Annual Report and
Financial Statements
1, April 2023 – 31, March 2024
Prepared and approved by the Trustees of Plasma of Hope
Administrative Information
Charity name Plasma of Hope Charity registration No. 1190846 Address Plasma of Hope Nash Dom Community Hub Sun Street Walsall WS1 4AL
Board of Trustees Dr Olusola Daramola – Chair – 05 April 2021 Joyce Ngassa – 18 January 2020 Cly Kofi – 18 January 2020 Bonito Elad Ewunkem – March 2023
Chief Executive Officer Marie Claire Kofi – 6[th ] October 2021
Bank The Co-operative Bank Plc P.O Box 250 Delf House Southway, Skelmersdale WN8 6WT
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Governance and Structure
Trustees (Directors) take overall financial and strategic planning responsibility. The operational management is carried out by our CEO.
As we grow as an organisation, we understand every project needs a clear leadership to ensure success. We will ensure establishment of policies and continuous monitoring of proper implementation is in place as we develop as a Non-profit Organization. We will balance the powers of the members (with associated accountability), and their primary duty of enhancing the prosperity and viability of our organisation. We will establish Steering Committees to allow us to deliver projects to their full potential.
Employees and volunteers
The Trustees are responsible for recruiting senior members of staff, overseeing organisational restructuring and risk assessment.
To achieve our purpose and meet our outcomes we encourage and enable people of all ethnicities to volunteer.
Risk and Uncertainties
The Trustees have considered the major risks to which the charity is exposed and have reviewed those risks and established systems and procedures to manage those risks.
Objectives and Mission
Plasma of Hope’s objective is to help people living with genetic blood disorder such as Sickle Cell and Thalassemia, and survivors of associated complications including Stroke and other health issues resulting to disability. We also want to help their carers, and those in their immediate support network.
We understand the struggles individuals face who are living with sickle cell. We understand the frustration of not being able to do everyday chores, or enjoy certain life experiences, and our mission is to alleviate some of those struggles.
Our Target Beneficiaries
Most people affected are of African or African-Caribbean origin, although the sickle gene is found in all ethnic groups. These people must take extra precaution to protect themselves as they fall in the vulnerable group.
Our Solution
We want to be able to support these people the best we can and make life a little more comfortable for them in their own homes. We want to help them avoid hospital admissions which plays a very big part in their mental health. We also want to raise awareness of sickle cell disease in the wider community, to help educate, and where possible influence others to understand and adapt where they can, creating a better world for everyone.
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Our Vision
Our aim is to help our service users live as decently as possible, more comfortable lives in their own homes. Our specific goals including helping individuals:
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Reduce occurrence of crisis
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Prevent hospital stay
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Reduce stress and improve their mental health and wellbeing
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Improved employment opportunities
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Improved awareness of the disease
Our Values
Our charity is guided by our ‘ REDAT’ values, a unique set of values developed around the services we provide, the expectations of the community we serve and the regulations of the relevant governing bodies including the UK Charity Commission and the HMRC.
Respect
“Respect” guides all our daily interactions – with each other as trustees, with our volunteers, the community we serve and even with our objects and activities. Respect is at the core of everything we do, not only as servants of the charity but also at home and in our personal lives.
Equality
Equal treatment is at the core of our values because we are mindful that our target beneficiaries belong to groups that have particular and specific needs. We celebrate and value the differences between individuals’ cultural, social and intellectual contribution to the charity and we seek to promote greater mutual understanding between groups and individuals who reflect these differences. We seek to utilise the talents and experiences that each and every individual can bring to our organisation or to benefit from us.
Accountability
At the core of accountability is reliability and personal responsibility. We value the ability of our staff and organization to honour our commitments to service users and to each other. We take ownership of our work and promptly correct mistakes to the greatest extent possible.
Tolerance
Understanding that we all do not share the same beliefs and values. Respecting the values, ideas and beliefs of others whilst not imposing our own.
Dependability
Dependability is the quality of being trustworthy and reliable. It is an important quality for a member of society to possess, whether it is in the workplace, a group of friends or in a family setting. Knowing that
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someone will not only show up, but show up on time, helps us trust each other. This is what we aspire to at Plasma of Hope, and we aim to reflect these values through the people who represent us.
