Charity Reference Number:1194054
Z's Defence Academ
ort and financial statements
for the
ear ended 31 March 2026
## **Z's Defence Academy Charity Reference Number:1194054 Contents**
|Reference and administrative details
Trustees' Report
Review of activities
Independent Examiner's Report
Statement of Financial Activities
Balance Sheet
Notes to the accounts|**Page**|
|---|---|
||1
2-3
4-8
9
10
11
12-14|
**Z's Defence Academy Reference and administrative details for the year ended 31 March 2026**
Charity Registration No: 1194054
Principal Office: Z's Defence Academy PO BOX 689 Blackburn BB2 9RB Trustees: Dawn Wells Aasiya Mota Raja Rehman Azmat Farid Bankers: NatWest Bank 44 Copy Nook Eanam Blackburn BB1 3AN Accountants: H&A Consultancy Services Ltd Ground Floor Front 185 Audley Range Blackburn Lancashire BB1 1TH
1
**Z's Defence Academy Charity Reference Number:1194054**
## **Trustee's Annual Report for the year ended 31 March 2026**
The Trustees present their report and accounts for the year ended 31 March 2026.
The financial statements have been prepared on an accruals basis in accordance with the accounting policies set out in the notes to the financial statements and comply with the charity's constitution, Charities Act 2011.
## **Structure, governance and management**
CIO - FOUNDATION registered 9 April 2021.
## **Our objectives**
The objects of the CIO are:
1) to advance education and training for the public benefit in self-defence techniques in order to raise awareness of and protect personal safety
2) the promotion of community participation in healthy recreation for the public benefit through the provision of facilities to participate in sports and activities capable of promoting physical health and fitness. (for the purposes of this clause “facilities” means land, buildings, equipment, access to coaching and organising sporting activities).
3) to further such exclusively charitable purposes for the public benefit as the trustees in their absolute discretion shall determine by making donations to registered charities.
## **Achievements and performance**
The charity received donations of £97,239 (2025: £66,395) during the year and the work carried out by the charity during the year is detailed in the following pages.
## **Future Plans**
The charity aims to continue with its activities long term for the benefit of the community.
## **Risk management**
The trustees actively review the major risk which the charity faces on a regular basis and believe that maintaining reserves at current levels, combined with an annual review of the controls over key financial systems, will provide sufficient resources in the event of adverse conditions. The trustees have also examined the operational and business risks faced by the charity and confirm that they have established systems to mitigate the significant risks.
## **Reserves policy**
The Reserve Fund represents unrestricted funds. The Trustees aim to maintain sufficient reserves so as to give flexibility to cover temporary timing differences for donations received, adequate working capital for core costs and which will allow them to respond quickly to the needs of the Charity.
2
**Z's Defence Academy Charity Reference Number:1194054**
## **Trustee's Annual Report for the year ended 31 March 2026**
## **Public Benefit**
The trustees have a duty to comply with Section 17 of The Charities Act 2011 to have due regard to the Charity Commission’s general guidance on public benefit. The trustees consider the aims, objectives and activities of the charity and compare these with the achievements and outcomes of the various programmes, reviewing the benefits brought to the public the charity seeks to help by each key activity. The trustees have referred to the Charity Commission’s guidance on public benefit in undertaking the public benefit duty.
## **Trustees' responsibilities**
The Charities Act require 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 surplus of the charity for that period. In preparing those financial statements the trustees are required to:
- select suitable accounting policies and apply them consistently;
- make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent; - prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the charity will continue in existence
The trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records, which disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the trust. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the trust and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.
Approved by the trustees on 29 April 2026 and signed on its behalf by:
Dawn Wells Azmat Farid Trustee Trustee
3
**Z's Defence Academy Charity Reference Number:1194054**
## **Review of Charitable activities for the year ended 31 March 2026**
## **Background**
Z’s Defence Academy is a BAME women-led organisation based in Blackburn, dedicated to engaging, educating, and empowering women to overcome barriers and lead confident, fulfilling lives.
The Academy delivers a diverse range of programmes, including self-defence, martial arts, outdoor and adventure activities, and educational workshops. These are complemented by opportunities to access blue and green spaces, alongside holistic wellbeing sessions that support physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health.
