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2025-12-31-accounts

opoka PROTECT. EMPOWER. THRIV ANNUAL REPORT

Legal and Administrative Details

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Trustee Report

Trustee Report
Structure governance and management
Message from Opoka’s CEO
Our Vision and Mission
Our Board of Trustees
Opoka and its Charitable objects
Programmes we Deliver in the Polish Language
Introduction from the Chair
Key Achievements
Opoka’s Operational Service Delivery
Facing the Challenges Head-On
Driving Sustainability and Expanding Our Reach		 2
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3
4-5
6-7
8-9
10
11-17
18-19
20
20
Future Direction 21
Our Volunteers 22
Client Feedback 23-24
Accreditations 25
ESG policy 26
Financial Statements
Financial Review 27-28
Report of the Independent Auditors 29-31
Audit response to risks identified 32
Use of our report 33
Statement of Financial Activities 34
Statement of Financial Position 35
Statement of Cash Flows 36
Financial Report Notes 37-43

Opoka Charitable Inc. Organisation

Legal and Administrative Details for the year ended 31 Dec 2025

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 Elzbieta Wassell Milena Zepp-Suwara (resigned 10/10/2025) Margo Field (appointed 01/08/2025) Anna Wozniak (appointed 01/08/2025)

Main Executive

Aneta Mackell - OPOKA CEO

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 Legal and Administrative Details for the year ended 31 Dec 2025

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 which is part of the wider Chrysalis Group.

Trustees

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 has been ongoing to develop the organisation, the board and individual trustees filling knowledge gaps and improving governance. This programme will continue in 2026.

Our Mission

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.

Our Vision

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.

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Opoka Charitable Inc. Organisation Legal and Administrative Details for the year ended 31 Dec 2025

Opoka and its Charitable objects

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.

Public Benefit

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):

a. The provision of specialist supported housing and social housing and associated amenities and services.

b. The advancement of public education, research, and training on the issues of domestic violence and gender-based violence throughout the United Kingdom.

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 1 empowered to seek help.

Reduce disadvantage and inequality by helping women to 2 improve their financial and economic security bysupporting them to develop life and employment skills, and helping them to access work.

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

Strengthen the local community’s capacity to support women and children by training and working with local 4 professionals who work with and support them.

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

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Opoka Charitable Inc. Organisation Trustees report for the year ended 31 Dec 2025

Introduction from Opoka’s Chair

I am honoured to share this annual report, which reflects Opoka’s work and achievements throughout 2025. I dedicate it to our clients and their families, and to the remarkable staff, volunteers, supporters, and funders who make our mission possible. Together, we have worked with unwavering determination and courage to create a world where women, children, and families can live free from domestic abuse, realise their full potential, and have the good and fulfilling lives they have the right to.

I offer my sincere thanks to Opoka’s CEO, Aneta Mackell, for her outstanding leadership throughout another demanding year for the UK domestic abuse sector. Her journey, from surviving domestic abuse to establishing and guiding a pioneering charity, continues to inspire all who work alongside her. Aneta’s vision, strategic thinking, creativity, and unwavering determination have strengthened Opoka’s financial resilience, securing new funding, despite an increasingly challenging and fast changing commissioning and grant making environment. Her compassion and clarity of purpose ensure that Polish women and children remain firmly at the centre of everything Opoka does. I would also like to express my deep appreciation to the Chrysalis Group for their ongoing operational support. My thanks go especially to the Group’s CEO, Colin Mackell, whose continued strategic advocacy for Opoka and its beneficiaries remains invaluable. I am profoundly grateful to Opoka’s team of specialist support workers and their manager, whose dedication, expertise, and compassion save lives every day as they carry out demanding, confidential, and emotionally intense work. Finally, I want to acknowledge the outstanding contribution of Opoka’s volunteers, whose generosity and professional skills further enrich the services we are able to provide.

This year marked Opoka’s 13th anniversary, a significant moment that allowed us to look back on our evolution from a small support group for Polish women to the established charity we have become. Over the past year, we continued to strengthen our governance by welcoming two new Trustees and enhancing the Board’s comprehensive development and training programme, ensuring robust leadership for the journey ahead.

This year also marked the third anniversary of Oaza, Opoka’s pioneering safe housing project for Polish women and children escaping domestic abuse. True to its name, meaning “Oasis” in Polish, Oaza offers a secure, culturally attuned space where survivors can begin their healing journey. Oaza is far more than accommodation, it is a trauma informed sanctuary where women and children can reclaim dignity, rebuild confidence, and regain control over their futures. As the first and only provision of its kind in the UK, our safe houses continued to operate at full capacity throughout 2025, with a sustained demand for the service locally and nationally.

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Opoka Charitable Inc. Organisation Trustees report for the year ended 31 Dec 2025

Building on the national recognition Opoka has earned in recent years, our work in 2025 continued to focus on strengthening capacity and enhancing the quality of our services. We remained committed to achieving the highest standards of ethical and clinical practice through robust quality assurance, joining respected professional bodies such as the BACP, and advancing our progress toward NQS and Leading Lights accreditations, benchmarks of safe, effective, and client-centred support. Alongside this, our frontline team has been fully supported in their professional development, enabling them to gain nationally recognised sector qualifications that further enhance the expertise and resilience of our service delivery.

Despite the ongoing challenge of securing sustainable funding that would enable us to meet the needs of every individual who turns to us for support, we remain determined and forward-looking in our plans for 2026 and beyond. Our priorities include strengthening Opoka’s long term sustainability and expanding our capacity by diversifying income streams and building partnerships with a broader and more diverse network of strategic allies. We are committed to growing our safe housing provision and ending the postcode lottery that currently affects access to specialist, culturally informed services, so that more Polish women and children can receive the support they need. We will also continue to influence policy at both local and national levels, making the experiences of Polish survivors visible to decision makers and commissioners. While the scale of the challenges we seek to address is significant, so too is our resolve to create a future in which Polish women and children can live free from domestic abuse.

Joanna Szuryn Chair of the Board of Trustees OPOKA CIO

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Opoka Charitable Inc. Organisation Trustees report for the year ended 31 Dec 2025

Message from Opoka’s CEO

Dear Friends, Supporters, and Partners,

Hope is the thing with feathers that perches in the soul.

