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2024-12-31-accounts

'yopoka PROTECT, EMPOWER, THRIVE

Legal and Administrative Details

1

Trustee Report

Structure governance and management
Our Values and Mission
Opoka and its Charitable objects
Introduction from the Chair
Message from Opoka’s CEO
Our Patron Board of Trustees
Programs We Deliver in the Polish Language
Our Activities
Internal Activities
Our Volunteers
Our Solution
Client feedback
Our Work Recognised
Accreditations
Staf Training
Our Re-brand
Our Outcomes
Our Reach		 2
2
3
4
5
6-7
8
8-11
11
12-13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20-22
23
Opoka Funders 24
ESG Policy 25
Other Challenges and Risks 26
Financial Statements
Financial Review 27
Report of the Independent Auditors 29-33
Statement of Financial Activities 34
Statement of Financial Position 35
Statement of Cash Flows 36
Notes from the Financial Statements 37-43

Opoka Charitable Inc. Organisation Legal and Administrative Details for the year ended 31 Dec 2024

Status

The charity is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation registered with Charity Commission for England Wales under its Governing Document.

Trustees of the Charity

Joanna Szuryn - Chair of the Trustees Board Aneta Mackell – Trustee (resigned 23/1/24) Milena Zepp-Suwara - Trustee (appointed 18/6/24) Elzbieta Wassell - Trustee (appointed 18/6/24) Sandra Paslawska - Trustee (appointed 26/7/23, resigned 2/12/24) Aneta Wrzos-Porada - (appointed 26/7/23, resigned 12/9/24) Sylwia Jatczak - (resigned 27/7/24)

Registered Charity Number

1195206 (company number CE026183)

Registered and Trading Address

3 Brook Office Park Folly Brook Road Emersons Green Bristol BS16 7FL

Independent Auditors

Fawcetts LLP Chartered Accountants and registered auditors Windover House St Ann Street Salisbury SP1 2DR

Principle Banker

Barclays Bank, 4th Floor, Bridgewater House, Counterslip, Finzels Reach, Bristol, BS1 6BX

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Opoka Charitable Inc. Organisation Title Trustee Report for the year ended 31 Dec 2024

December 2024.

Structure, Governance and Management

Constitution

The charity is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation and registered with the Charity Commission. It was established on 19 July 2021 under its governing document. It is a charitable subsidiary of its member, Chrysalis Supported Association Limited.

Trustees

The Trustees are as shown on page 1.

Existing trustees undertake a selection process to ensure the broad mix of skills provided by the trustees is maintained and a full induction is provided. All trustees have personal knowledge of domestic abuse.

A full trustee development programme based on the charity code of conduct was implemented in Q4 to develop the organisation, the board and individual trustees filling knowledge gaps and improving governance. This programme will continue in 2025.

Our Vision and Mission

OPOKA CIO has a vision of a world where women and children live free from all forms of violence and abuse and create a safer world for all women and children, regardless of their nationality or ethnicity.

OPOKA CIO’s mission is to support and empower Polish women and their children who are experiencing domestic abuse and sexual violence in their intimate relationships by providing client-centered support for women and children, by women. They also aim to prevent violence against women and their children in the Polish community by increasing awareness, education, and understanding.

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Opoka Charitable Inc. Organisation Title Trustee Report for the year ended 31 Dec 2024

Opoka and its Charitable objects

Opoka is a specialist Domestic Abuse Service for Polish women and children in the UK, working to stop domestic violence and abuse in the Polish community with a focus in Bristol, South Gloucestershire, and North Somerset. Since its inception in May 2012 Opoka has come a long way and has grown and expanded to meet the needs of the Polish community reaching thousands of vulnerable and isolated women and children.

Opoka’s aim is for women and their children to have greater freedom from all forms of domestic violence and abuse and for those who do experience domestic violence and abuse to benefit from greater access to care, support, justice, and other recovery services needed to ensure physical & mental health, social wellbeing, and financial security.

When planning their charity's activities, the charity trustees have regarded the Charity Commission's guidance on public benefit.

Opoka’s charitable objects are:

To promote the relief of women and children or other persons who have been subject to domestic abuse, including physical or sexual violence, emotional, economic, financial, or coercive control, stalking and/or misogynistic or other psychological abuse with an intimate or family relationship throughout the United Kingdom, including by (but not limited to):

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OUTCOMES

We will achieve this aim through the following five outcomes:

Improve the immediate safety, health, and wellbeing of women and children and help them to feel safer and more empowered to seek help.

2

Reduce disadvantage and inequality by helping women to improve their financial and economic security by supporting them to develop life and employment skills, and helping them to access work.

Raise community awareness and reaching 3 the marginalised most vulnerable, families who isolated, need and our support.

4

5

Strengthen the local community’s capacity to support women and children by training and working with local professionals who work with and support them.

Ensure the longevity of our support by improving the sustainability of funding for our services.

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Opoka Charitable Inc. Organisation Trustee Report for the year ended 31 Dec 2024

Introduction from Opoka’s Chair

I am delighted to present this annual report to you, which showcases our work and achievements in 2024. I would like to dedicate it to Opoka’s clients and their families, as well as our staff and volunteers. I extend my heartfelt thanks to Opoka’s CEO, Aneta Mackell, for her exceptional leadership in navigating the charity through another challenging year for the UK domestic abuse sector. Aneta’s journey from a domestic abuse survivor to the founder of an innovative charity is truly inspiring. Her compassion and leadership keep Polish women and children at the heart of Opoka’s work. I also wish to thank Chrysalis for their operational support. My gratitude extends to my predecessor, Sylwia Jatczak, for her significant contributions during her tenure as Chair of the Board of Trustees. Lastly, I express my deepest appreciation to Opoka's team of specialist support workers and their Joanna Szuryn manager, who go above and beyond every day, saving countless lives. Opoka Chair This year, Opoka celebrated its 12th anniversary, a milestone that allowed us to reflect on our journey, from a support group for Polish women to the charity we are today. Throughout the year, we have refined our focus on governance by recruiting three new Trustees and investing in comprehensive development training for the Board.

We also marked the second year of Oaza, Opoka’s innovative safe housing for Polish women and children fleeing domestic abuse. Oaza, meaning "Oasis" in Polish, provides a safe and culturally sensitive environment in which its residents can start their recovery from trauma. First of its kind in the UK since the 1970s, when the refuge movement began, Opoka’s safe houses have maintained full occupancy and a steady flow of referrals in 2024.

Opoka’s work received national recognition this year but the problems we are addressing are big, and so are Opoka’s ambitions for 2025 and beyond. We aim to strengthen our sustainability and increase our capacity so that more Polish women and children can access our services. We want to eliminate the postcode lottery for everyone who needs our help. We plan to expand our safe housing. We want to be bolder in our efforts to influence national policymakers and make the needs of Polish women and children visible to them. Over the past 12 years, Opoka has laid foundations for an urgent national conversation about making its culturally appropriate support available to all Polish women and children. I hope that our efforts will secure the funding needed to make this happen, so that we can come one step closer to a world in which Polish women and children can live their lives free from domestic abuse.

