2024-03-31-accounts - The Girlington Centre

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The Girlington Centre

ANNUAL REPORT 2023-2024

AGM December 2024

Call Us: 01274 547118 Address: Girlington Road, Bradford, BD8 9NN Email: info@girlington.org.uk

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Conten
t s
04-05
18-19
Words from the Leadership Team Client Feedback
20
06-07
About Us Client Demographics
08 21
Overview Standards, Advancement and
Oversight
09
Year In Retrospect 22
Our Team
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10-11 23 Year In Figures Special Thanks 13-17 25 Our Impact Vision For 2024-25

25 Vision For 2024-25

From our Leadership Team:

Our CEO, Rubina Burhan, Co-CEO, Fozia Shaheen and Our Chair of Trustees, Val Rowland and Ruby Bhatti

We are pleased to be presenting The Girlington Centre’s Annual Report for the year 2023-2024, showcasing our continuous efforts to enhance the core services offered at our centre, including welfare advice, volunteering and community development and our out of hours service.

At the heart of our mission is our dedicated advice team who provide our core service to the local community, navigating people through the complex systems. The team’s unwavering support and tireless efforts have been pivotal to significantly impact the local community.

We are proud to report that we have continued to expand our services and improve access for everyone. This includes our advice team collaborating with our in-house Mental Health and Befriending teams to provide a holistic service, to support people with Severe Mental Illnesses and complex needs.

Our achievements this year reflects the remarkable efforts and commitment of our amazing advice team, board members, supporters, and partners, all of whom have demonstrated resilience, collaboration, and responsiveness over the past year.

Financial Challenges and Restructuring

The initial half of the year (April 2023 to July 2023) presented significant financial challenges, particularly for our welfare benefits advice service. This service was sub-commissioned through the Citizen Advice Bureau but was terminated in April 2023 when the centre lost approximately £98,000 of funding. This had a detrimental impact on our service delivery for advice and on staffing.

In response, we restructured our service model to prioritize support for vulnerable users, including the elderly and the less-abled. This allowed us to continue to develop and maintain our core services. While we had to reduce drop-in services due to increased demand, our advice team worked diligently to ensure that benefits and immigration assistance remained accessible through two-day telephone advice, face-to-face appointments, and home visits when necessary. These adaptations allowed us to maximize our limited resources while addressing the urgent needs of our service users.

New Funding and Collaborative Partnerships

From July 2023 to March 2024, we secured funding from the Big Lottery to address the cost-of-living crisis and support the rising demand for our services. Additionally, we partnered with the Integrated Care Board (ICB) to maintain and diversify our offerings

from April 2023 to March 2025, enabling us to respond

effectively to emerging community needs.

We are pleased to share that we continue to work collaboratively with Bradford Council, Red Letter Project, Bradford VCS, HALE, and Equality Together, ensuring that the Girlington Centre continues to offer multi-faceted services for clients. This allows The Girlington Centre to act as a community-based hub offering support to clients in a holistic way. The case studies included in this report illustrate the complexity of the work carried out at the Centre and the comprehensive support provided to our clients.

Leadership and Organisational Development

In January 2024, we welcomed Fozia Shaheen as our new Co-CEO. With her diverse experience, Fozia is poised to help drive the centre’s growth and development. In addition, we have taken significant steps in enhancing our management systems, policies, and procedures, along with the training and development of staff and volunteers. These improvements ensure that our services remain aligned with the needs of the community.

mindful of the fact that some aspects of the Centre’s delivery in the future

can be impacted by the current lease situation. Any decisions moving forward will involve careful consideration and input from key stakeholders and community members to mitigate any potential negative impacts.

As we look to the future, we recognize the necessity to continue to change and evolve to meet the increasing demands of the communities. Despite the challenges we face, we are confident as we enter 2024-2025. Our strong track record, robust partnerships, and our commitment to community-centred decision-making empower us to navigate the future successfully.

We would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to our staff members, Management Committee, and volunteers for their unwavering dedication to providing exceptional services. We would also like to thank our funders, partners, and supporters for their understanding and generosity, which has been instrumental in our ability to serve the community. Together, we continue to make a positive impact. Thank you!

Future Outlook and Community Asset Transfer

The Girlington Centre applied to Bradford Council for a community asset transfer. However, our efforts have not been successful. While we remain committed to improving our facilities and services, the Board are

ABOUT US

With over 25 years of experience, The Girlington Centre (TGC) is a vital community organisation dedicated to addressing poverty and inequality. To empower disadvantaged and deprived communities, we offer welfare advice, volunteering and community development opportunities and out of hours service, responsive to the diverse needs of our community. At TGC, we believe in fostering a supportive environment where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

“How a society treats its most vulnerable is always the measure of its humanity.”