— Emily Dickinson

In 2025, OPOKA CIO stood stronger than ever in its mission to support Polish women and children affected by domestic abuse across the UK. We answered an enormous number of calls, expanded our counselling capacity, strengthened safeguarding and clinical quality, and raised our voice louder for those who need it most. Every call, every session, every moment of support was a step toward freedom and healing.

This year marked three defining milestones:

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Opoka Charitable Inc. Organisation Trustees report for the year ended 31 Dec 2025

These achievements were only possible because of the incredible dedication of our specialist staff, volunteers, and every single person who supports OPOKA with heart and commitment. Our team works tirelessly—often in emotionally demanding circumstances—to ensure that every survivor feels heard, respected, and safe. Volunteers give their time and energy selflessly, and our supporters stand beside us, making this mission possible.

Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.

— Helen Keller

We also faced significant challenges. Securing much-needed funding in a highly competitive sector remains one of our greatest hurdles. In 2025, 89% of our funding came from trusts and foundations, while only 11% was provided by government sources. This reality underscores the importance of diversifying income streams and building strong partnerships to sustain and grow our services.

Despite these challenges, OPOKA’s voice has become a leading force in supporting the Polish diaspora in the UK, providing knowledge, expertise, and culturally sensitive solutions that bridge gaps in mainstream domestic abuse services. We are proud to be recognised as a trusted source of guidance and advocacy for Polish-speaking survivors.

We exist for the woman who found the courage and strength to ask for help. For the mother who chooses safety for herself and her children. For those rebuilding a life from the ground up. Your support turns fear into hope and isolation into community.

As we look ahead to 2026, we carry this truth: “Courage is not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it.”

Together, we will continue to transform lives, one brave step at a time.

With gratitude, Aneta Mackell Founder & CEO, OPOKA CIO

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Opoka Charitable Inc. Organisation Trustees report for the year ended 31 Dec 2025

Our Board of Trustees

Joanna Szuryn

Joanna has worked in the field of Gender-Based Violence in the UK for over a decade and brings in unique expertise in designing, delivering, and leading interventions for families experiencing domestic abuse and 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 trained to deliver the Recovery Toolkit Programmes. Joanna also is an experienced educator and a Certified Safe and Together Trainer.

Joanna’s previous professional background is in teaching, training, 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.

Anna Wozniak

Anna Woźniak is an independent social worker operating across the United Kingdom, specialising in supporting families and individuals through challenging life circumstances.

She has extensive experience within the UK social care sector, having worked in statutory services, charitable organisations, and as an independent practitioner. Her mission is to create a safe and supportive space for meaningful conversations, provide crisis intervention when needed, and help people rebuild their lives with dignity and peace.

Guided by values of empathy, cultural understanding, and a holistic approach, Anna offers one-to-one consultations, crisis support, and collaborates with local institutions and schools. She also leads Women’s Circles in High Wycombe and serves as a director at The Green Grain Limited.

Ela Wassell

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.

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Opoka Charitable Inc. Organisation Trustees report for the year ended 31 Dec 2025

Margo Field

Margo has a rich blend of experience spanning education, personal development and community/team building. A qualified teacher and single mother of two, she moved to the UK over 23 years ago, where she completed her studies and built her life.

She currently works as a teacher and partner with Utility Warehouse, which enables her to support her family while empowering others to save and earn extra income. Deeply inspired by thought leaders such as Robin Sharma and Mel Robbins, Margo brings to Opoka a strong belief in personal growth and leadership as tools for transformation.

As a trustee, she represents the lived experience of Polish women navigating life in the UK. She connects with Opoka’s community through lived experience and a heartfelt desire to help others reclaim their strength and autonomy.

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Opoka Charitable Inc. Organisation Trustees report for the year ended 31 Dec 2025

Programmes 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 Power of Change You and Me, Mum Programme

Healing Together Programme

Our Activities

Responded to 14,014 helpline calls and offered practical and emotional support.

Long-term support to 513 women exposed to high-risk abuse with complex needs.

12 Pause – Parenting Short-term support to 9774 women with Support Groups low to medium risk levels. 108 1-to-1 counselling and psycho-therapeutic sessions to women and 26 Safe House children staying in our safe houses and in the Process Groups.

108 1-to-1 counselling and psycho-therapeutic sessions to women and children staying in our safe houses and in the community.

24 Freedom Programme sessions delivered in Polish language.

23 Safe House spaces offered

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Opoka Charitable Inc. Organisation Trustees report for the year ended 31 Dec 2025

Key Achievements – A Year of Courage and Connection

2025 was a year of milestones, hope, and transformation for OPOKA. Every achievement tells a story of resilience of women and children reclaiming their lives, and of a community standing together against domestic abuse.

Safe Havens of Hope

Our two safe houses, Oaza 1 and Oaza 2, remained fully occupied throughout the year, offering sanctuary to those fleeing violence. Behind these doors, lives were rebuilt. In April, one of our tenants received the keys to her new council property a moment of triumph after months of uncertainty. Soon after, another mother and child found refuge in Oaza 2, escaping abuse and stepping into safety. Their gratitude reminds us why these homes matter: they are more than walls, they are a promise of freedom.

Celebrating Strength and Heritage

On 13 February, our team and trustees attended the Winner Spotlight Event in London, joining fellow recipients of the National Diversity Award. Standing among changemakers, we shared our story how OPOKA emerged as a lifeline for an unseen minority community. We spoke of challenges and victories, inspiring others and opening doors to new funding opportunities.

On the 8th of March Opoka CIO took part in celebrating International Women’s Day in Bristol City Hall, raising awareness of domestic abuse and gender-based violence within the Polish community. Through information sharing and community engagement, Opoka CIO highlighted available support, promoted women’s safety, and encouraged open conversations around equality and wellbeing. Also, Opoka CIO was privileged to deliver a presentation on “10 Outstanding Polish Women Who Changed the World for the Better”, celebrating their impact and achievements. Additionally, during the event Opoka’s Team met with PCC for Avon and Somerset Police Clare Moody, who was truly amazed by Opoka’s work.