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Opoka Charitable Inc. Organisation Title Trustee Report for the year ended 31 Dec 2024

Message from Opoka’s CEO

What a year it has been! We faced a lot of challenges, but we also had some great successes and rewards. In September, Opoka made it to the finals of the Third Sector Awards, and on Friday the 4th of October Opoka won a National Diversity Award! We had the incredible opportunity to join hundreds of community organisations from across the UK at Liverpool Cathedral for a spectacular award ceremony. It was a truly unforgettable night where we witnessed the nation's 2024 winners being crowned the best of British diversity! It is incredible success that Opoka was chosen from a field of eight other amazing organisations working to improve gender equality – we're so proud to be among them! In a record-breaking year, over 90,000 nominations with many nominees being recognised for their various achievements nationwide. We were absolutely delighted to have been nominated, and extremely grateful to all the people who voted for Opoka. This award is a testament to the amazing efforts of our entire team, who work tirelessly to keep people safe from abuse and violence. We really

Aneta Mackell Opoka CEO

hope this award helps to shine a light on domestic abuse and encourages people to support charities like ours so that we can continue to be there for anyone subjected to abuse.

I was invited by the Chief Executive of Women's Aid Federation of England Farah Nazeer to attend a special event to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Women's Aid on Thursday 5 December at One Birdcage Walk, Westminster in London. During the event I was introduced to Her Majesty Queen Camilla and given the opportunity to talk about Opoka's life-saving work and as a survivor to use my own experiences and voice to help campaign Women's Aid for a safer world for women and children, free from violence and abuse. It was so wonderful to showcase Opoka’s work to Queen Camilla who is a big supporter of Domestic Abuse charities across the country. Therefore, I would like to express my gratitude to all the remarkable individuals we have had the privilege of working with during this year. Our staff, volunteers, trustees, supporters, sponsors, partners, and our parent organization, Chrysalis, have all played a crucial role in our success. We would like to thank all of you for your invaluable support and hard work, without which Opoka would not have been able to achieve these milestones!

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Opoka Charitable Inc. Organisation Trustee Report for the year ended 31 Dec 2024

Our Board of Trustees

Joanna Szuryn, Chair of the Board of Trustees

and brings in unique expertise in designing, implementing, and leading interventions for families experiencing domestic abuse and domestic abuse perpetrators. Joanna is a qualified Independent Domestic Violence Advisor and a Domestic Homicide Review Chair. Joanna holds level 2 certification in Narrative Practice and has been trained to deliver the Recovery Toolkit Programmes. Joanna also is an experienced educator and has created and delivered training sessions to a wide variety of professional audiences. Joanna's previous professional background is in teaching, training, project management and international business development. Joanna is a passionate advocate for the rights of all women and children and believes that by working together we will eradicate domestic abuse in our lifetime. As a Trustee of Opoka Joanna is proud to champion the right of Polish women and children living in the UK to safety, freedom from abuse, and happiness.

Ela Wassell, Trustee

Ela is a mum of two, a coach, facilitator, and trainer. After graduating with her master’s degree in politics and social sciences, she studied and followed a career in teaching English as a foreign language. She presented at international conferences sharing the stage with the best-known methodologists in the field of English teaching and worked at a language school in Oxford. Since having children, women's empowerment has become Ela's passion and mission. Since 2018 she has been a qualified and regulated coach and has continued her professional development at the University of Oxford. She is a member of the International Coaching Federation with more than 500 hours of coaching practice. Ela helps her clients to discover their natural female strengths and use them to achieve their boldest intentions. Among them, you will find busy mothers, teachers, corporate senior leaders, NHS workers, and founders of NGOs and charities.

Milena Zepp-Suwara, Trustee

Milena - a woman of many talents, akin to a one-woman orchestra! Over the past four years, Milena has been actively engaged in promoting the well-being of Polish women in Northamptonshire. This has entailed the organisation of networking events and the promotion of healthy lifestyles through the organisation of activities that facilitate socialising and physical activity, as well as social events. It is not uncommon for women to feel isolated and lonely due to the numerous responsibilities they shoulder, particularly when time constraints are a factor. In response to this, she established a group in Corby three years ago, called ‘The Corby Babiniec’. Her group is currently experiencing a period of significant growth and activity across Northamptonshire. Milena is a Community Champion with an unwavering commitment to achieving her goals, by joining Opoka, she aims to disseminate and advocate for the principles of healthy relationships and provide assistance to women affected by domestic violence. Her conviction that collective action is more impactful than individual initiatives enable her to transcend the limitations of conventional approaches. Milena is a highly compassionate individual, consistently demonstrating a willingness to assist those in need. Her contribution is of significant value across the spectrum of women's lives. She serves as a role model for many women whose beliefs and lives are undergoing a gradual transformation, largely due to her influence.

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Opoka Charitable Inc. Organisation Trustee Report for the year ended 31 Dec 2024

Aneta Mackell, CEO

Aneta is an expert in and holds a Diploma in Domestic Violence Prevention and Early Intervention with experience in a variety of roles within the Victim Support and Domestic Abuse sector such as specialist IDVA ISVA, DV Outreach, and Young Persons Violence Advisor, bringing a range of skills and knowledge as a professional offering emotional support and information to victims of violence and abuse. Aneta is a certified international life coach and empowerment coach, specialising in solution-focused coaching, neuro-linguistic programming, and timeline coaching. She offers mentoring, training, and consultancy to professionals and organisations who work with victims of domestic and sexual violence and abuse.

Aneta is the CEO and founder of OPOKA CIO, an award-winning organisation providing bilingual specialist services for Polish women and children who are fleeing or affected by domestic violence and abuse in the UK. With over 10 years of experience as a bi-lingual victims' advocate, she has a thorough knowledge of the dynamics, challenges, and solutions for this vulnerable group. Opoka also offers Safe Houses with specialist and structured support for Polish women and their children.

Sandra Paslawska, Board Secretary

Sandra is an aspiring barrister, dedicated to the pursuit of justice and the provision of support to vulnerable individuals. She recently completed her law degree and Bar Practice Course and has recently completed a Master's in Pro Bono. Sandra has a keen interest in family law, with a particular focus on care proceedings. She is profoundly dedicated to confronting the intricate issues surrounding domestic violence. During her academic pursuits, Sandra also served as a clerk for a team of family law barristers. This practical experience bestowed upon Sandra an understanding of the nuances of family law and the pivotal role played in this domain. Witnessing the commitment and expertise required to navigate complex cases has motivated Sandra to contribute her own efforts toward supporting those affected by domestic violence.

Sandra resigned as a trustee of Opoka to allow her to pursue other opportunities within the Chrysalis Group but continues her support of Opoka as a volunteer Board Secretary.

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Opoka Charitable Inc. Organisation Title Trustee Report for the year ended 31 Dec 2024

Programs we Deliver in the Polish Language

OPOKA STRIVES FOR EXCELLENCE!

OPOKA CIO's mission to support Polish women and their children remains unwavering. With a focus on providing a comprehensive and high-quality domestic abuse and sexual violence support service, we continue to make a difference in the lives of those affected.

The role of language in this context is indisputable. At Opoka, we recognise the significance of language in facilitating communication and engagement, and as such, we have devised programmes that are offered in the clients' mother tongue. Notably, we stand as the sole provider in the UK to offer such programmes in Polish.