-Statement by Ambassador Matthew Rycroft of the UK Mission to the UN at the Security Council Open debate on Children and Armed Conflict

OUR ETHOS:

Addressing Our Leadership Is Focused On the Needs of Building A Stronger, More Equitable Those Who Community. We Believe In Ensuring Are Excluded/ That Every Individual Has Access To Inclusive Community Discriminated Community -centric The Tools, Support, And Opportunities Inclusive Building CommunitySupport They Need To Reach Their Full Community -centric Potential. By Fostering An Building Support Environment Of Empowerment Through Training And Volunteering, Support for Health and Those in Well-being Need

Promotion of Physical, Mental, Emotional and Spiritual

Alleviating Poverty and Providing Essential Our Dedication Services to Extends to The Empowerment Support Individuals in Establishment, Need. Maintenance, And Management of Working Collaboratively.

One-StopShop

Inclusivity7

submit Mandatory Overview Reconsideration

Our Welfare Benefits Advice team provides comprehensive assistance, and advice, supporting our clients from the initial contact through to preparation and representation, where required.

We deal with all welfare benefits initial queries, claims, overpayments reviews, consumer debt, fuel poverty, employment, immigration, and housing applications. We take huge pride in providing advice services and solutions for our clients and the local community especially those who are vulnerable and in high risk of neglect.

Our team of generalist advisers complete benefit applications,

reports, lodge appeals and complete grant applications and local welfare schemes so we are able to maximise our clients’ income and start the process of helping them out of hardship.

We are able to achieve this as we can complete the clients’ journey in house and assist with the overall case as we also provide

Welfare Support Available

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4%
9%
10% 38%
26%
11%
2%
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Welfare Benefits Housing Employment Immigration Community Care Grants Debt

specialist welfare advice services, which are listed below:

Drafting submissions
Preparation of clients bundle for tribunal hearings
Representation in court

Furthermore, this also includes the overlap of the clients’ immigration status, which affects their eligibility to benefits.

Year In Positive Domestic Violence outcomes for Clients, which enabled Clients to Retrospect access Public Funds and secure their stay in UK.

Advice Team were able to continue home visits to ensure Clients who have physical & mobility restrictions were receiving Advice and Assistance.

Effective/ Gainful weekly outreach sessions completed at Roshni Ghar & at Great Horton Hub profitable.

Year In Figures

Total numbers of Clients: Total Number 1862 of Enquries/ Cases: 2743

Total Number of Advice Referrals Recieved: Telephone 227 Advice Interactions: 1739

Key Achievements

Debt successfully resolved: 168,423

Financial Gains: £1, 325, 130.39 (Just over a MILLION!)

Grants & Donations Donations £349.40 [Income] Other Grants £390.00 National Lottery £70,000.00 Out of Hours Provision £28,250.00 Community Anchor Funds £2,640.00 Locality £10,000.00 Secondment of Welfare rights (Equality Together) £9,250.00 Bradford Council £29,850.88 HALE £36,046.34 Fuel Top-ups (Reimbursement) £110,797.00 Bradford VCS Alliance (RIC) £70,263.45 Bradford VCS Alliance (WBA) £12,784.84 Equality Together £21,033.30 £- £50,000.00 £100,000.00 £150,000.00 Expenses

Expenses Other Expenses £1,118.37 Building Costs £3,150.00 Bank Charges £72.45 Accountancy £687.50 Insurance £16,309.13 Events, Workshops and Activities £7,523.37 Publications and Subscriptions £2,760.59 Telephone, Postage and Internet £1,177.42 Printing and Stationery £6,734.70 Legal and Professional £2,903.25 Repairs and Renewals £1,676.88 Rates £5,537.04 Volunteer Expenses £1,639.10 Service Charges £78.30 Staff costs £223,100.12 £- £100,000.00 £200,000.00 £300,000.00

Case Study 1: Disability Living Allowance (Severe Mental Illness)

Issue:

Client A is a single parent and a carer to a 13-year-old daughter, who is severely depressed and engages in frequent self-harm as a coping mechanism. Due to daughter’s ill health, Client has been receiving significant support from Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS). However, client is struggling to balance the financial and emotional demands of supporting the daughter.

Support Provided:

1-2-1 support was provided due to the client’s language barriers, which gave confidence in the client. A comprehensive benefits check was conducted, in which it was found that the client did not receive Disability Living Allowance (DLA), despite being entitled to it. Client was informed of the application process, and was given relevant support such as to complete the form and obtain medical evidence. Additionally, several home visits were made to conduct follow-ups, considering the nature of the daughter’s illness. Once financial assessment was completed, client received advice, information and support to manage finances more effectively including guidance on budgeting.

Outcome:

The DLA application was successful, resulting in DLA payments of £184 per week; a further £198 per month was added for the carer premium; and an additional disability element of £487.58 per month to Universal Credit. This has led to an extra income of £17,794.60, helping the client to overcome the financial hardship, allowing them to focus on their own wellbeing. The client was also offered weekly wellbeing calls with the welfare benefits advisor to check on the client’s wellbeing and determine if any additional support is needed.

Case Study 2: Appeal for NHS Fines

Issue:

Client B was recommended The Girlington Centre by their friend. The client has a history of significant, long-standing health conditions that has had an adverse effect on their life, which exempts him from paying such fines. The client had received several letters from the NHS business services authority with five fines totaling £620.

