2024-2025 ANNUAL REPORT Connecting Communities
Table of Contents
Message from Chairperson
Our Story
Our Objectives
Our Values
International Food Fair Our Services Our Projects Financial Review Contact Us
A Message from the Chair
It gives me great pleasure to share this year’s annual report, reflecting on another year of connection, growth, and community spirit. Our charity continues to provide a welcoming space for women to come together and improve their wellbeing through our social and exercise groups, fostering a true sense of belonging.
A highlight of the year was our International Food Fair, which brought the wider community together to celebrate culture, food, and friendship. The event raised vital funds and showcased the diversity and talent within our group. Thank you to everyone who cooked, performed, volunteered, or attended — it was a wonderful reminder of what we can achieve together.
I would like to express my heartfelt thanks to our volunteers, supporters, and partners whose dedication makes all of this possible. Your time, generosity, and belief in our mission enables us to continue empowering women and building lasting connections.
Looking ahead, we remain committed to growing our programmes and reaching more women who can benefit from the warmth, encouragement, and opportunities our charity provides. Together, we are building stronger, healthier, and more connected communities.
With gratitude and best wishes,
Tajwar Hassan Chair of trustees
Our Story
Connecting Communities began with a simple idea — bringing people together through food. Starting with an International Food Fair in Swindon, sharing dishes sparked conversations, friendships, and a love of diversity.
From its humble beginnings, Connecting Communitie has shown the power of women coming together to share, support, and make a difference both locally and globally.
Since then, we have grown into a grassroots charity connecting women from diverse backgrounds through social, exercise, and wellbeing activities, helping them build confidence, stay active, and find a sense of belonging in a supportive environment.
Our Objective
The objective of Connecting Communities is to promote wellbeing, inclusion, and empowerment among women from diverse cultural and social backgrounds.
We aim to:
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Create safe and welcoming spaces where women can connect, build friendships, and share experiences.
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Encourage health and wellbeing through regular social, educational, and exercise activities. Support personal growth and confidence by providing opportunities to learn new skills and engage in community projects. Our Values
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Foster understanding and unity across different cultures within our local community.
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Extending the feeling of community beyond borders through fundraising initiatives that support humanitarian causes and women’s empowerment internationally
Connecting Communities seeks to build stronger, healthier, and more connected communities where every woman feels valued and supported
Our Values
Our values of compassion, inclusion, and respect guide everything we do creating a supportive environment.
Inclusivity – We welcome women from all backgrounds, cultures, and faiths, celebrating diversity.
Empowerment – We support women to build confidence, develop skills, and take positive steps toward personal and collective growth.
Safe Space – We provide a non-judgemental environment where women can connect and support one another. People-Centred – We listen first, shaping our activities around the needs, strengths, and aspirations of the women and communities we serve. Our Values Community – We bring people together to foster friendship, understanding, and mutual support..
Collaboration – We believe in the power of working together with our members, volunteers, and partners to create lasting positive change.
Together, these values inspire us to build stronger, safer, and more connected communities where every woman can thrive.
The International Food Fair
Our annual International Food Fair was once again a vibrant celebration of culture, community, and connection. This year, we were delighted to welcome participants from 14 different countries, each showcasing their traditional dishes and culture. The event truly reflected the diversity and unity that lie at the heart of Connecting Communities.
Alongside the delicious food stalls, the day featured children’s activities, and charity and community stalls. Families and friends came together to enjoy a joyful atmosphere filled with laughter, learning, and shared experiences.
The Food Fair not only celebrated our rich multicultural community but also served as an important fundraising event to support our ongoing programmes and outreach activities.
2024 Beneficiaries
Each year the International Food Fair donates its proceeds to charitable causes chosen by participating countries through a random draw. This ensures fairness and celebrates the spirit of shared giving that defines our event.
For 2024, the winning countries were Egypt and England.. Our heartfelt thanks go to everyone who took part, contributed, and helped make a difference through this year’s event.
Egypt - Egypt selected a charity supporting orphans, helping provide essential care, education, and hope for children in need.
