OpenCharities

This text was generated using OCR and may contain errors. Check the original PDF to see the document submitted to the regulator.

2023-03-31-accounts

CATHOLICS FOR AIDS PREVENTION AND SUPPORT (CAPS) CIO

(Registered Charity number 1196193)

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

YEAR ENDED 31 March 2023

CATHOLICS FOR AIDS PREVENTION AND SUPPORT (CAPS) CIO

(Registered Charity number 1196193)

CHARITY DETAILS

YEAR ENDED 31 March 2023

Trustees: Lazarus Mungure (Chair) Rev. Christopher Howard Adela Senkubuge John Thornhill Tyrone Allee David Christie-Davies Patrons: Rt. Revd. Christopher Chessun, Bishop of Southwark (CofE) Most Rev. Timothy Radcliffe OP Robert Calderisi David and Rachel Christie-Davies Bankers: HSBC 102 Brompton Road London SW3 1JJ Postal address: 4 Thring House Stockwell Road London SW9 9EU Email address: secretary@caps-uk.org Websites: https://www.positivefaith.org.uk/about-positivefaith

CATHOLICS FOR AIDS PREVENTION AND SUPPORT (CAPS) CIO ANNUAL REPORT YEAR ENDED 31 March 2023

Introduction

The trustees present their annual report and financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2023.

Objectives and activities

The objects of the charity are:

Catholics for AIDS Prevention and Support (CAPS) CIO achieves this through a combination of educational and awareness-raising activities, and the pastoral support which we make available to individuals or families directly affected by HIV.

CAPS Education consists of talks and presentations often but not exclusively in faith community settings (churches, schools, conferences etc.). These serve to raise awareness about HIV, providing accurate information and enhancing public health. They also reduce HIV-related stigma and increase understanding of people who are living with HIV (PLWH) in the UK and around the world.

CAPS works in partnership with NHS and Local Authority bodies which allows us to signpost people in need of specialist HIV support or medical intervention effectively. Our partnerships and the expertise we bring assists colleagues in the secular agencies to develop their understanding of the ‘intersection’ between issues of Christian faith generally and HIV, enabling them to respond more effectively and sensitively in regard to both patient/client care and matters of public health education, including promoting access to HIV testing in faith communities.

CAPS Pastoral Support is offered through Peer Support Groups in London, Manchester and Cambridgeshire for PLWH, and the respite weekends (‘retreats’) available nationally for families affected by HIV directly. Our volunteers support individuals, especially during times of sickness or other crisis and/or in the months following diagnosis through befriending activities. Our web-based resources and telephone help-line provide additional support.

Taken together these services provide all the benefits of ‘social support’ including: reducing isolation; supporting individuals who often have complex needs and are marginalized in additional ways such as immigration status, unemployment, or mental health difficulties; supporting those who may otherwise feel unable to access mainstream services; providing accurate information; reducing the effects of internalized stigma; helping people to consider issues around HIV disclosure; encouraging access and adherence to treatment; supporting PLWH to remain in or access employment; and contributing towards family cohesion.

In administering the charity, the trustees have complied with the duty under section 17(5), Charities Act 2011, to have regard to the public benefit guidance issued by the Charity Commission.

1

CATHOLICS FOR AIDS PREVENTION AND SUPPORT (CAPS) CIO ANNUAL REPORT YEAR ENDED 31 March 2023

Achievements and performance

Temporary relocation of peer support venue in London

The social landlord Hyde Housing owns the building – ‘The Old Laundry’ - in which our peer support groups in London meet. The building is also used by other community groups and the local Residents Association. Due to the need to remove asbestos the building was closed during 2022 for a complete refurbishment, including extending the space available for community use by approx. 50% due to reclaiming / bringing back into use derelict offices and rooms in the building.

As an active community organizer in the local area (Stockwell, London) CAPS Director Vincent Manning has been highly involved in negotiations with the HYDE C.E.O. and other stakeholders, to ensure the temporary relocation and continued operation of community groups, including CAPS peer Support groups, in an alternative meeting space. He has also met regularly with the C.E.O and the local Residents Association to monitor the ongoing works and negotiate layout, design etc… of the new Old Laundry Community Centre. This has been time consuming but worthwhile. The venue used is in good central location and available to CAPS groups at minimal cost, represents a significant in-kind donation to our charity from Hyde Housing.

