REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER: 1195197
Report of the Trustees and
Unaudited Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 May 2025
for
Telford and Wrekin Interfaith Council
Wesley Pemberton LLP 84a Lancaster Road Enfield Middlesex EN2 0BX
Telford and Wrekin Interfaith Council
Contents of the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 May 2025
| Page | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Report of the Trustees | 1 | to | 3 |
| Statement of Financial Activities | 4 | ||
| Balance Sheet | 5 | ||
| Notes to the Financial Statements | 6 | to | 9 |
| Detailed Statement of Financial Activities | 10 |
Telford and Wrekin Interfaith Council
Report of the Trustees
for the Year Ended 31 May 2025
The trustees present their report with the financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31 May 2025. The trustees have adopted the provisions of Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2019).
OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES
Objectives and aims
The aim of to CIO is to help eradicate inequalities within our community, and to promote diversity and inclusion within the Borough of Telford and Wrekin, and to ensure that Unity stays within our Community.
To achieve this our objectives are:
- The promotion of equality and diversity for the public benefit by:
a) the elimination of discrimination on the grounds of race, gender, disability, sexual
orientation or religion;
- b) advancing education and raising awareness in equality and diversity;
c) promoting activities to foster understanding between people from diverse backgrounds;
d) cultivating a sentiment in favour of equality and diversity.
-
The promotion of racial and religious harmony for the benefit of the public by promoting communication and good relations between persons of different races and faiths and promoting knowledge and mutual understanding and respect of the beliefs and practices of different religious faiths.
-
The relief of people who are in need by reason of their age, ill-health, disability, financial hardship or social circumstances in such ways and by such means as the trustees shall determine.
STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT
Governing document
The charity is controlled by its governing document, a deed of trust and constitutes an unincorporated charity.
REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS
Registered Charity number
1195197
Principal address
19 New Street Wellington Telford Shropshire TF1 1LU
Trustees
Cllr R Mehta Ms J Ward Ms R Dhatt Mr K Dass
Page 1
Telford and Wrekin Interfaith Council
for the Year Ended 31 May 2025
Report of the Trustees
REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS
Main Activities
Over the past 12 months, our organisation has acted as a critical architect for social harmony across the Borough. In an increasingly complex social landscape, we have been at the front lines of conflict resolution and cultural mediation , proactively resolving misunderstandings before they can divide our neighbourhoods. We don't just "bring people together" - we create a resilient, unified front that transcends ethnic, religious, and social boundaries. This year, our influence reached a new zenith as our membership surged to over 50 Faith, Cultural, and Community Groups . This powerful coalition represents a collective heartbeat of tens of thousands of residents, all united by a singular, unwavering mandate: to protect and promote 'Unity within the Community.' By leveraging this unprecedented network, we ensure that help reaches the most vulnerable, proving that our diversity is not just a characteristic of our town, but its greatest strength.
Below is a summary of our major activities during these past 12 months:
The Gold Standard of Service: The King's Award for Voluntary Service (KAVS)
We are profoundly honoured to announce that our organisation has been' bestowed the 'King's Award for Voluntary Service (KAVS)', the highest accolade a voluntary group can receive in the UK. This prestigious recognition serves as a definitive validation of our mission to weave a stronger social fabric across Telford and Wrekin. The award highlights the extraordinary dedication of our volunteers, who serve as the heartbeat of our operations-from the interfaith teams delivering 150,000 meals to those leading Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion workshops for over 1,000 local students. This "MBE for volunteer groups" reflects the tireless hours spent by our members in bridging cultural divides and ensuring that no resident, regardless of their background, is left behind in times of crisis.
The true impact of our organisation, however, is measured not just in awards, but in the visible transformation of our community's resilience. By mobilizing over 40 diverse faith and community groups under a single banner of unity, we have created a rapid-response network capable of tackling systemic issues like food poverty and social isolation with unprecedented scale. Whether it is the 50,000 people brought together through our multicultural festivals or the 2,000+ children reached by our Interfaith Santa, our volunteers prove daily that diversity is our greatest strength. This award belongs to every individual who gave their time to turn "misunderstanding" into "membership," proving that a united community is a sustainable one.
