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Charity number 1194595 Company registration number 12042987 The Girlington Centre Limited Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2023

The Girlington Centre Limited Annual Report and Flnancial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2023 Contents Pag& Trustees, report Managerfs report 2to3 4105 ExaMineS report Statement of financial activities Balance sheet Notes lo the accovnls 9t012

The Girlington Centre Limlted Trustee's report for the year ended 31 March 2023 Reference and administrative details of the charity, its trustees and advlsors The trustees during the financial year and up to and including the date the report was approved were: Name Positlon Oates Fozia Shaheen Chair Ruby Bhatti Vice- Chair Wakas Ahmed Val Rowlands Adal Ahmed Zulfiqar Hussain Moharrimed Salim Isabel Farooq Qureshl Mohammed Ameen Ali Qudrat Shah Sajida Parveen Saber Samina Shah Joined December 2022 Resigned February 2023 Joined December 2022, resNJned May 2023 Resigned April 2023 Resigned 25 October 2022 Regl$ter¢d and Prlnclpal addres$ The Gitrlinglon Centre Limited Girfington Road Bradford 8D8 9NN Bankers Unity Trust Bank Ple 9 Brindle Pla Bimiingham 812HB. Independent examlner Arshad Mahmood BA IHonsl FCCA For and on behalf of.. Associato Accountancy Services Preston House Preston Street 8radford 8D7 1JE. Structure. governance and management The charity is govemed by a constitution adopted on 21 April 1998. and amended on 28 June 1999. 17 June 2002, 8 December 2006 and 25 October 2007. Method of recrultmont and appolntment of trustags The trustees of the charity are appointed by the members at the AGM. Obj?ctiv•s and activiti&s Th• charitys objectives To help relieve poverty, and the distress and sickness caused by it, and to help to advance the education and lo preseNe and protect good health among the inhabilanls of Gitlington and surroundings by the provision of quality information and advice setvlce appropriate lo the needs of the local people. The Charitys main activities The Gidinglon Centre Limited ITGAC} offers infomiation, advice. and advocacy to the general public and helps lo eliminate poverty. TGC also offers accredited training and raises public aWaneSs on issues such as immigrallon, Welfa benefits. health and education.

The Girlington Centre Limited Tru$tg0'$ report l¢ontinugd} for the year ended 31 March 2023 Public benefit statement Chair's Report l am pleased to present The Girlington Centre's annual report for the year 202212023, which incorporate5 the information for both The Girlington Centre, and Girlington Community Association. Despite a difficult climate. the Centre has continued to irnprove and expand its core services, and enable comrnunity access to its facilities for service users and the local community as a whole. In tem)s of facilities and services for our user5. this year has been very produrtive. Despite financial constraints the Centie has worked very hard to maintain and improve the quality of its delivery. For this we are very grateful to the many partner organisations who have worked with the Cent¥e on a numbèr of prolects. The Centre has worked diligently to improve its management systems, policies and procedures in order to give a robust edge to all aspects of operational matters. The staff and volunteers have been involved. briefed and trained in any changes so that they have an understanding of what is expected of them. The Centre has also progressed a number of maintenance matter5 which have been delayed or'held in the pipeline, whilst waiting for clear direction over the Community Asset Transfer. It is a Matter of frustration that the CAT process ha5 not yet been brought to a conclusion with Bradford Council, however, the Centre and its Board continue to press for an outcome. in what ha5 been a very lengthy process thus far. Whilst the Centre is very committed to continually improvin8 its facilities and services, the Board are mindful of the fact that financial constraints may mean some aspects of the Centre's delivery in the futu will need to be reviewed. We continue to work towards the Centre becoming self-su5taining, and any review of services will need careful thoughi, and will intludé input from the various key stakeholders and community members. The Centre continues to look at diversifying its provision within the broad remit of advice, health, well-being and education. and a number of emerging needs within the community are being considered. Certainly, we are looking at interesting and challenging times ahead, but l am confident that the Board has the vision and capacity to rnove the Centre forward. I would Ilke to record my gratitude to all the Girlingron Centre staff. tralnees and volunteers fortheir Input and support toward5 making the Centre a successful provider of 5ervice5 for the benefit of the conmunity. Particular appreciation goes to Rubina Burhan for managing the Centre, bringing in innovative ideas, sourcing funding, strengthenin8 partnerships and the many other roles and responsibilities she carries to ensure the ntre run5 and delivers much needed services to the local community. Flnally. l am much indebted to The Girlingttsn Centrè's Board of Directors ITrustees fortheir suppcirt and guldancè. F02ia Shaheen Choir Signed on behalf of the board of Iruslees. Signed: .. Date.. Name.. (Trusteel

