling with everyday problems associated with living on low income, navigating the welfare benefits system and the threat of debt. provided mentoring support sessions to those want to make online employment applications, accessing Job search pages etc.

  2. The relief of unemployment for the benefit of the public in such ways as may be thought fit, including assistance to find employment and self-reliance. we implemented “Improving food security and resilience of drought affected host communities and IDPs in Daad-Madheedh region, Somaliland.

Activity (1) Community welfare and work support

This charitable project strengthened financial stability for the vulnerable people visit our community Centre in Birmingham east (Small heath and surroundings) who are struggling with everyday problems associated with living on low income, navigating the welfare benefits system and the threat of debt in addition introduced and updated the government reforms to the benefits system such as Universal credit, Bedroom tax or PIP. provided mentoring support sessions to those wish to make online employment applications or accessing Job search pages.

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We delivered extensive support using IT to the low-income individuals who do not have access to the Internet at home. presented advice and guidance to clients who are being affected by the complexities of the Benefits system and are being impacted by Government Welfare reforms. We allocated professional community supportworkers who experienced the method of filling forms, medical advising for booked to attend medical assessments, disability Living Allowance or Employment Support Allowance for the Small heath community. produced a booklet specifying essential designating information written in English, Arabic & Somali languages for many new arrivals that came our Community Centre for help. This booklet included a section describing how to access free resources such as Where to learn English, secure a NI number, free interpreting, homeless support to those want seek housing in the "Social" & private rented sector, register with NHS, find a school place for children. This project enhanced the lives of many adults and youth in small heath residents and we hope to continue until all the community have similar live opportunists.

Activity (2) Understanding Community Cohesion and Supporting Integration in Walsall

Walsall Council representing ‘Walsall for all’ and University of Birmingham, Soora and other community organisations worked together to implement community research program to discover Community Cohesion and Supporting Integration in Walsall by interviewing group of individuals who either live or work in Walsall to develop a research project to explore community cohesion and integration in Walsall. The research was conducted as a community research study led by the University of Birmingham within the Community Practitioner Research Programme (CPRP) which brings together academics, practitioners and local individuals who co-design and codeliver research in local communities. Local practitioners and residents were trained in community research by academics from the Institute for Research into Superdiversity at the University of Birmingham and its established community researchers, and supported to conduct the study in their communities. The overall aim of the study was to explore residents’ experiences of living in Walsall; understand the type of relationship people have with others in their communities; examine attitudes to community safety and divisions; and explore ways to improve neighbourhoods and community relations in Walsall. Walsall for All aimed to innovatively equip, support, engage, enable and empower diverse individuals and organisations to work together towards better communities. It was recognised that language played a key part in people’s ability to relate to each other. A number of organisations such as SOORA, the Afghan Community and Welfare Centre, the Palfrey Community Association and the Nash Dom Centre were described as leading on community cohesion. People value the fact that Walsall has become a multi-cultural city in recent years. They talked about the work of community centres and community leaders, community events and volunteering activities, such as litter picks in the parks that bring people from different communities together. However, there were. significant concerns about the fact that the work of connecting people ceased during lockdown. People were anxious to see these opportunities re-established as soon as possible. Soora carried the largest number of participants which esteemed 75% of the interviewees from Soora clients. The interviewees identified a wide range of things that would make their community a better place to live, a number of which would require Government action rather than a localised response. These included banning zero-hour contracts, introducing free health services for all, the suggestions that could be taken forward locally included

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promoting volunteering programmes, providing training on public speaking, providing youth community support workers and interpreters and monitoring of food hygiene in local restaurants. One suggestion that perhaps could be viewed as more of a dream than a hope was Walsall FC in the Premiership! One of the faith leaders described a community as a group of people who really look after each other and want to see each other succeed. During the interviews, individuals were asked to describe how Covid19 had affected their lives, their family and their community. The impact on individuals and the whole community was very clear. The participants stressed the economic impact of the pandemic with people losing jobs and closing their businesses: Many people have lost their jobs or seen their incomes cut due to the Corona virus crisis. Unemployment rates have increased across the country, particularly Walsall. Most small businesses in front of or around Saddlers Centre in Walsall been closed down. Many people I know, including my relatives, shut down their small business and stay home without job.