The Freedom Programme

Power of Change You and Me, Mum

Healing Together Programme

Our Activities

Short-term support to 876 women with low to medium risk levels

Responded to 11,349 helpline calls and offered practical and emotional support

Long-term support to 98 women exposed to high-risk abuse with complex needs

61 1-to-1 counselling and psycho-therapeutic sessions to women and children staying in our safe houses and in the community

10 Community Support Groups

24 Freedom Programme – Support Groups

22 Safe House Process Groups

2 Healing Together Support Groups

4 Pause – Parenting Support Groups

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Opoka Charitable Inc. Organisation Trustee Report for the year ended 31 Dec 2024

----- Start of picture text -----
Awareness
and
Signposting
Advice and Advocacy Counselling
Educational
Helpline in Polish workshops for
language professionals and
communities
Safe Housing OutreachIDVA DV
Volunteer Psycho-therapeutic
placement programs
----- End of picture text -----

HELPLINE SERVICES:

DV OUTREACH AND AWARENESS RAISING:

SAFEHOUSES:

Impact of Safe House Service:

Since the establishment of our safe house service, we have been able to provide critical support and safety for numerous women and their children who are escaping domestic violence. The feedback we have received from our clients and professionals has been overwhelmingly positive, and it is heartening to see the transformations that take place when individuals find a safe space. We offer safe accommodation for 9 women and their children. We must say that during the period from January 24 to December 24 our safe houses have been full which highlights the importance of our service as an essential lifeline for many Polish Women and Children.

interactions with local authorities. The demand for safe housing far exceeds the available resources, and many women and children still struggle to find secure and permanent accommodation after leaving our safe house. Local authorities often have long waiting lists and limited options, which can leave our residents in a precarious position even after they have taken the brave step to seek help. We have noticed that the demand for our safe house service remains high.

We believe that with additional funding and resources, we can scale our services to offer more comprehensive support and create a greater impact. Our goal is to ensure that no woman or child has to face the challenges of domestic violence alone and that they have access to safe housing and a support system.

ADVOCACY EFFORTS:

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Opoka Charitable Inc. Organisation Trustee Report for the year ended 31 Dec 2024

CHALLENGES AND FUTURE DIRECTIONS:

Another matter of great importance that we are working assiduously to resolve is how a data is collected and recorded. Data is a crucial element in understanding and addressing the needs of any community. However, the current methods of data collection at the national and local levels result in Polish families in the UK being invisible. This significant lack of visibility has a significant impact on the ability of support systems to recognize and respond to the needs of survivors of domestic abuse. In 2021, Polish was the most common non-British nationality in the UK. However, there are currently no government-funded services tailored to supporting Polish families, women or girls in a sensitive manner, which results in systemic injustice and a cascade of inequalities.

encounter numerous obstacles. Due to funding criteria and insufficient space, many are unable to access refuges. The majority of support organizations lack Polish-speaking staff and access to translators, which significantly hinders their ability to assist Polish women and girls in need of safety from domestic abuse or those facing intersecting issues such as mental health challenges, depression, or addictions. Polish women and girls face difficulties in accessing social protection systems due to language barriers. This presents a significant challenge for survivors of domestic abuse, who may be unfamiliar with UK service provision and the protection they can access. For Polish women and girls suffering domestic abuse, this may be a matter of life or death. Our objective is to influence, in particular, national policymakers, including the Home Office, the Ministry of Justice, the Domestic Abuse Commissioner, and Members of Parliament as well as believing that our campaign may also resonate with local decision makers such as local authorities and Police and Crime Commissioners.

campaign and the second is to raise the issue in Parliament to establish a foundation for future campaigns and influence. Our objective is to produce a report for policymakers that will demonstrate the absence of data collection at the national and local levels sharing lived experience of Polish women and girls who have been materially affected by this issue, especially when trying to escape domestic abuse. It is our hope that this initiative will yield positive results, leading to acknowledgment by the government of the need for change in this area. This will hopefully also create opportunities for Opoka to support this group and to secure government funding. We take great pride in our achievements, having made significant strides, accomplished a great deal, and made a meaningful impact within our community.

It is evident that our society is still grappling with the scourge of domestic violence and other tragic incidents, and that a change in approach is required. To effectively address this issue, it is essential to recognize the distinctive needs of families from minority communities. This includes language and cultural barriers, as well as a lack of understanding of support systems. Failing to address these barriers risks perpetuating a culture of hopelessness that encourages individuals to commit horrific acts.

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Opoka Charitable Inc. Organisation Trustee Report for the year ended 31 Dec 2024

Financial Restraints:

beginning of the new year, we were informed that an anticipated multi-year funding would not be forthcoming. Consequently, at the start of 2024, we are faced with a substantial budgetary shortfall of £150K.

In order to maintain financial stability, we have had to let some staff go. Fundraising has proven to be a significant challenge as some trusts and foundations have taken a step back and postponed or closed their funding until "better times." Opoka like many other specialist women's organizations will experience a significant reduction in funding. We have only secured short-term funding in 2024, which will end in the first half of 2025 to support existing multi-year grants secured in 2021 and 2023 ending in 2026. It is challenging to plan ahead with this uncertainty.

Internal Activities

We invested in a Salesforce system to help with our fundraising!

The investment in a Salesforce system was made for two principal reasons. Firstly, it was expected that the system would assist with fundraising, and secondly, it was anticipated that it would collect all relevant data and store it in one place, thus ensuring that all information was accessible with ease. The preference for innovative solutions is well-founded, and it is anticipated that the implementation of the Salesforce system will affect significant improvements in the charity's daily fundraising activities.

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Opoka Charitable Inc. Organisation Title Trustee Report for the year ended 31 Dec 2024

Our Volunteers

Volunteers:

our volunteers are DBS checked, trained, and supervised. Volunteers are supported by the NCVO (National Council for Voluntary Organisations) which keeps us up-to-date and committed to volunteering best practice. Opoka’s volunteers are in the heart of our service and the delivery process, they are:

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EMOTIONAL
COMMUNITY SUPPORT-GROUP HELPLINE
AMBASSADORS PEER-MENTORS SUPPORT FUNDRAISERS
CHAMPIONS BEFRIENDERS ADVISORS
BUDDIES
----- End of picture text -----

Our peer mentors are individuals with lived experience who provide longer term support to our clients helping them to gain confidence and become more secure and independent. Our community champions help us to reach our community by raising awareness.

They help us to reach the most isolated and vulnerable people who need help. Our ambassadors and patrons help us to raise awareness, influence and fundraise. I am proud to say that Opoka has a dedicated team of which some of them have been with us for over 10 years. In our team we have people who have been volunteering for us, professionally trained by us and even offered employment with us.

We also have people who came to us as a victim of domestic violence and abuse, went through our support services as a client, became a volunteer and then an Opoka employee. In the essence Opoka not only creates a safe space for very vulnerable, isolated and marginalised women from the Polish community, but also creates an opportunity for them to learn new skills, feel valued and empowered to make a positive change in theirs and their children’s lives.