Crisis Intervention: Out-of-Hours Emergency Food Service
In response to the escalating cost-of-living crisis, our emergency food provision has become a critical lifeline. Supported by Telford and Wrekin Council and a network of generous donors, we reached over 10,000 residents this year.
-
Logistical Excellence : We managed a complex system of collections and deliveries to ensure accessibility for all.
-
Total Impact : Distributed 8,857 emergency parcels, providing a staggering 149,985 meals to those in acute need.
Education and Community Cohesion
We believe that long-term unity is built through education and shared experience. Our engagement strategy targets both the next generation and the wider public:
-
The Next Generation : We delivered Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) workshops to over 1,000 students in primary and secondary schools, fostering empathy and understanding in our future leaders.
-
Mass Participation : In collaboration with partners like the RAF Museum Midlands, the local Borough Council, and local community groups, we hosted a number of major events throughout the year, including; The Telford Carnival, Black History Month, the RAF Museum Midlands, and The Multi-Cultural Lights Festival. These celebrations saw a combined attendance of over 50,000 people, strengthening regional identity and bringing people of all backgrounds and ages together in celebration of ou r diverse communities.
-
Essential Services : We leveraged our Community Hub to host the NHS and Citizens Advice (CAB), providing localised access to blood pressure monitoring, vaccinations, police surgeries, and legal support.
Page 2
Telford and Wrekin Interfaith Council
Report of the Trustees for the Year Ended 31 May 2025
REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS
Building Resilience: Budgeting and Cooking Courses
To address the root causes of financial hardship, we provided residents with the tools for self-sufficiency.
-
Skills for Life : Our Hub hosted intensive courses on debt management and low-cost and healthy cooking.
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Early Intervention : A strategic partnership focused on NEET youth (those not in education, employment, or training) helped young people gain vital financial literacy early, preventing future cycles of poverty.
Seasonal Intervention: The Mobile Santa Grotto
Our flagship seasonal project reached another milestone this year, engaging 2,000+ children through our unique Mobile Grotto. This interfaith initiative - delivered in partnership with Balfour Beatty and local authorities - is a vital tool for social inclusion during the festive period. This year, our impact was measured by more than just smiles; we provided over 1,220 gifts and selection boxes specifically targeting families in deep financial uncertainty. By ensuring that so many of the borough's most vulnerable children received a significant gift, we successfully mitigated the emotional impact of poverty during a time of y ear when social isolation is most felt.
An 'Interfaith Christmas': Unity in Action
While most were at home, over 50 dedicated volunteers from the diverse faith communities of the T&W Interfaith Council spent their Christmas Day in service of the vulnerable. Together, we prepared and delivered 250+ hot, nutritious Christmas meals to homeless shelters, isolated elderly residents, and families in crisis across the Borough. Beyond deliveries, our Community Hub opened its doors for a flagship sit-down dinner, ensuring that no one had to spend the day in loneliness. This project is the ultimate expression of our mission: individuals from all backgrounds coming together to provide dignity, warmth, and a 'holiday smile' to those in the greatest need.
The 'Easter Smile' Campaign: Five Years of Community Kindness
Now in its landmark fifth year, our 'Easter Smile' campaign has become a symbol of hope and community spirit across the borough. Driven by the Board of Trustees and fueled by an outpouring of public generosity, we successfully collected and distributed over 650 Easter Eggs to vulnerable children and struggling families. This project transcends a simple gift; it is about ensuring that every child, regardless of their family's financial circumstances, feels the joy of the season. The success of this campaign is a testament to the trust the public places in our organisation to deliver direct, heartfelt impact where it is needed most.