Z’s Defence Academy has worked in partnership with organisations such as the National Health Service and local community groups to support women, particularly those from ethnically diverse backgrounds and those living with long-term health conditions. This includes innovative initiatives such as menopause awareness and support sessions, helping to break stigma and improve wellbeing.
Recognised for its inclusive, community-led, and person-centred approach, Z’s Defence Academy has received multiple awards and continues to make a meaningful and lasting impact across the communities it serves.
## **Project and Activity Updates**
## **Sport England**
Our community project aims to enhance confidence, fitness, wellbeing, and social skills through physical activity, particularly in the wake of lockdowns. Targeting deprived areas, we offer vulnerable individuals a reason to return to exercise, transforming their lives with motivational and empowering programs. We will distribute information leaflets via social media, WhatsApp, GP practices, community centres, and faith buildings. We plan to recruit instructors to deliver various weekly physical activities across various locations.
Research indicates that a 12-week program can significantly improve health outcomes. We aim to offer three 12-week programs annually, targeting 10 women per activity, reaching 1,440 participants over 36 weeks. Post-program, we will sustain activities by offering two weekly sessions for a minimal fee, supported by volunteers.
Participants: 360 Outcome: Complete
4
**Z's Defence Academy Charity Reference Number:1194054**
## **Review of Charitable activities for the year ended 31 March 2026**
## **FA Football**
Football funding will benefit a wide range of community members, particularly young girls/women, by developing their skills, promoting physical fitness, and providing social interaction opportunities. The Community and our charity will benefit from better resources, increased inclusivity, and stronger community engagement. Women and girls will receive support to increase their participation, promoting gender equality and empowerment. The most disadvantaged areas in Blackburn will see positive impacts through opportunities for youth and community development. Coaches and volunteers benefit from improved training and support, while health advocates promote healthy lifestyles and mental well-being. Overall, football funding enhances the quality of life by fostering physical activity, social cohesion, and longterm community well-being, creating a lasting positive impact for future generations. We aim to deliver this pilot project in Blackburn thereafter other areas in the North west.
Outcome: Ongoing
## **Peter Harrison**
Our activity harnesses the transformative power of sport to improve the physical and mental well-being of young women from the South Asian community. The project is rooted in the belief that sport is a potent tool for social inclusion and personal development, and it targets women from disadvantaged backgrounds who have limited opportunities to engage in physical activities. The primary objective of this project is to tackle health inequalities and empower participants by providing them with the necessary skills, knowledge, and motivation to live healthier and happier lives. By engaging in sports, young women can improve their fitness levels and reduce the risk of various medical conditions such as obesity, cardiovascular diseases, and diabetes, among others. Besides the obvious physical benefits, participating in sports activities can also have profound effects on mental wellness. It can help alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety, boost self-esteem and confidence, and foster a sense of belonging and achievement.
Participants: 200 Outcome: Complete
5
**Z's Defence Academy Charity Reference Number:1194054**
## **Review of Charitable activities for the year ended 31 March 2026**
## **Ground Work**
ZDA addresses significant issues in the Blackburn area, particularly for women in low-income and ethnically diverse communities who face barriers like social isolation, health disparities, and cultural stigmas around women’s participation in physical activities. Through various programs self-defence, martial arts, sports, and wellness sessions, we encourage physical fitness, self-confidence, and personal growth. ZDA's holistic approach includes tailored support in mental health, life coaching, and nutrition, fostering overall well-being. Operating in Blackburn with Darwen, ZDA collaborates with community centres, local authorities, and the NHS to deliver impactful programs that empower women and young people. Through this work, we aim to create a safe and supportive environment where participants can build resilience, independence, and a sense of belonging, making our community stronger and healthier.