Findings/conclusion

All of the individuals interviewed were positive about their experience of living in Walsall. The town was considered to have all the necessary amenities, attractions and services whilst being small enough to easily get around. Affordable housing was a particular benefit. Walsall’s location provides easy access to cities such as Birmingham and Wolverhampton, as well as the rest of the UK. Residents appreciated the green spaces, valuing the Arboretum, the number of parks and the canal network. In addition, individuals enjoyed living in a diverse, multi-cultural community. In relation to facilities in different parts of Walsall there were concerns about the closure of the local libraries. They had provided a wide range of facilities, not just the loan of books. These libraries were often individuals’ and families’ only opportunity to access computers and printing facilities so closing them reinforced digital inequalities. The libraries also provided activities for children which were accessed by those from the poorest households. Some individuals found it difficult to settle in the first couple of years of being in the area. In the absence of interviews with newly arrived asylum seekers and refugees it is impossible to know whether people’s experience would be any different now from that of the interviewees. Individuals who arrived during the Brexit referendum discussions and immediately afterwards clearly faced particular challenges, with hostility towards migrants being fuelled by some of the political parties. However, what was clear was that people were very positive about their lives in Walsall now and having settled in the town there was a sense of ownership and pride. Being able to speak English undoubtedly made a difference in relation to individuals’ ability to integrate. The provision of ESOL courses was viewed as critical in supporting individuals to develop their language skills. Community leaders felt that some people are more comfortable accessing courses provided at community centres rather than educational establishments. However, the difficulties described by a white Irish woman moving into the area showed that difficulties in settling and developing relationships do not necessarily relate only to BAME individuals.

Findings/conclusion

All of the individuals interviewed were positive about their experience of living in Walsall. The town was considered to have all the necessary amenities, attractions and services whilst being small enough to easily get around. Affordable housing was a particular benefit. Walsall’s location provides easy access to cities such as

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Birmingham and Wolverhampton, as well as the rest of the UK. Residents appreciated the green spaces, valuing the Arboretum, the number of parks and the canal network. In addition, individuals enjoyed living in a diverse, multi-cultural community. In relation to facilities in different parts of Walsall there were concerns about the closure of the local libraries. They had provided a wide range of facilities, not just the loan of books. These libraries were often individuals’ and families’ only opportunity to access computers and printing facilities so closing them reinforced digital inequalities. The libraries also provided activities for children which were accessed by those from the poorest households. Some individuals found it difficult to settle in the first couple of years of being in the area. In the absence of interviews with newly arrived asylum seekers and refugees it is impossible to know whether people’s experience would be any different now from that of the interviewees. Individuals who arrived during the Brexit referendum discussions and immediately afterwards clearly faced particular challenges, with hostility towards migrants being fuelled by some of the political parties. However, what was clear was that people were very positive about their lives in Walsall now and having settled in the town there was a sense of ownership and pride. Being able to speak English undoubtedly made a difference in relation to individuals’ ability to integrate. The provision of ESOL courses was viewed as critical in supporting individuals to develop their language skills. Community leaders felt that some people are more comfortable accessing courses provided at community centres rather than educational establishments. However, the difficulties described by a white Irish woman moving into the area showed that difficulties in settling and developing relationships do not necessarily relate only to BAME individuals.

Activity (4) Improving food security and resilience.

Soora has mandate to undertake humanitarian and development interventions in Somaliland and Somalia. Soora with its partner Soydavo (Local NGO) started the implementation of the project of “Improving food security and resilience of drought affected host communities and IDPs in Daad-Madheedh region, Somaliland, through sustainable livelihoods interventions. Somaliland is an autonomous region in northern Somalia, which broke away and declared independence from Somalia in 1991 but internationally considered as part of Somalia . The overall aim of this project was to significantly improve rural water supply and climate resilience, and alleviate poverty in eastern Somaliland marginalized drylands through scaling up the use of sand dams. a unique, multi-use rainwater harvesting solution designed to capture and store rainwater, making water available year-round for rural communities. A sand dam is a reinforced rubble cement wall built across a seasonal sandy valley. we contracted three sand dams in 3 selected areas along the valley of Daad-Madheedh region, all three dams are stone-masonry dams built of concrete blocks of (mix of cement, sand and crashed stones) with average dimension of 60m long, 1.5m wide, 1.5m high and 1.5 deep to the earth. The second activity of the project was Planting Trees. The Ministry of Environment & Climate change of Somaliland contributed 3000 Tree saplings including Seed Nutrients and shading trees, this sapling is intended for to increase yields to improve food security and reduce climate impact. The saplings were distributed for 4 selected districts and 8 surrounding villages including (Odweyne, Khatumo, Haro-Sheikh, Balli-Hresi, Arrale, Abdi-dhere, Gudubi, Hahi, Dhobo-Weyne, galoley, berato & Shaarub). This project Increased and reliable access source of water for the local community for their domestic chores as well as their livestock. Secondly

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Strengthened resilience by the local community as more time will be created for other productive work which may be directly linked to the sand dam such as small irrigation for vegetable production, use of the water for bricks making that can later be sold.