It is anticipated that the newly refurbished and expanded Old Laundry Community Centre will reopen and CAPS Peer Support groups will return to the much-improved venue in the spring of 2023.

Diversity, inclusion, representation in Decision Making .

Since formation in 2003 CAPS Trustees group has always included PLWH. A core value of CAPS is that a diverse group of people who are also representative of the communities we seek to serve be meaningfully involved in the decision making of our charity, at every level. Since 2010 the representation of PLWH as Trustees has been above 50% in every year. Currently CAPS Trustees group consists of 66% PLWH; 66% from Black African or Black British background and 50% gay people. Our Trustee Board including co-opted advisors is 50% male 50% female; 66% PLWH; 66% Black African or Black British; 25% gay.

We welcomed the Archbishop of Southwark the Most Reverend John Wilson as a new Patron and Dr. Stuart Flanagan, Consultant HIV and BBV, Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust was appointed to CAPS’ Advisory Board.

Trustees approved financial and in-kind support (1 day per week) to enable our pastoral support Worker Abigail Chakanyuka to continue with accredited Counselling training to Level III.

Peer support provision and pastoral support for PLWH .

There are a total of five groups in the UK with 6 regular meetings per month and additional meetings of varied frequency. Most meetings take place face to face, but the Positive Faith London group also meets online once a month.

Our regular in-person peer support groups have continued to meet in London. The South West London Fellowship Group (SWLF) meet twice monthly and the Positive Faith Peer Support (PF London) group once monthly. Average attendance at the SWLF each meeting is 14 people and 14 people at PF London.

Plans to support and reconvene our positive Faith Manchester group (PF Manchester) have continued to be implemented. CAPS Director travelled to Manchester to attend a group meeting of members (December 2022). 19 PLWH attended from 12pm – 6pm at Brunswick Parish Church. The meeting began with a welcome

2

CATHOLICS FOR AIDS PREVENTION AND SUPPORT (CAPS) CIO ANNUAL REPORT YEAR ENDED 31 March 2023

and prayer from our PF Manchester founding member Adela. There was time for members (aka serviceusers) to ‘catch up’ with each other after the period of separation. We shared a meal and because we were able to be joined by Fr Peter Kinsella, who is known to the group, we celebrated the Eucharist. The members expressed their desire to reconvene on a monthly basis. A further retreat weekend was planned for March 2023 to engage members in further planning. Unfortunately, due to electrical failures the venue cancelled and the residential was rescheduled and held in April 2023. It is anticipated that monthly group meetings will recommence at a new venue in Manchester from May 2023.

Following on from the previous year plans, two women volunteers in April 2022 have now started a new Positive Faith Peer support group for PLWH in the East of England (PFE). There is very little provision in the East of England and the region is so geographically wide PLWH often experience isolation. The group meets on the first Saturday of the month and is welcoming of any person living with HIV.

Also as a consequence of consultation with PLWH and prior planning, A new group for Gay men living with HIV started in June in London, attracting 13 members at the first meeting. The group is our response to the needs expressed by Gay men for inclusive and accepting social support. The members have met monthly and are devising the format for group meetings which always include a chance to share their experience in a non-judgmental environment and a shared meal.

At every peer support group meeting a healthy meal is shared by the members. Bus fares for those who need this help to attend is provided for members attending the PF East, PF Manchester and PF London meetings. Throughout the year approx. 150 people living with HIV received direct support.

Members (service-users) feedback .

Members met on several occasions, in Manchester (as described above) and in London, to discuss the benefits of belonging to our peer support groups and suggest improvements in the services delivered. Approximately 45 members were involved in consultation and high levels of satisfaction with the support provided was expressed. Members especially valued the ‘sense of family’, friendship and mutual support.

Individual case-work & support .