Deputy Police & Crime Commissioner (DPCC) had the chance to see first-hand the important work being done by Opoka. DPCC also visited The Bridge SARC, which offers medical care, emotional and psychological support, and practical help to rape and sexual assault victims. We appreciate DPCC's commitment to supporting the community in Bristol.

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Opoka Charitable Inc. Organisation Title Trustee Report for the year ended 31 Dec 2024

During the year, we had the privilege of engaging with Victor, Remi, and Martha from the University of Bristol Slavonic Society, who exemplified outstanding organizational and community-building skills. Their successful fundraising event for OPOKA CIO demonstrated their integrity and commitment to making a positive impact. In recognition of their efforts, we presented them with Certificates of Appreciation and Excellence. Their actions inspire others to unite for meaningful causes, showcasing the power of young leaders in driving community support and cohesion.

The project 'Sponsoring Children Christmas Presents' was a great success and parcels came in from all over the UK! We would like to thank each individual for their donations, this would not be possible without your generosity.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Beata Kubiak who dressed as Santa, and joined our founder Aneta Mackell, and manager, Anna Barnett, to visit children and their mothers during the holiday season. Together, they delivered Christmas presents, spreading joy and warmth to everyone. The happiness and excitement they brought were truly unforgettable, making the holiday season even more special for the families we support.

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Opoka Charitable Inc. Organisation Title Trustee Report for the year ended 31 Dec 2024

Our Solution

The OPOKA Outreach & Education Programme is dedicated to increasing awareness and providing education on domestic violence and abuse within Polish families residing in the UK, as well as among professionals in statutory organizations. Our team of specialists provides reliable information and resources to assist professionals supporting Polish communities affected by domestic abuse in identifying potential signs and indicators of victimization and accessing appropriate support. The objective of our program is to assist professionals in gaining a deeper comprehension of the dynamics of domestic violence within Polish families and to equip them with the tools to provide tailored support to Polish women and children experiencing abuse. Additionally, our education and outreach team provide presentations at educational institutions, workplaces, community groups, churches, and events on a range of domestic violence and abuse affecting Polish families residing in the UK.

It is imperative that local and national governments and organizations recognize the risks faced by this largest minority group in England and Wales and address the needs of Polish people who experience domestic abuse and mental health problems. Domestic violence and abuse are a societal epidemic that requires a collective effort, education and prevention.

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Opoka Charitable Inc. Organisation Title Trustee Report for the year ended 31 Dec 2024

Client Feedback

“(…) I had been in communication with OPOKA last year when we discussed options for collaboration with Wiltshire Police and received a positive response from yourselves. (…)

Thank you very much on behalf of myself and Wiltshire Police for your help and cooperation. This is especially important for us and for each victim, especially in this case, where our victim does not speak English well, and has been disappointed with people who couldn’t provide good translations and couldn’t offer help. (...) I am deeply obliged to you.”

“I am very grateful for the access to therapy, as a victim of domestic violence it was essential for me to get therapeutic support and try to rebuild my life. I can’t thank Opoka enough for all the support.”

“Thank you very much for your help, the organization helped me a lot.”

Therapy Service User

“Safe House - and exactly as the name suggests, this is how I feel in it together with my daughter. Safe and taken care of. The equipment in the house for women and children exceeded my expectations, we feel happy and safe as much as we can in our situation. The house is large, well-maintained and functional.”

Client from the Safe House

“I would like to thank you very much for being here and for helping women like me. You were the first organization I turned to for help and you did not disappoint me. Thanks to you, my life and that of my children is now free from domestic violence, we finally have our own peaceful place on earth, and we enjoy freedom. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.”

Freedom Programme Service User

“Thank you for the conversation and support. On your advice, I reported the matter to the police. The police intervened very quickly, and the perpetrator was taken away and got a restraining order. I was very afraid to do it, but I love my daughter, and I want peace for her, and she gave me this strength. Thank you again.”

Therapy Service User

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Opoka Charitable Inc. Organisation Trustee Report for the year ended 31 Dec 2024

Our Work Recognised

Opoka CIO has made meaningful progress in supporting Polish families affected by domestic violence. As we move forward, our commitment to providing compassionate, culturally sensitive support remains unwavering, and we aim to continue enhancing our services to meet the evolving needs of our community.

The year 2024 has been a transformative period for OPOKA, marked by significant progress in our mission to support vulnerable individuals and families within our community. This report outlines our activities, the services we provided, the number

of people we worked with, and the impact of our strategies and approaches. We identify challenges faced and solutions implemented, along with insights from service users and professionals that illustrate the effectiveness of our initiatives.

alongside large national charities, which highlighted our transformative impact. In October, we won the National Diversity Award, celebrating our commitment to promoting diversity, inspiring change, and championing equality.

We also had numerous opportunities to showcase Opoka and raise our profile with funders and policymakers. In December, our CEO shared her story and presented Opoka to Queen Camilla, a domestic abuse campaigner herself. This unique opportunity amplified the voices of Polish women and children at the highest level.

Memberships

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Opoka Charitable Inc. Organisation Trustee Report for the year ended 31 Dec 2024

Accreditations

Women’s Aid

Women’s Aid is the national charity working to end domestic abuse against women and children. As a federation we provide life-saving services across England while building a future where domestic abuse is not tolerated.

Investors in People

All Chrysalis Group companies are provided with HR services by the parent company Chrysalis Group Services Limited centrally and therefore retains consistency while remaining efficient. We value our staff and are proud to have the IIP Silver accreditation to demonstrate our commitment to support our staff.

During 2024 we continued to offer support to our staff in the following areas:

2025 will be our re-assessment year by IIP. We look forward to using this opportunity to improve further our development and support for staff.

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Opoka Charitable Inc. Organisation Trustee Report for the year ended 31 Dec 2024

Staff Training

It is evident that the organisation places a significant value on its human resources, namely its staff and volunteers. The notion that a well-trained team is characterised by heightened levels of confidence and a sense of empowerment within their professional roles is one that is acknowledged by the organisation. Consequently, the organisation is committed to the identification of avenues through which it can provide support to its staff, facilitating their access to professional training and the attainment of relevant certificates and accreditations.

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Skills for
Service Managers
Level 4
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Award in Tackling
and Preventing
Domestic and Sexual
Violence / Abuse
Level 3
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Opoka Charitable Inc. Organisation Trustee Report for the year ended 31 Dec 2024

Our Re-Brand

'Refreshing the visual identity of our branding without losing recognition'

In the present year, a comprehensive rebranding initiative was initiated. This undertaking has entailed the creation of a new logo, the production of literature, and the redesign of the organisation's website, thereby signifying a commitment to enhance the organisation's visual identity and online presence.