England- England chose to support a children’s hospice, Julia House, contributing towards compassionate care for children with life-limiting conditions and their families.
Our Work
(Well being & Spirituality)
Qur’an Reflections sessions
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Our classes explore Qur’anic teachings and applying Islamic values like compassion, honesty, patience, and kindness in daily life.
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They offer spiritual learning, community, and a space for women to share reflections, support one another, and discuss practical ways to live their faith.
Tajweed Lessons
- Our Tajweed Class helps women improve their Qur’an recitation with proper pronunciation and understanding. Sessions focus on the rules of Tajweed, enabling accurate, beautiful recitation while deepening connection to its meaning.
Chit Chat & Chai
-
Our Chit Chat & Chai sessions have become a much-loved part of Connecting Communities, offering women a space to bond over tea and good conversation.
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Chit Chat & Chai truly embodies what Connecting Communities is all about — bringing people together, breaking isolation, and building belonging one conversation at a time.
Our Work
(Well being & Fitness)
Over 60’s Ladies social & Exercise
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Our Over 60s Ladies Social & Exercise Group brings energy, laughter and friendship to women in our community. Each session combines gentle exercise to improve mobility and balance, followed by time to relax over tea.
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The group supports physical and emotional wellbeing, showing that age is no barrier to staying active and connected.
Ladies Strength & Resistance Exercise
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Our Women’s Strength and Resistance Exercise sessions build strength, flexibility, and confidence through guided workouts.
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Participants progress at their own pace in a supportive, fun environment, connecting with others and uplifting both body and mind.
Ladies and Children Swimming
- For many participants, this is their first chance to swim in a culturally appropriate setting. Guided by qualified instructors, women and children gain water safety skills while enjoying fun, fitness, and friendship.
Our Work (Sports)
Ladies and Girls Badminton
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Our sessions offer a fun, active way for women and girls to stay fit, socialise and build confidence. The welcoming environment supports players of all skill levels and helps reduce isolation by creating a regular space to connect and unwind.
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Many participants have shared how the sessions have boosted their wellbeing and encouraged them to stay active.
Boys Badminton
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Our club offers a fun, supportive space for boys aged 10 to 20 to learn new skills and stay active.
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Weekly sessions focus on fitness, teamwork and
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sportsmanship, helping participants build confidence and make friends in a safe, inclusive setting.
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Through sport, the club promotes a healthy lifestyle, mutual respect and a sense of community.
Our Work
(Mothers and Children)
Meet & Play
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Each session includes songs, stories, creative play and sensory activities. The environment helps children build social skills and confidence, while mothers gain friendship, conversation and mutual support.
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For many new mums, the group has been a vital source of connection, reducing isolation and supporting the wellbeing of both mother and child.
Holiday Activity for Mothers & children
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During the school holidays, Connecting Communities organised a range of family activities to bring mothers and children together for fun, learning and relaxation. Highlights included visits to a soft play area, a family picnic and a trip to a local farm, each filled with laughter and the joyful energy of children exploring together.
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For many families, these outings offered a welcome break and a chance to build friendships and confidence in a supportive, inclusive environment.
Our Work
(Mothers &Children)
Parenting Workshops – From Birth to Teenage Years This year, Connecting Communities delivered a series of six parenting workshops designed to support parents at every stage, providing research-based guidance and practical tools to nurture happy, resilient children. Led by experienced facilitators, the sessions covered topics such as child development, communication, emotional wellbeing and positive discipline, with space for open discussion and peer support.
Through this initiative, Connecting Communities continues to invest in families — helping parents build the skills and selfbelief to raise a confident new generation.
Our Services 17 MARCH. 2024 dL'30pm- 8pm ST FQithcèntT4 York¥, HifwJleway, S143 3RB BOYS BADMINTON 10- 20 YEARS -Ilci1511i(J l.li() ii(Bxl. g()ii(!riilJ()ii" SISTERS ONLY FITNESS CLASSES 17 October itr•ryth& S•••lon•¥¥lllwn lonnl¥htty 7130PII- 0130PAI Bring you own rack•t5 NO studdgd sh005 allowed No re+vnd5 or tron51ers can b 9Sv•n after bookin9 $p•rts Hqll al GWA Wllllqrn Mowrl¥Woy Todp•l• Gqrd•n Vlllag• $N25 2PP
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Other Projects
Gaza Appeal for Soup Kitchen During the ongoing crisis in Palestine, Connecting Communities organised a fundraising event in Swindon. All funds raised were sent to Soup Kitchen, an organisation providing essential meals to affected families.
