2023-03-31-accounts - Together In Action Trust

This text was generated using OCR and may contain errors. Check the original PDF to see the document submitted to the regulator.

TOGETHER IN ACTION TRUST

CHRAITY REGESTRATION NUMBER 1186531

ANNUAL REPORT

APRIL 2022 / MARCH 2023

1: Overview

Summer sunshine in January and heavy snow in March 2023 is a good example of the 2022/2023 year.

Unexpected events, addressing challenges and securing results positively were the experiences we journeyed through the in the last 12 months.

As an example, because of collective work ‘Coventry Faiths Covenant/Partnership ’ was prelaunched in January 2023 and later on Tuesday 14[th] March 2023 formally launched with the support of Faith Action.

Deputy Leader Cllr Abdul Khan launched the Coventry Faiths Covenant/Compact. Rt Hon Stephen Timms Chair of Faith Covenant Forum welcomed Coventry to the Forum and an Officer of Faith Action shared experiences of other Cities with Faith Covenants. Cllr Abdul Khan thanked Together in Action Trust for its initiative and continued effort via Coventry Sacred Space Initiative to help develop the process for the Coventry Faiths Covenant/Compact.

Overall, it is believed: The coming decade will see the country facing new social needs and tough new challenges. There will be fresh demands on public health, social care, education, employment support and community inclusion.

These challenges will require the identification of a new set of resources. We will need to unlock the potential of every part of our society to contribute towards solutions.

We believe that one important resource can be realised by supporting faith-based organisations to work with local authorities constructively and effectively, as part of civil society.

Activities: Examples of areas of work

1: In support of Shara Coventry Ltd and its work with over 50 BAME elderly, TiA Trust assisted the Groups work in November 2022. This included fitness & mental and physical well-being, collectively the Group celebrated its work with food, refreshments and other fun activities, thus helping people recover from COVID 19 related issues.
2: Freedom to believe – Free to act.

TiA Trust supported United Religions Initiative (UK) and University of Coventry to organise a national seminar to discuss Freedom of Religion and Belief (FoRB) on Thursday June 30[th] 2023.

The seminar featured contributions from an academic speaker specialising in FoRB, and a speaker with lived experience of their freedom of religion and belief being under attack. The remainder of the seminar focused on designing specific tools for defending FoRB, such as use of social media, lobbying politicians, and effective messaging.

The seminar was formally accredited as part of the Fringe programme for an International Inter-Ministerial Conference on FoRB, taking place in London in early July.

The international FoRB conference was held in July, the findings of seminar in Coventry aided response from the participation of 30 people from diverse faiths and wide range of backgrounds such as Politics, Media, Academic, Community Leaders and activists.

3: Baobab Foundation

TiA Trust was selected to become Member of the Baobab Foundation Steering Group. The Baobab Foundation is new and fresh initiative to explore and address matters, issues and effects related to Colonisation.

5: Call for Evidence: 10 Year Mental Health Plan

In response TiA Trust produced Faith and Beliefs Perspective Report, reflecting the views of people from a Faith and Belief Perspective mainly from minority faiths and beliefs backgrounds.

Overall, approximately 30 people from diverse cultural/religious backgrounds with experience and expertise were engaged in this process. The work of the Coventry Sacred Space Initiative specifically into ‘Social Prescribing’ was presented, discussed and welcomed.

The core elements of research were The Role of Places of Worship, : Faith, belief, and spirituality, COVID 19, 5: Faiths & Beliefs and Spirituality and the Health Service, Raising Awareness. To ensure participants views were fairly reflected and a draft Report was circulated. The Report was submitted to NHS.

6: Neighbourhood Watch for Places of Worship

A possible new model for the rest of Places of Worship to ensure a greater level of security for themselves and others, including residents/community.

This learning and development of the model can be shared nationally. This model can help reduce crime, act as a sanctuary for young people, and promote cooperation and action between local diverse faith groups with training and support.

7: Mental and Physical Wellbeing

As we emerge out of the pandemic, the manifestation of physical and mental issues/challenges is becoming evident. We have taken basic steps in providing temporary solutions such as family activity bags and fit for summer bags for local communities.

8: Places of Worship:

Use their precious resource of volunteers significantly better and meaningfully. This will ensure volunteers feel valued and respected for their time and efforts. This could then lead to attracting more volunteers. There has been a shortfall due to the pandemic, and volunteers' numbers and time need to be effectively managed.

By sharing resources, we can better use the existing building facilities for sports, workshops, and activities such as coffee morning, elderly care, children's nursery, employment, and education.

It is essential to build the capacity of volunteers, Trustees and Management/Activists of Places of Worship, faith (including the Humanist, Pagan, and other people with no religion) and BAME based community organisations.

This will ensure human, financial, assets and experience are used well, to the maximum benefit. Also, it is necessary to ensure the mental and physical wellbeing of those engaged, especially volunteers.