Participants: 120 Outcome: Complete
## **Awards4all**
We aim to deliver a community outreach programme engaging South Asian women in East Lancashire through indoor and outdoor activities that address long-standing physical and mental health challenges. The project will deliver 20 female-only workshops in accessible venues, focusing on fitness, wellbeing, confidence-building, and connection to support services. Activities will include outdoor pursuits, nutrition, wellness sessions, photography, and 1-2-1 support. Many women face barriers such as cultural restrictions, isolation, and limited access to exercise, alongside higher risks of conditions like obesity, diabetes, and depression. Female-only sessions will provide a safe, culturally sensitive environment to overcome these challenges. Delivered over two years, the programme will build confidence, improve health, and empower women to lead more active, connected lives.
Outcome: Ongoing
## **Adventure Mind**
We want to offer a residential retreat for underprivileged women from the BAME community to provide them with a safe, supportive, and nurturing environment where they can focus on their well-being, personal growth, and community connection. Many of these women face multiple challenges, including financial hardship, social isolation, and limited access to self-care and development opportunities.
6
## **Z's Defence Academy Charity Reference Number:1194054**
## **Review of Charitable activities for the year ended 31 March 2026**
By creating a dedicated space away from daily pressures, we aim to empower them through workshops, wellness activities, and peer support, helping to build confidence, resilience, and a sense of belonging. This retreat will be a crucial step in fostering their mental, emotional, and social well-being, equipping them with the tools and support they need to thrive.
Participants: 35 Outcome: Complete
## **Bolton CVS**
By creating a dedicated space away from daily pressures, we aim to empower them through workshops, wellness activities, and peer support, helping to build confidence, resilience, and a sense of belonging. This retreat will be a crucial step in fostering their mental, emotional, and social well-being, equipping them with the tools and support they need to thrive.
Participants: 35 Outcome: Complete
## **Postcode Local Trust**
Our programme includes a range of activities designed to support women holistically, including self-defence courses that build confidence, personal safety, and resilience through evidencebased training, alongside dance and fitness sessions such as Zumba, yoga, and Pilates to promote accessible and enjoyable physical activity. We also deliver menopause support sessions offering education, peer support, and practical tools to improve wellbeing, as well as community walks and hikes that encourage outdoor activity, social connection, and engagement with nature. In addition, our martial arts training develops strength, confidence, and self-defence skills within a safe, female-only environment. Through our Transform for Life programme, we support women with fitness, nutrition, and healthier lifestyle habits, complemented by group mentoring and wellbeing support that create safe spaces for discussion, personal growth, and development. Through this work, we empower women to feel stronger, more confident, and more connected within their communities.
Outcome: Complete
7
**Z's Defence Academy Charity Reference Number:1194054**
**Review of Charitable activities for the year ended 31 March 2026**
## **(Blackburn with Darwen (BwD)**
Our community ethos at Z’s Defence Academy is to empower women of all ages to confidently engage in physical activity and sport, improving their physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing. We deliver inclusive 12-week programmes featuring activities such as chair yoga and walking for seniors, Pilates and boxing for mental health and low-income groups, self-defence and yoga for young women, and Zumba and circuit training for those with disabilities. These sessions help reduce stress, improve mood and energy, build confidence, strengthen discipline, encourage social connection, and promote overall positive mental health.
Outcome: Ongoing
8
## **Z's Defence Academy Charity Reference Number:1194054 Independent Examiner's Statement, Report and Opinion on the Accounts**
I report to the trustees on my examination of the financial statements of the above for the year ended 31 March 2026.
## **Respective responsibilities of trustees and examiner**
As the charity's trustees, you are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 ('the Act').
I report in respect of my examination of the financial statements of Autism Forward carried out under section 145 of the 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 giving me cause to believe that in any material respect:
1. accounting records were not kept in respect of Autism Forward as required by section 130 of the Act; or
2. the accounts do not accord with those records; or
3. the accounts do not comply with the accounting 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.
