# **Growing Real Opportunities for Women (GROW) Cymru** **Registered Charity No. 1190097 Trustees’ Annual Report for the year ended 31 March 2025** ## **Introduction and Thanks** We are pleased to present our Trustees’ Annual Report together with the financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2025. We would like to say a heartfelt thank you to our funders, supporters, partners, and volunteers who give so many hours of their expertise and time. **Growing Real Opportunities for Women (GROW) Cymru** could not deliver, operate, and provide the services we do without their commitment. A special thank you goes to the **City and County of Swansea** , who continue to supported us throughout our journey. Since officially opening our doors on 1 July 2019, GROW Cymru has gone from strength to strength. Despite challenges in our early days and through the pandemic, 2024–25 has been a year of continued growth, expansion, and community connection. Everything we have achieved has been made possible by the dedication of our volunteers and the belief of the women we serve. ## **Chair’s Report** As Chair of the Board of Trustees, I have had the privilege of serving GROW since 2023. During this period, I have observed the organisation’s continued commitment to responding effectively to the evolving needs of our community. A notable development over the past year has been the significant increase in demand for food support. Our Foodbank now assists a wide range of individuals and families on a weekly basis, including those from diverse cultural backgrounds. It has also provided essential support to families with school-aged children during school holidays, when access to free school meals is unavailable. In addition to the Foodbank, GROW has continued to offer a variety of courses and programmes designed to support our users and women within the community. The Knit & Natter group remains highly active, producing items such as lap blankets for older residents and hats for babies. Our arts and crafts group continues to provide a safe, welcoming environment in which women can gather, build connections, and express their creativity. I would like to formally recognise the invaluable contribution of our volunteers. Their dedication, professionalism, and willingness to share their skills underpin much of the charity’s work. Without their continued support, many of our services simply would not be possible. Throughout my tenure, I have appreciated the opportunity to be actively involved in the operational aspects of the charity. This engagement has deepened my understanding of GROW’s work and further highlighted the impressive extent of what the organisation achieves. ## **Objectives and Activities** **GROW Cymru** exists to **enable, empower, and encourage women** to overcome barriers to social and financial inclusion and independence. We aim to build confidence, self-esteem, and opportunity through education, economic activity, volunteering, and community engagement. We provide a safe, inclusive space where women from all backgrounds can learn new skills, access support, and connect with others. Our work focuses on: - Delivering training and personal development workshops - Providing volunteering and mentoring opportunities - Offering practical support such as food, clothing, and essentials - Building strong community networks and partnerships ## **Achievements and Performance** ## **Training and Development** We continue to deliver both accredited and non-accredited in-house training, including: - Personal Development and Confidence Building - JET – Job Employment Training - Nurture – Introduction to Enterprise - Mature – Developing Your Enterprise - _Fit 4 Life_ – A Financial Workout In partnership with external organisations, we also delivered courses in Food Hygiene (Level 2), Health & Safety, IT, Drug & Alcohol Awareness, and non-accredited workshops in Volunteering, Budgeting, Time Management, and Teamwork. **28 women** completed Personal Development workshops, 95 women attended Digital Skills and **36 women** completed other training courses, many gaining more than one qualification. ## **Projects** ## **ABC-123: School Uniform Recycling Project** Our school uniform recycling initiative continues to grow and make a real difference to families across Swansea. During the year we distributed **over 5000 school uniforms and children’s coats** . This project supports families struggling with the rising cost of living, reduces landfill waste, and strengthens community ties. We remain a permanent fixture on the **City and County of Swansea website** , where families are referred to us when uniform grants are unavailable. ## **Women Into Work** This project provides women with clothing suitable for job interviews and work. Donated workwear is cleaned, sorted, and redistributed to women seeking employment. Many of our clients come to us after difficult life circumstances. Receiving suitable clothing helps them feel confident and prepared - a small act that can change the course of someone’s future. We welcome donations of quality, pre-loved workwear items such as trousers, suits, dresses, shirts, and coats. Every piece supports another woman’s success story and helps reduce textile waste. ## **Winter Coats - Help Yourself** Our winter coat appeal continues to be one of our most successful community initiatives. Between November 2024 and February 2025, we received 1500 coats distributed 1432 coats and jackets free of charge to anyone in need. Community members began asking as early as September whether the project would return -a true sign of how valued it has