Individuals often need more support than can be provided from within our community of peer support volunteers. For example, members undergoing a mental health crisis or in extreme poverty or facing immigration or legal issues. In these cases, or where more expert help and advice is needed our team signpost and assist members to access the advice and/or support they need. This may include some intensive support from our workers to accompany and advocate for individuals where we feel that this support is needed and can be effective.

For example:

During the year 1 person received intensive and sustained support with mental health including weekly pastoral visits and advocacy to access Local Authority emergency housing after a three-month in-patient stay in hospital following a suicide attempt. (we are pleased to report the person is settled and doing very well now).

One woman received support to apply for settled status in the UK after 20 years of living here.

One refugee received support to apply for a spousal visa for his wife to join him in the UK.

For a 4 month period, an elderly man with HIV and dementia has received weekly pastoral visits at home and visits in hospital, and support to access appropriate health-care, during a prolonged period of sickness (pneumonia).

3

CATHOLICS FOR AIDS PREVENTION AND SUPPORT (CAPS) CIO ANNUAL REPORT YEAR ENDED 31 March 2023

CAPS worker, Abigail Chakanyuka has accompanied four immigrant worker PLWH from Africa to enrol in clinical care this year. In one case the migrant worker reported that their new employer retained their passport. We anticipate that there will be an increased need to offer support to meet the needs of PLWH migrant workers in this country, especially those in precarious or exploitative employment situations.

(see also Abigail Chakanyuka presentation at BASSH Conference below)

Hardship Grants

We have not distributed hardship grants to individuals in 2022.

Social media and communications .

Building upon work started last year, we have continued to expand our social media and online presence. We have engaged a team who communicate news on a regular basis, to raise awareness, promote HIV education and reduce stigma, through various platforms including Facebook, Twitter and Tic-Toc. We have also redesigned our existing website(s) and launched a new more interactive website. We have several new inquiries via this social media outreach innovation.

Asylum Seekers

CAPS continues to provide social and emotional support for a significant number of PLWH who are asylum seekers, failed asylum seekers, or have no recourse to public funds.

A Christian presence in the HIV sector - Collaboration with HIV sector agencies, Local Authorities & NHS

CAPS continues to receive referrals from NHS HIV clinics (inc. St. Georges and Guys & St. Thomas NHS Trusts) for individual support for those PLWH who are especially isolated.

We continue to work in partnership with the Metro and African Advocacy Foundation (AAF) HIV agencies as part of the South London Positive People’s Network.

We collaborated with local NHS Community services to provide additional support ‘in-the community’ in particularly complex cases for very vulnerable PLWH. (see case work above)

CAPS has been represented on and contributed to the Community Advisory Group as part of the London Fast-Track cities NHS & local government planning to devise and deliver more efficient city-wide HIV services

CAPS Pastoral Support Worker Abigail Chakanyuka was invited to speak at this year’s British Association for Sexual Health and HIV (BASHH) Conference. Doctors, Nurses and practitioners from across the country gathered in Sheffield for this annual conference. In her presentation Abigail spoke about CAPS’ personcentred approach to the work of pastoral care for PLWH. Abigail said “We accompany each person according to their need. For some that means a listening ear, others require much more intensive time and attention to navigate this or that particular problem. In these cases, we work flexibly with them to access the more expert advice or service that they need. We don’t abandon them”

CAPS Trustee Tyrone Allee attended the launch of the Candi Network. The service provided by Camden & Islington intends to provide a range of support services for PLWH in North London.

4

CATHOLICS FOR AIDS PREVENTION AND SUPPORT (CAPS) CIO ANNUAL REPORT YEAR ENDED 31 March 2023

A voice in the Church for people living with HIV - Collaboration and HIV education with religious organisations

CAPS has continued to strengthen our partnership with the Congregation of the Passion (Religious Order). We are hopeful that continued collaboration will lead to plans for a more sustainable and secure future for the CAPS ministry. Several members attended various meetings with both the Congregation (clergy) and the Community of the Passion which clergy and lay people who have a serious commitment to action for social justice in the world.

