L A T V I A N C O M M U N I T Y A S S O C I A T I O N I N T H E U K
A N N U A L R E P O R T
Charity Number: 1191882 Registered address: Gladstone Park Community Centre, 927 Bourges blvd, PE1 2AN Trustees: Kristine Vaivode, Iluta Willis, Girts Arturs Suna, Evita Bolsakova Coordinator: Iveta Suna Accountant: Money Talks Accountancy Ltd Independent Examiner: Joanna Fox ACMA Type of governing document: Constitution How the charity is constituted: Association Trustee selection methods: Appointed by existing trustees
The Board of Trustees at Latvian Community Association in the UK are submitting the annual report for the time period of 1st April 2022 - 31st March 2023. The Board of Trustees confirms that the annual report, including financial statements, of LCAITUK comply with the current statutory requirements, the Charity Act 2011 as well as the requirements of the Constitution of the charity. This report is a reflection of the objectives, activities and vision that is at the core of LCAITUK's values. We have prepared an overview of our achievements as well as a detailed financial report for the time period of 1st April 2022 - 31st March 2023. We want to express our utmost gratitude to everyone who helped with running our projects and activities, This year we have had 13 volunteers regularly contributing their time, skills and expertise to make our charity the best it could be.
This year we have seen important growth in our charity, not just financially but also in establishing our values and what we stand for as a charity and community group. This also reflects in the colour scheme of the report - the groundedness of forest green symbolises our increasing recognisability and trust from our community members and beneficiaries. We feel like finally, after more than 10 years as a community organisation, we are creating strong and stable roots in the location we are at. It makes a massive difference to have a dedicated space that can embrace it all - our day to running, meetings, weekly activities, special events or even just having a chat and coffee with our community members, volunteers and partners. It has become a safe space where people can feel supported and accepted. And just like a river - we are always moving, always flowing, and gathering learnings like pebbles from the shore, which then collate in a beautiful tapestry of experiences - both the shiny ones and the rough ones are needed for growth and development. And we feel lucky that we have been able to collect so many of these learning pebbles, which you will get to learn more about when continuing reading this report.
W H O W E A R E
Our charity started as Peterborough Latvian Community group (PLC) and on October 19th, 2020 we became a registered Charity. PLC was established in 2009 in Peterborough. Our main aim is to support disadvantaged members of the EU as well as emergency support groups such as Ukrainian refugees, who are on low income, work long hours, struggle with English and lack knowledge of the UK system. Our aim is to promote community cohesion for better understanding and also to help our members to take part in integration events to reduce loneliness, tackle mental health and reduce isolation by creating multi-cultural events, educational, sports and wellbeing activities to prevent anti-social behaviour and community tension and even crime. We have 7 people in the management committee and they contribute their expertise from different fields, including accountancy, youth and social work, psychology, engineering and arts.
Y4 TO PROVIDE DEPRIVED LOCAL COMMUNITIES WITH FREE WELLBEING ACTIVITIES THAT BENEFIT THEIR MENTAL AND PHYSICAL HEALTH 'J b'¥il O'UR MISSION
P R O M O T E S O C I A L I N C L U S I O N O F T H E L O C A L P E T E R B O R O U G H C O M M U N I T Y B Y P R O V I D I N G T H E M W I T H A C T I V I T I E S T H A T W I L L B R I N G T H E M T O G E T H E R A N D S E C U R E S A F E S P A C E S F O R S O C I A L I S I N G
I N C R E A S E C O N F I D E N C E W I T H I N O U R B E N E F I C I A R I E S T H A T W I L L L E A D T O B E I N G M O R E O U T G O I N G A N D P O S I T I V E A B O U T T H E I R S K I L L S B Y A T T E N D I N G A C T I V I T I E S S U C H A S E N G L I S H A N D S E W I N G C L A S S E S
M I N I M I S E T H E S T I G M A O F M E N T A L H E A L T H S T R U G G L E S B Y A C T I V E L Y T A L K I N G A B O U T I T A N D P R O V I D I N G T H E B E N E F I C I A R I E S W I T H T H E R A P Y S U P P O R T A N D M E N T A L H E A L T H B E N E F I T I N G A C T I V I T I E S H E L P O T H E R S S E E O U R C O M M U N I T Y A S A N E X C I T I N G P L A C E T O B E , F U L L O F I N S P I R I N G P E O P L E A N D S T O R I E S . T O S E E I T S D I V E R S I T Y A S A T R E A S U R E T H A T I T I S .
W H E R E W E W O R K
Police statistics, 2022 At the same time Milfield is home for over 100 languages and nationalities, making it a a vibrant and exciting hub that celebrates culture and diversity.