I Mulla (AFA MIPA) for and behalf of H&A Consultancy Services Ltd Ground Floor Front 185 Audley Range Blackburn Lancashire BB1 1TH
29 April 2026
9
## **Z's Defence Academy Charity Reference Number:1194054 Statement of Financial Activities for the year ended 31 March 2026**
|**Note **
**INCOMING RESOURCES**
**_Incoming resources from charitable activities_**
Grants and donations
**2**
Interest received
**Total Incoming resources**
**RESOURCES EXPENDED**
**_Charitable activities_**
Charitable activities
**3**
Governance costs
**4**
**Total Resources expended**
**Net income/(loss) for the year**
**Transfer between funds**
**5**
**Movement in funds**
**_Reconciliation of funds_**
Total funds brought forward
**Total funds carried forward**|**Unrestricted**|**Unrestricted**||**Restricted**|**Restricted**|**2026**
**Total**
**£**
97,239
-
97,239
72,238
900
73,138
24,101
-
24,101
14,048
**38,149**|**2025**
**Total**
**£**
66,395
-
66,395
78,701
900
79,601
(13,206)
-
(13,206)
27,254
**14,048**|**2025**|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
||**Funds**
**£**
25,945
-
25,945
20,996
900
21,896
4,049
(162)
3,887
7,462
**11,349**|**Funds**||**Funds**
**£**
71,294
-
71,294
51,242
-
51,242
20,052
162
20,214
6,586
**26,800**|**Funds**|||**Total**|
There are no gains or losses other than those recognised in the Statement of Financial Activities.
All incoming resources and resources expended are derived from continuing activities
The notes on following pages form part of these accounts.
10
## **Z's Defence Academy Charity Reference Number:1194054 Balance Sheet as at 31 March 2026**
|**Note **
**Current Assets**
Cash at bank and in hand
**Creditors**
Amounts falling due within one year
**7**
**Net Current Assets**
**Funds**
Restricted funds
**8**
Unrestricted funds||**Unrestricted**
**Funds**
**£**
12,792
12,792
(1,443)
11,349
-
11,349
11,349||**Restricted**
**Funds**
**£**
26,800
26,800
-
26,800
26,800
-
26,800|**2026**
**Total**
**£**
39,592
39,592
(1,443)
38,149
26,800
11,349
38,149|**2025**
**Total**
**£**
14,948
14,948
(900)
14,048
6,586
7,462
14,048|**2025**|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
||||||||**Total**|
Approved by the trustees on 29 April 2026 and signed on its behalf by:
Dawn Wells Azmat Farid Trustee Trustee
11
**Z's Defence Academy Charity Reference Number:1194054 Notes to the Accounts for the year ended 31 March 2026**
## **1 Accounting policies**
## **Basis of preparation**
The accounts have been prepared under the historical cost convention.
The Charity has taken advantage of the exemption in Financial Reporting Standard No 1 from the requirement to produce a cash flow statement on the grounds that it is a small charity.
The accounts have been prepared in accordance with applicable accounting standards, the Statement of Recommended Practice, "Accounting and Reporting by Charities", issued in March 2005 and the Charities Act 2011.
## **Recognition of incoming resources**
These are included in the Statement of Financial Activities (SoFA) when:
- the charity becomes entitled to the resources;
- trustees are virtually certain they will receive the resources; and
- the monetary value can be measured with sufficient reliability.
## **Incoming resources with related expenditure**
Where incoming resources have related expenditure (as with fundraising or contract income) the coming resources and related expenditure are reported gross in the SoFA.
## **Grants and donations**
Grants and donations are only included in the SoFA when the charity has been given notification of entitlement is received and the amount receivable can be measured with sufficient reliability.
## **Tax reclaims on donations and gifts**
Incoming resources from tax reclaims are in included in the SoFA at the same time as the gift to which they relate.
## **Gift in kind**
Gifts in kind are accounted for at a reasonable estimate of their value to the charity or the amount actually realised.
## **Donated services and facilities**
These are only included in incoming resources (with an equivalent amount in resources expended) where the benefit to the charity is reasonably quantifiable, measurable and material. The value placed on these resources is the estimated value to the charity of the service or facility received.
## **Volunteer help**
The value of any voluntary help received is not included in the accounts.
## **Resources expended**
All expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis and has been classified under headings that aggregate all costs related to the category. Where costs cannot be directly attributed to particular headings they have been allocated to activities on a basis consistent with use of the resources.
## **Tangible fixed assets**
Depreciation is provided at the following annual rates in order to write off each asset over its estimated useful life:-
Plant and machinery
25%
12
**Z's Defence Academy Charity Reference Number:1194054 Notes to the Accounts for the year ended 31 March 2026**
## **Debtors**
Debtors are measured at their recoverable amounts at the balance sheet date.