To ensure people and organisations operate to their maximum best, a diverse range of training and awareness-raising activities are required, and resources are made available.

9: Health and Wellbeing

The coronavirus pandemic displayed the work of faith-based organisations. Local places of worship provided and continue to provide essential services such foodbank, emotional support and immediate support for people and families in great need.

The initiative's work helped bridge communications between the diverse faith and BAME communities and with activities such as the Family Activity packs (disseminated 1200 packs with a range of equipment to promote physical fitness and reduce stress to combat issues like domestic violence).

This work led to developing a health and well-being strand, to 'social prescribing. Collectively, we designed and developed a project and prepared an application for funding. After research, consultation, and networking, we established that we should become a Partner in an application submitted by a consortium.

3: HUMAN RESOURCES & PARTNERSHIPS:
a) Mr Deepak Naik (MBE, FRSA, PDip) is the Executive Director on a part-time and casual basis. Costs relating to TiA base, administration, travel and communication are recompensed. To ensure good financial management Deepak Naik salary was reduced by half.
b) Core services from organisations such as Birmingham Voluntary Services Council, annually, Over ten people from different backgrounds, abilities and professions volunteer to help with the delivery of projects and the operation of TiA.
c) TiA secures support from known, respected organisations such as Faith in Society and other experienced professionals who help develop and or deliver projects; they often give time and energy but are paid for core work at discounted fee rates.

4:

RISK MANAGEMENT: TiA's key risks are:
a) The delivery of the Coventry Sacred Space Initiative resulted in a lack of attention to other areas of work and interest. This resulted in securing funds for 2022/23.

5: STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT:

a) The Board has four members and has held two meetings via telephone and online. To make progress, Board Members have actively contributed considerable time, skills, and experience to help deliver projects, raise funds, and provide administrative support.

6: FINANCE

a) Consultancy fees remained an excellent source of TiA's income during the year. Statutory bodies and agencies value the experience, skills and knowledge of the TiA,
b) Six Funding applications were submitted, two were declined, and 3 application was approved. Some funding proposals required re-submission before approval.

7: INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNTS

Number	Expenditure
1	Area	Amount
2	Actvitycosts	2,384.99
3	TiA Trusts Ofce	8,630.16
4	Consultancy	3,723.57
5	Administraton & Equipment	-
6	Salary	12,167.07
7	Tax and Natonal Insurance	5,407.23
8	Total Funds expended in 2022 - 2023	32,313.02

	Income
1	Earned Income	12,789.79
2	Grants	3,416.00
	Total Funds Generated in 2022 - 2023	16,205.79

	Balance
1	CarryForward from 2021 - 2022	39,307.47
2	Income Generated in 2022 -2023	16,205.79
	Grand Total	55,513.26

	Expenditure 2022 - 2023	32,313.02
	CarryForward 2023 - 2024	23,200.24

Note:

a) An overpayment by TiA Trust is likely to lead to recover of approximately £1000.00.
b) In the year 2021/2022, invoices were not cleared and therefore carried in expenditure to the year 2022– 2023.

In-kind Support

a) Volunteers (directly and via supporting organizations) contributed over 13,500 hours b) Voluntary services from professionals provided over 1700 hours of service c) The value of volunteer services is £18,500

Notes:

A: TiA Trusts Trustees made no claims and were not renumerated.
B: Costs of TiA Office reflected the increased costs of working from home.
C: Reserves of the Trusts ensured delivery of activities, obligations at hand and its planned functions.
D: TiA Trust provided financial and other support to the United Religions Initiative (UK).

9: TiA TRUST BACKGROUND:

A group conceived TiA of friends/young adults from different countries of Europe coming together in Coventry in 2016. Collectively throughout the evening, while sharing food, the Group sensed the need for people, families, and communities to be welcoming towards others in need of shelter, peace and opportunity.

The Group committed to working together, combining their resources of time, skills, experience, and knowledge, and applying these to establish an organisation. This would proactively work across diverse communities and areas of interest. Together create the means and methods that instil and assure fairness, promote a sense of belonging and citizenship, and enthuse a life of hope for all.

TiA Trust Charitable Purpose

Charitable Category Human rights/ Religious & racial harmony/ Equality & diversity

(a) The elimination of discrimination on race, gender, disability, sexual orientation or religion.
(b) Advancing education and raising awareness of equality and diversity, including in different religious beliefs
(c) Promoting activities to foster understanding between people from diverse backgrounds, including promoting knowledge and mutual understanding and respect of different religious faiths and other racial groups.
(d) Cultivating a sentiment in favour of equality and diversity

10: CONTACT DETAILS

Deepak Naik MBE FRSA P.dip Executive Director 5 West Avenue Coventry, CV2 4DG

Email: deepak.naik@ntlworld.com Website: htps://tacommunity.com