The Girlington Centre Llmited Manager's report for the year ended 31 March 2023 Managerfs Report- Rubina Burhan The work of the Centre is overlapping, with both The Girlington Centre, and Girlington Community Association working together to deliver our services as a community hub. This report therefore addresses the work of both organisations as they work together to provide holistic care for our community, and towards the merRer as The GirlinRton Centre. The Centre made very positive progress towards the planned merger. The Girlington Centre gaining charitable status in April 2021, and following this Girlington Advice and Training Centre merged with The Girlington Centre in May 2022. As the leaseholder for the building, it was decided that the Girlington Community Association will not merge into The Girlington Centre until the Community Asset Transfer IG4TI process has been completed. The Spring of 2022 saw a tidy up around the outside of the building, with some enthusiastic volunteers tackling the overgrown bushes and weeds. We were gifted some raised vegetable beds and new seating with the assistance of People and the Dales, which were put to good use- and service users enjoyed an array of vegetables and herbs from the beds throughout the Summer months as part of meals provided at the Centre. The building interior also received some attention, with the Probation service providing the man / woman power to carry out painting of the walls. It remains a work in progress with painting upstairs yet to be completed. Our advice work remains a core service that we provide to the local community, assistin8 them with whatever challenges they face. Our team has worked hard in the face of ever-changing advice and service user needs, and our systems, procedures and provision are kept under constant review to meet local demand, which continues to grow. The EU Settlement Scheme IEUSSI, which provided advice and assistance to EU nationals in applying for and obtaining pre-settled status, was due to end in June 2022. As the deadline approached. our advice team were working at full speed land more11 to process all the required paperwork before the deadline. This involved arranging a number of trips to the Slovak Embassy in London so that clients could receive assistance from our advice workers as their documentation was processed. Although the deadline expired. the work has continued on the EUSS scheme. Other outreaches re- opened over the year, and we worked with the BAME Collaborative to provide outreach advice from SeDtember 2021.

Manager's report contlnued As part of reducing inequality IRICI and CLIC funding we recruited volunteers, developed health and wellbeing services. and developed volunteers and projects through our Volunteer Co-ordinator and Community Development worker. Our work wlth children and familie5 continued, with a HAFS {Holidays and Food Scheme) programme running during the Easter and Summer holidays. Because of the covid restrictions in place at Easter, activities and food were provided to families in the form of packs delivered to them at home. With the arrival of Summer, and relaxed restrictions we were able to welcome children One of the aspects we most value about the work we do is our ability to provide multi-faceted services for clients, so that The Girlington Centre acts as a community-based hub offering support to clients in a holistic way. We were able to offer an increased range of in-person health and wellbeing services over the year, with the advice and health & wellbeing teams working in tandem to ensure clients, needs were addressed in a onevStOP-shop. Some of the case studies included in this report bear testament to the complexity of the work carried out at the Centre to ensure clients received aDDfoDriate SUDDOrt from the Centre. or were referred externallv to more soeci31ist We aim as a Centre to respond to the needs of the community that surrounds us. and two projects from the year illustrate this: the Autumn of 2022 saw us embark on a project in partnership with the Thornbury Centre and Trident focussed around the Roma community. and the specific challenges they face in accessing servlces and health care. Secondly, the refugee group, using the Centre as a base, has rOwn and will be supported bv the Centre overthe cominA vear as it looks to The Centre was able to welcome a number of trainees and volunteers to the team.. six people were taken on as part of the Government 'Kick Start, scheme. working with the administrative, advice and Roma project teams. Two summer interns joined us from the University of Bradford for 6 week placements over the Summer, with a number of shorter placements provided for law and Many volunteers have given of their time at the Centre, and their participation has flourished since the Centre re-started in-person activities. They are involved in all areas of work and make a very valuable contribution to the services offered at the Centre. In return we hope the Centre provides them with skills and confidence, and a number of our volunteers have been successful in obtaining I would like to thank all the staff, Management Committee and volunteers who have made all these attivities and Services possible. We couldn't do it without youl Rubina Burhan Manager The Girlington Centre Limited / Girlington Community Assoclotion

Th• Glillnoton Cenli• Llmlted Ind•p•nd•nl •xamln•e r•port lo th• tfUSt••s ol Th• Glrllngton C•nlr• Llmlt•d l ieporf on lfr• •ccwnts ol Ihe tharts foi Ihe yeai ended 31 Mreh 202) ai• i•1 cojt p•wg S trj 10 R•ip•ttlY r••p•h•lb4111•• 01 lh• tnMt•M •nd lh• •i•mln•r Th• Giilitwn AdvK• and Cenlre Ichairty numbei I IOJ1391 ckn•d •nd transleired •1 rti ass•ts lu and haknl¢tses to The Giilinglon Centr¢ Lmnrted lth•rty numb•r 11945951 TP chwty'• irus•S •r• i•¥wty• pi¢paran ol the a¢ctyJnrg They c4¢1•r Ihal •udrt rl not r•qw•d kjr this y••r uTh•r 43121 of chare1 Aci 1993 and that In n•d•d Is mi fesponsoilily lo eianv the ac£ouAts u¢Jer secbm 4312101 fv 13 Acl lonfr tr ol tre 9err•l directwi g+%tn by Chafrty lur%i sedi(hi 43 111 Ibl ol itatè .eit¢ rn•T sh of Ind•p•nd•nt •Aaffth•ex itstsm•nt lfy •$ earrd twjl In •¢airf•n oeMr gib¢ft by tr¢ Chlrrty cCrn4s¢ rtliths a re¥ of the acco1 t•coth kept by tr• ch•rty •Thl • companson ol ltye •c£ounts rocuds tl 1150 conspJw•bon ol•ny rfems •cttrJe.ts arhj seeKry yst¢es any lb m•nern Th• woceth Ur1(0 th> not Ill fv erteThc¢ Lty4t èe reouife4 •Lart thJ cMs•4wrfy V4 •1 to IIKI >1 w¢wil • •tid 14if ¥rf aTrJ fv teout Ll bTrrted TQ Il kn k••p rectyds 4101 • 1993 A 1993 £t Mt lJ••n m•( 21 ID my •lln b• In +xd•r •n•bl• • wop•r uTh1•rnth tsf •¢¢¢Art• N*n•'. Arsh•J Mahnwd Fty b•hall Of A••oGl•ts A¢¢ourf•ncy S•r4Tle W••t Y•rt J071 cs Camscanner