In May, we proudly represented OPOKA at Polish Heritage Day in Gloucester, raising awareness and strengthening ties within the Polish community. Later that month, we celebrated Polish Mother’s Day in our safe houses with heartfelt gifts for mums a tribute to their courage and a celebration of freedom. This day was extra special: it marked two years since our safe houses opened and OPOKA’s 13th birthday. Happy Birthday, OPOKA!

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Opoka Charitable Inc. Organisation Trustees report for the year ended 31 Dec 2025

Celebrating Strength and Heritage

On the 24th April, we had the pleasure of welcoming the High Sheriff of Bristol, Kalpna Woolf to our office.

Sharing our work and achievements with someone as amazing as Kalpna Woolf was truly an honor. To be listened to is one thing, but to be truly understood is a breakthrough experience that validates our efforts and dedication.

Visits like this motivate us to keep striving for excellence in everything we do. Each of our staff and volunteers plays a vital role in our success, and when we work together there is no limit to what we can achieve!

Launch of our new website

A website is more than just a digital business card – for Opoka, it’s a lifeline. The focus of the website design was clear: accessibility, clarity and support.

The new site provides:

We’re thankful to SLT media for helping us to create this visual and engaging website to support our mission.

Voices That Shape Change

On 16th of May, we joined the Local Family Justice Conference at Bristol UWE, where Dame Nicole Jacobs, Domestic Abuse Commissioner for England and Wales, delivered a powerful keynote. Our presence ensured that the voices of Polish survivors were heard in critical conversations about family proceedings and the impact of abuse on children.

In July, our Service Operation Manager Anna Barnett represented OPOKA at the National Diversity Showcase Event in Birmingham, speaking passionately about our mission and the unique challenges we face. Her words resonated deeply, reinforcing OPOKA’s role as a thought leader in the sector.

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Opoka Charitable Inc. Organisation Trustees report for the year ended 31 Dec 2025

Our Partnership with SLT Media

We are grateful to SLT Media for all of their help and support as we entered the second year of our agreement. SLT Media manage our Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn on a pro bono basis.

This year we also saw the launch of our new TikTok page, allowing us to reach and engage with new audiences. The team behind this project have 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.

Building Capacity, Raising Our Voice, and Driving Change

2025 was a year of bold steps and meaningful progress for OPOKA a year where we strengthened our foundations and expanded our reach to ensure no survivor walks alone.

Moments of Joy and Empowerment

We believe healing includes joy! On 1st of June, we celebrated Polish Children’s Day, gifting cuddly teddy bears to the little ones in our care their smiles said it all.

Mother’s Day in Poland is celebrated on 26th May, a special occasion dedicated to honouring mothers and expressing love, gratitude, and appreciation for all they do. Known as “Dzień Matki,” it is a time when children, both young and grown, give flowers, handmade cards, and heartfelt wishes to their mothers.

At Opoka, we proudly celebrate Mother’s Day every year as part of our commitment to supporting and uplifting our community. Mothers staying in our safe houses receive small gifts and thoughtful gestures to help them feel appreciated, valued, and remembered on this special day.

It is a meaningful way to recognise their strength and resilience, while creating moments of warmth, care, and dignity during what can often be a challenging time.

Advocacy and Recognition

In June, during the Chrysalis Group Conference, we were honoured by the presence of the Vice Consul of the Polish Embassy in London, Mr. Grzegorz Szymborski, who read a letter of support addressed to OPOKA. This recognition underscores our growing influence and credibility as a leading voice for the Polish diaspora.

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Opoka Charitable Inc. Organisation Trustees report for the year ended 31 Dec 2025

Empowering Through Counselling

Our newest volunteer counsellor began working with two clients living in our safe houses, offering compassionate, trauma-informed support that helps women rebuild their lives.

We are proud to confirm that OPOKA is a member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP). This milestone reflects our commitment to providing professional, ethical care.

Call Handling UK

We are delighted to confirm we have partnered with Call Handling UK. Through this contract, our volunteers and trustees are able to work remotely, providing assistance from any location while remaining fully connected to those in need, regardless of geographical constraints.

Stories of Freedom

Perhaps the most moving achievement was helping a mother win her court case, allowing her and her daughter to safely relocate to Poland and reunite with their family support network. This victory was the result of tireless advocacy and collaboration, a testament to what persistence and compassion can achieve.

Investing in Growth and Learning

We launched our Counselling Student Placement Program, successfully inducting our first students who are now ready to support survivors. This initiative expands our capacity while shaping the next generation of practitioners. Alongside this, our team embarked on professional development journeys:

These investments ensure that OPOKA remains at the forefront of best practice in domestic abuse support.

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Opoka Charitable Inc. Organisation Trustees report for the year ended 31 Dec 2025

Celebrating Community & Raising Awareness:

On the 18th October, we attended the Gala FENIX in Southampton where funds were raised for OPOKA. We were joined by special guest Iwona Guzowska, World Champion in Women’s Boxing. Throughout the afternoon and evening, we witnessed inspiring presentations, powerful personal journeys, and engaging talks from a range of speakers and mentors, all centred around themes of empowerment and selfdevelopment.

In November we attended the Leeds Conference which provided another networking opportunity. We were thankful that once again that funds were raised for OPOKA in amongst a night of fun and celebration.

On the 7th December we attended the Wigilia Fenix event in Salisbury where we were overwhelmed with bags of gifts, food and accessories. We are grateful to everyone that donated items to us and attended the event in support of OPOKA.

We were also pleased to attend a second Wigilia Fenix event held in Swansea, which was equally heartwarming and generously supported. Once again, we received a wonderful collection of donated items for the families we support, and it was inspiring to see the strong sense of community and willingness to help. We extend our sincere thanks to all those involved in organising and contributing to this event.

A charity fitness training session was organised in support of the OPOKA Foundation on 14 December. The event, led by Get Fit Stay Fit – Marta Stępień, took place at the Polish School based at Richard Taunton Sixth Form College in Southampton. Participants took part in an energetic group workout, with all proceeds from the £10 entry fee donated to OPOKA. We are grateful for this initiative and for everyone who joined to support our work.

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Opoka Charitable Inc. Organisation Trustees report for the year ended 31 Dec 2025

On 5th December, Opoka hosted a highly successful Engagement Day, bringing together service users, trustees, volunteers, and staff to celebrate the Polish tradition of Wigilia.