O U R T I M E L I N E
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different community
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charity! Through the
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people living in
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people came! It's the different city across the communities virtually - attract volunteers from
UK, highlighting our providing with creative, abroad - bringing talents
beginning of Latvian
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Community!
and food for a day activities. skillsets.
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O U R M A I N A C T I V I T I E S
This year in terms of activities has been very prominent in regards of youth work and youth related activities - we organised several camps for Latvian youths living in the UK as well as Latvia - to give the opportunity for both parts to connect, widen their horizons and learn from each other. We also organised other youth activities for all communities - such as group therapy and creativity sessions as well as sessions about sexual health and healthy relationships. We are also extremely proud that we were offered to host our very own radio show in Latvian - you can hear/see us on Salaam radio every Sunday from 5-6pm. There we discuss a variety of topics (from social support to introducing the community to inspiring and interesting Latvians from around the UK. We have also been very fortunate to establish partnerships with other like-minded, small community organisations and have even formed a community consortium group - which was even recognised by the Embassy of Latvia to the UK! And to top it all off we have had the pleasure to be a part of several Latvian diaspora meetings with Latvian representatives from around the UK to discuss different ways of supporting our communities through cultural, sporting and mental wellbeing activities.
Y O U T H C A M P S
This year we held 2 youth camps and 1 informative session to prepare for another one in the upcoming summer. Together we worked with 35 young people and gave them the chance to experience cross-cultural activities and get immersed in a Latvian environment - which is something that is getting more and more endangered as the children born to Latvian parent/s are loosing their Latvian identity, the language and the culture as their day to day activities are mostly in English.
A quote from the participant Madara:
‘I have gained new friends as well as new knowledge about Latvia that I didn’t even know about and my favourite activity was the Latvian candle making!’
A quote from the participant Ernests:
‘My wish to the Latvian youth living abroad is to not lose the connection to Latvia and its culture.’ A quote from the participant Miks:
‘I would just say that it’s very cool here, the food is delicious and it’s really fun!’
M O R E Y O U T H A C T I V I T I E S We also partnered and got supported by 2 amazing youth organisations. One of them being the Terrence Higgins Trust, which leads informative workshops that focus on sharing information and developing knowledge about health sexual culture.
The other partner was Your Best Friend who funded our youth mental wellbeing project for six months. During this time we organised fortnightly sessions that focused on recognising and nurturing positive relationships and learn how to avoid toxic ones - be it with friends, family, partners or oneself. We invited psychologists for group seminars as well as created creative activities for the young people to be able to express themselves and acknowledge their beauty and importance.
C O - F U N D I N G C P C G - C O N S O R T I U M O F P E T E R B O R O U G H C O M M U N I T Y G R O U P S
CPCG was formed together with the aim to bring together different community leaders to serve a larger amount of beneficiaries that it would be possible if working as individual organisations. The participating community groups are Bengali, Romanian, Lithuanian, Latvian, East Timorese, Czech Republic, Slovakian and Indian. Our mission is to unite our knowledge and skillsets to create a union that together could reach and support even more of the diverse community members here in Peterborough. Our biggest achievement to this day is creating a breakfast provision program, where kids from our neighbouring school can grab a nutritious breakfast to kickstart their day. It’s made a massive difference to many local families, who sometimes can struggle with providing a healthy breakfast to their children. It’s taken off a lot of financial pressure off of their shoulders and even the headmaster of the school wrote to us with gratitude, highlighting the change they can already see in the students’ performance. Other projects we have organised included a pregnancy seminar to support new mums and a Christmas dinner for those who might have felt lonely or isolated due to lack of opportunities to meet new people.
What one of our radio hosts Jolanta says: -It has been a new challenge that I was brave enough to take on. And I’m so happy I did! I’ve become more confident in speaking and interviewing as well as gained new knowledge and formed new great contacts!
O U R V E R Y O W N R A D I O S H O W !
The weekly Latvian radio show which airs on Salaam radio 106.2 sees 4 Latvian ladies (one of them even travels in from Leicester!) taking turns discussing topics that are important to themselves and others could find them useful too. It takes place evry Sunday from 5-6pm.
We have noticed and received feedback about all the hosts growing in confidence - it felt so scary at first but everyone is now looking forward for their turn and their chance to host and share their and their guests’ experiences to the rest of the community. The topics range from social needs - food hubs, benefits support, information about mental wellbeing activities taking place in Peterborough, to talking about culture, music, travel, psychology and more!
-The feeling of doing something with an ‘added value’ is incredible - because in the end this is all for the benefit of the
community. -The best moment was when I found out that after MY show someone decided to apply for a job we were discussing in that specific show.
Through this we have also grown our understanding for different communities as we’re sharing the radio platform with different cultures, mainly islamic - which gives us a wonderful opportunity to make new connections and feel more accepted as active participants of the Latvian community!