Public benefit

The Trustees confirm that they have complied with their duty to have due regard to the guidance on public benefit published by the Charity Commission in exercising their powers and duties. The public benefit of the Charity’s activities is the support and enablement of vulnerable and disadvantaged adults and young people and these are achieved principally by the award and monitoring of activities.

Statement of Trustees’ responsibilities

Law applicable to charities in England & Wales requires the trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the charity’s financial activities during the period and of its financial position at the end of the period. In preparing financial statements giving a true and fair view. The Soora 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 Charities 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.

Responsibilities of trustees

The Trustees are responsible for the maintenance and integrity of the charity and financial information included on the charity’s website. The trustees are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements and for being satisfied that they give a true and fair view, and for such internal control as the trustees determine is necessary to enable the preparation of financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error. In preparing the financial statements, the trustees are responsible for assessing the charity’s ability to continue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going concern and using the going concern basis of accounting unless the trustees either intend to liquidate the charity or to cease operations.

This report was approved by the board and signed on its behalf by:

Chairperson: Farhan Mohamed

Date: 30/09/2022

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Independent examiner’s report

For the year ended 04 April 2022

I report on the accounts of the charity for the year ended 04 April 2022, which are set out on pages 8 to 13.

Respective responsibilities of trustees and examiner

The trustees (who are also the directors of the company for the purposes of company law) are responsible for the preparation of accounts. The trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year under section 43(2) of the Charities Act 1993 (the 1993 Act) and that an independent examination is needed. 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:

Basis of independent examiner’s report

My examination was carried out in accordance with the general Directions given by the Charity Commission. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts, and seeking explanations from you as trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit and consequently no opinion is given as to whether the accounts present a ‘true and fair view’ and the report is limited to those matters set out in the statement below. Independent examiner’s statement

In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention, which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect the requirements:

Date: 30/09/2022

Hassan Ali (Accountant) Aflah Accounting Solutions Unit 8, 122-126 Coldharbour Lane Hayes, Middlesex UB3 3HL

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SOCIAL ORIENTATION & RELIEF ASSOCIATION (SOORA ASSOCIATION)

Statement of Financial Activities

For the year ending 4 April 2022

Notes
Incoming resources
From charitable activities
2
Investment income
2
Total incoming resources
Resources expended
Charitable activities
3
Governance costs
4
Other resources expended
Total Resources Expended
Net resources for the year
Fund balances at 5 April 2021
Fund balances at 04 April 2022		 Unrestricted Restricted
funds
funds
£
£
2,041
38,256
-
2,041
38,256
1,498
29,247
300
-
1,798
29,247
244
9,009
-
7,051
244
16,060		 2022
2021
Total
Total
£
£
40,297
17,123
-
-
40,297
17,123
30,745
12,873
300
300
-
31,045
13,173
9,253
3,950
7,051
3,101
16,304
7,051

8

SOCIAL ORIENTATION & RELIEF ASSOCIATION (SOORA ASSOCIATION)

Balance Sheet

For the year ending 4 April 2022

Notes
Fixed assets
Tangible
5
Current Assets:
Cash at bank and in hand
Creditors:amounts falling
due within one year
6
Net Current Assets
Total Assets less current liabilities
Funds of the charity:
Balance for the year
Balance brought forward		 £
£
3,143
3,143
13,461
13,461
(300)
13,161
16,304
9,253
7,051
16,304
2022		 £
£
3,143
3,143
13,461
13,461
(300)
13,161
16,304
9,253
7,051
16,304
2022		 2021
£
£
2,141
2,141
5,210
5,210
(300)
4,910
7,051
3,950
3,101
7,051		 2021
£
£
2,141
2,141
5,210
5,210
(300)
4,910
7,051
3,950
3,101
7,051
16,304 7,051
9,253
7,051		 3,950
3,101
16,304 7,051

For the financial year ended 04 April 2022, the Charity's trustees consider that an audit is not required under section 144 of the Charities Act 2011 (2011 Act).