The event created a warm and welcoming atmosphere, filled with meaningful conversations, shared experiences, and a strong sense of community. It provided an opportunity for attendees to reconnect, reflect, and celebrate the values that unite us.

As a community interest organisation, Opoka CIO continues to play a vital role in bringing people together, fostering inclusion, and supporting individuals through shared cultural traditions and mutual understanding. Events like this highlight the strength, resilience, and togetherness of our community, women and children we support and reinforce our commitment to creating a space where everyone feels valued and connected. We are incredibly grateful to everyone who attended and contributed to making the day so memorable.

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On the 19 of December Santa along with service manager Anna Barnett and support worker Dorota Romecka visited families supported by Opoka.

For many children and their mothers, this was a particularly meaningful experience, bringing smiles, excitement, and a sense of normality during what was a challenging time. The visits helped create positive memories, offered a moment of celebration and relief, and reinforced a sense of care, safety, and belonging.

We would like to extend our sincere thanks to everyone who donated and contributed to making the day so memorable, and to those who supported the Safe House visits, helping to bring comfort and joy to the families we support.

We would like to express our sincere gratitude to the Embassy of the Republic of Poland in London for their generous donation of 10 complete bedding sets, including quilts, pillows, pyjamas, robes, and slippers. This thoughtful contribution has provided much-needed comfort to the mothers and children in our safe houses, and we deeply appreciate their continued support.

We are also immensely grateful to 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.

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Opoka Charitable Inc. Organisation Trustees report for the year ended 31 Dec 2025

Strengthening Operations

In August, we switched to Call Handling UK, implementing a bespoke telephone plan tailored to our needs, ensuring survivors can reach us safely and efficiently. We also recruited two new volunteers to support our helpline and provide emotional care to clients because every call matters.

Celebrating Community and Raising Awareness

Our commitment to visibility and advocacy took centre stage this year:

Building Partnerships and Capacity

We are in ongoing dialogue with representatives of the Polish Senate, exploring the possibility of OPOKA being included in a new funding programme for Polish families living abroad a development that could transform our sustainability. Fingers crossed!

Meanwhile, we continue to strengthen our base:

Moments of Joy and Hope

We never forget the children. From sweet treats at Halloween to cuddly teddy bears on Children’s Day, we create moments of happiness amid hardship. These gestures, though small, carry immense meaning they tell every child: You are safe. You are loved.

Risk Management

The organisation has a full risk management framework and risk register. This is managed by the Executive structure on a day to day basis but scrutinised annually by the Board. Any high, increasing or newly identified risks are reported to the board along with actions being taken at each board meeting

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Opoka Charitable Inc. Organisation Trustees report for the year ended 31 Dec 2025

Opoka’s Operational Service Delivery

Our operational service delivery is structured into two primary categories:

Service Provided

Short-term work (STW): 9,774

This category provides immediate assistance through the helpline. A total of 9,774 helpline interactions were recorded, offering prompt support, guidance, and crisis intervention to individuals in need.

Information 2755 Emotional support 513 Safety advice 136 DV Outreach 264

Contact by Reporting Area

Contact Type

England 3111 Scotland 5 Wales 191 Other (Poland) 10

Email 315 Online Enquiry 65 Telephone / Helpine 3304 Facebook 23

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Opoka Charitable Inc. Organisation Trustees report for the year ended 31 Dec 2025

Service Provided

Long-term work (LTW):

513

This involves sustained support for individuals with complex, ongoing needs, requiring long-term engagement and customized interventions.

Opoka managed 513 such cases, delivering comprehensive care and advocacy to survivors facing significant challenges.

Counselling & Therapy 35 Freedom Programme 275 DV Outreach 103 Safe House Support Group 100

Contact by Reporting Area

England 490 Scotland 4 Wales 19

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Opoka Charitable Inc. Organisation Trustees report for the year ended 31 Dec 2025

Facing the Challenges Head-On

Fundraising in today’s climate is not without its hurdles. Like many charities, we grapple with:

Addressing these challenges requires strategic planning, diversified income streams, effective communication, and strong partnerships. It also demands relentless advocacy to influence policy and shift public perception. Behind the scenes, our fundraising team works tirelessly to make this vision a reality.

Driving Sustainability and Expanding Our Reach

2025 marked a turning point for OPOKA’s fundraising strategy, with a renewed focus on long-term sustainability and growth. Despite a challenging funding environment in 2025, Opoka successfully secured significant new support, including long-term unrestricted grants from the Lloyds Bank Foundation for England and Wales Racial Equity Fund (£25,000 per year for three years) and The Henry Smith Charity Safer Futures Fund (£50,000 per year for five years), alongside additional support from the Souter Charitable Trust for equipment for our safe accommodation. With further applications still pending, there remains strong potential for additional funding.

Alongside this strategic planning came exciting news: Bal Polski (Polish Ball) in London selected OPOKA as a beneficiary of its Charity Gala event in January 2026. This prestigious partnership will not only generate vital funds but also raise OPOKA’s profile within influential networks, helping us reach new supporters, advocates, and opportunities to expand our impact.

In response to an increasingly competitive funding landscape, our Fundraising Officer began developing a major Individual Giving Campaign designed to diversify our income streams and engage the wider community in supporting our mission. By empowering individuals to become part of the solution, this initiative will help reduce our reliance on a small portfolio of Grantmakers and strengthen the organisation’s financial resilience for the future.

In 2026, we will continue a targeted grant-fundraising programme while launching the major Individual Giving Campaign, enabling supporters in our communities to contribute directly and helping strengthen Opoka’s long-term sustainability. Opoka follows the Code of Fundraising Practice for all fundraising activities.

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Opoka Charitable Inc. Organisation Trustees report for the year ended 31 Dec 2025

Future direction

Opoka enters 2026 with a clear strategic direction: to amplify our national presence and build strong, purposeful partnerships that connect communities and businesses around a shared mission.

Our plan includes forming new collaborations with cooperatives committed to social impact, strengthening our influence across sectors.

A cornerstone of our strategy is the launch of Opoka’s first National Conference. Supporting Leaders will meet third-sector organisations, statutory agencies, and socially responsible businesses to shape the future of trauma‑informed specialist support for Polish families. This event to become an annual flagship gathering and a sustainable income stream for our organisation.