become. ## **Breakfast Club and Warm Space** With funding from the **Community Foundation Wales** and **City and County of Swansea Tackling Poverty and COAST Grants** , we provided a welcoming “Warm Space” for women struggling with energy costs. “These grants have allowed us to continue providing our Breakfast Club, offering a hot breakfast and a healthy meal twice a week, and creating a safe space for friendship, warmth, and community connection.” ## **Food Bank** Our **Food Bank** continues to meet the needs of families affected by the cost-of-living crisis, providing essential food support to **around 30 families per week** . Funding from **Community Foundation Wales (Principality Grant)** , **ASDA** , and donations from **Iceland** have helped us maintain this service. The Food Bank is an inclusive and welcoming space where volunteers and beneficiaries work side-by-side. Many have formed new friendships and gained confidence, with informal meetups and walks extending beyond the project. ## **Knit ’n’ Natter** This group continues to thrive. Older women teach new members to knit and crochet, building confidence and companionship across generations. This year, the group produced **lap blankets for care homes** , **baby blankets for Social Services** , and handmade **toys and crafts for fundraising** - all while strengthening bonds among participants. We have also had **several women referred to us due to poor mental health and social isolation** . The group provides a gentle, welcoming space where they can connect, share, and rebuild confidence through creative activity and friendship. ## **Arts & Crafts** Our **Arts & Crafts sessions** have become another valued part of our wellbeing provision. Activities have included: - Glass painting - Pottery - Card making - General creative craft workshops These sessions provide opportunities for relaxation, socialising, learning new skills, and reducing stress in a supportive environment. Many women who struggle with confidence or loneliness have found these sessions uplifting and empowering. ## **Period Poverty Project** This project provides free sanitary products to over **60 women each month** , and we also supply local cafés with free products to ensure access for all. We were once again successful in securing funding from the **City and County of Swansea** to continue the project for another year. ## **English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL)** Our weekly **ESOL classes** continue every Friday morning, with an average of **12 women attending** each week. Participants come from diverse backgrounds, many with little or no English or literacy in their first language. The classes are informal, supportive, and life-changing for the women who attend. ## **Volunteers and Staffing** GROW Cymru operates with **no paid staff** . We are fortunate to have: - **16 regular volunteers** giving around **10 hours per week** , and - **5 additional volunteers** giving at least 4 hours per week. They support projects including the Food Bank, ABC-123, ESOL, Period Poverty, ICT, Health & Wellbeing, and Arts & Crafts. Our volunteers are the heart of GROW Cymru. Their generosity, skills, and commitment make everything possible. ## **Structure, Governance and Management** Growing Real Opportunities for Women (GROW) Cymru is a voluntary organisation and registered charity (No. 1190097) based in Swansea. The charity is governed by its **Memorandum and Articles of Association** and managed by a Board of Trustees, who are also the company’s directors for legal purposes. GROW Cymru complies with the **Charities Act 2011** , the **Companies Act 2006** , and the **Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP FRS 102)** . Our Trustees ensure good governance and are committed to safeguarding, transparency, and accountability in all our operations. ## **Trustee Induction and Training** In February 2023, four new trustees joined the Board. Each received a comprehensive induction pack, including our handbook and governance policies outlining their legal responsibilities. Formal training will be arranged to ensure trustees continue to develop their knowledge and confidence in governance, safeguarding, and charity finance. ## **Support and Signposting** We work closely with a range of partner organisations and referral agencies, including: **Race Equality First** , **Working Swansea** , **Swansea City of Sanctuary** , **Communities for Work** , **Careers Wales** , **BAWSO** , **Women’s Aid** , and the **Congolese Development Project** . We also receive self-referrals from women seeking support, advice, or community connection. ## **Financial Review** The Trustees confirm that the financial statements comply with the **Charities Act 2011** , the **Companies Act 2006** , and the **Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP FRS 102)** . The charity remains financially stable thanks to careful management of grants, donations, and community fundraising. The Trustees continue to explore sustainable income streams to support long-term delivery and growth. ## **Plans for the Future** Looking ahead, GROW Cymru aims to: - Expand our programmes for **women aged 50+** , providing activities and shared hot meals to reduce isolation. - Strengthen our **volunteer development** through new training and peer support opportunities. - Continue to grow our **food, clothing, and wellbeing projects** in response to community need. - Explore opportunities for **partnerships and small grants** to ensure sustainability beyond 2025. Our goal is to ensure that every woman who comes through our doors feels valued, supported, and