,
Thanks to the kindness and generosity of everyone who donated, volunteered or helped spread the word, we were able to help feed 400 people for 14 consecutive days.
.This initiative was a powerful reminder of the strength of our community when we unite for a common cause, and we are deeply grateful to everyone who supported it.
Other Projects
Fundraiser for Sewing Machines – West Bank
This year, Connecting Communities launched an appeal to support women in the West Bank by providing sewing machines and essential materials. The initiative helps women gain economic independence, develop practical skills, and support their families during a particularly challenging time.
Thanks to the generosity of our Swindon community through donations, events and word of mouth, we raised enough to supply sewing machines to several women’s groups. These resources are now enabling women to earn an income, rebuild livelihoods and strengthen their communities.
This project reflects our belief in the power of women supporting women across borders. We are deeply grateful to everyone who contributed, your kindness and solidarity are making a real and lasting difference.
Financial Statement
| inancial tatement |
|
|---|---|
| Tax Year June 24' - May 25' |
|
| Revenue | £43,170 |
| Donations and Expenses |
£35,639 |
Financial Breakdown
----- Start of picture text -----
Food Fair General Donations/Expenses
Appeals Clubs Grant
Incoming
Grant
resources: 2,000.00
Clubs
4,526.00
Food Fair
20,195.00
Appeals
16,256.00
General
Donations/Expe
nses
193.00
----- End of picture text -----
Ingoing:
Outgoing:
----- Start of picture text -----
Food Fair
Clubs
Appeals
Grant
Faith Centre
General donatio…
----- End of picture text -----
----- Start of picture text -----
Emergency Appeals Food Fair Expenses
Family Engagem…
Clubs Food Fair Bene… Faith Cen… General Expens…
Iftaar
----- End of picture text -----
Contact Us
07498 214370
nali@connecting-communities.co.uk connectingcommunities.swindon
connecting-communities.co.uk
Charity number: 1187208
Connecting Communities
Trustees' report and financial statements
for the year ended 31 May 2025
Connecting Communities
Contents
| Page | |
|---|---|
| Legal and administrative information | 1 |
| Trustees report | 2 |
| Independent examiners' report | 3 |
| Statement of financial activities | 4 |
| Balance sheet | 5 |
| Notes to the financial statements | 6 - 10 |
Connecting Communities
Legal and administrative information
| Charity number | 1187208 |
|---|---|
| Business address | 25 Dunvant Road |
| Swindon | |
| SW25 2AW | |
| Registered office | 25 Dunvant Road |
| Swindon | |
| SW25 2AW | |
| Trustees | Tajwar Hassan |
| Nausheen Ali | |
| Gillian Stokes | |
| Chief executive | Tajwar Hussain |
| Accountants | SF Chartered Certified Accountants |
| Fairgate House | |
| 205 Kings Road | |
| Tyseley | |
| Birmingham | |
| B11 2AA |
Page 1
Connecting Communities
Report of the trustees
for the year ended 31 May 2025
The trustees present their report and the financial statements for the year ended 31 May 2025. The trustees who served during the year and up to the date of this report are set out on page 1.
Structure, governance and management
Objectives and activities
Achievements and performance
Financial review
Statement of trustees' responsibilities
The trustees are responsible for preparing the Trustees' Annual Report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).
Law applicable to charities in England and Wales requires the trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of charity and of the incoming resources and application of resources of the charity for that year. In preparing these financial statements the trustees are required to:
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select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;
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observe the methods and principles in the Charities SORP;
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make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
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state whether applicable UK Accounting Standards have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements; and
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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 proper accounting records which 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 and the Charity (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008. 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.