January 2026 will bring unprecedented visibility as Bal Polski (Polish Ball) places Opoka in the national spotlight. This moment will allow us to present our unique services to a wider audience and strengthen our reputation as sector leaders. With the backing of our community, we aim to deepen engagement within the ‑ Anglo Polish community in the UK and broaden our national reach.

Opoka is well positioned to elevate its role. As the only specialist organisation of its kind in the UK, we are already leaders. Our long‑term vision is to evolve into the Polish Women’s Aid in the UK providing membership, training, and culturally specific trauma‑informed approaches and expertise to organisations supporting Polish women and families nationwide.

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Opoka Charitable Inc. Organisation Trustees report for the year ended 31 Dec 2025

Our Volunteers

Opoka benefits from the commitment of 12 loyal volunteers around the country. All 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:

Ambassadors Fundraisers Community champions Helpline advisors Peer-mentors Counsellors Emontional support buddies Placement Students Support-group befrienders Work Experience

Volunteers play a vital role in the work of Opoka CIO and are an important part of our community. Their time, skills and dedication allow us to extend the support we provide to vulnerable individuals and families. Through their involvement, volunteers help us create a welcoming environment, build meaningful relationships with service users, and strengthen the sense of community within our organisation.

Many of our volunteers bring valuable professional experience, qualifications and specialist skills that significantly enhance the quality of the support we provide. Their professionalism, commitment and strong work ethic contribute to maintaining and strengthening Opoka CIO’s high standards of service delivery. Volunteers often use their expertise to support service users in practical and meaningful ways, while also sharing knowledge and best practice within our team.

Over the past year, our volunteers have supported a range of activities, contributing their energy, compassion and practical help. Their presence not only enhances the services we deliver but also brings encouragement and confidence to the people we support. Many of our service users benefit greatly from the additional time, attention and understanding that volunteers are able to offer.

The impact of our volunteers goes beyond practical support. They help reduce isolation, promote inclusion and empower individuals to engage more confidently with their communities. Their dedication reflects the values of Opoka CIO and supports our mission to deliver accessible, respectful and high quality support to those who need it most.

We are extremely grateful for the generosity, professionalism and commitment of our volunteers. Their contribution makes a real and lasting difference to the lives of the women and children we support and to the continued growth and development of Opoka CIO.

22

Opoka Charitable Inc. Organisation Trustees report for the year ended 31 Dec 2025

Client Feedback

If I hadn’t received the safe space, I would - Former Safe still be in the abusive relationship. House tenant

I found a safe space for myself and my child, which helped us stay safe and - Former Safe receive further support to become more House tenant confident and independent.

I arrived with my two small children, one 18 months old and the other 4 months old. During our stay at the house, I could see how my children grew and became calmer. The same applies to me – I feel so much more confident. I was there for only four weeks, but the staff at Opoka exceeded my expectations.

Thank you so much for the more than one and a half years we spent together. You turned a sad, anxious, and uncertain time into one that was bearable, full of life lessons, and brought smiles to my face and to my child’s. ❤

It was a difficult, yet incredibly beautiful time for us – thanks to you! There are no words to express how grateful I am. You do wonderful work and support wholeheartedly, even when you yourselves are going through tough moments.

Opoka will stay with me and my daughter for our entire lives. You have taught us that there is always a way forward, that after bad times, good times come. ❤

Thanks to you, we felt at home, even though our real home is far away.

23

Opoka Charitable Inc. Organisation Trustees report for the year ended 31 Dec 2025

DV Outreach

Thank you so much for your help throughout Christmas time ❤ It was such a big surprise for me and it truly means a lot.

I am very grateful for your kindness, thoughtfulness, and support. I always know I can count on Opoka. It means a world to me.

Cafcass Officer – Bristol

I visited Opoka’s Safe House where I was welcomed by one of the support staff. Opoka takes client’s safety very seriously and maintains confidentiality to a high standard.

I needed to write a report to Family Court and get a statement from mum and her child. The safe house is maintained to a very high standard. It is very clean, well organised, and provides a warm, welcoming, and homely environment for the tenants. The setting offers a safe and supportive space for women and children who have experienced domestic abuse, clearly reflecting a strong commitment to safeguarding and wellbeing. The staff was very professional and approachable. Great to be able to work with such an outstanding organisation.

Freedom Programme participant

Facilitator listened to me and believed me from the beginning. The support was nonjudgemental and helped me understand the different forms of abuse and recognise when my emotional and physical boundaries were being crossed. Because of this Programme, I feel more confident, more aware, and better able to ask for help when I need it.

Children's Social Services Northam tonshire p

During my visit to the family residing in the safe house, I observed that the accommodation is maintained to a high standard. The property was clean, well-organised, and provided a safe and comfortable living environment for both the parent and child.

The child appeared to have their basic needs appropriately met, with suitable sleeping arrangements, access to personal belongings, and a calm space to play and relax. The environment supports the child’s wellbeing and provides stability during a challenging period. The staff were great and very supportive.

Hel line caller p

I felt really listened to when I called Opoka’s helpline. The person I spoke to was kind, understanding, and didn’t judge me.

They also explained how I could access legal help, which really helped me understand my options. It made me realise that what I was going through wasn’t okay and made me feel less alone and more confident about reaching out for support.

Thera client py

Being able to access counselling through the service has really helped me. It’s given me the space to talk about everything I’ve been through and start processing it. The support has helped me feel stronger and begin to see a brighter future for myself and my children.

24

Opoka Charitable Inc. Organisation Trustees report for the year ended 31 Dec 2025

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.

In early 2026, OPOKA were conditionally awarded the Women’s Aid National Quality Standards Quality Mark after a period of hard work and dedication from the whole team to secure the acceditation.

Investors in People

All Chrysalis Group companies are provided with central HR services by the parent company Chrysalis Group Services Limited which provides consistency whilst remaining efficient. We value our staff and are proud to have retained the IIP Silver accreditation with higher scores in 2025 to demonstrate our commitment to support our staff.

The IIP report feedback started with the statement

“Congratulations on retaining your silver award with this year’s We Invest in People assessment but you have made significant improvements in lots of areas. I could evidence from the assessment interviews and supporting evidence the improvements you’ve made”

During 2025 we continued to offer support to our staff in the following areas:

training provider. We have also identified Mental Health First Aiders to train and support our staff.