CAPS Director, Dr Vincent Manning gave a presentation on listening to PLWH to twenty scholars, clergy and practitioners, from across the UK, Ireland and the US. Other topics included listening to survivors of sexual abuse, women, young adults and transgender persons. The symposium was the first such event of the Centre for Ecclesial Ethics at the Margaret Beaufort Institute, Cambridge. In view of the ongoing Synodal Process within the Roman Catholic Church the aim was to reflect upon the ecclesiological and ethical implications of attentive listening for a vigilant and vulnerable Church.

Publications

Our annual report and magazine ‘CAPS News 2022’ has been distributed to approx. 1,500 people in the UK and abroad.

Financial review and reserves policy

Total income of £62,904 was raised during the year (2022: £101,017). Generous and timely funding from trusts, foundations and religious orders has enabled CAPS to support PLWH at risk with modest but vital sums of money, and to continue to support paid staff. Full details are set out in the notes to the accounts. The result for the year was a deficit of £24,712 (2022: surplus of £601).

The charity needs to hold reserves in order to ensure a measure of resilience against unexpected costs or income shortfalls. The Trustees estimate that twelve months would be needed to secure adequate replacement funding, or (in the worst case) to allow for a planned withdrawal of services which, if not managed carefully and sensitively, would otherwise have a significant negative impact on the most vulnerable people living with HIV whom we presently serve. The Trustees have therefore determined that unrestricted funds of not less than twelve months’ operating costs should be held in reserve, based on the budget for the forthcoming year. At 31 March 2023 this target amounted to £110,000, and actual unrestricted reserves amounted to £145,195. Additional unrestricted reserves enable CAPS to plan for the future with some security including the possible expansion of our small staff team in the next 18-24 months in line with pastoral need and our managerial capacity to do so.

At the beginning of the financial year, CAPS 1095756 was de-registered and all assets and funds were transferred to CAPS C.I.O. no. 1196193. The financial statements for 2023 represent the new CAPS C.I.O. with the former charity being included in the comparative.

Structure, governance and management

Catholics for AIDS Prevention and Support (CAPS) is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (C.I.O.) formed by Constitution, registered with the Charity Commission on 18th October 2021 under number 1196193.

Constitutionally CAPS requires a minimum of 3 trustees and allows a maximum of 9. In addition, the trustees invite others to assist and advise as appropriate according to areas of expertise, as co-opted members of the Board. Trustees are often previously co-opted members who agree to formal appointment and have demonstrated a commitment to and understanding of CAPS aims and objectives.

We appoint trustees who have a good understanding of HIV and its effects on individuals and in society, and seek a wide distribution of skills and experience with the Board. The majority of current trustees are also

5

CATHOLICS FOR AIDS PREVENTION AND SUPPORT (CAPS) CIO ANNUAL REPORT YEAR ENDED 31 March 2023

people with Christian faith although this is not a specific requirement. CAPS ensures that PLWH are also represented at Board level, to maintain CAPS commitment to the internationally-agreed principle of the meaningful involvement of PLWH (MIPA) in all aspects of services decision-making and delivery.

Future Plans

Maintaining pastoral support

As a small grass-roots charity, principally run on a voluntary basis, CAPS is committed to the pastoral support aspects of our work before all else. Enabling PLWH to come together in order to benefit from the social support that they give and receive from each other, on a peer-to-peer basis, remains our first priority.

CAPS’ most vulnerable members with the most complex needs and situations are falling between the ‘gaps’ in mainstream provision. Many who attend our groups can be described as having complex needs. We are also seeing a population of PLWH over 50 and growing into old age, when health issues generally and the risks of isolation can become more acute. CAPS Trustees recognize that many members, at times, require more support than can be provided for on a volunteer peer to peer basis.

In addition to beneficial social support, evidence suggests that compassionate service for others upon which our model relies, may have survival benefits for PLWH.

Strategic planning and sustainability

We intend to continue to develop CAPS C.I.O. as a Charity so that we are sustainable for the longer term. This may mean recruiting additional members of staff to our small team so that we can more adequately meet the needs of PLWH.