Message from the Chair
The long-conceived vision of Plasma of Hope began during the COVID pandemic when the charity touched the lives of many people living with sickle cell. This life-changing vision was officially launched on the 15th of April 2023. Plasma of Hope has continued to support the people living with the condition. We strive to help our service users live as decently as possible and experience more comfort in their homes. We sensitise them on home remedies and lifestyle remedies to help manage their condition at home. Our clients were also supported through the National Lottery Funded outreach initiative, which included food distribution and warm hub activity with various culturally appropriate food parcels, personal hygiene products, emergency supplies, and winter packs.
We continue to raise awareness of sickle cell anaemia through campaigns launched several times throughout the year, including World Sickle Cell Day. Plasma of Hope launched several blood donation campaigns to encourage people of ethnic minorities to donate blood, thereby fostering a closer blood match for people of ethnic minorities living with thalassaemia and sickle cell anaemia. Through one of our campaigns, 80 new blood donors were registered on the 19th of June 2023 (World Sickle Cell Day).
Our charity has successfully woven itself into the fabric of the community, establishing a robust network of collaborators. We work hand in hand with esteemed organizations such as NHS black country, the University of Wolverhampton, Wassall Integrated Care Board, Rose Tinted, Wassal Black sisters, Wassall, Mettaminds CIC, One Wasal, Housing Ground, and Wassall Community Association. Our partnership with Lidl Ablewell Street Wassall has enabled us to distribute food parcels, alleviating the burden of the costof-living crisis. With the support of the Walsall Central Library, we engage with the community through a weekly public consultation on the library site. We also actively participated in the University of Wolverhampton's event, ‘saluting our sisters’.
Plasma of Hope contributed to global and Nationwide symposia on sickle cell anaemia. This included Pfizer-led round table discussion at Westminster and the Sickle Cell International Congress in Strasbourg, France, where our CEO, Marie-Clair Kofi, delivered an articulate speech on issues related to sickle cell anaemia.
Our volunteers and trustees have been the backbone of our mission and projects, tirelessly supporting us. We are deeply grateful for their unwavering commitment, and we recognize that these milestones would not have been possible without their invaluable hard work. As a board, we are committed to continuing our support for Plasma of Hope and its mission. On behalf of my fellow trustees, I extend my heartfelt appreciation for all your efforts and eagerly anticipate even greater success in the year 2024.
Many thanks
Dr Olusola Daramola,
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Chair, Plasma of Hope Board of Trustees
Activities and Progress
April 2023 - Official Launch of Plasma of Hope
On 15 April 2023, we held the official launching ceremony of Plasma of Hope, presided over by Mayor Rose Martin of Walsall. The event underscored our mission to support those living with sickle cell disease and thalassemia in the West Midlands, attracting over 100 attendees and raising £1,771.94. In April, we also joined the Black Country community to celebrate the 75th anniversary of Windrush, supported by the National Lottery Community Fund, and initiated a campaign to raise SCD awareness in the workplace to combat discrimination.
May 2023 - "WHAT IS YOUR BLOOD TYPE?" Campaign
We conducted a month-long blood donation campaign titled "WHAT IS YOUR BLOOD TYPE?" in collaboration with NHS Blood and Transplant and the BAME Council Network at Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust. Our CEO discussed the campaign on BBC Radio Midlands. Additionally, we celebrated the coronation of King Charles III at Caldmore Community Garden, with distinguished guests Cllr Nawaz and Cllr Richard Parker. Mental Health Awareness Week allowed us to promote mental health care among individuals with sickle cell disease.
June 2023 - World Blood Donation Day and Sickle Cell Awareness
June featured our successful "What’s Your Blood Type?" event at Walsall Manor Hospital, registering over 80 new blood donors. Prominent attendees included the Mayor of Walsall, Councillor Chris Towe, Mayoral Candidate for West Midlands, Richard Parker, and Councillor Aftab Nawaz. On World Blood Donation Day (June 14), we conducted awareness campaigns to encourage blood donation. We commemorated World Sickle Cell Day on June 19 with educational activities, and our partnership with Pfizer UK took us to Parliament to discuss challenges faced by individuals with rare diseases. National Volunteers' Week celebrated our volunteers, and we continued our Maternity Outreach Programme at Nash Dom Community Hub.
July 2023 - Breast Cancer Awareness and Westminster Engagement
We participated in a roundtable discussion at Westminster, co-chaired by MP Janet Darby and Owen Marks, Head of Rare Diseases at Pfizer UK. This event facilitated important conversations about the challenges faced by individuals with sickle cell disease and highlighted the need for increased awareness and support. Additionally, we raised awareness about breast cancer among African Caribbean women during Ethnic Minority Cancer Awareness Month, partnering with NHS Black Country Integrated Care Board and various community organisations.