We look forward to using this opportunity to improve further our development and support for staff.

25

Trustees report for the year ended 31 Dec 2025

Opoka Charitable Inc. Organisation

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:

• ensuring appropriate conduct towards, positive impact on and good relationships with employees, customers/service users, suppliers, subcontractors, and the community in which it operates; and

• conducting our business with integrity and high standards of business ethics, through appropriate structures, systems, processes and procedures.

In fulfilling the ESG Commitment we Group seek to:

• comply with all applicable local and national laws, rules, regulations and other measures having the force of law that are relevant to any aspects of our ESG Commitment; and

• where it is practicable and appropriate to do so, establish and meet standards relevant to any aspects of our ESG Commitment which are higher than the standards imposed by law.

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.

26

Opoka Charitable Inc. Organisation Trustees report for the year ended 31 Dec 2025

Financial Review

The charity’s total incoming resources for the year amounted to £242,293 (2024:£333,255), of which £157,978 (2024:£166,687) was restricted. Of the remaining unrestricted £83,746 (2024 £166,418), £40,000 related to a Tudor Trust unrestricted grant that on so it has been recognised on receipt although the majority (£38,000 approx similar to last year) is for 2026 costs and £62,584 (2024: £105,212) 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. Two large unrestricted funds totalling approx £75,000 have been granted in 2026 which will help fund the delivery activities during 2026.

The total expenditure for the period was £257,412 (2024: £304,639) leaving a recorded deficit overall of £14,849 (2024: £28,616 surplus). The restricted funds balance for the year was carried at the end of 2025 as £188 (2024: £10,369). The unrestricted funds have been decreased by £4,668 to £127,849 (2024: £132,517) but as mentioned above, this includes the £38,000 of Tudor Trust funding earmarked for 2026 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 deficit meant the overall balance sheet decreased by £14,849 (2024 increased by £29,394) but as additional funding has been secured for the next 3 - 5 years this should be able to be addressed in 2026.

Income:

Expended:

Donations (Unrestricted) £1,100 Donations (Restricted) £62,584 Restricted Grants £95,394 Unrestricted Grants £65,517 Revenue £17,129 Interest -

Fundraising (Restricted) £27,814 Fundraising (Unrestricted) £5,522 Charitable Activities £108,741 Management and Administration £110,753 Governance (Unrestricted) £2,684

27

Opoka Charitable Inc. Organisation Trustees report for the year ended 31 Dec 2025

Reserves Policy

The charity updated its reserves policy at the start of 2026 to reflect the risks it faces with a 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 specific costs covered have been maintained at levels agreed last year:

The total £85,000 designated above includes £38,000 provided by the Tudor Trust in 2025 as unrestricted.

The remaining £42,849 (2024:£47,517) free reserves represents 17% (2024: 16%) of resources expended towards the target of 20%.

Responsibilities of the Trustees

Law applicable to charities in England and Wales requires the Trustees to prepare financial statements 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.

In preparing those financial statements;

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 10 June 2026 and signed on its behalf by:

Joanna Szuryn Chair of Trustees

28

Opoka Charitable Inc. Organisation Financial Statements for the year ended 31 Dec 2025

Report of the Independent Auditors

Opinion

We have audited the financial statements of Opoka Charitable Incorporated Organisation for the period ended 31 December 2025 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).

In our opinion the financial statements:

• give a true and fair view of the state of the charity's affairs as at 31 December 2025 and of its incoming resources and application of resources for the year then ended;

• have been properly prepared in accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice;

• and have been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011

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:

• the Trustees' use of the going concern basis of accounting in the preparation of the financial statements is not appropriate; or

• the Trustees' have not disclosed in the financial statements any identified material uncertainties that may cast significant doubt about the charity's ability to continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting for a period of at least twelve months from the date when the financial statements are authorised for issue.

29

Opoka Charitable Inc. Organisation Financial Statements for the year ended 31 Dec 2025

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.

Auditor’s responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements

Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements as a whole 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 2025

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.

31

Opoka Charitable Inc. Organisation Financial Statements for the year ended 31 Dec 2025

Audit response to risks identified

As a result of performing the above, we identified revenue and resource recognition as a key audit matter related to the potential risk of fraud. Our procedures to respond to risks identified included the following:

• reviewing the financial statement disclosures and testing to supporting documents on to assess compliance with provisions of relevant laws and regulations described as having a direct effect on the financial statements;

• performing analytical procedures to compare revenue recognised against expectations and based on past experiences and management forecasts and investigated material divergencies by obtaining corroborative evidence;

• in addressing the risk of fraud through management override of controls, testing the appropriateness of journal entries and other adjustments; applying parameters designed to identify entries that were not within our expectations. This included analysing and selecting journals for testing which appeared unusual in nature, either due to size, preparer or date of posting. To test their validity, we verified the journals to originating documentation.

We also communicated relevant identified laws and regulations and potential fraud risks to all 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 noncompliance 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.

A further description of our responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements is located on the 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 2025

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 and Statutory Auditor

Windover House St Ann Street Salisbury SP1 2DR

29 June 2026

33

Opoka Charitable Inc. Organisation Financial Statements for the year ended 31 Dec 2025

Statement of Financial Activities

Incoming resources
Resources expended
Note
From generated funds:
Donations
Donations in kind
Grants
Revenue
Interest income
Total funds b/f
Net movement in funds for the year
Total funds at 31 December
Fundraising costs
Cost of charitable activities
Management and administration
Governance costs
Total resources expended
Net movement in funds
4
3
8
9
5/6		 Unrestricted
£
£
£
£
Restricted
2025
Jan - Dec
Jan - Dec
2024
1,100
569
1,669
2,881
62,584
110,819
160,911
216,687
17,129
2,866
-
2
65,517
95,394
-
62,584
17,129
-
-
333,255
242,293
158,547
83,746
5,522
27,814
33,336
20,122
49,814
60,939
110,753
111,787
30,394
78,347
108,741
168,201
2,684
1,628
4,312
4,529
304,639
257,142
168,728
88,414
(4,668)
(10,181)
(14,849)
28,616
132,517
10,369
142,886
114,270
(4,668)
127,849
(10,181)
188
(14,849)
128,037
28,616
142,886