Finance: Funding, Donation and Grants
Funding and donations for 24/25 financial year have been received from several sources, including:
-Telford and Wrekin Council
-Heart of England -Severn Trent -West Mercia Police -Groundworks -Bournville -Veolia -Albert Hunt -Local Parish and Ward Councils -Plus, donations from so many wonderful individuals and businesses
Approved by order of the board of trustees on 2 April 2026 and signed on its behalf by:
Cllr R Mehta - Trustee
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Telford and Wrekin Interfaith Council
Statement of Financial Activities for the Year Ended 31 May 2025
| 31.5.25 Unrestricted fund Notes £ INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM Donations and legacies 329,452 Other trading activities 2 523 Total 329,975 EXPENDITURE ON Raising funds 3 158,358 Other 102,684 Total 261,042 NET INCOME 68,933 RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS Total funds brought forward 290,684 TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD 359,617 |
31.5.24 Total funds £ 206,297 3,633 |
|---|---|
| 209,930 | |
| 94,932 65,763 |
|
| 160,695 | |
| 49,235 241,449 |
|
| 290,684 |
The notes form part of these financial statements
Page 4
Telford and Wrekin Interfaith Council
Balance Sheet
31 May 2025
| 31.5.25 Unrestricted fund Notes £ FIXED ASSETS Tangible assets 6 264,481 CURRENT ASSETS Cash at bank and in hand 95,136 NET CURRENT ASSETS 95,136 TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT LIABILITIES 359,617 NET ASSETS 359,617 FUNDS 7 Unrestricted funds 359,617 TOTAL FUNDS 359,617 |
31.5.24 Total funds £ 264,481 26,203 |
|---|---|
| 26,203 | |
| 290,684 | |
| 290,684 | |
| 290,684 | |
| 290,684 |
The financial statements were approved by the Board of Trustees and authorised for issue on 2 April 2026 and were signed on its behalf by:
R Mehta - Trustee
The notes form part of these financial statements
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Telford and Wrekin Interfaith Council
Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 May 2025
1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Basis of preparing the financial statements
The financial statements of the charity, which is a public benefit entity under FRS 102, have been prepared in accordance with the Charities SORP (FRS 102) 'Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2019)', Financial Reporting Standard 102 'The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland' and the Charities Act 2011. The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention.
Income
All income is recognised in the Statement of Financial Activities once the charity has entitlement to the funds, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount can be measured reliably.
Expenditure
Liabilities are recognised as expenditure as soon as there is a legal or constructive obligation committing the charity to that expenditure, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefits will be required in settlement and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably. Expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis and has been classified under headings that aggregate all cost related to the category. Where costs cannot be directly attributed to particular headings they have been allocated to activities on a basis consistent with the use of resources.
Tangible fixed assets
Depreciation is provided at the following annual rates in order to write off each asset over its estimated useful life.
Taxation
The charity is exempt from tax on its charitable activities.
Fund accounting
Unrestricted funds can be used in accordance with the charitable objectives at the discretion of the trustees.
Restricted funds can only be used for particular restricted purposes within the objects of the charity. Restrictions arise when specified by the donor or when funds are raised for particular restricted purposes.
Further explanation of the nature and purpose of each fund is included in the notes to the financial statements.
Hire purchase and leasing commitments
Rentals paid under operating leases are charged to the Statement of Financial Activities on a straight line basis over the period of the lease.
2. OTHER TRADING ACTIVITIES
| 31.5.25 | 31.5.24 | |
|---|---|---|
| £ | £ | |
| Other revenue | - | 2,300 |
| Interest income | 523 | 1,333 |
| 523 | 3,633 |
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continued...
Telford and Wrekin Interfaith Council
Notes to the Financial Statements - continued for the Year Ended 31 May 2025
3. RAISING FUNDS
Raising donations and legacies
| Raising donations and legacies | ||
|---|---|---|
| 31.5.25 | 31.5.24 | |
| £ | £ | |
| Support costs | 158,358 | 94,932 |
4. TRUSTEES' REMUNERATION AND BENEFITS
There were no trustees' remuneration or other benefits for the year ended 31 May 2025 nor for the year ended 31 May 2024.
Trustees' expenses
There were no trustees' expenses paid for the year ended 31 May 2025 nor for the year ended 31 May 2024.
5. COMPARATIVES FOR THE STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES
| Unrestricted | |
|---|---|
| fund | |
| £ | |
| INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM | |
| Donations and legacies | 206,297 |
| Other trading activities | 3,633 |
| Total | 209,930 |
| EXPENDITURE ON | |
| Raising funds | 94,932 |
| Other | 65,763 |
| Total | 160,695 |
| NET INCOME | 49,235 |
| RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS | |
| Total funds brought forward | 241,449 |
| TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD | 290,684 |
continued...
