Trustees' Annual Report and Accounts (2024-2025)
Charity Name: Black Lives Mentored Registered Charity Number: 1194905
Address: 8 New Chestnut Place, Derby, DE23 1JT Reporting Period: 1st April 2024 to 31st March 2025
Introduction and Objectives
Black Lives Mentored is a registered charity established to provide specialist mentoring and mental health support primarily to members of Black Minority Ethnic (BME) communities, not excluding LGBTQ+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender) individuals. Our mission is rooted in providing holistic mentorship services, empowering people to overcome barriers, enhancing social mobility, improving emotional wellbeing, and fostering a strong sense of community and belonging.
Main Activities and Achievements
During this reporting period, Black Lives Mentored has made significant progress. The charity received ongoing referrals from diverse sectors, including educational institutions, healthcare providers, community groups, and self-referrals. These referrals reflect the charity’s growing positive reputation and recognition within the community.
Our mentors have successfully provided targeted support, helping individuals manage challenges such as identity issues, workplace discrimination, mental health concerns, social isolation, and issues arising from socio-economic pressures, notably exacerbated by the ongoing costof-living crisis. We have actively engaged the community by holding online meetings. These engagements have ensured our project aligns closely with community needs and aspirations, with ongoing feedback influencing the charity’s direction and practice.
We continue to maintain an inclusive approach, with representation from BME and other community members on our advisory board and committees. Our outreach, recruitment, and training processes are robust, ensuring our mentors reflect and understand the diverse community they serve. Mentor training and ongoing evaluation remain a key priority to maintain service quality and effectiveness.
Financial Review
This reporting year (1st April 2024 to 31st March 2025), the charity's total income was £550. Our income consisted solely of generous donations from members of the local community, provided as both one-off financial gifts and regular standing orders. No external grants or statutory funding was received during this period.
Expenditures for the same period totalled £179. Expenses were directed toward necessary operational costs, primarily website rental fees to facilitate community outreach and online mentorship, and donations supporting individuals in urgent need. Additionally, a small portion was allocated for modest gifts to acknowledge the valued contributions of volunteers and mentors.
At the close of the financial year, the charity’s account balance stood at £2,290. The trustees continue to manage finances carefully, ensuring sustainability and strategic planning for future charitable activities.
Future Plans
Looking forward, Black Lives Mentored aims to secure external funding from reputable grant-awarding bodies. We plan to appoint a paid, parttime coordinator to expand our reach and efficiency. Additional goals include enhancing our website functionality, producing promotional materials, increasing mentor recruitment and training, and continuing comprehensive evaluation processes to shape future work.
Declaration and Approval
The trustees would like to express heartfelt thanks to our dedicated mentors, volunteers, and supportive community donors. This continued generosity enables Black Lives Mentored to positively impact individuals and communities.
Signed on behalf of the trustees,
Earl Douse
Founder & Trustee Date: 24/03/2025