The Girlington Centre Limited Statement of Financial Activities for the year ended 31 March 2023 Not8S 2023 2023 2023 2022 Unrostricted Restricted Funds Funds Total Funds Total Funds Income Welfare advice 153.111 153,111 163,780 Health and Wellbeing Reimbursements 207.488 207,488 98,918 136,737 98,918 91,068 Other income 569 569 1,868 Total Income 460.086 460,086 393,453 Staff costs Service Charges Volunteer Expenses Rates Repairs and Renewals Legal and Professional Printing and Stationery Tel8phone, Postsge and Internel Publications and Subscriptions Consultancy Reimbursements Events, Workshops and Activities Insurance Accountancy Bank Charges Deprecialion 340.394 12.412 340,394 12,412 224,625 13,270 2,751 2,607 2,430 3,000 7,212 2,770 3.416 4.259 14.960 7,696 8,407 3,065 270 4,194 1,396 691 16.494 82,676 3.765 1.030 1.500 148 2,296 8,407 3,065 270 4,194 1,396 691 16,494 82,676 3,765 1,030 1.500 148 2.296 203 2,402 Total 478,738 478.738 291.601 Not inwingl (outgoing) resources 118,6521 118,652} 101.852 Funds balances brought fopward 698,073 679,421 698073 679,421 596221 698.073 Transfer b8tween funds Funds balances carrled fobward 679,421 679.421 698,073

The Girlington Centre Limited Balance Sheet as at 31 March 2023 Notès 2023 2023 Unrestrlct8d Deslgnated 2023 Total 2022 Total F5xed Assets Tangible assets 43,582 43,582 44,278 Current Assets Debtors and prepayments 13,551 13,551 Cash at bank and in hand 366,974 460.000 826,974 710.462 Cutrenl Assets 380,525 460,000 840,525 710.462 Amounts falllng due wlthln on• year Creditors and accruals 204.686 204.686 56,667 T¢)tsl currènt liabillties 204,686 204,686 56,667 Total curront a$$gts 175.839 460,000 635,839 653,795 Total net assets 219,421 460.000 679,421 698.073 FUNDS Unrestricted funds 8&9 219.421 219.421 698,073 Restricted funds 10 460,000 460,000 Total Funds 219,421 460,000 679,421 698,073

The Girlington Centre Limited Notes to the Accounts for the year ended 31 March 2023 Accountlng policies Basis of accounting The financial statements have been prepared und8r historical cost ¢onvention. The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the ststemenl of Recommended Practice.. Accounting and Reporbng by Charities ISORP 2005) and the Charities Act 1993. There has been no change to the acCounn9 policSes since last year. Incoming rosources All incoming resources are included in the Slalement of Financial Activities ISOFA} when the charity becomes entitled to the resourees, the trustees are virtually certain they will receive the resources and the monetary value can b8 measured with sufficignl reliability. Grants and donatlons Grants and donations are only induded in the {SOFA) when thè charity has unconditional entillemenl lo the resources. Where grants are related lo perfomiance and specific deliverables, they are accounted for as the charity earns the right to consideration by its perfom)ance. Commlssloned In order to show a true and fair view ol the perfomiance of the cenlre, this year the board has decided that the commissioned income from the Girlington Community Centre would be declared both in income and the expenditure. Comparison figuTrs have been adjusted accordingly. Exponditure and Ilabllltles Expenditure is recognised on an accrual basis as a liability is incurred. Liabilities are recognised 8S soon there is legal or constructive obligation committing the charity to pay out the resources. Taxation As Charity the organisalion beneffts from rates relief and is generally exempt from income tsx and capital gains tax bul not from VAT. Irrecoverable VAT 15 included in the cost of thos8 Items to which it relates. Tanglble flxed assets Tangible fixed assets costing more than £250 are capilalised and included at cost including any incidental expenses of acquisition. Gifted assets are shown at the value to the charity on receipt. Depreciation is provided on all tangible fixed assets at rates calculated to write off the cost of a straight lin& based over their expected useful lives as follows.. Property - over 50 years Projed and office gquipment- over 5 years at reducing balance methcKI Computer equipment- over 3 years al reducing balance method Motor vehicle- over 4 years at reducing balance method Penslon Slnee the introduction of the "Auto -Enrolment' pension scheme by the govemment, the charity has joint a govemment recommended pension company , Nest. The contribution rate for the employer is 5°A and employee contribution rale is 3 /0 as rewrnmended by the new pension regime. Fund aG¢ounting Unreslricl8d funds are available for us8 al the discretion of the trustees in the furtherance of the general objectives of the charity. However. they are subjected lo restrictions on their expenditure imposed by the donor or through the lemis of an appeal. Further explanation of the nature and purpose of each fund is included in the notes to the accounts.