Support Provided:

After enquiring with the relevant departments, it was found that the client’s Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) claim was the initial matter of concern, which led to the suspension of their payments. This, in turn, affected their eligibility for exceptions, ultimately resulting in fines. This was especially problematic as the client only source of income were these benefits. Therefore, emails and calls were made to various DWP/HMRC teams to resolve this issue. Additionally, an appeal was registered with NHS Business Services for the fines to be waived, which was followed by many calls to ensure prompt resolution. The client was contacted throughout the process to exchange information.

Whilst the client’s payments were suspended, the center provided regular food parcels, along with gas and electricity fuel top-ups to ensure that the client had the necessities needed.

Outcome:

The appeal was successful, which led to the fines being overturned and the ESA payments were reinstated. For future prevention, an exemption certificate was issued and the client was advised to ensure such letters were promptly responded to.

Case Study 3: Immigration and Mental Health Needs

Issue:

Client C came to the UK in 1998 as a spouse of a British national. Over the years, the client faced domestic abuse, which led to their separation from their children and eventual detention. Additionally, the client has been diagnosed with severe depression, psychosis, and experiences auditory and visual hallucinations.

They had previously been granted leave to remain on the basis of their family and private life under Article 8 of the Human Rights Act 1998. However, due to their lack of understanding and capacity, the client overstayed their visa in 2016, which led to difficulties in maintaining their legal status. Their most recent leave to remain was set to expire in July 2023, and they are ineligible for indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR). The client lives in supported accommodation, and their children are placed under the care of the Bradford Local Authority and other family members.

Support Provided:

Recognising the client’s vulnerable situation, TGC, in collaboration with the mental health team, took a proactive approach to securing the client’s immigration status, by assisting the client in obtaining further leave to remain in 2017. As the client’s current visa approached its expiration in July 2023, TGC applied for a fee waiver, given that the client was receiving means-tested benefits and living in supported accommodation. Additionally, TGC requested the removal of the ‘No recourse to public Funds’ condition, acknowledging the client’s need for access to public funds due to their vulnerability and reliance on continued support.

Outcome:

The application for the fee waiver was successful, and TGC proceeded to apply for further leave to remain under the same category before the client’s visa expired. This application was also successful, resulting in the client being granted leave to remain for an additional 30 months. This will allow the client to continue their journey towards completing the required 120 months (10 years) of lawful residence, after which they will be eligible to apply for ILR.

~~Additionally, by removing the~~ ‘ ~~No Recourse to Public Funds~~ ’

Case Study 4: Claim for Benefits

Issue:

Client D approached The Girlington Centre in January 2024, to initially enquire, whether they were receiving all the benefits they were entitled to. They hoped to purchase an iPad for their daughter but was feeling overwhelmed by their current commitments. However, it was found that the client has a long-standing history of health conditions such as fibromyalgia, IBS, Sciatica and chronic back and spine pain, which have a considerable impact on their daily life. Due to these health issues, they find it extremely difficult to access services and request for the support they need. The client is also a full-time carer for their disabled daughter, who suffers from ADHD and Autism.

Support Provided:

A comprehensive benefit check was conducted to ensure that the client was receiving the correct benefits and elements that they were entitled to. Following this, the client was informed about the Family Fund and was assisted with the grant’s application.

Additionally, a financial assessment form and a priority bills check-up were carried out to ensure income maximization and to ensure all bills were up-to-date. Practical support was provided in Money Management, along with information on services available to assist with financial matters.

The client was also referred to carers’ resources for further support in caring for their child.

Outcome: Positive

The client was granted an iPad for their daughter, which had a positive impact on the child and on the client’s wellbeing. Practical support from carers resource, has also helped the client with their caring responsibilities.

Case Study 5: Severe Mental Illness (SMI)

Issue:

Client E suffers from severe anxiety, depression, persistent low mood, social anxiety and panic attacks, which stem from past trauma and abuse. The client has three children, who are currently living with the client’s ex-partner but the client sees them regularly. Client has initially contacted us regarding their various debts and inability to manage finances. This is due to anhedonia, poor concentration and lack of motivation to carry out any daily tasks, requiring support and guidance. The client’s financial problems were causing them additional distress and making their mental health worse.

Support Provided:

By contacting the creditors and supporting the client to make online payments, we assisted the client to sort out various debts to avoid further escalation of the situation leading to court proceedings, or involvement of bailiffs e.tc.

Additionally, the client had previously been unsuccessful in her PIP claim as she was not able to navigate the application process without support. Therefore, we assisted her with a fresh PIP claim.

During the application process, the client required substantially more support than usual due to mental health issues, which led to additional time added onto the client’s appointments. The client struggled to attend the appointments due to anxiety and was unable to remain focused for prolonged periods, and hence, needed staggered appointments, due to feeling lethargic and fatigued, impacting the client’s ability to engage. Additionally, the client was unable to process and retain information and needed everything repeating due to the client’s short attention span. Client is a poor communicator, which can be attributed to the client’s quiet and withdrawn nature. The client needed constant probing and the adviser had to be patient, empathetic and give constant reassurance.