34

Opoka Charitable Inc. Organisation Financial Statements for the year ended 31 Dec 2025

Statement of Financial Position

Fixed assets
Unrestricted funds
Current assets
Note
Intangible
Tangible
General fund
Restricted funds
Total funds
Net current assets
Debtors
Cash at bank and in hand
Creditors: Amounts falling due within
one year
Net assets
The funds of the charity
12
17
18
14
15
16
13		 £
£
2025
31 December
4,690
127,848
189
118,199
13,439
128,037
5,148
126,353
139,792
(21,593)
128,037		 £
£
31 December
2024
13,439
126,353
139,792
(21,593)		 6,395
132,517
10,369
142,886
127,467
12,419
9,024
168,237
180,656
(53,189)
142,886

Approved by the Trustees on 10 June 2026 and signed on its behalf by:

Joanna Szuryn Chair of Trustees

35

Opoka Charitable Inc. Organisation Financial Statements for the year ended 31 Dec 2025

Statement of Cash Flows

Cash flows from operating activities
Net income
Add depreciation
Add amortisation
Investment in intangible fixed assets
Investment in tangible fixed assets
Proceeds on disposal of assets
Changes in:
Accrued income and other debtors
Trade and other creditors
Interest received
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash eqivalents at the beginning of the period
Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the period
Cash generated from operations
Net cash from operating activities		 2025
Jan - Dec
£
1,705
3,296
(31,596)
(41,884)
(41,884)
-
(41,884)
168,237
126,353
-
638
(14,848)
(1,020)
(59)		 2024
Jan - Dec
£
-
30,221
138,016
168,237
30,221
30,221
1,705
2,204
17,022
(6,821)
425
28,615
(11,516)
(1,413)

36

Financial Statements for the year ended 31 Dec 2025

Opoka Charitable Inc. Organisation

Financial Report Notes

Note 1. Accounting policies

Basis of preparing the financial statements

These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with Financial Reporting Standard 102 "The 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.

The financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis. The company is dependent upon the 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 financial statements are presented in Sterling (£) which is the functional currency of the company. 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.

Expenditure

Liabilities are recognised as expenditure as soon as there is a legal or constructive obligation committing the charity to the expenditure. All expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis, and has been classified under headings that aggregate all costs related to the category. Expenditure includes attributable VAT which cannot be recovered.

Tangible fixed assets

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 Leashold improvement Lease term Straight line Vehicles 5 years Straight line White goods & furniture 4 years Straight line

Intangible fixed assets

Amortisation is provided on a straight line basis over three years.

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 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.

37

Opoka Charitable Inc. Organisation Financial Statements for the year ended 31 Dec 2025

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.

Debtors

Short-term debtors, including deferred income, are measured at transaction value less provision for amounts considered unlikely to be received.

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

Audit fee
Depreciation
This is stated after charging:		 2025
Jan - Dec
£
5,001
4,080		 2024
Jan - Dec
£
3,909
4,529

The trustees did not receive any remuneration or benefits in kind for 2025 for their trustees role. The trustees had expenses of £232

Note 3 - Grants
Avon & Somerset: MOJ
Bristol City Council - Social Action Grant
Garfield Weston Foundation
King Charles III Community fund
Lloyds Bank Foundation
The National Lottery: DA Outreach & Helpline
The National Lottery: Funds For All
The Nisbet Trust: Outreach & Drop-in Sessions
Nurture Landscape
ROSA Fund: Stand with Us
Tesco Comm Fund
The Big Give
Anonymous grant
Tudor Trust: DV Service
Tudor Trust: Staff wellbeing
Wesleyan Foundation
Women's Aid: CAF Tech & Impact Bursary
Note 3 - Grants		 Unrestricted
£
£
£
£
Restricted
2025
Jan - Dec
Jan - Dec
2024
19,425
56,022
4,795
19,425
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
56,022
4,795
19,655
375
63,505
5,205
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
517
1,664
3,500
4,869
799
18,307
19,325
-
-
-
30,000
10,000
1,250
-
-
-
-
40,000
800
2,000
40,000
800
25,000
-
9,188
-
597
-
-
-
-
517
1,664
3,500
40,000
800
25,000
-
-
9,188
216,687
160,911
95,394
65,517

38

Opoka Charitable Inc. Organisation

Financial Statements for the year ended 31 Dec 2025

Note 4 - Donated Services and Goods

ote 4 - Donated Services and Goods
Rent and utilities
Management fees
HR & staff costs
Fundraising costs
Insurance and operational costs		 £
15,875
3,714
1,526
37,249
4,220
62,584

The above were donated as services by the parent company Chrysalis Supported Association Ltd and recognised in the accounts at the above values and as a donation.

Additionally there was a range of goods for beneficiaries donated including bedding, clothing, books, toys, nappies and toiletries valued at about £3,000 which have not been recognised in the accounts. There were about 12 volunteers who gave time which is estimated to be about 522 hours which is also not recognised in the accounts.

Note 5 - Analysis of Total Resources Expended

Note 5 - Analysis of Total
Resources Expended
Note 6 - Charitable
Activities Expenditure
Community outreach
DV Outreach & helpline costs
Safe house
Emotional & counselling service
Education
Community outreach
DV Outreach & helpline costs
Safe house
Emotional & counselling service
Education
Charitable activities
Note 7 - Employees
Salaries and wages
Social security costs
Pension costs		 Activities
undertaken directly
£
£
£
£
Support
2025
Jan - Dec
Jan - Dec
2024
-
266
266
5,082
27,598
5,726
5,726
21,872
25,662
80,337
31,388
34,268
49,489
4,165
45,324
47,575
-
-
939
-
93124
15617
108741
168201
,
,
,
,
£
£
£
£
Restricted
Unrestricted
2025
Jan - Dec
Jan - Dec
2024
-
7,901
22,493
-
-		 266
266
5,082
27,598
19,697
8,895
80,337
31,388
34,268
49,489
49,489
47,575
-
-
939
30,394 78,347
108,741
168,201
2025
Jan - Dec
£
13,871
2,920
116,052		 2024
Jan - Dec
£
136,285
11,626
2,866
121,793
132,843