The Girlington Centre Llmlted Notes to the Accounts for the year ended 31 March 2023 2 Welfare advice 2023 Unrestrlded Funds 2023 Restrlcted Funds 2023 Total Funds 2022 Total Funds Equality Together Charity Work Bradford VCS Alliance Inspired Neighbour Bradford CAB EUSS 10,656 10,983 14,655 11,900 80,417 24,500 153,111 10,656 10,983 14,655 11,900 80,417 24,500 153.111 14,116 18,110 11,184 107,870 12,500 163,780 Health Wellbeing 2023 Unrestricted Funds 2023 Restrfcted Funds 2023 Total Funds 2022 Total Funds HALE Project Bradford VCS Alliance 25,620 181.868 207,488 25,620 181,868 207.488 15655 121082 136737 Reimbursements 2023 Unrestricted Funds 2023 Restrfcted Funds 2023 Total Funds 2022 Total Fund$ Fuel Topup Food Parcels Family Action 82,676 15,942 300 98,918 82,676 15,942 300 98,918 81,087 6.200 3.781 91,068 Other Income 2023 Unrestrlcted Funds 2023 R•strlcted Funds 2023 Total Funds 2022 Total Funds Sundry 569 569 1,868 569 569 1,868 3 Stsff costs and numbers 2023 2022 Gross salaries S(Kial security costs Pensions Staff Travel and Subsistence Staff Training and Tuition expenses 330,700 9.166 528 215,796 6,158 1,349 1,097 225 224,625 340,394 The average number of employees during the year was 28 full time and part time, and 23 in {2021-20221. There were no employees with emoluments above £60.000. High gross salaries for this year are due to higher number of average employees and a gross salary charge of £47,782 paid by the Girlinglon Community Centre over past years for the charity. 10

The Girlington Centre Llmited Notes to the Accounts for the year ended 31 March 2023 Defin8d contrlbutlon penslon schèmè 2023 2022 Costs of the scheme to the charity for the year Amount of any contributions outstanding at the year end 528 749 528 749 4 Tanglble fixed assets Fixtures. flttlngs, tools and equlpment Plant and machiner Motor Vehicle Property Totsl Cost At 1 April 2022 Additions Surplus on revaluallon Disposals At 31 March 2023 44.831 14,111 5,800 7.624 1,600 72,366 1.600 44,831 14,111 5.800 9,224 73.966 D8prociation At 1 April 2022 Charge for the year Surplus on revaluation On disposals At 31 Mareh 2023 4401 897 13,665 149 3,354 612 6,668 638 28,088 2,296 5,298 13,814 3.966 7,306 30,384 Net book valuo At 31 March 2023 39,533 297 1.834 1,918 43,582 At 31 March 2022 40,430 446 2.446 956 44.278 5 Dèbtors 2023 2022 Prepayments and accrued income 13,551 6 Cash at bank and In hand 2023 2022 Unity Tfust Bank current account Unity TNSI Bank deposit account Cash in hand Unity Trust Bank C Account- TGC Ltd 228 826,746 826,974 228 710.234 710,462 7 Credltors and a¢cruals 2023 2022 Accruals Owed to GCC 56,667 148,019 56,667 204,686 56.667 11

The Girlington Centre Limlted Notes to the Accounts for the year ended 31 March 2023 8 Trustee expenses No trustee received any expenses during the year (nil 2021= 20221 9 Related party transactions There were no related party transactions during the year (nil 2021.'20221. 10 Funds 2023 2022 Deslgn8ted funds Unrestricted 460,000 219,421 698,073 679.421 698,073 At the last annual general meeting the Trusteés agreod to transfer £400,000 for acquiring and renovation of premises for the centre and £60,000 for the future redundancies, to Designated Funds. 12

Tel: 01274 542454Email: info@girlington.org.uk Website: Girlington Community Centre, Bradford

Annual Report 2022-23

The Girlington Centre & Girlington Community Association

Company Number: 12042987 Charity Number: 1194595

TGC Constitution___________3 About us and our Mission_________4 Company Values___________6 Manager’s Report__________7 Chair’s Report__________9 Partners and Collaborators_______11 Management, Staff & Volunteers______12 Health & Wellbeing – Statistics and Case Studies_____13 Advice Services – Statisitcs and Case Studies______15 Other Significant Projects_____________18

Company Number: 12042987 Charity Number: 1194595

THE GIRLINGTON CENTRE CONSTITUTION

Objectives:

The Objects are specifically restricted to such purposes which are exclusively charitable under the laws of England and Wales as the Trustees shall in their absolute discretion determine for the public benefit in Girlington and its surrounding areas, including (but not limited to):

(a) the prevention and relief of poverty by providing items and services to individuals in need and/or to charities or other organizations working to prevent or relieve poverty.

(b) the relief of sickness and the preservation of health, in particular but not exclusively by the promotion of physical and mental health through activities such as exercise classes, yoga and healthy cooking classes.

(c) the promotion of social inclusion for the public benefit by preventing people from becoming socially excluded, relieving the needs of those people who are socially excluded and assisting them to integrate into society.

(d) to establish and manage a community center in collaboration with statutory authorities or independently. The center promotes various activities without discrimination based on sex, sexual orientation, race, or political and religious opinions. Through collaboration with residents, local authorities, and

organizations, the goal is to advance education, provide social welfare facilities, and enhance the overall quality of life for residents in Girlington and the surrounding areas.

'Socially excluded' refers to exclusion from society due to factors such as unemployment, financial hardship, age, ill health, substance abuse, discrimination, low educational attainment, family breakdown, inadequate housing, crime (victim or offender rehabilitation), or membership in a socially and economically deprived community.

Company Number: 12042987 Charity Number: 1194595

“We believe that all of us want to live meaningful lives, with access to opportunities for everyone enabling ownership of our futures

Company Number: 12042987 Charity Number: 1194595

ABOUT US AND OUR MISSION

What we do:

The Girlington Centre is a Community Anchor with over 25 years’ experience of delivering services to our diverse communities. These communities live in an area in the lowest decile across multiple indicators. TGC is a haven where people can access welfare benefit advice, health and well-being services, and unwavering support when life becomes overwhelming.