We can also be watched on facebook live and people can send in their comments and questions to us live on air.
S E W I N G S E S S I O N S
One of our popular sessions is definitely the sewing classes. We have a permanent group of 8 ladies who keep returning every week to continue on ongoing projects. This is one of those times where the impact on our beneficiaries is so tangible. Not only we can see the difference in the skill development but also in their personal growth. The ladies have not just become friends during the classes, but they’ve also started to organise meetings outside of the classes. You can feel it just by being in the room with them - their joy to spend the time together doing something they love. They’ve showed so much excitement and support towards each other - celebrating every achievement throughout the project.
The ladies had come together from different backgrounds - Asian, African and Northeast European.
From our participant Gulfraz: ‘I enjoyed the class because we learn to sew and we have made good friends as a group! We also have healthy snacks and and drinks provided. So after a long day we get to be amongst friends. We can talk and share how our day has been. Fantastic group!
-Empowering -Supportive -We are learning a life skill’
O T H E R A C T I V I T I E S
With Support from Vodafone we were able to support our beneficiaries, focusing on the Ukrainians who had found their refuge in Peterborough. We were able to provide them with a free sim card. As well as that we were continuing to provide any Ukrainian in need with free therapy sessions.
Our English Classes for beginners are always popular sessions with good attendance every time. We had a mix of Ukrainian as well as Eastern and Northeast Europeans. In total the classes were attended by 42 people this year.
We are strong believers of nature’s therapy, so with the support of Mind mental health charity we organised a couple of walk and talk sessions, one locally and one in Leicestershire - in a large Latvian owned territory with ample of green spaces. It has been proven that a simple exercise such as walking, especially in nature can provide us with calming effects that stimulate our creativity - creating a perfect environment for reflective chats.
One of the activities that he have been operating long term and included in several of our funding applications as we see the crucial need for it is the free therapy sessions we’re providing to our beneficiaries, no matter their background. We have received feedback saying just how important these therapy sessions have been to people - including one saying that it has been a lifesaving support.
With a support from a behaviour therapist we held a practical session on inner harmony. In a creative way we dived into our consciousness and explored our own unique formula for harmony as everyone has different needs and ways of operating.
It’s our tradition now to host a celebratory event in the name of all women - for the international women’s day. We had lovely surprises for all our beautiful attendees - including musical performances, treats, creative activities and inspiring guest speakers.
In our recent survey we had asked what kinds of activities our beneficiaries want to see more of. One of the top answers was - active wellbeing sessions. We heard it and organised fun and lighthearted Zumba sessions were the participants could travel back in time to 80s and 90s, have a good laugh and sweat out the stresses of the day!
We were happy to take part and pass on very useful health related information to our beneficiaries during a free Health MOT session. We got involved by documenting our conversations with
After some of our charity representatives had attended a sound bath session they couldn’t wait to introduce it to the wider Therefore we community. reached out to a specialist and hosted our own relaxing sound bath. It has been proven that specific tonal vibrations have the power to balance the brain activity and calm your mind - sending you into a trans-like relaxation. It was a very successful event with great reviews asking for more kinds of these events.
representatives from NHS, supply providers, City council and other wellbeing promoting organisations and presenting those via our facebook channel. We got answers to important questions and got to introduce different service providers and how they can assist anyone in need - all translated in Latvian.
A W O R D F R O M O U R C E O
Working from home for 13 years and holding meetings in a variety of random places had never encouraged stability and belonging to community as we had to move around so much without settling in one stable place. Therefore this year, after securing our own permanent office spaces, we saw an immense growth in connection and trust building with our community - the amount of appointments and interest in our work grew a lot. Another proud accomplishment of the year was a very much needed focus on youth activities - establishing connection with our heritage and Latvia. It was not the easiest of jobs, with multiple challenges, but when working together with youth professionals and people we have a lot of faith in - the results were truly amazing and gave the young people an experience of a different side to their heritage. Another proud and successful moment was establishing our radio show - which meant we can now reach so many more people and not only in Peterborough! We have received feedback and new connections through all over the country. In this project the beneficiaries are not just the listeners, but also the hosts - as for all the ladies it was a great challenge and something new to say yes to.
So my wish to for everyone who’s involved in the not-for-profit sector is to feel the joy that it brings to be a part of something bigger and remember - you are valued and you are making a massive positive difference into lives of so many people - let’s celebrate that! -Iveta Suna
E X T R A S P E C I A L T H A N K Y O U T O O U R F U N D I N G B O D I E S A N D P A R T N E R O R G A N I S A T I O N S !