Outcome:

Whilst, the initial claim was unsuccessful, we were able to successfully challenge the decision at the Tribunal. DWP finally, acknowledged her mental health difficulties and awarded her the enhanced rate of the daily living component of PIP.

Client Feedback

“I had poor Mental Health before the assistance, I had received. After receiving the service, I feel relaxed and relived.”

“I was treated with respect, as the staff is non-judgemental and felt heard”

“The staff are very professional and polite”

“I was overwhelmed with the financial outcome as this helped me to overcome the financial uncertainties I was facing. I am very grateful for the support as it now allows me to focus on my wellbeing. Overall, the service I have received as had a positive impact on my mental health”

“The service has exceeded my expectations”

"My Query was dealt with adequately (in a timely and professional manner)."

"I was treated with respect and felt heard."

~~3% 10%~~ Strongly Agree Agree Neutral Disagree ~~87%~~ Strongly Disagree

"I was given appropriate level of support and advice."

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1%
10%
89%
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Strongly Agree Agree Neutral Disagree Strongly Disagree

~~5%~~ Strongly Agree Agree Neutral Disagree ~~95%~~ Strongly Disagree "Having a bilingual advisor made it easier to explain my problem and understand the advice given."

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7% Strongly Agree
Agree
Neutral
Disagree
Strongly Disagree
93%
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"After receiving the service, I feel relaxed

"The service had a positive impact

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7% 6%an d relieved." 5%on m4% y mental health."
Strongly Agree Strongly Agree
Agree Agree
Neutral Neutral
Disagree Disagree
Strongly Disagree Strongly Disagree
Client Demographics
87% 91%
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Strongly Disagree

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Age
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Gender

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0-16
14%
17-26
16%
8% 27-44
3% Male
23%
45-54
45% Female
39% 55 and over
52%
Prefer Not to Say
2%
11%
White Eastern European Disabilities
26%
4% White British
Et hn2% icity British Asian Indian
British Asian Pakistani 23%
Yes
British Asian Bangladeshi
No
British Asian African 77%
Arab
18%
33% 2
Other
4%
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Standards, Advancement, and Oversight

At The Girlington Centre, we pride ourselves in ensuring that there are mechanisms in place to ensure staff are regularly given appropriate training that is up-to-date and relevant to the needs of our service users. This allows us to take steps to adapt to the changing landscape and combat risk factors that can threaten our service delivery.

Safeguarding:

Safeguarding plays a fundamental role in our services. As an organization, we have an up-to-date knowledge of key legislation and the working frameworks for Safeguarding at local, regional and national levels. Additionally, we have robust policies and procedures in place to enable all staff, including volunteers to undertake relevant safeguarding training to carry out their roles with due diligence. Therefore, all our staff at The Girlington Centre, have level 1, 2 or 3 in safeguarding training for adults and children.

Moreover, our Advice team have a robust case management system in place, which forms part of our process in audits and allows regular checks through supervision to be taken place to ensure all staff are adhering to Safeguarding protocols. We also encourage staff and board members to take other relevant training by

attending seminars that can further support them in their role. Feedback Sessions:

We conduct many formal and informal feedback sessions throughout the year that helps service users to engage with our staff and board members. These enable discussions on vital and pressing issues that the center is facing and any improvements that service users feel should take place within our service delivery, based on their experience. This helps amplifying the voice of our service users in the decision-making process of our organization.

Governance:

Our organization is committed to ensuring that the Center keeps progressing in a positive direction, despite the many challenges it faces. Therefore, to build on our strengths, the board and the CEOs conduct management committee meetings on a regular basis to ensure we take into account the impact of our services, hold ourselves accountable for any shortcomings and explore revenues and areas for further development of our organization.

In the upcoming annual year (20242025), our leadership team and board aim to build on the work of the previous year. This involves identifying and taking actions that will lead to an

even more impactful year with more

progressive outcomes.

Our Team

Staff members between 1[st] of April 2023 and 31[st ] of March 2024:

Rubina Burhan (Chief Executive Officer)
Fozia Shaheen (Co-Chief Executive Officer)
Rachel Abbey (Administrator until May 2023)
Bushra Nisar (Administrator)
Imaan Siddiqui (Finance Assistant)
Heba Mals (Finance Assistant)
Tahir Iqbal (Finance Assistant)
Sabera Hafesji (Social Prescriber)
Tatiana Gross (Social Prescriber)
Shahraz Begum (Immigration advisor)
Aklujan Wahab (Advice Worker)
Farzana Hussain (Advice worker)
Hifza Wajid (Advice Worker)
Jana Elles (Advice worker)
Guzula Nazir (Trainee Advice Worker)
Sarka Dvorakova (Advice worker)
Alema Kauser (Advice worker)
Lorna Cook (Social Prescribing)
Katarina Dome (Advice worker / Roma project)
Asiylah Lal (Trainee advice worker)
Amina Noureen (Advocacy Worker)
Shaukat Hayat (Caretaker)
Selma Ali (Specialist Adviser)
Maryam Ibrar (Administration within Development Work)
Work Commissioned between 1[st] of April 2023 and 31[st ] of March 2024:  S M Salam