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Opoka Charitable Inc. Organisation Trustee Report for the year ended 31 Dec 2024

Support Outcomes - 2024

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Opoka delivered 61
Long term support 1-2-1 sessions
was provided to 98 (counselling and
women exposed to therapeutic
High-Risk abuse programmes) to women
with more complex and children staying in
needs. Opoka delivered 72 our safe houses and in
support groups the community.
including: 60% of job readiness
-
Safe Houses Process Groups participants secured
-
Community Support Groups - employment within
Freedom Programme – three months of
Support Group
- Healing Together Support completing the
Group program.
-
4 Pause – Parenting
Support Group
Helpline and Emotional Feedback indicated a
Support - Opoka 90% satisfaction rate
responded to 11,349 with the counselling
enquiries. services provided.
85% of participants
38% reported better reported improved
health in general since mental well-being after
working with Opoka. engaging in counselling
services.
75% of workshop 61% reported that since
attendees reported fleeing DA their
feeling more confident financial situation has
in their financial improved since working
management skills. with Opoka.
78% reported increase 42% reported better
in personal safety since mental health since
working with Opoka. working with Opoka.
Short term support was
provided to 876 68% of referrals were
women with low to from other agencies
medium risk level.
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Opoka Charitable Inc. Organisation Trustee Report for the year ended 31 Dec 2024

Short Term Support Outcomes - 2024

We provided support to 8055 people in 2024

Clients reported from (4879) England Wales (280) Scotland (66)

We supported 7785 270 women men

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Opoka Charitable Inc. Organisation Trustee Report for the year ended 31 Dec 2024

Long Term Support Outcomes - 2024

512 cases with children 24 cases without children

service length

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1-3
months
(249)
1 month
(106)
1 day 6 days
(18) (14)
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3-6
6-9
months
months
(65) (56) 9-12
months 12-18
months
(19)
(10)
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service type

114

cases with mental health support needs

referrals Received (211) (107) Accepted (24) Rejected (74) Pending (345) Waiting

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Opoka Charitable Inc. Organisation Trustee Report for the year ended 31 Dec 2024

Our Support Reach

We Support Women Across:

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Opoka Charitable Inc. Organisation Title Trustee Report for the year ended 31 Dec 2024

Opoka Funders

Individual Supporters

We have had wonderful support from some organisations we would like to share. Marketing and social media management is essential to share our work with others but rates start at £500 per month and can reach a maximum of £1,500 per month, depending on the number of social media accounts. In Opoka's case, the financial outlay for managing four social media accounts, including content creation and graphic design, can be significantly higher, reaching up to £5,000 per month.

SLT Media Ltd Receiving the offer of professional assistance from . was a significant advantage and really appreciated by Opoka.

We would like to express our sincerest gratitude to SLT Media Ltd. in particular to Paulina Patrykowska (Managing Director), Damian Banaś (Project Advisor), Natalia Wilson (UX & UI Designer), Krystian Hnitecki (Fullstack Developer) and Patrycja Kinal (Social Media Coordinator) for their management of Opoka's social media accounts. The team behind this project has made an invaluable contribution to our social media posts, significantly enhancing our visibility and helping us gain engagement, improve the quality of our content and increase the number of followers and supporters. This highly skilled team provides invaluable support to Opoka, offering a level of service that would otherwise require a monthly fee of a minimum of £500.

We are also immensely grateful to Gordon Brownrigg the Sustainability Manager at Nurture Landscapes, Nursery Court in Windlesham for providing much-needed and significant financial contribution, donating £800 to fund supplies for families residing at Opoka's houses for the Christmas period. There was also a fantastic contribution from the Polish community who came together and sponsored Christmas gifts for all Mothers and their Children residing in our Safe Houses.

24

Opoka Charitable Inc. Organisation Trustee Report for the year ended 31 Dec 2024

ESG Policy

The Environmental, Social and Governance (“ESG”) policy is to ensure so far as it is applicable and reasonably practicable that our operations will be carried out with a commitment to:

All employees must, in carrying out their duties, adhere to the principles and objectives of the Group ESG Policy. Training will be given to employees to ensure that they are familiar with, and work in accordance with, the ESG Policy. We expect suppliers of goods and services to adopt and implement the ESG Commitment in their own businesses.

Opoka supports women to become financially independent Opoka support service users to get benefits and the food they need. Opoka helps women access healthcare. Opoka provides appropriate housing, improving social confidence, interactions with family & general wellbeing. Opoka advocates to ensure the appropriate care is in place to support individuals according to their needs. Opoka helps remove children and pregnant women from high risk situations so they can live in a safe environment. Opoka supports mothers in getting their children into school. Opoka provides employment for women at every level of the organisation. Opoka provides modern properties with fresh flowing water and monthly legionella checks. Opoka’s safehouses are energy efficient by using efficient boilers and insulation, ensuring a minimum EPC of C. Opoka offers training to support women find employment and access further education. Opoka gives stability to tenants allowing them to seek employment. Opoka provides supported high quality adapted accommodation for vulnerable people so they are safe. Recycling bins in head office and reducing printing being paperless where possible. Opoka ensures recycling provisions are in place in the safehouses and educate tenants in their use. Opoka's safehouse maintenance services use minimal chemicals for carrying out tasks. Opoka safehouses have natural gardens to support a local ecosystem. Opoka assists women in taking their abusers to court to get justice. Opoka advocates on behalf of women suffering domestic violence with the police and politicians.

25

Opoka Charitable Inc. Organisation Trustee Report for the year ended 31 Dec 2024

Our Other Challenges and Risks

OPOKA is facing an increasing demand for its services and support. However, an uncertain economic environment and rising operational costs, including rent and staff salaries, threaten our financial sustainability and our ability to continue supporting the women who rely on us. This challenge makes it harder for OPOKA, along with other service providers, to secure the resources needed to meet this demand.

Contributing Factors:

Our Response to These Challenges Includes:

26

Opoka Charitable Inc. Organisation Financial Statements for the year ended 31 Dec 2024

Financial Review

The charity’s total incoming resources for the year amounted to £333,255 (2023:£273,118), of which £166,837 (2023:£168,850) was restricted. Of the remaining unrestricted £166,418 (2023 £104,268), £40,000 related to a Tudor Trust unrestricted grant that on so it has been recognised on receipt although the majority (£38,000 approx) is for 2025 costs and £105,212 (2023:£36,335) consisted of donations of services and infrastructure costs from Chrysalis Supported Association as the parent company. This high level of support may not be possible on an ongoing basis , without which the charity could not have operated. Therefore there will be a focus on getting funding for these costs as well as costs for delivery activities during 2025.

The total expenditure for the period was £304,640 (2023: £281,015) leaving a recorded surplus overall of £28,615 (2023: £7,897 deficit) which represents to carried forwards Tudor Trust grant. The restricted funds balance for the year was carried at the end of 2024 as £10,368 (2023: £2,097). The unrestricted funds have been increased by £20,344 to £132,517 (2023: £112,173) but as mentioned above, this includes the £38,000 of Tudor Trust funding earmarked for 2025 costs. Getting long term sustainable funding has continued to be a real challenge during the period and therefore some of the activities carried out by Opoka have had to be reduced or stopped and staff made redundant until additional funding can be secured.

the balance sheet has strengthened by £28,614 allowing further designations to mitigate risks.