inspired to build a better future ## **Public Benefit Statement** The Trustees confirm that they have complied with their duty under **Section 17 of the Charities Act 2011** to have due regard to the Charity Commission’s guidance on public benefit. Our activities directly benefit women and families in Swansea and the wider South Wales community, improving confidence, wellbeing, and financial resilience. ## **Acknowledgements** We extend our sincere thanks once again to all our **funders, partners, and volunteers** , including: - City and County of Swansea - Community Foundation Wales - ASDA - Iceland Foods - Our many individual donors and supporters And above all, to the **women of Swansea** - whose strength, courage, and generosity continue to inspire everything we do. ## **Signed on behalf of the Trustees:** _)_ ## **Name: Jayne Davies** **Position:** Trustee Chair **Date:** 12/11/2025 |Section B Statement|ofassets and liabilities at|the endof|theperiod|theperiod|| |---|---|---|---|---|---| |||Unrestricted||Re1tr1ded|Endowment| |Categories|Details|funds||funds|funds| |||tontarnt£||to**nearnt£**|to**nNrNt£**| |B1Cashfunds|||||| ||_Totalcashfunds_||||| ||( agree bll1nceswithreceiptsindpeyments
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behalfofall the trustees|Signature|Print|Name||Dateof| ||||||'l.| CHARITY COMMISSION FOR ENGLAND AND WALES Independent examiner's report on the accounts Section A Independent Examiner's Report Report to the trustees On accounts for the year ended Charity no Ilf any) I, ok I0￿-31. 03.JL)3a Set out on pages I report to the tnjslees on my examination of the accounts of the above Charity (Ihe Trusl") for the year ended Responslbllltles and ba$1$ of report As the charrtys trustees. you are responsible for the preparation of the accounls in a¢¢ordance with Ihe iequirements of the Charities Act 2011 (Ih8 Act"). I report in respect of my examination of the Trust's accounts Carrièd out under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination, I have follov•td all Ihe applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under seclion 1451511b} of the Acl. Independent (The charivs gross income exceeded £250,000 and l am qualrfied to examlner's statement undertake the examination by being a qualrfied member of linsert name of applicable listed bodyl]. Delete l ] rfnot applKal)le. I have comp￿ted my examination. I confim that no material matters have come to my attenlion in connection v￿h the examination (other than that disclosed below ") which gives me cause to believe that in, any tnaterial respect", the accounting records Y￿re nol kept in accordance with section 130 of the Charrties Act. or the accounts dKI not accord wth the accounting records., or the account5 dKI not comply wth the applicable requirements concerning the fomi and content of accounts sel 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 concems and have come across no olher matters in connection wtth the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enab￿ a woper understanding of the accounts to be reached. ' Hease delele the worfs in Ihe brackets rfthey (*) nol apply. Slgned: Date: IS. 1.2Lfr Name: Relevant professlonal qualrficatlonls) or body IER Oct 2018 (If any): Address: OLL OA SC-A s45 qEA. Section B Disclosure Only complete rf the examiner needs to highlight material fnatters of concern (see CC32. Independent examination of Charty accounts.. directions and guidance for examineTS). Glve here brièf detalls of any Items that the examlner wishes to dlsclose. IER Oct 2018 CHARITY COMMISSION FOR ENGLAND AND WALES Receipts and payments accounts CC16a For the period from To 0110412022 3110312023 Section A Receipts and payments Unresirfcted funds Restrfjct•d funds Endowment funds Tot•1 fund• Last year toll* n•¥••i ¢ toth• n•w••te toth• n•ar••t É to lh• rw4*tÉ A1 R¥c•lpts 8F Clly & Countyol S¥¥7nsta CommunityFouTh#ation Wal•$ 14ealh Ptrn Talboi CBC 15.8efj 15,686 14,193 1.10 2,00tr 1Q,300 2,000 13,370 13.370 Sw¥ns88 C￿￿11 for Volunta S•rvKe5 Groufjdw)rk UK Coryde5e P 3,392 4.000 1,000 3,5QO 3.132 650 447 151 Cla Generated In¢oty Donotions Asd8 Green v0￿h•r Credit L¢cal Givir 70 70 3.832 Th• Supr•m• M•st•rCW Inl A 48 Gwalia 4000 5,OOQ Sub total(Gross income lor ARJ 25,Q18 19.440 44,451 45,865 A2 Agmt •nd Inw$tm•nt sal•*. ISM t•bl•l. Sub total 25.018 19,410 44.458 45,865 A3Pa m•nt• R•nVlnSuror￿O swart￿ BusirwJ$s Improv•rrK•ni Accoufjl Phonèllnleff*VWabs 3,911 3,•11 770 1012 231 3.019 231 1,717 433 si•bon8rylprfniinglphgtO¢gPY Healèr ne ProdLtt8 Furnituro and Sevan Comp8ny Hou$8 R?P3iFIM¥ini8n8nco SalaDes TrAlTrlrylConsultan VolUn￿r.￿ ￿￿e￿cl￿S cost Cleaning MaleTral Arts & Cr8n & Tshirts Foodlrefre5hrnenl$ Peity Cash Posi•yelMig¢1 Machines 4.210 21 1,538 8,734 900 1.370 97 2,828 331 io 10 28,38 417 S41 73 37,6 2.118 31,673 35.829 Sub total A4 Asset and Snv•stm•nt purchas•s, see tabl• Sub total CCXX R1 ac 1210112024 Nel of r•celpts/(paym•ntsJ A5 Tron$f•rs bots¥••n fund• A6 Cash lunds la•¢ y•ar •nd Cash funds Ihl$ year end 23.197 16,389 8.808 14,192 CCXX R2 otxx*Jnts ISSI 1210112024 Unrestrfcted funds Restricted fund5 Endrjwment funds to n•are$l £ Section B Statement o. to nqar•stÉ B1 Cash funds Totsl cash funds Unr￿¢￿d R￿trIct•d lund• funds ¢0 n•ar••t £ Éndowmont funds n•ar•¥i É Detalls to E Futyd 10 **lch •wl b•1 Curr•nt v4lu• tlon•l D•t•ll8 Co•1 loptbon•ll Fund t•whl¢h •*￿1 b•lon Cwr•nt wlu• D•tall8 B4 Assèts retalned for th• charlty's own use Fund to whl¢h r•lat•• knount lfjonal Whqty t O•tslls 85 Llabllltios Print Name Date of roval Styjnaluro Signed by one or trustees on behalf of all the Uustees C4Ss CCXX R3 accounts ISSI 1210112024