2024-03-31-accounts - Good Neighbour Church England

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Aim and Purposes

Good Neighbour Church England (GNCE) is dedicated to promoting the advancement of the Christian faith in the United Kingdom and globally. Additionally, we focus on the relief of those in need, particularly those who are vulnerable or marginalized due to age, disability, ill-health, financial hardship, or other disadvantages. This is achieved through the provision of funds, goods, and practical support.

GNCE is guided by its motto:

"Act justly, love mercy, walk humbly, and continue to fight together with God."

Objectives and Activities

As a church with roots in Hong Kong, GNCE’s primary service target is the Hong Kong diaspora, many of whom have relocated to the United Kingdom in recent years under the British National Overseas Visa Programme or through asylum. Our goal is to build a community of mutual support - both spiritual and practical - through regular worship and various gatherings. Over time, we aim to extend our services to meet the needs of the broader local community.

In alignment with our motto, GNCE provides the following services across its worship and service points in the UK:

“Act Justly” – Advocacy for justice and human rights globally.
“Love Mercy” – Provision of community services to those in need.
“Walk Humbly and Continue to Fight Together with God” – Worship, prayer, training, gatherings, and missionary work to preach the Gospel and deepen understanding of the Christian faith.

Achievements and Performance

1. Cantonese Worship Services and Bible Study Groups

GNCE provides a wide range of Cantonese worship services and Bible study groups throughout the week across our four worship points. These services address the spiritual needs of Hong Kong Christians in their native language, filling a gap as most existing services in the UK are conducted in English or Mandarin. Locally led Bible study groups have also formed organically within these communities.

2. Community Care Initiatives

Hong Kong British National (Overseas) Welcome Programme: VCSE Year 3 (2023/2024) National Grant Scheme

In 2023/2024, GNCE expanded its reach under the VCSE National Grant Scheme with a dedicated team of 13 staff members operating across the United Kingdom, including Wales, Northern Ireland, and Scotland.

In just nine months of time, GNCE has successfully organised a wide range of events and activities, supporting more than 18,000 Hong Kong British National (Overseas) and delivering services nearly 28,000 times all over the United Kingdom. These efforts far exceeded our expectations, marking a significant milestone in our mission to foster professional and social integration and build strong community connections.

Highlights include:

Operating Good Neighbour Hubs in London, Manchester, Bristol, Wales and Birmingham, offering tailored programmes for Hongkongers and hosting outreach services in various regions.
Hosting street booths and events to engage with Hongkongers in communities across the whole UK.
Offering diverse services, including interest classes for children, elderly care, and mental health support for individuals with special needs.

The success of this programme underscores GNCE’s commitment to serving the Hong Kong diaspora and empowering them to thrive in their new communities.

Free Cantonese Meal to the Youth

Recognising the cultural significance of shared meals in Hong Kong culture, this initiative connects young Hongkongers facing financial difficulties with established community members. These gatherings offer emotional and practical support in a trusted environment, fostering relationships over home-cooked meals.

Care for the Homeless Community

In collaboration with local churches, GNCE volunteers regularly distribute hot meals, drinks, and winter clothing to homeless individuals in various cities across the UK.

FoodAid Programme

The GNCE FoodAid Programme continues to provide essential support to Hongkongers facing financial difficulties, including single parents, family units, and asylum seekers.

In 2023/2024, we served over 40 cases through more than 100 instances of assistance, offering supermarket gift vouchers and other resources to help individuals and families navigate challenging times. The FoodAid Programme has been a critical lifeline, demonstrating the generosity of our community and GNCE's commitment to alleviating financial hardships among those in need.

3. Advocacy for Justice Around the World

GNCE actively promotes awareness of universal human rights through:

Presentations at events including the UK Parliament and European Union Council on freedom of religion.
Organising political assemblies in London and Birmingham to commemorate the 2019 Hong Kong protests.
Collaborating with Ukrainian and Taiwanese communities to advocate for justice and human rights.

Volunteers

The success of GNCE’s daily operations and community initiatives is due to the unwavering dedication of our volunteers. We extend our deepest gratitude to all who contributed to our mission across the UK.

Structure, Governance, and Management

GNCE is governed by an executive committee comprising three trustees, supported by executive officers who oversee finance, administration, and publicity.

The executive committee meets monthly or as needed to review ongoing initiatives, make decisions on significant spending, and set strategic directions for GNCE’s community services. Sub-committees manage the operations to ensure seamless service delivery.

Administrative Information

Correspondence Address: 8 The Wharf, 16 Bridges Street, Birmingham B1 2JS

GNCE is a registered charity under the Charities Act 2011 (Registration No. 1195452).

Approval

This report was approved by the GNCE Executive Committee on 29[th] January 2025 and signed on behalf of the trustees by:

Ms. Sin Kit Kwok Chair of Trustees

GOOD NEIGHBOUR CHURCH ENGLAND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

Receipts and payments accounts For the 01/04/2023 31/03/2024 To period from

GOOD NEIGHBOUR CHURCH ENGLAND

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

Section B Statement of assets and liabilities at the end of the period

GOOD NEIGHBOUR CHURCH ENGLAND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

GOOD NEIGHBOUR CHURCH ENGLAND

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

Independent Examiner’s Report to the trustees of Good Neighbour Church England

I report on the accounts for the year ended 31st March 2024 which are set out on pages 4 to 7.

Respective responsibilities of trustees and examiner

As the charity trustees of the Trust, you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 (“the Act”).

Basis of independent examiner’s report

I report in respect of my examination of the Trust’s accounts carried out under section 145 of

the 2011Act and in carrying out my examination, I have followed the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Act.

Independent examiner's statement

I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination which gives me cause to believe that in, any material respect:

accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 130 of the Actor
the accounts do not accord with the accounting records

I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be draw.

Yang Zhou (MAAT) MAAT Reg No.20236166 For and on behalf of DNS Accountants 3 Waterhouse Square 138-142 Holborn London EC1N 2SW