On behalf of the board
Tajwar Hassan Trustee
Page 2
Connecting Communities
Independent examiner's report to the trustees on the unaudited financial statements of Connecting Communities.
I report on the accounts of Connecting Communities for the year ended 31 May 2025 set out on pages 2 to 11.
Respective responsibilities of trustees and independent examiner
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 Trust’s accounts carried out under section 145 of the 2011 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
I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination which gives me cause to believe that in, any material respect:
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the accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 130 of the Charities Act; or
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the accounts did not accord with the accounting records; or
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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.
...........................................................
Farah Saddique
FCCA Independent examiner Fairgate House 205 Kings Road Tyseley Birmingham B11 2AA
Page 3
Connecting Communities
Statement of financial activities
For the year ended 31 May 2025
| Unrestricted funds Notes £ Incoming resources Incoming resources from generating funds: Voluntary income 2 43,170 _ Total incoming resources 43,170 _ Resources expended Charitable activities 3 34,974 Governance costs 665 _ Total resources expended 35,639 _ Total funds brought forward 12,271 _ Total funds carried forward 19,802 |
2025 Total £ 43,170 _ 43,170 _ 34,974 665 _ 35,639 _ 12,271 _ 19,802 |
2024 Total £ 28,987 _ 28,987 _ 22,086 1,242 _ 23,328 _ 6,612 _ 12,271 |
|---|---|---|
The statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses in the year and therefore a separate statement of total recognised gains and losses has not been prepared.
All of the above amounts relate to continuing activities.
The notes on pages 8 to 11 form an integral part of these financial statements.
Page 4
Connecting Communities
Balance sheet as at 31 May 2025
| Notes Fixed assets Tangible assets 5 Current assets Cash at bank and in hand Creditors: amounts falling due within one year 6 Net current assets Net assets Funds 7 Unrestricted income funds Total funds |
2025 £ £ 1,354 18,747 _ 18,747 (300) _ 18,447 _ 19,801 _ 19,801 _ 19,801 |
2024 £ £ 1,693 11,538 _ 11,538 (960) _ 10,578 _ 12,271 _ 12,271 _ 12,271 |
2024 £ £ 1,693 11,538 _ 11,538 (960) _ 10,578 _ 12,271 _ 12,271 _ 12,271 |
|---|---|---|---|
| _ 12,271 |
|||
| _ 12,271 |
|||
| _ 12,271 |
The financial statements were approved by the trustees on 16 February 2026 and signed on its behalf by
Tajwar Hassan Trustee
The notes on pages 8 to 11 form an integral part of these financial statements.
Page 5
Connecting Communities
Notes to financial statements for the year ended 31 May 2025
1. Accounting policies
The principal accounting policies are summarised below. The accounting policies have been applied consistently throughout the year and the preceding year.
1.1. Basis of accounting
The financial statements are prepared under the historical cost convention and in accordance with the Statement of Recommended Practice 'Accounting and Reporting by Charities' issued in January 2019 (SORP FRS 102) and the Charities Act 2011.
1.2. Cashflow
The charity has taken advantage of the exemption in FRS1 from the requirement to produce a cashflow statement because it is a small charity.
1.3. Incoming resources
All incoming resources are included in the statement of financial activities when the charity is entitled to the income and the amount can be quantified with reasonable accuracy. The following specific policies are applied to particular categories of income:
Voluntary income is received by way of grants, donations and gifts and is included in full in the statement of financial activities when receivable. Grants where entitlement is not conditional on the delivery of a specific performance by the charity, are recognised when the charity becomes unconditionally entitled to the grant. Donated services and facilities are included at the value to the charity where this can be quantified. The value of services provided by volunteers has not been included. Gifts donated for resale are included as incoming resources within activities for generating funds when they are sold.
1.4. Resources expended
Expenditure is recognised on an accrual basis as a liability is incurred. Expenditure includes any VAT which cannot be fully recovered, and is reported as part of the expenditure to which it relates.