Increasing cost of living increases demand:

The challenge of maintaining our role as a comprehensive community resource has intensified. Aging infrastructure necessitates constant repairs, while escalating utility and salary expenses outpace available funding. Funding reductions from the council have limited our welfare benefit advice services to three days a week, despite a growing demand. During peak summer months, our sessions are oversubscribed, forcing us to restrict access to our out-of-hours provision. To meet increased spring/summer needs, we utilized reserves to sustain five days of support.

Throughout the year, over 1000 individuals sought fuel top-ups, a warm environment, hot meals, and financial advice through our out-of-hours service. This demand persisted, with additional visitors accessing our daytime services to consult with advisors. Notably, people from various Bradford areas seek assistance, underscoring our commitment to inclusivity. However, due to capacity constraints, we recently limited support to residents within our designated postcodes. The level of demand remains unabated.

Critical community support:

For decades, our centre has served as a vital support hub for our communities. Throughout the pandemic, we continued operations, preparing meals, and delivering services without disruption. Recognizing that a considerable portion of

Company Number: 12042987 Charity Number: 1194595

our service users lacked access to public funds and many faced unemployment due to business closures, we are committed to being a lifeline during this ongoing period of economic hardship.

Local schools and GP surgeries refer individuals and families to us, people tell their friends and neighbors that TGC is open to help them across multiple fronts including:

Welfare benefit/ debt advice
Immigration advice
Mental Health Service
Youth provision
Older People’s groups
Refugee and Asylum Seeker groups
Ethnic Support Groups e.g., Arabic, Eastern European, Roma group etc.
Volunteering opportunities

The difference our work makes:

We see the need growing and access to help reducing, however we know from the surveys of our users we are making a real difference in their lives:

90% of clients who accessed our advice services were very satisfied with the quality of service provided; 70% of them strongly agreed that the service had a positive impact on their health/ life.
Of the 'advice outreach' host organizations that replied, the vast majority were very pleased with the advice service provided at their venue and were very clear that they think the service helps improve their clients’ health and wellbeing.
Evidence shows we have improved people’s income, stabilized debt and prevented homelessness.
Feedback from users talk about our services as a 'lifeline' at a time when they face isolation, anxiety, and in some cases, destitution.

Company Number: 12042987 Charity Number: 1194595

COMPANY VALUES

Inclusive community building: Addressing the needs of those who are excluded/

discriminated by Community- society. Centric Support: Our dedication extends to the establishment, maintenance, and management and working collaboratively.

Compassion for those in need: alleviating poverty and providing essential services to individuals in need. Health and Well-Being Promotion: Promotion of physical, mental, emotional and spiritual wellbeing.

Company Number: 12042987 Charity Number: 1194595

Company Number: 12042987 Charity Number:

1194595

MANAGER’S REPORT

The collaborative efforts of Girlington Advice and Training Centre and Girlington Community Association continue to shape the services offered at our

community hub, known as The Girlington Centre. This report provides an overview of the joint endeavors of both organizations as they work together to deliver comprehensive care for our community.

The year of 2023, the Centre navigated the challenges posed by evolving government guidelines surrounding the reduced funding of our Advice centre. Despite the situation, we prioritized the need for support of our staff and service users. Considering the increase of demand and the tireless work of the advice team, who are utilizing limited time and resources to the best of their abilities, we have managed to provide advice and advocacy twice a week, at specific hours via booking online appointments.

For the year 2022-23, Girlington Community Association's merger application is pending completion of the Community Asset Transfer (CAT) process, given its role as the building leaseholder. In the meantime, both TCG and GCA continue to work together, by combining the services they offer and facilitate, under one roof.

The spring of 2022 witnessed exterior improvements, including the cleanup of surroundings and the addition of raised vegetable beds and seating. The building's interior received attention, with the Probation service contributing to painting efforts, a work in progress.

Our core service of providing advice remains pivotal, addressing the evolving needs of the local community. The team has adeptly adapted to changing advice and service user requirements, with a continuous review of systems and procedures to meet growing local demand.

The conclusion of the EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS) in June 2021 prompted our advice team to work diligently, assisting EU nationals in obtaining pre-settled Company Number: 12042987 Charity Number: 1194595

status. This involved multiple trips to the Slovak Embassy in London. Although the scheme deadline passed, our commitment to ongoing support such as addressing clients without status, jobs, benefits and living in destitute, remained steadfast.

In line with reducing inequality (RIC) and CLIC funding, we recruited volunteers and enhanced health and well-being services. Our work with children and families persisted through the HAFS program during holidays, adapting to COVID restrictions. The Girlington Centre's ability to offer multi-faceted services was evident, providing holistic support to clients. In-person health and well-being services expanded, addressing clients' needs comprehensively.

Projects that have exemplified our responsiveness to community needs include a partnership project with Karmand Centre and Bradford Trident (continuing to work as an anchor to represent Together 4 health – CP4. These alliances are focusing on the Roma community's challenges, and ongoing support for a growing refugee group, therefore, working together to tackle inequalities and long-term health issues.

Secure funding for Severe Mental Illness and Mental Health advice up until next year, has enabled us to begin training our advice team in the field of mental health to provide quality care to diverse communities.

The Centre welcomed trainees and volunteers, and interns from the University of Bradford. As they played a crucial role in the Centre's activities, contributing significantly to the services offered.

In conclusion, I express gratitude to the staff, Management committee, staff, and volunteers who have made these activities and services possible. Your dedication is invaluable, and we couldn't achieve our mission without your commitment.

