Zimbabwe Life Project
UK Registered Charity Number 1189183
ANNUAL REPORT
Executive Summary:
This report lists the main activities performed during the reporting period of the project for the year 2023.
1) Donations: In 2022 ZLP received donations of about 300 British National Formulary books; boxes of red and blue unisex T-shirts in varies sizes; and boxes of blue scrubs which were sent to Ngomahuru Hospital, Zimbabwe through the Zimbabwe Midwives and Nurses Association.
2) Early 2023 ZLP received varies new hospital items that came from several vaccination centres such as hand-gels, syringes and needles, clinical waste bins, boxes of mask, disposable aprons, etc. The donations are currently stored at the Zimbabwe Embassy in Harare were they are waiting to be shipped to Zimbabwe Hospitals once shipping funding has been sourced.
3) Training workshops :
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a) A total of three ZLP volunteers (nurses) participated in the October 2022 trip to Zimbabwe and delivered training at Sally Mugabe Psychiatric Hospital in Harare. A total of 40 participants from 6 different public healthcare organisations attended the ZLP workshops. The overall feedback was positive with the greatest impact on knowledge base from the discussions and sharing of experiences by the UK team. In addition to the workshops, meetings with key stakeholders were arranged to develop partnerships for future engagements and expansion of training to 10 other provinces in Zimbabwe.
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b) During the October 2023 trip to Zimbabwe, we actively participated in a knowledge exchange programme with mental health nurses, social workers, therapists, and doctors at both Sally Mugabe Psychiatric Hospital and Chikurubi Maximum Prison. The engagement encompassed dynamic roundtable discussions addressing clinical practices and the existing resources, as well as identifying the additional support required for the local hospitals. The agenda covered pivotal topics, with a particular focus on Forensic Psychiatric Services
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and admission criteria within the forensic framework. The discussions delved into the exploration of various psychometric tools employed for patient assessments, encompassing formulation and comprehensive mental health evaluations. Furthermore, the management of substance misuse disorders was thoroughly examined, with Zimbabwe Prison & Correctional Services sharing their experiences and showcasing the assessment tools utilized in their facilities. The trip involved meeting with the National Commissioner General and his team, tour of Chikurubi Prison and a visit to mental health rehabilitation centre.
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4) New Members: In the last 12 months we welcomed 3 new members in the UK.
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5) Risk Register : Reduced number of new members and members renewing membership has impacted some of the charity activities such as helping with ongoing tasks i.e., admin work, fundraising activities, etc. A standing order option for paying membership fee is available but members have not been using the offer. Currently members pay an annual fee of £25 directly into ZLP bank account.
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6) Constitution: discussed and agreed for the board to remove non-active trustees. 3 of the 4 active trustees have now served the term of office for the charity, which is 3 years. So, to comply with the ZLP Constitution, the trustees should retire from office at this point and can be voted in by members if they wish to continue. 2 of the 4 active Trustees were voted in at the last AGM meeting. The current Chair and the one of the 4 active Trustee have announced that they are stepping down as soon as another Chair has been appointed. Recruitment of trustees will take place over a period of two months. If no suitable candidates for trustee of chair are found then option of other registering as a company listed by guarantee will be considered by the board and founder.
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7) The Burdett trust funded the trip to Zimbabwe in 2022 and partially funded the 2023 trip when volunteers visited Harare to run workshops.
8) Engagement with other Stakeholders:
- a. The 2022 and 2023 trips enhanced engagement with the Zimbabwe Ministry of Health and Child Care (MOHCC) and the British Embassy in Harare, strengthening relationships. ZLP nurses were invited to a meeting between the
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British Embassy and MOHCC, where ZLP's work and findings were discussed. The MOHCC expressed gratitude and interest in ZLP conducting training workshops across the country.
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b. ZLP also engaged with various stakeholders in Zimbabwe, garnering support. Meetings included discussions with the Commissioner General of Zimbabwe Prison and Correctional Services, the International Organisation for Migration, national healthcare directors, and the British Embassy.
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c. ZLP nurses held meetings with the British Embassy, Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust, and Anglia Ruskin University to plan a MOHCC visit to the UK, sponsored by the British Embassy. The visit aims to establish long-term partnerships, hear diaspora perspectives on healthcare, engage with NHS Trust directors, and observe UK clinical sites for insights into facility design and safety.
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d. ZLP has played a crucial role in facilitating a connection between the University of Zimbabwe and the University of Essex. Presently, both institutions are actively exploring the potential for collaboration on a research project. This partnership signifies a significant step forward in fostering academic cooperation and knowledge exchange between the two universities.
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e. Furthermore, the British Embassy in Zimbabwe has actively advocated for the inclusion of ZLP in the World Health Organization (WHO) procurement process. As a result, ZLP will benefit from WHO assistance in facilitating the shipment of its donations to Zimbabwe.
9) Links with other charities :
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a) Zimbabwe Midwives & Nurses Association in UK - (ZiMNA-UK) is a registered association supporting Zimbabwean nurses in the UK and has links with ZLP through one of the ZLP members who is on their board of trustees.
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b) East London Foundation NHS Trust has a link through one of the ZLP members who is working with the Trust global team.
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c) Tropical Health Education Trust (THET) has featured ZLP's efforts in the THET's "Voices of the Experts in our Midst Report," 2023 magazine.
10) Memorandum of Understanding : On-going discussions on proposals for MOUs between ZLP which has taken longer than expected:
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a. the Zimbabwe Ministry of Health and Child Care
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b. the Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Services
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11) The year ahead:
a. Continue to develop support to Zimbabwe through workshops, seminars and training sessions.
b. Apply for funding or search for donors who can sponsor ZLP travelling cost, funds for sustainability.
Overall we have stayed focused on our priorities for this year and we plan to be more ambitious in 2024 and beyond.
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ZIMBABWE LIFE PROJECT
Statement of Financial Activities for the year ended 31 March 2023
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31 Mar 2023 31 Mar 2022
£ £
Income from:
Grants and donations income 158 7,537
Membership fees 152 1,200
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Income from fundraising activities
Other income - -
Total income 310 8,737
Expenditure on:
Charity expenses 6,604 677
Other donations expenses 260 -
Administration and legal expenses 57 209
Marketing, PR, communication and technology expenses 134 242
Total expenditure 7,056 1,128
Net surplus/(deficit) for the period - 6,746 7,609
Funds brought forward at 1 April 2022 10,821 3,212
Funds carried forward at 31 March 2023 4,075 10,821
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ZIMBABWE LIFE PROJECT
Statement of Financial Position as at 31 March 2023
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31 Mar 2023 31 Mar 2022
£ £
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents 4,075 10,821
4,075 10,821
Net assets 4,075 10,821
Funds:
Unrestricted funds 4,075 10,821
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