Volunteers between 1[st] of April 2023 and 31[st ] of March 2024:

Val Rowlands (Immigration specialist)
Sharon Hachemi
Amreen Kausar
Dana Ginovo
Zenat Jan
Kafa Al Maghrabi
Nayab Gohar
Irum
Azra Tariq
Khairul Amin
Tessa Wainwright
Rasha
Tasneem
Abdulkarem Alhomsi
Shabnam Khaliq
Zyad Alsaka

Board Members between 1[st] of April 2023 and 31[st ] of March 2024:  Val Rowlands  Summaiyah  Ruby Bhatti  Adal  Fozia Shaheen (Until Dec  Zulfiqar 2023)  Mohammad Salim
Shazia Nisar

Special Thanks To:

Our Partner Organisations:

Bradford Area West
Bradford Metropolitan District Council
Bradford VCS Alliance
HALE (Health Action Local Engagement)
Together 4 Health – CP4 Trident
Equality Together
Age UK
Cancer Support
BAME Mental Health Collaborative
Red Letter Project
University of Bradford
Roshni Ghar
& Our local school, religious institutes and community organisations 2

- Vision For 2024 25

Continue supporting our clients who fall under the SMI and 65+ Older People categories through the cost of living

To continue Immigration, work up to OISC Level 3

To maintain our service provision to support our vulnerable clients

To continue with our holistic approach offering joint/ multiple series under one roof

Explore Further Funding for SMI/ complex care needs

Develop and maintain outreach services to reach older people within the community

Call Us: 01274 547118

Address: Girlington Road, Bradford, BD8 9NN

Email: info@girlington.org.uk

Charity number 1194595 Company registration number 12042987 The Girlington Centre Limited Annual Report and Financlal Statements for the year ended 31 March 2024

The Girlington Centre Limited Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2024 Contents Pa9e Trustees. report Managerfs report 2103 4105 Examinevs report Statement of financial actlvllS Balance shggt Notes lo the accounts 9t012

The Girlington Centre Limited Trustee's report for the year ended 31 March 2024 Reference and administrative details of the charity, its tru$tg0s and advlsors The trustees during the financi81 year and up lo and irbcluding the dale the report was approved were: Name Position Dates Fozia Shaheen Resigned December 2023 Ruby Bhatti January 2024 Wakas Ahmed Val Rowlands Adar Ahmed Zulfiqar Hussain Mohammed Salim Farooq Qureshi Joint Chair Jolnl Chair January 2024 Resigned June 2023 Rggistgrgd and Prln¢lpal address The Girlinglon Centre Limited Girlinglon Road Bradford BD8 9NN Bankers Unity Trust Bank P 9 Brindle Pla Birmingham B12HB. Independent examlner Arshad Mahmood BA {Honsl FCCA For and on behalf of.. Associate Accountancy Servlcès Preston House Preston Street Bradford BD7 1JE. Structure, goveman¢e and rnanagemgnt The charity is governed by a constitution adopted on 21 Aprfl 1998, and amended on 28 June 1999. 17 June 2002. 8 December 2006 and 25 October 2007. Method of recruitment and appointrnerrt of trustee$ The trustees of the charity are appointed by the members at the AGM. Objectives and activities The charity's oblgctive5 To help relieve poverty, and the distress and sickness caused by it. and lo help to advance the education and lo preserve and protect good he?Ilh among the inhabitants of Girlington and surroundings by the provision of quality infomiation and advice service appropriate lo the needs of the local people. The ChariWs main actlvltles The Girlinglon Centre Limited ITGACI offers information. advice, and advocacy lo the general public and helps lo eliminate poverty. TGC also offers accredited training and raises public awareness on issues such as immigration, welfare benefits, health and education.

The Girllngton Centre Limited Trustee$ldire¢tors report for the year ended 31 March 2024 Stat&ment of trusteesldire¢tors responsibilities The trusteesldireclors are responsible for preparing the directors, report and the financlal slaternents in acco th the applicable law and UK Accounting Stsndards. Company law requires the directors to prepare financial accounts for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the cornpany and of the income and expenditure of the company for the year. In preparing these financial slatemenls, the directors are required lo-_ 11 Select suitable accounting policies and apply them conslslently 2} Make judgements and eslimales that are reasonable and prudent 31 Slate whether applicable UK accounting standards have been followed, subject lo any material departures disclosed and explairtred in the financial slalemenls. 4) Prepare the accounts on going concem basis unless it is inappropriate lo presume that the company 11 continue in operation. The directors are responsible for keeping proper aecounling records which disclose with reasonable accounts comply with the Companies Act 2006. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the company and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prgvention and detection of fraud and other irregularities. The rep)rt has been prepared in accordance with the speclal provisions of the Companies Act 2006 Signed on behalf of the board of trusleesldirectors:. Signed Dale