By order of the board

Lazarus Mungure

Chair

24[th] January 2024

6

CATHOLICS FOR AIDS PREVENTION AND SUPPORT INDEPENDENT EXAMINER’S REPORT YEAR ENDED 31 March 2023

I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of Catholics for AIDS Prevention and Support (‘the charity’) for the year ended 31 March 2023.

Responsibilities and basis of report

As the trustees of the charity you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 (‘the Act’).

I report in respect of my examination of the charity’s accounts carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination I have followed all 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 giving me cause to believe that in any material respect:

  1. accounting records were not kept in respect of the charity as required by section 130 of the Act; or

  2. the accounts do not accord with those records.

I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.

Tyrone Henry, Certified Public Accountant

12B St. Saviour’s Road London SW2 5HD 20th January 2024

7

CATHOLICS FOR AIDS PREVENTION AND SUPPORT RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS ACCOUNT YEAR ENDED 31 March 2023

Note
Receipts
Grants and donations
2
Advice and services
3
Retreat fees
4
Interest income
5
Payments
Direct charitable expenditure
5
Governance costs
6
Net surplus/(deficit) for the year
Funds at start of year
Funds at end of year		 Rest-
ricted
Unrest-
ricted
2023 Total
£
£
£
-
51,062
51,062
-
10,500
10,500
-
220
220
-
1,122
1,122
-
62,904
62,904
3,672
80,886
84,558
-
3,058
3,058
3,672
83,944
87,616
(3,672)
(21,040)
(24,712)
4,485
165,423
169,908
813
144,382
145,195		 Rest-
ricted
Unrest-
ricted
2022
Total
£
£
£
10,400
78,997
89,397
-
11,620
11,620
-
-
-
-
-
-
10,400
90,617
101,017
12,370
76,005
88,375
-
12,041
12,041
12,370
88,046
100,416
(1,970)
2,571
601
6,455
162,852
169,307
4,485
165,423
169,908

8

CATHOLICS FOR AIDS PREVENTION AND SUPPORT STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES YEAR ENDED 31 March 2023

Note
Current Assets
Cash at bank and in hand
Net assets
Funds of the charity
Restricted funds
7
Unrestricted funds
Total Funds		 2023
£
145,195
145,195
-
145,195
145,195		 2022
£
169,907
169,907
4,485
165,422
169,907

Approved by the trustees and signed on their behalf by

Lazarus Mungure Chair January 24[th] 2024

9

CATHOLICS FOR AIDS PREVENTION AND SUPPORT NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS (continued) YEAR ENDED 31 March 2023

1. Basis of preparation

The trustees have elected to adopt the receipts and payments basis of accounting, rather than the accruals basis, as permitted for charities with an annual income below £250,000. A Receipts and Payments Account and a Statement of Assets and Liabilities have been prepared in accordance with section 133, Charities Act 2011.

Restricted funds comprise monies contributed by donors for specific purposes or subject to specific conditions.

Unrestricted funds represent those monies that are freely available for application towards achieving any charitable purpose that falls within the charity’s charitable objects.

2. Grants and donations

2. Grants and donations
Congregation of the Passion
Harold Hood Trust
Stichting Benevolent
Individuals and church groups
Big Give campaign
Charles Plater Trust
Africa Advocacy		 Rest-
ricted
Unrest-
ricted
2023
Total
£
£
£
-
50,470
50,470
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
592
592
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
51,062
51,062		 Rest-
ricted
Unrest-
ricted
2022
Total
£
£
£
-
50,900
50,900
-
1,000
1,000
-
25,000
25,000
250
967
1,217
-
1,130
1,130
5,000
-
5,000
5,150
-
5,150
10,400
78,997
89,397

Details of restricted funds are set out in note 8 below.