Rubina Burhan

Chief Executive

The Girlington Centre / Girlington Advice and Training Centre / Girlington Community Association

Company Number: 12042987 Charity Number: 1194595

CHAIR’S REPORT

I am pleased to be presenting the Girlington Centers Annual Report for the year of 2022-2023. Despite facing difficult financial climate, we have continued to improve and expand our core services and community access to our facilities and services for all our service users and the general community.

We are very committed to continuing and improving facilities but at the same time are mindful of the fact that due to financial constraints we may have to restructure some aspects of our delivery in the future. However, this process would not be without proper thought and input from the service users, stakeholders, the management board, the Centre manager, staff and volunteers.

As we have a number of different projects within the Centre from sports, to mental health services, befriending support, food parcels, fuel top up, bereavement counselling and many more we are looking to diversify our provision within our broad remint to Health and wellbeing and advice services. We feel regarding this a number of emerging needs of the community are being looked at. Certainly, these are interesting and challenging times ahead but I am confident that we have the vision and capacity to move forward.

The board alongside the Centre manager have worked diligently to improve our management systems, policies and procedures in order to give a robust edge to all aspects of our operational matters.

Furthermore, we have faced an extreme difficult financial situation with our welfare benefits advice service. This service was sub commissioned through Citizen Advice Bureau however we were not approached or consulted to be part

Company Number: 12042987 Charity Number: 1194595

of the new tender and therefore we lost on out approximately £98,000 funding which had a detrimental impact on our service delivery for advice service and staff.

We have also been busy with the recruitment of staff and are in discussions of recruiting a deputy manager as we feel now is a crucial time for our organization to prosper and day to day management and development is critical going forward.

We have invested a substantial amount of funds in both interior and exterior construction work at the Centre. We are also working very hard but still in conversations with the council regards to the community asset transfer.

I would like to place on record my special gratitude to all The Girlington Centers staff and volunteers, for their input and support for making the Girlington Centre a successful provider of services for the benefit for the community, but I would like to place my appreciate for the inputs from Rubina Burhan- Centre Manager for her commitment, dedication and vision in making the Girlington Centre a huge success under the difficult financial strains the Centre is facing.

Finally, I am much indebted to The Girlington Centre’s Board of Directors, for their support and guidance.

Thank you

Fozia Shaheen

Chair- Person

Company Number: 12042987 Charity Number: 1194595

Company Number: 12042987 Charity Number:

1194595

PARTNERS AND COLLABORATORS

VCS Alliance	OISC
Anchor	West Yorkshire Police
Advice quality standard	Advice UK
The Cellar Trust	Bradford Council ( HAFs)
Healthy Minds (Bradford District and Craven)	Cancer Support
Mind in Bradford	Citizens Advice Bureau and Bradford Law Centre
Community Partnerships	Together 4 Health – CP4
Sharing Voices	JU:MP
Karmand Centre	BAME Mental Health Collaborative (Welfare service)
Bradford Trident (Health awareness in Roma community)	Bradford Metropolitan District Council
Roshni Ghar	University of Bradford (Management, Law and Social Sciences)

Company Number: 12042987 Charity Number: 1194595

Company Number: 12042987 Charity Number:

1194595

MANAGEMENT, STAFF, AND VOLUNTEERS

Staff

Volunteers

Sarka Dvorakova – Advice worker Alema Kauser – Advice worker Aklujan Wahab – Advice Worker Farzana Hussain – Advice worker Katarina Dome – Roma project Shahraz Begum – Immigration advisor Jana Elles – Advice worker Aarzoo Awan – trainee advice worker Haaris Khan – trainee advice worker Asiylah Lal – trainee advice worker

Val Rowlands (Immigration specialist) Fouzia Iqbal Afreen Mohammed Umber Babar Sara Shahzad Maheen Yahya Lucyna Maria Fariha Javed Badra Naseem Saffina Shafqat

Sabera Hafesji – Social Prescriber Tatiana Gross – Social Prescriber Lorna Kook – Social Prescriber Neelam Malik – Autism support Salma Ismail – End of Life befriender Mohammed Imran – Development worker/ Social Prescriber

Aneela Nadeem – Volunteer Co-ordinator Hanna Hussain – JU:MP support worker Bushra Nisar (IT Support / administrator) Rachel Abbey – Office Admin

Management Team

Fozia Shaheen – Councilor/ Chair Val Rowlands Ruby Bhatti Wakas Ahmed Adal Ahmed Zulfiqar Hussain Farooq Qureshi Mohammad Salim Isabel Cooke Mohammed Ameen Ali Qudrat Shah Samina Shah Sajida Parveen Saber

Company Number: 12042987 Charity Number: 1194595

HEALTH AND WELLBEING – STATS AND CASE STUDIES

Women’s spiritual wellbeing group:

This group meets on a Tuesday morning and is now followed by a badminton group. Saima Koukeb says:

“The spiritual group aims to promote mental health among faith-loving ladies and has proved to be a valuable and enriching experience. We have focused on the intersection of spirituality and mental well-being. The sessions have provided a holistic approach to nurturing mental health and we have also conducted menopause awareness and anger management sessions”.

Women’s Coffee Morning:

This group meets on a Wednesday morning. The women come from the Girlington area but are often joined by a group from Bradford 7. This is a large and very lively group of women who meet for mutual support but also organize fund raising events (for example for the victims of the earthquake in Turkey), trips to Scarborough, Whitby and Boundary Mills and speakers on topics of interest to the group. They have a gardening group which has cleared and planted the beds around the centre and put in bulbs for the Spring. They plan next Spring to garden at the Pocket Park on the corner of Thorn Street and Kensington Street and at St. Phillips. This group together with the Elderly Association organized the petition and public meeting at which women from the group made very strong speeches opposing the loss of funding.