August 2023 - Community Partnership Events
August was marked by partnerships with community organisations such as Walsall Manor Hospital, Holy Moses Veteran Football Club, Our Walsall, and Rosetinted, celebrating events like the 20th Anniversary of WHG and Moms in Mind.
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September 2023 - Sickle Cell Disease Awareness Month
September's highlight was Sickle Cell Disease Awareness Month, where we campaigned against discrimination and stigmatisation in African communities. We hosted a Health and Nutrition webinar with One Walsall and NHS Black Country Integrated Care Board and continued our Maternity Outreach Project at Nash Dom Community Hub, providing support and advice to new parents about sickle cell disease and thalassemia.
October 2023 - Sickle Cell International Congress and Black History Month
In October, we attended the Sickle Cell International Congress in Strasbourg, France, sharing experiences and networking with stakeholders from different nations. We celebrated Black History Month under the theme "Saluting our Sisters" at the University of Wolverhampton and organised blood donation campaigns targeting black individuals. Our outreach extended to the Walsall Early Years and Primary School event at Manor Farm Community Centre, where our CEO, Marie-Claire Kofi, shared her journey of living with sickle cell disease.
November 2023 - Financial Literacy and Mental Health Initiatives
We launched our Financial Literacy Initiative, funded by the West Midlands Combined Authority via Walsall Council, providing monthly financial management sessions attended by over 20 participants. We intensified our Black Blood Donors campaign, highlighting the need for 12,000 new black blood donors annually to save lives. We supported the Movember Mental Health project, encouraging men to discuss mental health challenges. Our founder, Marie-Claire Kofi, participated in an online advocacy event discussing sickle cell and mental health alongside three seasoned medical doctors.
December 2023 - Cold Weather and Cost-of-Living Support
In December, we issued cold weather warnings and advice to support our community during winter. Supported by the Department of Culture and the National Lottery Community Fund, we addressed the cost-of-living crisis by distributing food and household supplies to vulnerable members, reaching over 150 families.
January 2024 - Energy Awareness Sessions
January marked the launch of weekly Energy Awareness Sessions, funded by the Local Giving Community Matters Fund. These sessions, attended by over 70 people, provided valuable information on heating solutions, energy tariffs, tips for reducing energy expenses, and methods to conserve energy. We also led an orientation session for new health visitors and community nurses at NHS Walsall Healthcare Trust, emphasising the importance of understanding sickle cell disease and its challenges.
February 2024 - Weekly Consultations and Winter Treat
In February, we began weekly consultations at Walsall Library, providing a safe space for users every Monday from 9 am to 2 pm. We launched the Winter Treat initiative in collaboration with Walsall Community Association, the National Lottery Community Fund, and the Department of Culture, offering free food, drinks, health advice, and cost-of-living support every Wednesday. We partnered with Walsall College for a fundraising event that raised £208.48 and initiated weekly wellbeing consultation sessions funded by Walsall Council, with over 90 individuals participating.
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March 2024 - Warm Hub Food Pantry and Celebrating Women
March featured the Warm Hub Food Pantry, funded by the National Lottery Community Fund - The Costof-Living Fund, supporting 158 families with food parcels, personal hygiene products, emergency supplies, and winter packs funded by the National Grid (Local Giving). We also celebrated Women's Month by honouring women living with challenging health conditions and investing in community progress, sharing experiences, and charting a way forward for women in Walsall and beyond.
Our Future Plans
As we move forward into 2023/2024, Plasma of Hope is committed to fostering growth and development in our core mission areas, addressing the emerging needs of those impacted by Sickle Cell disease and their families in Walsall and neighbouring regions. Our day-to-day operations will be augmented by a focus on six strategic initiatives that will shape our future:
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Broadening our Impact: We aim to extend our reach beyond our existing territories, aiming to provide assistance to individuals across the entire Midlands region.
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Increasing Blood Donations: A key aspect of our future plans is to bolster the frequency of blood donations within our communities. We believe that every donation can make a significant difference and we aim to inspire more people to contribute to this vital cause.
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Strengthening Professional Networks and Partnerships: To enhance our capability to deliver high-quality services, we plan to broaden our network of professional connections and partnerships. This expansion will foster collaboration and synergy, making us more effective in our mission.
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Securing a Building for our Community Support Centre: We have plans to acquire a dedicated building that will serve as our community support centre. This facility will offer a more tangible support.