10

CATHOLICS FOR AIDS PREVENTION AND SUPPORT NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS (continued) YEAR ENDED 31 March 2023

3. Advice and services

Provision of faith-based support
4. Retreat fees
Individuals and parishes
5. Interest income
Interest income		 Rest-
ricted
Unrest-
ricted
2023
Total
£
£
£
-
10,500
10,500
-
10,500
10,500
Rest-
ricted
Unrest-
ricted
2023
Total
£
£
£
-
220
-
-
220
-
Rest-
ricted
Unrest-
ricted
2023
Total
£
£
£
-
1,122
1,122
-
1,122
1,122		 Rest-
ricted
Unrest-
ricted
2022
Total
£
£
£
-
11,620
11,620
-
11,620
11,620
Rest-
ricted
Unrest-
ricted
2022
Total
£
£
£
-
-
-
-
-
-
Rest-
ricted
Unrest-
ricted
2022
Total
£
£
£
-
-
-
-
-
-

Represents interest income earned on cash deposits held in COIF Charity Deposit Fund.

11

CATHOLICS FOR AIDS PREVENTION AND SUPPORT NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS (continued) YEAR ENDED 31 March 2023

6. Direct charitable expenditure

6. Direct charitable expenditure
Salaries and pensions
Consultants
Caps Education & Outreach
Training
Hardship grants
Grants Gay Men Group
Pastoral care
Volunteer expenses
Support group meetings
Retreat expenses
Conferences and events
Travel and hospitality
Caps News, Printing & Postage
Advertising and publicity
Books and library resources
Research costs
IT and communications
Office supplies
Memberships and subscriptions
PF East & Manchester
Bank charges		 Rest-
ricted
Unrest-
ricted
2023
Total
£
£
£
-
56,185
56,185
-
-
-
-
649
649
-
450
450
-
-
-
-
357
357
-
1,100
1,100
-
160
160
-
3,687
3,687
51
600
651
57
4,965
5,022
50
1,251
1,301
-
7
7
-
-
-
-
380
380
-
-
-
-
10,431
10,431
-
-
-
124
595
719
3,391
-
3,391
-
69
69
3,672
80,886
**84,558 **		 Rest-
ricted
Unrest-
ricted
2022
Total
£
£
£
7,462
48,940
56,404
-
3,875
3,875
-
898
898
-
1,049
1,049
1,180
-
1,180
73
1,730
1,803
-
-
-
2,692
475
3,167
-
4,487
4,487
-
1,919
1,919
-
630
630
-
1,767
1,767
-
650
650
-
303
303
250
-
250
198
8,447
8,644
-
92
92
-
741
741
515
-
515
-
-
-
12,370
76,005
88,375

7. Governance costs

7. Governance costs
Trustees’ Meetings:
Travel and provisions
Payroll bureau
Insurance
Legal fees		 Rest-
ricted
Unrest-
ricted
2023
Total
£
£
£
-
177
177
-
661
661
-
384
384
-
1,836
1,836
-
3,058
3,058		 Rest-
ricted
Unrest-
ricted
2022
Total
£
£
£
-
399
399
-
661
661
-
379
379
-
10,602
10,602
-
12,041
12,041

No remuneration was paid to any trustee in that capacity during the year (2022: £nil). Legal fees incurred in the current year and prior year were related to the change in charitable status, with the majority of the expenses being incurred in the prior year.

12

CATHOLICS FOR AIDS PREVENTION AND SUPPORT NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS (continued) YEAR ENDED 31 March 2023

8. Restricted funds

Year ended 31 March 2023
Regional Group costs
Charles Platter Trust
Year ended 31 March 2022
Hardship grants & pastoral support
Congregation of the Passion
Albert Gubay Trust
Staff employment costs
Africa Advocacy
Support for BAME led charity
African Health Policy Network
Regional Group costs
Charles Platter Trust
Research costs
Stockwell Gardens West Residents’ Association		 Opening
balanceIncome
Expend-
iture
Closing
balance
£
£
£
£
4,485
-
(3,672)
813
4,485
-
(3,672)
813
Opening
balanceIncome
Expend-
iture
Closing
balance
£
£
£
£
771
-
(771)
-
684
-
(684)
-
-
5,150
(5,150)
-
5,000
-
(5,000)
-
-
5,000
(515)
4,485
-
250
(250)
-
6,455
10,400
(12,370)
4,485

13