The trustees acknowledge their responsibilities for ensuring that they keep charity's accounting records in accordance with s130 of the 2011 Act and preparing accounts which accord with the accounting records and comply with the accounting requirements of the 2011 Act.

The financial statements on pages 7 to 12 were approved by the trustees and signed on their behalf by:

………………………………..

Date: 30 September 2022

Mr Farhan Mohamed Chairperson

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SOCIAL ORIENTATION & RELIEF ASSOCIATION (SOORA ASSOCIATION)

Notes to the Accounts

For the year ending 4 April 2022

1 Accounting Policies

The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention, and have been prepared in accordance with the Statement of Recommended Practice, Accounting and Reporting by Charities (Revised SORP 2005) and the Financial Reporting Standard for Smaller Entities.

Grants and donations are recognised on accruals basis.

Incoming resources are reported gross.

Resources expended are included in the Statement of Financial Activities on accruals basis, inclusive of any VAT that cannot be recovered.

Expenditure that is directly attributable to specific activities has been included in these cost categories. Where costs are attributable to more than one activity, they have been apportioned across the cost categories on a basis consistent with the use of those resources.

Tangible fixed assets are stated at cost less depreciation.

Provision for depreciation of tangible fixed assets held by the charity is made at an annual rate of 25% on straight line basis.

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SOCIAL ORIENTATION & RELIEF ASSOCIATION (SOORA ASSOCIATION)

Notes to the Accounts

For the year ending 4 April 2022

2. Grants and Donations

J. A. C. Trust
National Lottery
2. Investment Income
Interest receivable
Total Incoming Resources
Fund Raising
Donations from members & the public
Walsall Council
Heart of England Community Foundation
WMPCC
One Walsall
Ground Tesco
SFI		 Unrestricted
Funds
£
-
541
-
-
-
-
500
-
700
300		 Restricted
Funds 2022 Total
£
1,750
1,750
28028
28,569
8478
8,478
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
500
-
-
700
-
300		 2021
Total
£
4,243
-
-
9,250
2,330
500
500
300
-
17,123
2021
Total
£
-
17,123
2,041 38,256
40,297
Unrestricted
Funds
£		 Restricted
Funds
2022
Total
£
- -
-
2,041 38,256
40,297

11

SOCIAL ORIENTATION & RELIEF ASSOCIATION (SOORA ASSOCIATION)

Notes to the Accounts

For the year ending 4 April 2022

3a. Direct Charitable Expenditure

Operational/Activity Cost
Training
Publicity
Travel Expenses
Food bank for Covid-19
Printing & Publication
Charitable activities
Volunteer Expenses
Telephone & Internet
Staff cost
Premises
Utilities		 Unrestricted
Funds
£
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
450
-
-
450		 Restricted
Funds
2022
Total
2021
Total
£
£
3600
3,600
1,650
6,122
6,122
4,319
10,556
10,556
-
866
866
997
4,420
4,420
3,727
355
355
270
1,040
1,040
491
1,543
1,543
-
-
450
511
745
745
-
-
-
195
-
-
-
29,247
29,697
12,160
3b. Support Costs
Total Charitable Activities
Insurance
Repairs and Maintenance
General Administration
Depreciation		 Unrestricted
Funds
Restricted
Funds
2022
Total
£
£
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
1,048
-
1,048
2021
Total
£
-
-
-
714
1,048
-
1,048		 714
1,498
29,247
30,745		 12,874

4. Governance

Audit and Accountancy Professional Fees

Total Resources Expended

Unrestricted
Funds
£
300
-
300
1,798		 Restricted
Funds
2022
Total
£
-
300
-
-
2021
Total
£
300
-
-
300		 300
29,247
31,045		 13,174

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SOCIAL ORIENTATION & RELIEF ASSOCIATION (SOORA ASSOCIATION)

Notes to the Accounts

For the year ending 4 April 2022

5
Tangible fixed assets
At 05 April 2021
Additions
Depreciation
At 05 April 2021
Charge for period
At 04 April 2022
Net book values
At 04 April 2022
At 04 April 2021
6
Creditors: amount falling due
within one year
Accountancy fee for 2021/22
Cost		 Office
Equipment
£
2,854
2,050		 Total
£
2,854
2,050
4,904 4,904
714
1,048		 714
1,048
1,762 1,762
3,143 3,143
2,141 2,141
2022
£
-
300		 2021
£
-
300
300 300

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