The average monthly number of employees (including the CEO), expressed in full-time equivalent of seven hours per day are 4 (2024: 4)

39

Financial Statements for the year ended 31 Dec 2025

Opoka Charitable Inc. Organisation

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
Staff welfare
Subscriptions
Telephone and communications
Training and education
Travel and subsistence
Other office costs		 Unrestricted
£
£
£
£
Restricted
2025
Jan - Dec
Jan - Dec
2024
5,935
798
217
2,929
-
999
8,864
798
1,216
5,467
344
633
480
-
5,978
480
-
2,771
1,429
257
1,657
-
-
3,207
3,572
200
2,336
510
17,937
155
5,001
457
3,993
1,134
281
709
68,483
7,567
6,384
37,616
5,577
3,103
30,867
1,990
3,281
65,417
10,738
1,345
834
-
698
834
-
265
1,213
4,743
1,161
-
-
433
49,814
60,939
110,753
111,787
Note 9 - Governance costs
Accounting and audit fees
Trustee expenses		 £
£
£
£
Restricted
Unrestricted
2025
Jan - Dec
Jan - Dec
2024
1,396
2,684
4,080
4,529
232
232
-
2,684
1,628
4,312
4,529

Note 10 - Trustees renumeration 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 up until that date she received a gross salary of £4,583, the charity paid employers NI of £841 and employers pension contributions of £110 for her role of CEO and to deliver frontline services. In addition, she received £764 in expenses.

Note 11 - 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.

40

Opoka Charitable Inc. Organisation Financial Statements for the year ended 31 Dec 2025

Note 12 - Intangible fixed assets

At 1 January 2025
At 1 January 2025
Additions
Disposals
Charge for the year
On disposals
At 1 January 2025
At 31 December 2025
At 31 December 2025
At 31 December 2025
Cost:
Amortisation:
Net book values:		 IT Equipment
Total
£
£
6,821
6,821
-
-
-
-
6,821
6,821
426
426
1,705
-
1,705
-
2,131
2,131
6,395
6,395
4,690
4,690

Note 13 - Tangible fixed assets

At 1 January 2025
At 1 January 2025
At 31 December 2025
At 31 December 2025
At 1 January 2025
At 31 December 2025
Cost:
Depreciation:
Net book values:

Additions
Disposals
Charge for the year
On disposals		 £
£
£
£
White goods
IT Equipment
Leasehold
Total
2,248
9,624
1,842
13,714
-
59
-
59
-
(719)
-
(719)
1,588
9,624
1,842
13,054
760
3,408
522
4,690
2,406
522
368
3,296
-
(80)
-
(80)
1,202
5,814
890
7,906
1,320
9,024
6,216
1,488
386
3,810
952
5,148

41

Opoka Charitable Inc. Organisation Financial Statements for the year ended 31 Dec 2025

Note 14 - Debtors 2025
31 Dec		 2025
31 Dec		 2024
31 Dec
£ £
Accounts receivable 10,767 10,512
Other debtors 2,672 1,907
13,439 12,419
Note 15 - Creditors: Amounts
31 Dec 31 Dec
falling due within one year 2025
£		 2024
£
Accounts payable 5,750 775
PAYE, Social security & other tax 3,136 1,838
Accurals and deferred income 12,295 49,732
Amount owed to group undertakings - -
Other creditors 412 844
21,593 53,189
Note 16 - Analysis of net assets
between funds Net current
Fixed assets assets Total
31 December 2025: £ £ £
Restricted funds - 189 189
Unrestricted funds 9,838 118,010 127,848
Net assets at the end of the period 9,838 118,199 128,037
31 December 2024:
Restricted funds - 10,369 10,369
Unrestricted funds 15,418 117,099 132,517
Net assets at the end of the period 15,418 127,468 142,886
Note 17 - Unrestricted funds General Designated
funds funds Total
January - December 2025 £ £ £
Balance at 1 January 2025 47,517 85,000 132,517
Surplus / (loss) for the year (4,668) - (4,668)
Transfer between funds - - -
Balance at 31 December 2025 42,849 85,000 127,849
January - December 2025
Balance at 1 January 2025 42,173 70,000 112,173
Surplus / (loss) for the year 20,344 - 20,344
Transfer between funds (15,000) 15,000 -
Balance at 31 December 2025 47,517 85,000 132,517

42

Financial Statements for the year ended 31 Dec 2025

Opoka Charitable Inc. Organisation

Avon / Somerset Police & Crime Comissioner: MOJ
Chrysalis Supported Association Ltd
GoodHub
The National Lottery: DA Outreach & Helpline
The National Lottery: Funds For All
Nurture Landscape
ROSA Fund
Souter Charitable Trust
Tudor Trust: Staff Wellbeing
Wesleyan Foundation
Womens Aid: CAF Tech & Impact Bursary
Note 18 - Restricted funds		 £
£
£
£
£
Balance at
31 December
2024
Incoming
resources
Resources
expended
Deferred
income
Balance at
31 December
2025
-
1,795
-
24,281
1,664
2,245
(19,425)
(3,459)
-
(4,856)
-
(2,245)
-
-
-
62,584
800
1,194
56,022
569
9,188
4,795
3,500
(62,584)
(847)
(337)
-
-
(1,194)
-
-
189
(58,633)
(569)
(9,338)
(4,795)
(8,740)
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
47
526
2,611
-
150
-
5,240
10369
166842
168727
8295
189
,
,
(,)
(,)

Purpose of funds:

Avon / Somerset Police & Crime Commissioner: MOJ Chrysalis Supported Association Ltd GoodHub The National Lottery: DA Outreach & Helpline The National Lottery: Funds For All Nurture Landscape ROSA Fund: Stand With Us Souter Chartiable Trust The Big Give Tudor Trust: Staff Wellbeing Wesleyan Foundation Women's Aid: CAF Tech & Impact Bursary

A Outreach and helpline Facility, support and fundraising costs Safe house, helpline and staff costs A Outreach and helpline Safe house activity Gifts and supplies for safe house residents Staff costs for supporting survivors of domestic violence Tablet costs for supporting survivors of domestic violence Mental health support for domestic abuse survivors Staff wellbeing Outreach and education programmes CAF Tech & Impact Bursary

43

Polish Helpline: 0300 365 1700

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