The Sources of Income & Expenditure are shown below:

----- Start of picture text -----
Expended Income
Governance Fundraising (restricted)
Revenue
(unrestricted)
4,199 Unrestricted Grants
2,866
4,529
50,000
Fundraising
(Unrestricted)
15,924
Donations
Management & (unrestricted)
Administration
113,550
111,787
Donations
(unrestricted)
Restricted Grants
168,201
166,687
----- End of picture text -----

27

Opoka Charitable Inc. Organisation Financial Statements for the year ended 31 Dec 2024

Reserves Policy

lack of funding for support costs as well as some activities. The trustees also reviewed whether it had sufficient funds to meet its legal obligations if it ever had to close. The trustees agreed that as well as designating some specific amounts to cover the risks around a lack of funding security there should also aim to retain 20% of overall resources expended in free reserves for other risks and eventualities.

The total £85,000 designated above includes £38,000 provided by the Tudor Trust in 2024 as unrestricted. The remaining £50,907 (2023:£43,963) free reserves represents 17% (2023: 15.6%) of resources expended towards the target of 20%.

Responsibilities of the Trustees

for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the Charity’s financial activities during the period and of its financial position at the end of the period.

The Trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records which disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the Charity and to enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with applicable law and regulations. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the Charity and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.

Approved by the Trustees on 28th May 2025 and signed on its behalf by:

....................................

Joanna Szuryn Chair of Trustees

28

Opoka Charitable Inc. Organisation Financial Statements for the year ended 31 Dec 2024

Report of the Independent Auditors Opinion:

period ended 31 December 2023 which comprise the Statement of Financial Activities, the Balance Sheet, the Statement of Cash Flows and related notes, including a summary of significant accounting policies. The financial reporting framework that has been applied in their preparation is applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards, including Financial Reporting Standard 102 “The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland” (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).

Basis for opinion:

We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK) (ISAs (UK)) and applicable law. Our responsibilities under those standards are further described in the Auditor’s responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements section of our report. We are independent of the charity in accordance with the ethical requirements that are relevant to our audit of the financial statements in the UK, including the FRC’s Ethical Standard and we have fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with these requirements. We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion.

Conclusions relating to going concern:

We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters in relation to which the ISAs (UK) require us to report to you where:

29

Opoka Charitable Inc. Organisation Financial Statements for the year ended 31 Dec 2024

Other information:

The other information comprises the information included in the Report of the Trustees, other than the financial statements and our Report of the Auditors thereon. The Trustees are responsible for the other information. Our opinion on the financial statements does not cover the other information and, except to the extent otherwise explicitly stated in our report, we do not express any form of assurance conclusion thereon. In connection with our audit of the financial statements, our responsibility is to read the other information and, in doing so, consider whether the other information is materially inconsistent with the financial statements or our knowledge obtained in the audit or otherwise appears to be materially misstated. If we identify such material inconsistencies or apparent material misstatements, we are required to determine whether there is a material misstatement in the financial statements or a material misstatement of the other information. If, based on the work we have performed, we conclude that there is a material misstatement of this other information, we are required to report that fact. We have nothing to report in this regard.

Matters on which we are required to report by exception:

We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters in relation to which the Charities Act 2011 requires us to report to you if, in our opinion:

Responsibilities of the Trustees:

As explained more fully in the Statement of Trustees’ Responsibilities, the Trustees are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements and for being satisfied that they give a true and fair view, and for such internal control as the Trustees determine is necessary to enable the preparation of financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error. In preparing the financial statements, the Trustees are responsible for assessing the charity’s ability to continue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going concern and using the going concern basis of accounting unless the Trustees either intend to liquidate the charity or to cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so.

are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue a Report of the Auditors that includes our opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance, but is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with ISAs (UK) will always detect a material misstatement when it exists.

Misstatements can arise from fraud or error and are considered material if, individually or in the aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to influence the economic decisions of users taken on the basis of these financial statements.

30

Opoka Charitable Inc. Organisation Financial Statements for the year ended 31 Dec 2024

Basis for opinion:

We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK) (ISAs (UK)) and applicable law. Our responsibilities under those standards are further described in the Auditor’s responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements section of our report. We are independent of the charity in accordance with the ethical requirements that are relevant to our audit of the financial statements in the UK, including the FRC’s Ethical Standard and we have fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with these requirements. We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion.

Identifying and assessing potential risks related to irregularities:

Irregularities, including fraud, are non-compliance with laws and regulations. We design procedures, in line with our responsibilities, as set out in the auditor's responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements section, to detect material misstatements in respect of irregularities, including fraud. The extent to which are procedures are capable of detecting irregularities, including fraud, are detailed below. In identifying and assessing risks of material misstatement in respect of irregularities, including fraud and non-compliance with laws and regulations we consider the following:

As a result of these procedures, we considered the opportunities and incentives that may exist within the organisation for fraud and identified the greatest potential for fraud in the following area: revenue and resource recognition. In common with all audits under ISAs (UK), we are also required to perform specific procedures to respond to the risk of management override.

We have also obtained an understanding of the legal and regulatory frameworks that the charity operates in, focusing on provisions of those laws and regulations that had a direct effect on the determination of material amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. The key laws and regulations we considered in this context included the UK Charities Act and related legislation.

25 31

Opoka Charitable Inc. Organisation Financial Statements for the year ended 31 Dec 2024

matter related to the potential risk of fraud. Our procedures to respond to risks identified included the following:

engagement team members and remained alert to any indications of fraud or non-compliance with laws and regulations throughout the audit.

Owing to the inherent limitations of an audit, there is an unavoidable risk that we may not have detected some material misstatements in the financial statements, even though we have properly planned and performed our audit in accordance with auditing standards. For example, the further removed non-compliance with laws and regulations (irregularities) is from the events and transactions reflected in the financial statements, the less likely the inherently limited procedures required by auditing standards would identify it. In addition, as with any audit, there remained a higher risk of non detection of irregularities, as these may involve collusion, forgery, intentional omissions, misrepresentations, or the override of internal controls. We are not responsible for preventing non-compliance and cannot be expected to detect noncompliance with all laws and regulations.

Financial Reporting Council’s website at: www.frc.org.uk/auditorsresponsibilities. This description forms part of our Report of the Auditors.

32

Opoka Charitable Inc. Organisation Financial Statements for the year ended 31 Dec 2024

Use of our report:

This report is made solely to the charity’s trustees as a body, in accordance with section 144 of the Charities Act 2011 and regulations made under section 154 of that Act. Our audit work has been undertaken so that we might state to the charity’s trustees those matters we are required to state to them in an auditor’s report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the charity and its trustees as a body, for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed.

...............................................