CHARITY COMMISSION FOR ENGLAND AND WALES Independent examiner's report on the accounts Section A Independent Examiner's Report Report to the trusteesl members of Latvian Community Association In The UK On accounts for the year ended 3110312023 Charity no lif any) 1191882 Set out on pages Attached CC16a I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts ofthe above harity I'lhe Trust") for the year ended 3110312023. Responslblltles and As the charity's trustees, you are responsible for the preparation of the basis of report accoun15 in accordan with the requirements of the Charities Acl 2011 I'the Act.). I pOrt in respect of my examination of the Trust's accounts carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carying out my examination, I have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)Ib) of Ihe Act. Independent I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have examiner'8 8tstement come lo my attention in connection with the examination which gives me cause to believe Ihal in, any material respect.. the aGcounling records were not kept in accordance wilh section 130 of the Charities Act., or the accounts did not accord with the accounting rècords., or 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 examinalion. 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. Signed: i) Date: 1210112024 Name: nna Fox ACMA Relevant professional qualification{sl or body (if any): Chartered Institute of Management Accountants Address: Unit B Greenhill House, Thorpe Road Peterborough PE3 6RU IER Oct 2018
Section B Disclosure Only complete rf the examiner needs to highlight material matters of concem (see CC32. Independent examination of tharity accounts: directions 8nd guKl8nce for examin8rs). Glve hern brhf detalls of any Items that the examlner wlshos to dlsclo$e. IER Oct 2018
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Charity Name No (if any)
Latvian Community Association in the UK 11911882
Receipts and payments accounts CC16a
For the period Period start date Period end date
To
from 01/04/2022 31/03/2023
Section A Receipts and payments
Unrestricted Restricted Endowment
Total funds Last year
funds funds funds
to the nearest £ to the nearest £ to the nearest £ to the nearest £ to the nearest £
A1 Receipts
Grants - 42,968 - 42,968 68,526
Donations 528 - - 528 548
Other 763 - - 763 1,603
Staff Fund - 12,674 - 12,674 12,808
- - - - -
- - - - -
- - - - -
- - - - -
Sub total (Gross income for
AR) [ 1,291 ] 55,642 - 56,933 83,485
A2 Asset and investment sales,
(see table).
- - - -
- - - - -
Sub total - - - - -
Total receipts 1,291 55,642 - 56,933 83,485
A3 Payments
Venue Rent - 1,969 - 1,969 4,630
Refreshments - 6,286 - 6,286 1,733
Travel & Transport 188 537 - 725 948
Administration - 3,276 - 3,276 15,454
Stationary - 86 - 86 44
Activity Cost - 17,083 - 17,083 19,865
Equipment 74 1,222 - 1,296 5,846
Coronavirus Related Cost - - - - 700
Other Costs 70 341 - 411 269
Emergency Food Vouchers 100 - 100 -
Wages - 16,958 - 16,958 10,324
Voluntary Costs - 2,591 - 2,591 784
Insurance 218 - - 218 184
IT Services - 441 - 441 3,007
Donations - - - - 920
Activity Materials - 2,624 - 2,624 4,593
Marketing 510 226 - 736 -
Administration 270 2,563 - 2,833 -
- - - - -
Sub total [ 1,330 ] 56,303 - 57,633 69,301
A4 Asset and investment
purchases, (see table)
- - - -
- - - -
Sub total [ - ] - - - -
Total payments 1,330 56,303 - 57,633 69,301
Net of receipts/(payments) - 39 - 661 - - 700 14,184
A5 Transfers between funds - - - - -
A6 Cash funds last year end 597 13,586 - 14,183 -
Cash funds this year end 558 12,925 - 13,483 14,184
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CCXX R1 accounts (SS)
16/01/2024
1
Section B Statement of assets and liabilities at the end of the period
| Categories Signed by one or two trustees on behalf of all the trustees B1 Cash funds B2 Other monetary assets B4 Assets retained for the charity’s own use B5 Liabilities B3 Investment assets |
Lloyds Bank 7363 Metro Bank 4019 Signature Lloyds Bank 0063 Paypal Details Details Total cash funds (agree balances with receipts and payments account(s)) Details Details Details |
Unrestricted funds Restricted funds to nearest £ to nearest £ 65 6,468 3,610 - 2,847 493 - 558 12,925 OK OK Unrestricted funds Restricted funds to nearest £ to nearest £ - - - - - - - - - - - - Fund to which asset belongs Cost (optional) - - - - - Fund to which asset belongs Cost (optional) - - - - - - - - - Fund to which liability relates Amount due (optional) - - - - - Print Name Kristine Vaivode |
Endowment funds to nearest £ - - - |
|---|---|---|---|
| - | |||
| OK | |||
| Endowment funds to nearest £ - - - - - - Current value (optional) - - - - - Current value (optional) - - - - - - - - - When due (optional) Date of approval 16.01.2024 |
CCXX R2 accounts (SS)
16/01/2024
2