Befriending:

Salma, the organizer, describes befriending as;

“Emotional support to help people find their own solutions and increase their independence”.

It involves telephone and face to face support with occasional home visits where a person cannot access either of these. It often involves signposting or helping the person make decisions about what they want to do and where they want to be. It involves setting the person some goals and helping them follow through. It involves keeping the client informed and involved in evaluating their own progress. Sometimes it may be a simple question of providing practical support in the form of food parcels, fuel top ups or helping them to access The Girlington Centre’s Safe Spaces sessions or our Counselling Service.

Company Number: 12042987 Charity Number: 1194595

Case Study 1:

In her mid-30s with two daughters, Mrs. SK faced hardship in an abusive marriage as an immigrant. Overcoming initial isolation, she sought help from a local social prescriber, leading to a transformative journey. With immediate support, legal aid from Girlington Centre secured a restraining order, ensuring her safety. The pivotal role of the social worker guided Mrs. SK through legal processes and community resources. A mental health supporter provided emotional assistance, aiding her recovery from depression and financial struggles. With the restraining order, Mrs. SK applied for a visa extension on humanitarian grounds, becoming eligible for crucial social benefits. Empowered by newfound independence and Girlington Centre's support, she engaged in healing befriending call sessions, symbolizing resilience. Mrs. SK's case underscores the significance of addressing domestic violence, highlighting the positive impact of social services on survivors.

Case Study 2:

Another case study focuses on a 30-year-old female who was referred to a befriending service by a social prescriber. The service user grappled with depression, severe anxiety, and physical health problems. The befriending service played a crucial role by providing an outlet for the service user, who felt comfortable discussing personal matters in a confidential space, particularly as they were hesitant to share with family members. The service contributed significantly to a reduction in anxiety levels since the user joined. Over time, the individual, initially burdened by severe anxiety, gradually built trust with the befriender, enabling them to discuss emotional, mental, and physical well-being. As a result, the service user now reports feeling less anxiety and greater comfort in managing daily tasks. In feedback, the service user expressed that the befriending service was the most significant support asset received to address their anxiety. They credited the words of encouragement and small exercises, such as mindfulness, for making a tangible and positive impact on their overall well-being. The service user conveyed deep appreciation for the support and encouragement provided by the befriending service.

Company Number: 12042987 Charity Number: 1194595

ADVICE SERVICES – STATS AND CASE STUDIES

Advice services:

We are a team of generalist and specialist staff with a supervisor with specialist responsibility for disability issues. We provide advice in person and on the telephone. This year has seen The Girlington Centre lose funding from Bradford Council for its advice services. As a consequence, we have had to stop our in person drop-in sessions. However, we have been determined to make the best of funding we have been able to secure to maximize our advice provision.

Our focus has shifted to prioritizing a service for people with multiple vulnerabilities and mental health problems. It is clear that poverty, poor housing and insecure immigration status all contribute to poor mental and physical health. We have seen the consequences for our communities of: scarce social housing and rent rises in the private sector; the staggering rise in fuel costs: the ever-increasing complexity and the cost and restrictiveness of the immigration rules.

Welfare Benefits:

This year saw the transferring of people claiming tax credits onto universal credit and the government has stated that those who will be worse off on universal credit will be prioritized. Although people are told that they will be protected they are not bring told that the protection will not last. The benefits cap is fixed at the amount payable to a couple with two children in a three-bedroom house. This has caused severe and mounting problems for many of our clients who do not fit into this pattern and leads to evictions. It has become standard for universal credit to refuse to provide a medical and therefore reassess their sickness. There is a trend for PIP reviews to reduce or remove eligibility for no apparent reason leading to an increase in appeals work. Applications for Pension Credit can take over a year to be decided. Applications can only be made 4 months before the eligible age leading to an extended period without benefit. Good medical evidence with a detailed medical opinion is very hard to obtain for people with severe mental illnesses and can be very expensive. This prevents people getting the benefits which match their conditions.

For all our clients we can help to fill some of the gaps through our food parcel and fuel top up schemes.

Immigration:

For our European clients the major change has been the severe tightening of the rules affecting late applications for pre-settled status. Until recently the Home Office approach has been relatively relaxed but as from August this year that has changed and the guidance about both the reasons and the evidence has become very restrictive. There is no review or appeal against refusal. Because of our focus on providing a service to people with mental health problems and multiple vulnerabilities we have seen a sharp increase in the number of domestic violence applications and in the number of clients

Company Number: 12042987 Charity Number: 1194595

who need fee waivers. Both these sorts of applications require very careful preparation, detailed evidence and access to other support services. The Home Office is taking around 4 months to process fee waiver applications. A consequence of this is that they then request a new set of up to date financial documents duplicating the work that has been done earlier. For those clients who do not qualify for a fee waiver the cost of immigration applications has risen yet again and the Immigration Health Surcharge will rise again in the new year.

Many of our advice service clients will require additional support services and we refer them to our team of Social Prescribers and befrienders or to one of the many wellbeing activities which are based at The Girlington Centre.

Case Study 1:

Mr. F, a 61-year-old Syrian refugee residing in the UK since 2014, faced challenges with his Personal Independence Payment (PIP) claim, rejected four times. Attending the Refugee Support group at The Girlington Centre, he received assistance from the Welfare Advice Team through an in-house referral in March 2022. With the support of an Arabic interpreter, Mr. F underwent a Benefit Check and navigated the Mandatory Reconsideration process, submitting additional materials to the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).