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Telford and Wrekin Interfaith Council
Notes to the Financial Statements - continued for the Year Ended 31 May 2025
6. TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS
| COST At 1 June 2024 and 31 May 2025 NET BOOK VALUE At 31 May 2025 At 31 May 2024 7. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS Unrestricted funds General fund TOTAL FUNDS Net movement in funds, included in the above are as Unrestricted funds General fund TOTAL FUNDS Comparatives for movement in funds Unrestricted funds General fund TOTAL FUNDS |
Freehold property £ 226,733 226,733 226,733 follows: |
Motor vehicles £ 34,000 34,000 34,000 At 1.6.24 £ 290,684 290,684 Incoming resources £ 329,975 329,975 At 1.6.23 £ 241,449 241,449 |
Computer equipment Totals £ £ 3,748 264,481 3,748 264,481 3,748 264,481 Net movement At in funds 31.5.25 £ £ 68,933 359,617 68,933 359,617 Resources Movement expended in funds £ £ (261,042) 68,933 (261,042) 68,933 Net movement At in funds 31.5.24 £ £ 49,235 290,684 49,235 290,684 |
|---|---|---|---|
continued...
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Telford and Wrekin Interfaith Council
Notes to the Financial Statements - continued for the Year Ended 31 May 2025
7. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS - continued
Comparative net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows:
| Unrestricted funds General fund TOTAL FUNDS |
Incoming resources £ 209,930 209,930 |
Resources Movement expended in funds £ £ (160,695) 49,235 (160,695) 49,235 |
Resources Movement expended in funds £ £ (160,695) 49,235 (160,695) 49,235 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 49,235 |
A current year 12 months and prior year 12 months combined position is as follows:
| Unrestricted funds General fund TOTAL FUNDS |
At 1.6.23 £ 241,449 241,449 |
Net movement in funds £ 118,168 118,168 |
At 31.5.25 £ 359,617 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 359,617 |
A current year 12 months and prior year 12 months combined net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows:
| Unrestricted funds General fund TOTAL FUNDS |
Incoming resources £ 539,905 539,905 |
Resources Movement expended in funds £ £ (421,737) 118,168 (421,737) 118,168 |
Resources Movement expended in funds £ £ (421,737) 118,168 (421,737) 118,168 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 118,168 |
8. RELATED PARTY DISCLOSURES
There were no related party transactions for the year ended 31 May 2025.
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Telford and Wrekin Interfaith Council
Detailed Statement of Financial Activities for the Year Ended 31 May 2025
| Detailed Statement of Financial Activities for the Year Ended 31 May 2025 |
||
|---|---|---|
| 31.5.25 | 31.5.24 | |
| £ | £ | |
| INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS | ||
| Donations and legacies | ||
| Donations | 54,561 | 53,623 |
| Grants | 250,342 | 120,921 |
| Hire cost | 24,549 | 31,753 |
| 329,452 | 206,297 | |
| Other trading activities | ||
| Other revenue | - | 2,300 |
| Interest income | 523 | 1,333 |
| 523 | 3,633 | |
| Total incoming resources | 329,975 | 209,930 |
| EXPENDITURE | ||
| Other | ||
| Charitable activities | 99,459 | 63,188 |
| Light & heat | 3,105 | 2,575 |
| Staff training | 120 | - |
| 102,684 | 65,763 | |
| Support costs | ||
| Management | ||
| Rent | 590 | 11,565 |
| Insurance | 1,612 | 1,062 |
| Motor expenses | 9,989 | 5,547 |
| Telephone | 477 | 377 |
| Postage and stationery | 10 | 6,257 |
| Advertising | 6,282 | 199 |
| Repairs & maintenance | 121,640 | 52,669 |
| Consultancy | 13,780 | 14,134 |
| 154,380 | 91,810 | |
| Finance | ||
| Bank charges | - | 25 |
| Information technology | ||
| Computer costs | 3,978 | 3,097 |
| Total resources expended | 261,042 | 160,695 |
| Net income | 68,933 | 49,235 |
This page does not form part of the statutory financial statements
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