Costs of generating funds comprise the costs associated with attracting voluntary income and the costs of trading for fundraising purposes including the charity's shop. Charitable expenditure comprises those costs incurred by the charity in the delivery of its activities and services for its beneficiaries. It includes both costs that can be allocated directly to such activities and those costs of an indirect nature necessary to support them.
1.5. Tangible fixed assets and depreciation
Tangible fixed assets are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation is provided at rates calculated to write off the cost less residual value of each asset over its expected useful life, as follows:
Fixtures, fittings and equipment - 20% reducing balance
1.6. Leasing
Rentals payable under operating leases are charged against income on a straight line basis over the lease term.
Page 6
Connecting Communities
Notes to financial statements for the year ended 31 May 2025
2. Voluntary income
| Unrestricted funds Total Total £ Income from Food Fair 20,195 Connect café, clubs and donations 4,526 Grants received 2,000 Donations - appeals, rents and others 16,256 Donations - Sadaqat 193 _ 43,170 |
2025 £ 20,195 4,526 2,000 16,256 193 _ 43,170 |
2024 £ 17,406 6,221 5,360 - - _ 28,987 3. |
2024 £ 17,406 6,221 5,360 - - |
|---|---|---|---|
3. Employees
No employee received emoluments of more than £60,000 (2024 : None).
| Fixtures, 4. Tangible fixed assets fittings and equipment £ Cost At 1 June 2024 and At 31 May 2025 2,116 _ Depreciation At 1 June 2024 423 Charge for the year 339 _ At 31 May 2025 762 _ Net book values At 31 May 2025 1,354 _ At 31 May 2024 1,693 _____ 5. Creditors: amounts falling due within one year 2025 £ Accruals and deferred income 300 |
Total £ 2,116 |
|---|---|
| _ 423 339 |
|
| _ 762 |
|
| _ 1,354 |
|
| _ 1,693 |
|
| _ 2024 £ 960 |
Page 7
Connecting Communities
The following pages do not form part of the statutory accounts.
Connecting Communities
Detailed statement of financial activities
For the year ended 31 May 2025
| Incoming resources Incoming resources from generating funds: Voluntary income Income from Food Fair Connect café, clubs and donations Grants received Donations - appeals, rents and others Donations - Sadaqat Total incoming resources from generating funds Total incoming resources Resources expended Costs of generating funds: Cost of generating voluntary income Catering and supplies Charitable donations paid Workshop courses fees Rent of halls and premises Insurance Light and heat Management fees Repairs and maintenance Rates Equipment hire and expensed Repairs and cleaning Staff training and welfare Stationery printing and advertising Sundry expenses Governance costs Accountancy fee Bank and card charges Depreciation of fixed assets Office expenses - Other Total cost of generating voluntary income Total costs of generating funds |
2025 £ £ 20,195 4,526 2,000 16,256 193 _ 43,170 _ 43,170 _ 43,170 _ 2,519 17,225 1,743 7,196 228 2,069 499 452 116 2,596 - 11 320 - 300 26 339 1 _ 35,639 _ 35,639 _ 35,639 |
2024 £ £ 17,406 6,221 5,360 - - _ 28,987 _ 28,987 _ 28,987 _ 3,255 10,804 1,100 4,196 206 - - - - 1,098 110 - 331 563 960 282 423 - _ 23,328 _ 23,328 _ 23,328 |
2024 £ £ 17,406 6,221 5,360 - - _ 28,987 _ 28,987 _ 28,987 _ 3,255 10,804 1,100 4,196 206 - - - - 1,098 110 - 331 563 960 282 423 - _ 23,328 _ 23,328 _ 23,328 |
|---|---|---|---|
| _ 28,987 |
|||
| _ 28,987 |
|||
| _ 28,987 |
|||
| _ 23,328 |
|||
| _ 23,328 |
|||
| _ 23,328 |
Page 9
Connecting Communities
Detailed statement of financial activities
For the year ended 31 May 2025
| 2025 | 2024 | |
|---|---|---|
| £ | £ | |
| Net incoming/(outgoing) resources for the year | 7,530 | 5,659 |
| _ | _ |
Page 10