The Girlington Centre Limited Leadership report for the year ended 31 March 2024 Leadership report . CEO, Rubina Burhan, CO-CEO, Fozia Shaheen and Chair of Trustees, Val Rowland and Ruby Bhatti We are pleased to be presenting The Girlington Centre's Annual Report for the year 2023-2024, showcasing our continuous efforts to enhance the core services offèred at our centre, including welfare advice, volunteering and community development and our out of hours service. At the heart of our mission is our dedicated advlce team who provide our core service to the local community, navigating people through Ihe complex systems. The team's unwavering support and tireless efforts have been pivotal to sionificantly impact the local communitv. We are proud to report that we have continued to expand our servlces and improve access for everyone. This includes our advice team collaborating wilh our in-house Mental Health and Befriending teams to provide a holistic service. to support people with Severe Mental Illnesses and complex needs. Our achievements this year reflects the remarkable efforts and commitment of our amang advice team, board members. supporters, and partners, all ofvthom have demonstrated resilience, collaboration, and responsiveness over the past year. Flnancial Challen es and Restructurin The initial half of the year {April 2023 to July 2023) presented significant financial challenges, particularly for otsr welfare benefits advice service. This service was sub-commissioned through the Citizen Advice Bureau but was terminated in April 2023 when the centre lost approximately £98,000 of fundina. This had a detrimental impact on our service delivery for advice and on staffinq. In response. we restructured our service model to prioritize support for vulnerable users. including the elderly and the less-abled. This allowed us to continue to develop and maintain our core services. While we had lo reduce drop-in services due lo increased demand, our advice team worked diligent to ensure that benefits and immigration assistance remained accessible through two-day telephone advice, face-to-face appointments, and home visits when necessary. These adaptations allowed us to maximize our limited resources while addressing the urgent needs of our service users.

New Fundin and Collaborative Partnershi From July 2023 to March 2024, we secured funding from the Big_Lottery lo address the cost-of_living crisis and support the rising demand for our services. Additionally, we partnered with Ihe Inlegraled Care Board (ICBI to maintain and diversify our offerings from April 2023 to March 2025, enabling us lo respond effectively to emerging community needs. We are pleased to share that we continue to work collaboratively with Bradford Council, Red Leller Project, Bradford VCS, HALE, and Equality Together. ensuring that the Girlinglon Centre continues to offer multi-faceted services for Clients. This allows The Girlington Centre lo act as a communily-based hub offering support to clients in a holistic way. The Gase studies included in this report illustrate the complexity of Ihe work Carried out at the Centre and the comprehensive support provided to our clients. Leadershi and Or anisational Develo ment In January 2024, we welcomed Fozia Shaheen as our new CO-CEO. With her diverse experience, Fozia is poised to help drive the centre's growih and development. In addition, we have taken significant steps in enhancing our management systems, policies, and procedures, along wilh the training and development of staff and volunteers. These improvemÈnls ensure that oui services remain alianed with the needs of the communilv. Future Outlook and Communi Asset Transfer The Girlington Centre applied to Bradford Council for a community asset transfer. However, our efforts have not been successful. While we remain committed to improving our facilities and services. the Board are mindful of the fact that some aspects of Ihe Cenlre's delivery in the future can be impacted by the current lease situation. Any decisions moving forward will involve careful consideration and input from key stakeholders and community members to miligale any potential negative impacts. As we look lo the future, we recognize the necessity lo continue to change and evolve to meet the increasing demands of the comrllunities. Despite the challenges we face, we are confident as we enter 2024-2025. Our strong track record. robust partnerships, and our commitment to community- centred decision-making empower us to navigate the future successfully. we woui(J IlKe io exiena our heartlell graiituae 10 our staff memDers, Management Lommittee. ana volunteers for their unwavering dedication to providing exceptional seNices. We would also like to thank our funders. partners. and supporters for their understanding and generosity, which has been instrumental in our ability to serve the community. Together, we continue to make a positive impact. ThAnk vni il

