Charity Number: 1195771 **The Strongtower Foundation** 1 **Annual Return, 2023-2024** Annual Return FY23-24 ## Introductory Note From CEO Dear Reader, This financial return for 2024 reflects a year of significant progress and tangible impact at The Strongtower Foundation. Building upon the transformative initiatives outlined in our impact report, our financial stewardship has directly enabled the realization of our core mission: combating modern slavery and empowering survivors. The opening of our first supported housing unit, a milestone celebrated with both joy and solemnity, was made possible by the careful management of allocated resources. These funds were crucial in establishing a safe and nurturing environment for survivors, demonstrating the direct correlation between financial planning and tangible change in lives. Furthermore, our commitment to raising awareness and advocating for systemic change, through parliamentary engagements and public forums, required strategic financial investment in outreach and resource development. These expenditures, are reflected in our community events, educational material and volunteer training. We have also spent considerable time investing in strategic partnerships with government contractors and other charities, which have strengthened our operational capacity and expanded our reach. We have ensured that all funds are utilized efficiently to maximize impact, ensuring the long-term sustainability of our programs. This financial report is more than a record of expenditures; it's a testament to the effective management of resources to transform financial capital into tangible hope and empowerment. It demonstrates our commitment to re-building a future free from modern slavery, one life at a time. Sincerely, Rachael King Chief Executive Officer The Strongtower Foundation Charity Number: 1195771 2 Annual Return FY23-24 ## Who We Are Access to Safe Housing & Accommodation The Strongtower Foundation (STF) is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO), founded in September 2021, with a mission to support victims of modern slavery and human trafficking. We believe that modern slavery is a critical contemporary issue, and we are committed to ensuring people can live free from slavery in our communities and nationwide. During the financial year, we continued to provide essential support to victims through our structured reintegration programme, focusing on housing, mental well-being, education, and employability. Our work remains volunteer-driven, with trustees contributing their time voluntarily without remuneration. Our name is taken from Psalm 61:3: _**For thou hast been a shelter for me, and a strong tower from the enemy** ._ Please visit our website for more information: www.thestrongtowerfoundation.org Objectives & Activities Twelve Month Re-integration Programme STF operates as more than just a safehouse. - a) We provide safe accommodation for victims to call their home - b) We run a volunteer-led 12-month programme providing holistic care and support to bring healing to the whole person: mind, body, and soul Our aim is to break the cycle of dependence by equipping those who have affected by this crime through tool-building support programmes that will empower them to transition into **independent living** . Charity Number: 1195771 3 Annual Return FY23-24 ## Our mission At the heart of our mission is a strong commitment to empower victims of Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking (MSHT) to move past their trauma and achieve independent living and engage the community to drive real change Our approach is grounded in volunteer-led services. Through university workshops, training sessions and events, we rally local support, making the fight against MSHT a shared responsibility. Our victim support programs focus on rehabilitation and reintegration to prevent re-trafficking: - **Empowerment and Support:** Our comprehensive services provide survivors with the tools they need to rebuild their lives, including mental health support and life skills. - **Safe Transitional Housing** : We provide safe, nurturing environments where victims can heal and regain their independence. - **Sustainability:** We ensure our services are effective and sustainable, maintaining high standards through ongoing training for staff and volunteers. ## Our purpose Our charity bridges the critical gap in survivor support. Many remain trapped in a cycle, making them vulnerable to re-trafficking. By offering tailored programs through our Five Pillar Support Program, focused on empowerment, skills training, and safe transitional housing, we equip survivors to rebuild their lives and regain autonomy, ensuring that no one navigates this journey alone. Charity Number: 1195771 4 Annual Return FY23-24 ## Our Support Programme ## Our **Five Pillar Support Programme** includes 5 elements: ## Befriending Support Network We recruit and train volunteers to befriend our residents so that they can get to know the local area. The interaction can range from helping with shopping to a coffee and a chat in the local park. This service is essential to community integration. Our training will cover essential modules such as safeguarding, dealing with mental health and spotting the signs of MSHT. ## 🔷 Life-skills Training During the 12-month period we support women by sharing essential life skills that will help with confidence building, such as cooking classes and healthy eating tips. Finance and budgeting skills are a core part of this service. We aim to teach women to manage their budget and enable them to save for a deposit for independent living during their time with us. ## 🔷 Mental wellbeing and Counselling sessions We work with trained volunteers to help victims develop emotional skills, cope with life challenges and manage their triggers; this will enable them to function independently and socially. This can range from 1-1 counselling to art and music therapy. ## 🔷 Education & Employability Opportunities Over a 12-month period, we work with career advisors to help victims consider their future, opportunities