## **Creditors**
Creditors and provision are measured and accounted for in accordance with usually accepted accruals principles.
## **Taxation**
As a registered charity, the organisation is exempt from income and corporation tax to the extent that its income and gains are applied towards the charitable objects of the charity and for no other purpose. Value Added Tax is not recoverable by the charity, and is therefore included in the relevant costs in the Statement of Financial Activities.
|**2**
**Incoming Resources**
General fundraising
HMRC Gift aid
Muslim Sports Foundation
Awards For All
Adventure mind
Bolton cvs grant
Postcode neighbour
BwD
Sport England
FA Football
Groundwork
Peter Harrison Foundation
**3 Resources Expended**
**Charitable activities**
Activity costs
Materials and equipment
Consultancy costs and wages
Travel & Subsistence
Postage & Stationery
Premises and venue hire costs
Insurance
Advertising and marketing
IT costs
Professional fees
Charitable donations|**Unrestricted**
**Funds**
**£**
19,156
6,789
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
25,945
**Unrestricted**
**Funds**
**£**
4,114
1,643
1,025
3,719
208
4,389
-
786
1,621
878
2,613
20,996||**Restricted**
**Funds**
**£**
-
-
19,904
400
6,950
22,000
5,990
13,730
-
-
2,320
-
71,294
**Restricted**
**Funds**
**£**
7,530
3,253
3,917
1,109
269
7,338
206
3,223
1,520
22,877
-
51,242|**2026**
**Total**
**£**
19,156
6,789
19,904
400
6,950
22,000
5,990
13,730
-
-
2,320
-
97,239
**2026**
**Total**
**£**
11,644
4,896
4,942
4,828
477
11,727
206
4,009
3,141
23,755
2,613
72,238|**2025**
**Total**
**£**
27,164
4,571
-
-
-
-
-
-
13,340
4,000
2,320
15,000
66,395
**2025**
**Total**
**£**
9,633
9,949
8,600
3,058
1,835
10,641
348
2,510
2,880
27,262
1,985
78,701|**2025**|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|||||||**Total**|
13
## **Z's Defence Academy Charity Reference Number:1194054 Notes to the Accounts for the year ended 31 March 2026**
|**4**
**Governance**
Accountants fees|**Unrestricted**
**Funds**
**£**
900
900||**Restricted**
**Funds**
**£**
-
-||**2026**
**Total**
**£**
900
900||**2025**
**Total**
**£**
900
900|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|||||||||
## **5 Transfer between funds**
£162 (2025: £362) was transferred from unrestricted to restricted funds during the period.
## **6 Taxation on surplus ordinary activities**
As the CIO is a registered charity no provision has been made for taxation.
## **7 Creditors: Amounts falling due within one year**
|**Unrestricted**
**Funds**
**£**
Accruals
1,443
1,443
**8 Movement in funds**
**Unrestricted funds**
Donations and legacies
**Restricted funds**
Donations and legacies
**Total Funds**
**Restricted funds**
**The restricted fund comprises of:**
Awards For All
BwD
Police fund
Sport England
FA Football
Groundwork
Peter Harrison Foundation||**Restricted**
**Funds**
**£**
-
-
**£**
7,462
6,586
14,048
**At 1 April**
**2025**|**Restricted**
**Funds**
**£**
-
-
**£**
7,462
6,586
14,048
**At 1 April**
**2025**|**Restricted**
**Funds**
**£**
-
-
**£**
7,462
6,586
14,048
**At 1 April**
**2025**||**2026**
**Total**
**£**
1,443
1,443
**£**
3,887
20,214
24,101
**2026**
**£**
9,982
1,934
13,730
-
1,154
-
-
26,800
**Net**
**Movement**||**2025**
**Total**
**£**
900
900
**At 31 March**|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
||||**At**||||||
|||||**1**|||||
|||||||||**£**
11,349
26,800
38,149
**2025**
**£**
-
-
-
766
2,110
1,169
2,541
6,586
**2026**|
14