The Girlington Centre Limited Independent examiner's report to the trustees of The Girlington Centre Llmited I report on the accounts of the charity for the year ended 31 March 2024. which are set out on pages 6 to 11. Rospactlv¢ T¢sponslbllltlès of the trusteas and the examln•r The Girlington Advice and Tr8lning Centre (charity number 11034391 ciosed and transferred all its assets. funds and li2bililies lo The Glrlington Centre Limited Ichaiity number 11945951. The chariws Iruslees a responsible fof the preparation of the accounts. They consider that an audit is not required for this year under section 43{21 of the Charities Act 1993 and that an independent examination is needed. It Is my rèsponsibility to examine the accounts under section 43 121 of the 1993 Act, follow the procedures lald dovm in th8 general directions glven by the Charity Commission lundér s8Ction 43171 Ibl of th8 Acll and state whèther particular matters have com8 to rny attention. Ba$1$ of Independent èxamlnerfs statèm•nt My examination was carried out in accordance with thg general Directions given by the Charity Commi55ior). An èxarninalion includes 8 review of the accounting racords kept by the charity and a comparison of th8 accounts presented with thos8 records. It also includes consideration of any unusual itèms or disclosures in the accounts. and seeking explanations from the trustèès nCernIng any such matters. The procedure undertak•n do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an 8udit and consequendy no opinion is given as lo whett)er the accounts present a'lruè and fair Vie and th9 report is limltèd to those mattèr5 sel out in the statement below. Independent oxamlnees statement In connection with my examinats'on, no matter has eome to my attention:_ 11 vA)ich gwas m8 reasonable cause lo believe that in any material respect the requirements-. al lo keep accounting records in accordance with section 41 of the 1993 Act.. bl and to prepare accounts which accord wlth a¢counting records and comply with the accounting requiremants of the 1993 Act have not been met.. OT 2) to which, in my opinlon. attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to reached. Signed Name: Arshad Mahmood Relevant professional qualificallon or body.. ACCA Date.. 1011212024 For and on behalf of.. Assoclate Accountancy Services Preston House Pweston Street Bradford West Yorkshire BD7 1JE.

The Girlington Centre Limited Statement of Financial Activities for the year ended 31 March 2024 Notes 2024 2024 2024 2023 Unrestricted Restrictod Funds Funds Total Funds Total Funds Income Welfare advice 197,218 197,218 153,111 Health and Wellbeing Reimbursements 199,054 193,518 199,054 207,488 98.918 193,518 Other income 595 595 569 Total income 590.385 590,385 460,086 Staff costs Service Charges Volunteer Expenses Rent & Rates Repairs and Renewals Legal and Professional Printing and Stationery Telephone, Postage and Intemet Publications and Subscriptions Consultancy Reimbursements Events. Workshops and Activities Insurance Accountancy Bank Charges Depreciation 198,093 13,150 127 4.492 1,593 2,932 4,072 3.395 586 14,531 58,99D 8,638 1,669 1.500 198,093 13,150 127 4.492 1.593 2,932 4,072 3.395 586 14,531 58.990 8,638 1,669 1,500 340,394 12,412 8,407 3,065 270 4,194 1,396 691 16,494 82.676 3.765 1,03J 1.500 l i I 176 1,933 176 1,933 148 2,296 Total 315,877 315,877 478.738 Net Incomingl (outgoing) resources 274,508 274,508 118,6521 Funds balances brought forward 679,421 953,929 679421 953,929 698073 679.421 Transfer belween funds Funds balances carried foThvard 953,929 953.929 679,421

The Girlington Centre Limited Balance Sheet as at 31 March 2024 Notes 2024 2024 Unrestricted Designated 2024 Total 2023 Total Flxed Assets Tangible assets 41,649 41,649 43,582 Current Assets Debtors and prepayments 139,198 139.198 13,551 Cash at bank and in hand 572,859 460.000 1,032,859 826.974 Current Assets 712,057 460,000 1,172,057 840,525 Amounts falllng due within one year Creditors and accruals 259,777 259,777 204,686 Total ¢urrent Ilabllltles 259.777 259.777 204,686 Total current assets 452.280 460,000 912,280 635,839 Total net assets 493,929 460,000 953,929 679.421 FUNDS Unrestricted funds 8&9 953,929 953.929 219,421 Restricted funds 10 460,000 Total Funds 953,929 953,929 679,421

The Girlington Centre Limited Notes to the Accounts for the year ended 31 March 2024 Accounting policles Basls of accountlng The financial statemènts have been prepared undèr h'istorical cost convention. The financial stalerrienls have been prepared in accordance with the statement of Recommended Practice.. Accounting and Reporting by Charities ISORP 20051 and the Charities Act 1993. There has been no change to the accounting policies since last year. Incoming resources All incoming resources are included in the Statement of Financial Aelivities (SOFA) when the charity becomes entitled to the resources, the trustees are virtually rtain they will receive the resources and the monetary value can be measured with Suff181 reliability. Grants and donations Grants and donations are only included in the (SOFA} when the charity has unconditlonal entitlement to the resources. Where grants are related lo performance and specific deliverables, they are accounted for as the charity earns th8 right to consideration by its performance. Commissioned Income In order to show a true and fair view of the performance of the centre, this year the board has decided that the commissioned income from the Girlinglon Community Centre would be declared both in income and the expenditure. Comparison figures have been adjusted accordingly. Expendlture and liabllltles Expenditure is recognised on an accrual basis as a liability is incuff8d. Liabilities are recogni5ed as soon there is legal or conslruclive obligation committing the charity to pay out the resources. Taxation As charity the organisalion benefits from rates relief and is generally exempl from income tax and capital gains tax but not from VAT. Irrecoverable VAT is included in the cost of those items to which it relates. Tangible fixed assets Tangible fixed assets costing morè than £250 are capitalised and included at cost including any incidental expenses of acquisition. Gifted ass&ts are shown at the value to the charity on receipt. Depreciation is provided on all tangible fixed asse15 al rates calculated to write off the cost of a straight Ilne based over their expected useful lives as follows- Property - over 50 years Projed and office equipment- over 5 years al reducing balance method Computer equlpment- over 3 years at Teducing balance method Motor vehicle - over 4 years at reduclng balance method Pension Since the introduction of Ihe 'Auto-Enrolmenl" pension scheme by the government. the charity has joint a govemment recommended pension cornpany , Nest. The contribution rate for the employer is s° ar employee contribution rate is 30h as recommended by the new pension regime. Fund a¢counting Unrestricted funds are available for use at the discretion of the trustees in the furtherance of the general objectives of the charity. However, they are subjected to restrictions on their expenditure imposed by the donor or through the term5 of an appeal. Further explanation of the nature and purpose of each fund is included in the notes lo the accounts.