and career path. We partner with organisations to provide essential skills-development for future employment and/or education in preparation for living independently, finding work and becoming self-sustaining. ## 🔷 Self-discovery and Development Tools A core part of independence is identity. Our programme integrates volunteer-led self-discovery sessions chosen by the victims. This can range from book-clubs to baking to gardening. Charity Number: 1195771 5 Annual Return FY23-24 ## Our values ## Restoration MSHT strips away an individual’s humanity so that they can be commodified, we want to restore this by ensuring victims are given the support they need, the dignity they deserve and the freedom and self-determination they are entitled. Many survivors of MSHT have endured unimaginable hardships. We want to restore their, faith, hope and trust in people. ## Justice Human Rights are at the core of what we do. We believe in the inherent and inalienable right to liberty, dignity and self-determination. We strive to uphold these principles and realise them in the lives of the victims that come into our care. ## Compassion and Care We aim to empower victims of MSHT to move past their trauma and become survivors. We want to provide a safe and understanding environment that fosters stability and recovery. ## Collaboration We serve a mission that is bigger than us and we recognise that we cannot do this work alone. We encourage engagement with our local community and actively pursue collaborations and partnerships to further our mission. ## Opportunity We want to give opportunities for development to people through working with us, whether through volunteerism or employment, as well as the opportunity for a fresh start for those we support. ## Agape Love Agape love is defined as the love that comes from God for all mankind. It is the premise that every person, irrespective of their culture, class, creed or colour is loved and embraced. While we are not a proselytising organisation, we are founded on the values taught by Jesus to show care and compassion for the vulnerable in a practical way Charity Number: 1195771 6 Annual Return FY23-24 – Charity Details ## Charity Details |Charity Number||1195771| |---|---|---| |Registration Date||9 September 2021| |Registered Address||The Strongtower Foundation| |||3rd Floor| |||86-90 Paul Street| |||London EC2A 4NE| |**Board of Trustees**||| |Nathan King|Chair|Appointed 09 September 2021| |Lauren Romanish|Trustee|Appointed 29 February 2024| |Christopher Rose|Trustee|Appointed 08 April 2024| |Samantha Betz|Trustee|Appointed 10 September 2024| |**Secretary**||| |Adetola Okunuga|Non-voting Administrator|Appointed 01 July 2023| |**Key Management**||| |Rachael King|Chief Executive Officer & Founder|Appointed 09 September 2021| |**Advisors**||| |Bank||Co-Operative Bank| |||1 Balloon Street, Manchester| |||M60 4EP| Charity Number: 1195771 7 Annual Return FY23-24 – Financial Review ## Financial Review ## Financial Performance During the year, the charity generated £19,302 in total income, primarily from corporate donations. Key financial highlights include: - Donations: £19,122 - • Housing-related costs: £25,170 - Office costs: £288 - Other operating expenditure: £364 - • Total expenditure: £25,822 - Net deficit for the year: £6,700 ## Reserves Policy STF aims to maintain adequate reserves to ensure financial stability and sustainability. The charity’s financial position remains strong, with sufficient funds available for operational continuity. ## Principal Funding Sources Our primary funding sources include grants from organisations such as the Big Lottery Fund and individual donations. We continue to seek diverse funding opportunities to support and expand our work. ## Plans for Future Periods Looking ahead, STF plans to: - Expand its Safe Housing Programme to support more survivors. - Strengthen partnerships with organisations to enhance education and employability opportunities. - Increase volunteer engagement and training to improve service delivery. - Develop additional funding streams to sustain long-term operations. Charity Number: 1195771 8 Annual Return FY23-24 – Financial Review ## Statement of Financial Activities Balance Sheet Charity Number: 1195771 9 Annual Return FY23-24 – Accounting Policies & Analysis ## Accounting Policies ## Basis of Preparation The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the Charities SORP (FRS 102) and applicable UK accounting standards. ## Recognition of Income and Expenditure Income is recognised when receivable, and expenditure is accounted for on an accrual basis. ## Fund Accounting Funds are classified as restricted or unrestricted, with restrictions applied to specific grants and donations. ## Valuation of Fixed Assets Fixed assets are recorded at cost and depreciated over their useful economic lives, where applicable. The charity does not currently hold any fixed assets. ## Income Analysis Breakdown of Major Income Sources - Donations - corporations: £18,000 - • Donations - individuals: £1,122 ## Expenditure Analysis Allocation of Expenditure Across Categories - Housing-related costs: £25,170 - • Office costs: £288 • Other operating expenditure: £364 Charity Number: 1195771 10 Annual Return FY23-24 – Accounting Policies & Analysis ## Staff Costs & Trustee Remuneration ## Number of Employees and Payroll Costs The charity operates entirely with volunteers and has no paid employees. ## Disclosure of Any Payments to Trustees No trustees received any remuneration or benefits during the financial year. ## Funds Movement Changes in Restricted and Unrestricted Funds • Net Movement (deficit) in Funds: £6,700 All income earned and expenditure incurred for the year forms part of unrestricted funds. ## Related Party Transactions No related party transactions were reported during the financial year. **Approved by the Board of Trustees on 27 March 2025 Signed on behalf of the Trustees:** _N.King_ **---------------------------------** **Nathan King** (Chairperson) _Samantha Betz_ **--------------------------------Samantha Betz** (Treasurer) Charity Number: 1195771 11