Nicholas Jones FCCA (Senior Statutory Auditor) for and on behalf of Fawcetts LLP Chartered Accountants & Statutory Auditors Windover House, St Ann Street Salisbury SP1 2DR

Date: 28th May 2025

33

Opoka Charitable Inc. Organisation Financial Report for the year ended 31 Dec 2024

Statement of Financial Activities

Incoming resources
Note
From generated funds:
Donations
Grants
3
Revenue
Interest Income
Resources expended
Fundraising costs
Cost of charitable activities
5/6
Management and administration
8
Governance costs
9
Total resources expended
Net Movement in funds
Total funds b/f
Net movement in funds for the year
Total Funds at 31 December		 Unrestricted
Restricted
2024
£
£
£
113,550
150
113,700
50,000
166,687
216,687
2,866
-
2,866
2
-
2
166,418
166,837
333,255
15,924
4,199
20,123
28,782
139,419
168,201
96,839
14,948
111,787
4,529
-
4,529
146,074
158,566
304,640
20,344
8,271
28,615
112,173
2,097
114,270
20,344
8,271
28,615
132,517
10,368
142,885		 2023
£
64,268
208,850
-
-
273,118
33,323
177,242
64,565
5,885
281,015
(7,897)
122,167
(7,897)
114,270

34

Opoka Charitable Inc. Organisation Financial Report for the year ended 31 Dec 2024

Statement of Financial Position

Notes
Fixed Assets
Intangible
11
Tangible
12
Current Assets
Debtors
13
Cash at bank and in hand
Creditors: Amounts falling due within one year
14
Net current assets
Net assets
15
The funds of the charity
Unrestricted funds
General fund
16
Restricted funds
17
Total Funds		 £
£
6,395
9,023
12,419
168,237
180,656
(52,410)
128,246
143,664
135,906
7,758
143,664
2024		 £
£
2023		 £
£
2023
-
11,517
905
138,016
138,921
(36,168)
102,753
114,270
112,173
2,097
114,270
114,270
112,173
2,097
114,270

Approved by the Trustees on 28th May 2025 and signed on its behalf by:

...........................................

Joanna Szuryn Chair of Trustees

35

Opoka Charitable Inc. Organisation Financial Report for the year ended 31 Dec 2024

Statement of Cash Flow

Cash fows from operating activities
Net Income
Add depreciation
Investment in intangible fxed assets
Investment in tangible fxed assets
Proceeds on disposal of assets
Changes in:
Accrued income and other debtors
Trade and other creditors
Cash generated from operations
Interest received
Net cash from operating activities
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the period
Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the period		 2024
£
28,615
3,909
(6,821)
(1,413)
425
(11,516)
17,022
30,221
-
30,221
30,221
138,016
168,237		 2023
£
(7,897)
2,123
-
(11,466)
140
26,003
(31,669)
(22,766)
-
(22,766)
(22,766)
160,782
138,016

36

Opoka Charitable Inc. Organisation Financial Report for the year ended 31 Dec 2024

Financial Report Notes

1. Accounting Policies

Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland" including the provisions of Section 1A "Small Entities" and the Companies Act 2006. The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention.

support of a loan from a group company who has indicated that it will not call on the loan until the company has sufficient reserves. The director therefore considers that the going concern basis is appropriate. The financial statements do not contain any adjustments that might be necessary were the going concern basis to be no longer appropriate.

The significant accounting policies applied in the preparation of these financial statements are set out below. These policies have been consistently applied to all years presented unless otherwise stated.

Turnover

Turnover is measured at the fair value of the consideration received or receivable, excluding discounts, rebates, value added tax and other sales taxes.

Depreciation is provided at the following annual rates in order to write off each asset over its estimated useful life.

Depreciation policies:
Buildings 0.25% Reducing Balance
Fixtures and Fittings 4 years Straight line
IT Equipment 3 years Straight line
Leasehold Improvements Lease Term Straight line
Vehicles 5 years Straight line
White Goods & Furniture 4 years Straight line

Taxation

Taxation for the period comprises current and deferred tax. Tax is recognised in the Statement of Income and Retained Earnings, except to the extent that it relates to items recognised in other comprehensive income or directly in equity.

Current or deferred taxation assets and liabilities are not discounted.

Current tax is recognised at the amount of tax payable using the tax rates and laws that have been enacted or substantively enacted by the balance sheet date.

Deferred tax

Deferred tax is recognised in respect of all timing differences that have originated but not reversed at the balance sheet date.

37

Opoka Charitable Inc. Organisation Financial Report for the year ended 31 Dec 2024

Timing differences arise from the inclusion of income and expenses in tax assessments in periods different from those in which they are recognised in financial statements. Deferred tax is measured using tax rates and laws that have been enacted or substantively enacted by the period end and that are expected to apply to the reversal of the timing difference.

Unrelieved tax losses and other deferred tax assets are recognised only to the extent that it is probable that they will be recovered against the reversal of deferred tax liabilities or other future taxable profits.

Creditors and provisions

Creditors and provisions are recognised where the company has a present obligation resulting from a past event that will probably result in the transfer of funds to a third party and the amount due to settle the obligation can be measured or estimated reliably. Creditors and provisions are normally recognised at their settlement amount after allowing for any trade discount due.

Note 2 - Net Outgoing Resources for the period

This is stated after charging:
Accountancy Fee
Audit Fee
Depreciation and Amortisation
Note 3 - Grants
Avon & Somerset: MOJ
Bristol City Council: Bristol Impact Fund
Bristol City Council - Social Action Grant
Clothworkers
Co-op Local Community Fund
Comic Relief: Community Fund (England)
John James
Garfeld Weston Foundation
King Charles III Community fund
Leeds Building Society
The National Lottery: DA Outreach & Helpline
The National Lottery: Funds For All
The Nisbet Trust: Outreach & Drop-in Sessions
Nurture Landscape
Quartet Community Foundation: Wesleyan Foundation
ROSA Fund: Stand with Us
Tesco Comm Fund
The Big Give
Anonymous Donor
Tudor Trust: DV Service
Tudor Trust: Staf wellbeing
Wesleyan Foundation
Women's Aid: CAF Tech & Impact Bursary
Women's Aid		 2024
2023
-
2,285
4,529
3,600
3,909
2,123
Unrestricted
Restricted
2024
£
£
£
-
19,655
19,655
-
-
-
-
4,869
4,869
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
30,000
30,000
-
2,000
2,000
-
-
-
-
63,505
63,505
-
18,307
18,307
-
1,250
1,250
-
800
800
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
375
375
-
799
799
10,000
-
10,000
40,000
-
40,000
-
597
597
-
5,205
5,205
-
19,325
19,325
50,000
166,687
216,687
-
-
-		 2023
£
22,162
8,667
4,932
10,000
2,097
7,135
6,000
-
-
1,900
45,160
-
3,750
-
1,548
22,613
1,125
-
-
66,551
210
-
-
5,000
208,850

38

Opoka Charitable Inc. Organisation Financial Report for the year ended 31 Dec 2024

Note 4 - Donated Services an Goods

Rent and Utilities
Management Fees
HR & Staf Costs
Fundraising Costs
Insurance and Operational Costs
Salesforce CRM System
Laptop		 £
9,196
63,026
4,225
16,833
4,416
6,821
695
105,212

Note 5 - Analysis of total Res

Activities undertaken

Charitable activities
Community Outreach
DV Outreach & Helpline Costs
Safe House
Emotional & Counselling Service
Education		 directly
Support
2024
£
£
£
3,750
1,332
5,082
73,675
6,662
80,337
27,606
6,662
34,268
42,246
5,329
47,576
939
-
939
148,217
19,985
168,201		 2023
£
5,695
95,938
38,973
36,637
-
177,243

Note 6 - Charitable Activities Expenditure

Community Outreach
DV Outreach & Helpline Costs
Safe House
Emotional & Counselling Service
Education		 Unrestricted
Restricted
2024
£
£
£
-
5,082
5,082
20,848
59,489
80,337
7,390
26,878
34,268
545
47,031
47,576
-
939
939
28,782
139,419
168,201		 2023
£
5,695
95,938
38,973
36,637
-
177,243

Note 7 - Employees

January - December

Salaries and wages
Social security costs
Pension costs		 2024
2023
£
£
121,793
118,171
11,626
10,389
2,866
2,353
136,285
130,912

*The average monthly number of employees (including the executive directors), expressed in full-time equivalent of seven hours per day are 4 (2023: 4).