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Growing our Team: As more individuals reach out to us for aid, we recognize the need to expand our staff. We are committed to hiring dedicated professionals who share our passion for making a difference in the lives of those affected by Sickle Cell disease.
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Volunteer Recruitment: Volunteers are the backbone of our organization, and we intend to recruit more individuals who are passionate about our cause. Our volunteers will be instrumental in driving our initiatives and contributing to our mission of hope.
At Plasma of Hope, our future is shaped by our dedication to serving those affected by Sickle Cell disease, and we look forward to making these plans a reality. Together, we can provide a beacon of hope for those in need.
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Key highlights & numbers
The Plasma of Hope organisation has gained widespread recognition within both the local community and beyond. Its impact on the community has been achieved through various means, such as outreach programmes, community engagement, and partnerships with local organisations.
Befriending - We have supported over 200 individuals during the last 12 months.
Outreach - As part of its outreach work, Plasma of Hope has supported over 100 families throughout the year. The cost of living crisis has had a significant impact on the families supported by our organisation. To address this issue, Plasma of Hope has partnered with local foodbanks, such as "Bluuprint Communities" and Lidl, to collect and deliver food parcels to families in need. Thanks to support from the National Lottery Cost of living fund, we were able to run successful food pantry programme which provided food and daily essentials parcels to over 150 families cross the black country (Walsall, Wolverhampton, Dudley and Sandwell).
Campaigning Efforts and Partnerships
Our charity has deeply embedded itself within the community, establishing a robust network of collaborators. We work hand in hand with esteemed organisations such as NHS Black Country, the University of Wolverhampton, Walsall Integrated Care Board, Rose Tinted, Walsall Black Sisters, Walsall Metaminds CIC, One Walsall, Housing Ground, and Walsall Community Association. Our partnership with Lidl Ablewell Street Walsall has been instrumental in distributing food parcels, significantly alleviating the burden of the cost-of-living crisis for many families.
With the support of Walsall Central Library, we engage with the community through a weekly public consultation held at the library. We also actively participated in the University of Wolverhampton's event, "Saluting Our Sisters," celebrating the contributions of black women in the Midlands.
Plasma of Hope has made significant contributions to global and nationwide discussions on sickle cell anaemia. This includes participating in a Pfizer-led roundtable discussion at Westminster and the Sickle Cell International Congress in Strasbourg, France. At these prestigious events, our CEO, Marie-Claire Kofi, delivered articulate and impactful speeches on the challenges and issues related to sickle cell anaemia, furthering our advocacy and raising awareness on an international scale.
Funding - We have successfully raised £123,545 in grants with £16,489 of that amount held in reserves.
Financial review
This financial review offers a concise overview of the principal highlights from the organisation's financial statement during its highly successful second year of operation.
The escalating cost of living has led to a surge in demand for Plasma of Hope's services, significantly
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straining our financial resources. As more individuals seek assistance, there's a pressing need for funds to maintain the quality of food and emergency supplies, while the cost-of-living crisis is also putting pressure on our volunteer workforce and integral to day-to-day operations. Partnerships, though vital, introduce further expenses, and anticipated energy efficiency initiatives, while beneficial, require initial financial outlay. Together, these factors tested the organisation's ability to consistently deliver its services without additional funding or cost-saving strategies. However, through strategic planning, prudent financial management, and the consistent support of donors like the National Lottery, we were able to navigate these challenges effectively.
The statement delineates the major expense categories and funding sources, culminating in a favourable net balance.
During the period, the organisation incurred expenses amounting to £107,056
The organisation's funding, totalling £123,544 was derived from a variety of sources, including grants, donations.
On 30[th ] March 2024, £16,488 was held in reserves and available for use towards the general objectives of the charity.
In summary, the organisation adeptly managed its finances throughout the period, maintaining a healthy net balance. The primary expenses were associated with project costs, staff costs and volunteer expenses, while other costs were efficiently controlled. Thanks to its diverse funding sources, the organisation was able to cover its expenses, demonstrating a robust financial position.
Trustees’ responsibilities in relation to the Financial
Statements
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).
The 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 state of affairs of the charity and of the incoming resources and application of resources of the charity for that period. 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 2019 (frs 102);
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Make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
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State whether applicable accounting standards have been followed, subject to any material departures
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Disclosed and explained in the financial statements;
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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.
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The trustees are responsible for keeping proper 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, the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 and the provisions of the trust deed. 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.