Despite an initial rejection in June 2022, Mr. F was guided through the Appeals process, involving professionals connected to his care. The appeal proved successful in February 2023, with DWP granting Mr. F's PIP claim until 2025. He received a backdated payment exceeding £10,000 and a monthly award of £468 for the next three years.

The financial relief significantly impacted Mr. F's well-being, allowing him to focus on his health and express gratitude for the positive impact on his mental health, including PTSD. The observed transformation in Mr. F during this period is truly inspiring.

Case Study 2:

A friend of the client, a Bulgarian couple with limited English proficiency, reached out for assistance. The client, severely disabled after a stroke, and his wife, who served as his caregiver, faced challenges living in a back-to-back house with an inaccessible bathroom and a malfunctioning boiler, leading to a lack of hot water. The Girlington Centre's Health Team had already been providing some support, and the client was on the waiting list for Anchor housing.

Upon the availability of an adapted property, the client was asked to provide proof of his right to rent, a process unfamiliar to him. The housing officer, unaware of the immigration status and unsure of the procedure, considered offering the property to someone else. After visiting the client and verifying his settled status, it was discovered that his wife lacked automatic right to rent. Guiding the housing officer through the online process, both individuals' right to rent was confirmed, and the property was eventually offered to them.

The new ground-floor flat with an accessible bathroom and the presence of a support worker made a significant positive impact on their lives. Additionally, a Universal Credit Company Number: 12042987 Charity Number: 1194595

claim was initiated for the couple, who were initially receiving only Attendance Allowance and Carer's Allowance, struggling with food shortages and family assistance. Advocating for them with Universal Credit due to an incorrect award, the client was erroneously asked to look for work despite being a pensioner with severe disabilities.

Statistics:

(a)Ethnicities of clients who are seeking advice and advocacy services;
(b)Services provided to individuals who accessed advice services in the
following categories.

Company Number: 12042987 Charity Number: 1194595

Company Number: 12042987 Charity Number:

1194595

OTHER SIGNIFICANT PROJECTS

----- Start of picture text -----
Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
Telephone Advice Telephone Advice
9:30 am – 12:30 pm 9:30 am – 12:30 pm
(01274 547118) (01274 547118)
ESOL Class ESOL Class Coffee Morning (Ladies CENTRE CLOSED JUMP Kids Activities
Only)
9:30 am – 11:30 am 9:30 am – 11:30 am 11:00 am – 2:00 pm
10:30 am – 12:30 pm
Autism Support Group Ladies Online Fitness Elderly Men’s Group Elderly Men’s Group Car Theory for
Class Arabic Speakers
10:30 am – 12:30 pm 10:30 am – 2.00 pm 10:30 am – 2:00 pm
9:30 am – 10:30 am 11:00 am – 12:00pm
Spiritual Learning Seated Exercise (Men One to One Dementia AL Siraj Arabic Club
(Ladies Only) Only) Support for Boys and Girls
10:30 am – 12:30 pm 11:00 am – 11:45 am 12:30 – 1:30 pm Ages 5 – 14 years old
11:00 am – 2:00 pm
Elderly Men’s Group Elderly Men’s Group Yoga ( Ladies Only) Peer Support Group Wellbeing Support
for Arabic Speakers
10:30 am – 2:00 pm 10:30 am – 2:00 pm 11:45 am – 12:30 pm 12:30 pm – 2:30 pm
11:00 am – 2:00 pm
----- End of picture text -----

SABERA HAFESJI, Social Prescriber/Community Connector, through CLICS (Centrally Locality Integrated Care Service)

It has been another busy year, with more and more patients accessing social prescribing support. We have been able to reach out to the most vulnerable and socially isolated individuals, we have connected clients to community services, enabling them to improve their health and live an independent life. We provide a safe space and a listening ear by taking the time to help people find solutions to things they find challenging. Our aim is to help reduce pressure on GP appointments by supporting non- medical care needs.

This year we have provided additional support to families that are affected by the Cost of Living Crisis, ensuring families are receiving full entitlement to benefits, referring them for Fuel Top Ups and food parcels. I have also helped with budgeting and meal planning.

Company Number: 12042987 Charity Number: 1194595

Company Number: 12042987 Charity Number:

1194595

Charity number 1194595 Company registration number 12042987 The Girlington Centre Limited Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2023

2023-03-31-accounts

Annual Report 2022-23

The Girlington Centre & Girlington Community Association

TABLE OF CONTENTS

THE GIRLINGTON CENTRE CONSTITUTION

Objectives:

ABOUT US AND OUR MISSION

What we do:

Increasing cost of living increases demand:

Critical community support:

The difference our work makes:

COMPANY VALUES

MANAGER’S REPORT

Rubina Burhan

Chief Executive

CHAIR’S REPORT

PARTNERS AND COLLABORATORS

MANAGEMENT, STAFF, AND VOLUNTEERS

Staff

Volunteers

Management Team

HEALTH AND WELLBEING – STATS AND CASE STUDIES

Women’s spiritual wellbeing group:

Women’s Coffee Morning:

Befriending:

Case Study 1:

Case Study 2:

ADVICE SERVICES – STATS AND CASE STUDIES

Advice services:

Welfare Benefits:

Immigration:

Case Study 1:

Case Study 2:

Statistics:

OTHER SIGNIFICANT PROJECTS

SABERA HAFESJI, Social Prescriber/Community Connector, through CLICS (Centrally Locality Integrated Care Service)