39

Opoka Charitable Inc. Organisation Financial Report for the year ended 31 Dec 2024

Note 8 - Management and Administration

Computer expenses
Consultancy, legal and professional fees
Fixed asset depreciation
Group Management Fee and Labour
Insurance
Light and heat
Marketing, publicity and website
Printing, postage and stationery
Rent and rates
Staf welfare
Subscriptions
Telephone and communications
Training and education
Travel and subsistence
Other ofce costs		 Unrestricted
Restricted
2024
£
£
£
2,702
2,765
5,467
180
330
510
1,134
1,134
63,026
2,391
65,417
1,213
-
1,213
344
-
-
344
17,696
241
17,937
5
276
281
10,738
-
10,738
369
4,374
4,743
214
419
633
(734)
889
155
(10)
719
709
1,111
234
1,345
(1,149)
2,310
1,161
96,839
14,948
111,787		 2023
£
1,056
169
967
35,998
1,215
1,327
-
169
16,681
1,250
349
926
2,967
1,043
448
64,565
Note 9 - Governance Costs
Accounting and audit fees		 Unrestricted
Restricted
2024
£
£
£
4,529
-
4,529
4,529
-
4,529		 2023
£
5,885
5,885

Note 10 - Taxation

The charity is exempt from tax on its charitable activities per sections 521 to 536 of ITA 2007. Because of its current activities Opoka Charitable Incorporated Organisation is not registered for VAT and therefore cannot recover VAT on its expenses.

Note 11 - Trustees Remuneration and Expenses

Ms A Mackell, the founder and CEO, was a trustee of the charity until she resigned on 23rd January 2024. While she received no salary as a trustee during the year, she received a gross salary of £4,583 (2023: £32,999) and the charity paid employers NI of £841 (2023: £2,848) and employers pension contributions of £110 (2023: £803) for her role of CEO and to deliver frontline services. In addition, she received £764 (2023: £644) in expenses. Janusz Kilch received £0 (2023: £85) in expenses. A Mackell / J Szuryn / A Wrzos - Porada / S Jatczak were reimbursed for travel and accommodation expenses.

40

Opoka Charitable Inc. Organisation Financial Report for the year ended 31 Dec 2024

Note 12 - Intangible Fixed Assets

Cost:
At 1 January 2024
Additions
Disposals
At 31 December 2024
Amortisation:
At 1 January 2024
Charge for the year
On disposals
At 31 December 2024
Net book values:
At 1 January 2024
At 31 December 2024		 IT Equipment
Total
£
£
-
-
6,821
6,821
-
-
6,821
6,821
-
-
426
426
-
-
426
426
-
-
6,395
6,395

Note 13 - Tangible Fixed Assets

Cost:
At 1 January 2024
Additions
Disposals
At 31 December 2024
Amortisation:
At 1 January 2024
Charge for the year
On disposals
At 31 December 2024
Net book values:
At 1 January 2024
At 31 December 2024		 IT Equipment White Goods
Leasehold
Total
£
£
£
£
2,797
9,624
1,842
14,263
1,414
-
-
1,414
(1,963)
-
-
(1,963)
2,248
9,624
1,842
13,713
1,590
1,002
154
2,746
708
2,406
368
3,483
(1,538)
-
-
(1,538)
760
3,408
522
4,690
1,207
8,622

1,688
11,517
1,488
6,215
1,320
9,023

41

Note 16 - Analysis of Net Assets
31 December 2024
Restricted funds
Unrestricted funds
Net assets at the end of the period
31 December 2023
Restricted funds
Unrestricted funds
Net assets at the end of the period
Note 17 - Unrestricted Funds
January - December 2024
Balance at 1 January 2024
Surplus/(loss) for the year
Transfer between funds
Balance at 31 December 2024
January - December 2023
Balance at 1 January 2023
Surplus/(loss) for the year
Transfer between funds
Balance at 31 December 2023
Note 15 - Creditors
Accounts payable
PAYE, Social security & other tax
Accruals and deferred income
Amount owed to group undertakings
Other Creditors
Note 14 - Debtors
Accounts receivable
Other debtors

42

Opoka Charitable Inc. Organisation Financial Report for the year ended 31 Dec 2024

Note 18 - Restricted Funds

Note 18 - Restricted Funds
Balance at Incoming Resources Balance at
Dec-23 resources expended Dec-24
£ £ £ £
Avon / Somerset Police & Crime Commissioner: IDVA Uplift - 19,656 (19,656) -
Bristol City Council: Social Action Grant - 4,869 (4,869) -
Co-op Local Community Fund - Safehouse Activity 2,097 - (2,097) -
Garfeld Weston Foundation - 30,000 (30,000) -
King Charles III Community fund - 2,000 (2,000) -
The National Lottery: DA Outreach & Helpline - 63,505 (60,894) 2,611
The National Lottery: Funds For All - 18,307 (16,512) 1,795
The Nisbet Trust: Outreach & Drop-in Sessions - 1,250 (1,250) -
Nurture Landscape - 800 (753) 47
ROSA Fund - 150 - 150
Tesco Comm Fund - Supporting Children's Mental Health - 375 (375) -
The Big Give
Tudor Trust: Staf Wellbeing		 -
-		 799
597		 (799)
(71)		 -
526
Wesleyan Foundation - 5,205 (5,205) -
Women's Aid: CAF Tech & Impact Bursary - 19,325 (14,085) 5,240
2,097 166,837 (158,566) 10,368

Purpose of funds:

Avon / Somerset Police & Crime Commissioner: IDVA Uplift

Bristol City Council: Social Action Grant Co-op Local Community Fund - Safehouse Activity Garfield Weston Foundation King Charles III Community fund The National Lottery: DA Outreach & Helpline The National Lottery: Funds For All The Nisbet Trust: Outreach & Drop-in Sessions Nurture Landscape ROSA Fund

Tesco Community Fund The Big Give Tudor Trust: Staff Wellbeing Wesleyan Foundation Women's Aid: CAF Tech & Impact Bursary

Community DV | Advisors

Community engagement worker - Polish community Core costs, overheads and running costs as well as management and supervision costs Safe house activity

Workshop for survivors of domestic violence and abuse DA Outreach and helpline

Safe house activity

Outreach & Drop-in Sessions

Gifts and supplies for safe house residents Staff costs for supporting survivors of domestic violence Supporting Children's Mental Health Mental health support for domestic abuse survivors Staff wellbeing

Outreach and education programmes CAF Tech & Impact Bursary.

43

CONTACT

Polish helpline: 0300 365 1700

Tel: 0117 427 0012 E-mail: info@opoka.org.uk Web: www.opoka.org.uk

Opoka CIO

(Charitable Incorporated Organisation) Registered Charity Number: 1195206 Company Number: CE026183