The Girlington Cantre Limited Notes to the Accounts for the year ended 31 March 2024 2 Welfarè advice 2024 Unrestricted Funds 2024 Restricted Funds 2024 Total Funds 2023 Total Funds Equality Together Charity Work Bradford VCS Allianee Inspired Neighbour Bradford CAB Red Letter Proie¢t Lottery SMI 32,117 32,117 10,656 10,983 14.655 11,900 80,417 10,984 11,900 10,984 11.900 1.417 1,417 70.000 70.800 197,218 70,000 70.800 127,218 70.000 128.611 Inspired Neighbour project finished in 202212023, this is late payTnent received in 202312024. Health Wellbelng 2024 Unrestricted Funds 2024 Restricted Funds 2024 Total Funds 2023 Total Funds HALE Project VCS Alliance- Development and Volunteer project VCS Alliance- Out of hours provision Communlly Anchor fund Mental Wellbeing Grant Health Action - Hale Locality 23.896 23,896 25620 89.742 89,742 181868 28,250 1,320 9,800 36,046 10.000 199,054 28,250 1.320 9,800 36,046 10,000 199,054 207488 Reimbursements 2024 Unrestrlcted Funds 2024 Restricted Funds 2024 Total Funds 2023 Total Funds Fuel Towp Food Parcels Family Action 133,415 59,803 300 193,518 133,415 59,803 300 193,518 82,676 40,442 300 123,418 Other Income 2024 Unrestricted Funds 2024 Restrirted Funds 2024 Total Funds 2023 Total Funds Sundry 595 595 569 595 595 569 10

The Girlington Centre Limited Notes to the Accounts for the year ended 31 March 2024 3 Staff costs and numbers 2024 2023 Gross salaries Social security costs Pensions staff Travel and Subsistence Staff Training and Tuition expenses 191,649 6,043 401 330,700 9,166 528 198,093 340,394 The average number of employees during the year was 25 fLtII Ilme and part time, and 31 in 12022.20231. There were no employees with emoluments above £60,000. Deflned contrlbutlon penslon scheme 2024 2023 Costs of the scheme to the charity for the year Amount of any contributions outstanding at the year end 401 528 401 528 4 Tanglble flxed assets Flxture$, fittlngs, tools and equipment Plant and machiner Motor Vehlcle Property Total Cost At 1 April 2023 Additions Surplus on revaluats'on Disposals At 31 March 2024 44.831 14,111 5,800 9.224 73.966 44,831 14.111 5.800 9.224 73,966 Depreciation Al 1 April 2023 Charge for the year Surplus on revaluation On disposals At 31 March 2024 5298 896 13,814 99 3,966 459 7,306 479 30,384 1,933 6,194 13,913 4.425 7.785 32,317 Net book value At 31 March 2024 38,637 198 1,375 1.439 41,649 Al 31 March 2023 39,533 297 1,834 1,918 43,582 5 Debtors 2024 2023 PrepayTnenls and accrued income 139.198 13.551

The Girlington Centre Llmlted Notes to the Accounts for the year ended 31 March 2024 6 Cash at bank and in hand 2024 2023 Unity Trust Bank current account Unity Trust Bank deposit account Cash in hand Unlty Trust Bank C Account- TGC Ltd 100.000 228 932,631 1,032,859 228 826,746 826,974 7 Creditors and accruals 2024 2023 Accruals Owed to GCC Rubina Burhan 53,668 152,492 53,617 259,777 56,667 148,019 204,686 8 Trustee expgnses No Iruslee received any expenses during the year Inll 2022= 20231 9 Related party transactions There were no related party transaction5 during the year (nil 2022.20231. 10 Funds 2024 2023 Designated funds Unrestricted 490,000 477,111 460,000 219.421 967,111 679,421 At the last annual general meeting the Trustees agreed to transfer £400,000 for acquiring and renovation of premises for the centre and £90,000 for the future redundancies, to Designated Funds. 12

Charity number 1194595 Company registration number 12042987 The Girlington Centre Limited Annual Report and Financlal Statements for the year ended 31 March 2024