Declaration
The trustees declare that they have approved the trustees’ report above.
Signed on behalf of the charity’s trustees.
Full name Dr Olusola Daramola Position Chair Date 15/05/2024
Acknowledgement
Plasma of Hope extends gratitude to the following organisations for their support and sponsorship.
Key Sources of Funding
| ORGANISATION AMOUNT(£) |
ORGANISATION AMOUNT(£) |
|---|---|
| NATIONALLOTTERYREACHING | |
| COMMUNITIESFUND | 35,079 |
| THE COMMUNITY ORGANISATIONS COST OFLIVINGFUND |
31,246 |
| PFIZERUK | 10,000.00 |
| NATIONALGRIDCOMMUNITY MATTERS FUND |
9,950.00 |
| WALSALL COUNCIL MULTIPLY FUND | 9,629 |
| D'OYLYLCARTETRUST | 3,500.00 |
| SOUTERCHARITABLETRUST | 3,000.00 |
| BLACKCOUNTRYCONSORTIUM | 2,500.00 |
| THEEVESONTRUST | 2,000.00 |
Other Sources of Funding
NHS Black Country ICB Walsall College Groundwork Foundation Autosmart International Local Giving Ltd Tesco Community Fund Coronation Grant - Walsall Council via ACH NHS Black Country ICB
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Statement of Financial Activities to 30.03.2024
Income
| Income | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Restricted | Unrestricted | Total | |
| Funds (£) | Funds (£) | Funds (£) | |
| CHARITABLEACTIVITIES | 80,171 | 40,873 | 121,044 |
| OTHER | 2,500 | 2,500 | |
| TOTALINCOME | 80,171 | 43,373 | 123,544 |
Expenditure
| Expenditure | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Project Expenses | 38,413.99 | ||
| Staff Costs | 37,566.24 | ||
| Volunteer Expenses | 5,705.77 | ||
| Marketing & Publicity | 2,390.78 | ||
| Professional Fees | 10,037.98 | ||
| Outreach Events | 2,017.64 | ||
| Education Material | 1,766.81 | ||
| Website Development | 1,679.43 | ||
| Software | 1,388.20 | ||
| Travel Cost | 1,170.03 | ||
| Entertainment | 894.99 | ||
| Office Supplies | 697.13 | ||
| Utility | 611.84 | ||
| Website Hosting Fees | 577.93 | ||
| Insurance | 560.60 | ||
| Equipment | 459.00 | ||
| Computer Equipment | 454.93 | ||
| Merchandise | 384.24 | ||
| Christmas Gifts | 131.50 | ||
| Membership | 75.00 | ||
| Subscriptions | |||
| Telephone | 72.11 | ||
| TOTAL | 84,076 | 22,979 | 107,056 |
| NETBALANCE | 16,488 | ||
| Reserves | |||
| RESERVE | 16,488 | 16,488 | |
| RESERVE BROUGHT FORWARD(31, MARCH2023) | 11,090 | 11,090 | |
| TOTALRESERVES | 27,578 |
Reserves
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Assets
Fixed Assets
| Asset | Total Cost (£) |
|---|---|
| Projector | 604 |
| Screen | 149 |
| Gazebo | 459 |
| Cooler Boxes | 354 |
| Computers | 1,248 |
| Folding Table | 143 |
| Total | 2,957 |
Current Assets
| Description | Amount (£) |
|---|---|
| Cash in Hand | 203 |
| Bank Balance | 36,199 |
| Total Cash | 36,402 |
Total Assets
| Description | Amount (£) |
|---|---|
| Total Fixed Assets | 2,957 |
| Total Current Assets | 36,402 |
| Total Assets | 39,359 |
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Declarations
The trustees declare that they have approved the trustees’ report above. Signed on behalf of the charity’s trustees.
| Signature(s) Full name(s) Position Date |
||
|---|---|---|
| Dr Olusola Daramola | Joyce Ngassa | |
| Chair | Secretary | |
| 28/08/2024 | 28/08/2024 |
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Independent Examiner’s Report
I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of the above charity (Plasma of Hope) for the year ended 31/03/2024 .
As the charity trustees of the Trust, you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011.
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 the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Act.
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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accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 130 of the Act or
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the accounts do not accord with the accounting records
I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
Signed: Name:
Relevant professional qualification(s) or body (if any):
Address:
Date: 28/08/2024 Mr Joseph Mukong BA Honours Accountancy Leeds Metropolitan University 36 Brook Street Huddersfield HD5 9DB
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