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2025-04-30-accounts

WOMENION

TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT

Financial period: 1 May 2024 – 30 April 2025

Chair’s Statement

As Chair of Womenion, I am pleased to present this Annual Report for the financial period 1 May 2024 to 30 April 2025 .

This year has been both challenging and deeply impactful for Womenion. Despite significant financial constraints and the rejection of many funding applications, the organisation remained committed to its core purpose: supporting women experiencing isolation, domestic abuse, inequality, and multiple disadvantages, both in the UK and internationally.

In the UK, Womenion continued to deliver safe, inclusive spaces through the Womenion Women’s Club, alongside one-to-one support, community wellbeing activities, and ongoing signposting. The consistency of engagement, reflected through repeat attendance and sustained participation, demonstrates the value and trust women place in our services. Our work was further strengthened by volunteers who progressed from participants into leadership and support roles, reinforcing community ownership and sustainability.

Alongside in-person delivery, Womenion maintained a strong digital presence. Our Facebook page continued daily awareness-raising and campaigning on domestic violence , ensuring that women who were unable or not yet ready to access services in person could still receive information, encouragement, and signposting in a safe and accessible way.

Internationally, through our linked initiative, the Emmanuel Foundation in Côte d’Ivoire, we sought to support vulnerable women, particularly widows and young women facing economic hardship. Support was delivered through information sharing, networking, and collaboration with local partners via the Emmanuel Foundation.

The Trustees are acutely aware of the financial pressures faced during the year. Where necessary, trustees and volunteers stepped in to ensure continuity of

support. This experience has strengthened our learning around sustainability, staffing, and the importance of securing longer-term funding to meet growing demand.

I would like to thank my fellow trustees, volunteers, partners, funders, and, most importantly, the women and families who continue to place their trust in Womenion.

Maimouna Joanna Emmanuel

Chair of Trustees Womenion

1. Reference and Administrative Details

Charity name: Womenion

Operational address: 319 Roycraft House, 15 Linton Road, Barking, IG11 8HE Date established: 3 March 2020

Governing document: Constitution adopted by the trustees

2. Trustees During the Period

3. Structure, Governance and Management

Womenion is governed by a Board of Trustees responsible for strategic direction, safeguarding, financial oversight, and regulatory compliance. Trustees review performance, manage risk, and ensure all activities align with the charity’s objectives and public benefit requirements.

Day-to-day delivery during the reporting period was carried out by paid staff, sessional facilitators, and volunteers, operating under trustee oversight. Trustees did not receive remuneration for their role as trustees.

4. Objectives and Public Benefit

Womenion exists to support women and families experiencing domestic abuse, isolation, mental health challenges, housing insecurity, immigration difficulties, unemployment, and harmful traditional practices.

The Trustees confirm that they have had due regard to the Charity Commission’s guidance on public benefit. Womenion’s activities reduce isolation, improve wellbeing, strengthen community relationships, and improve access to information and support services.

5. Achievements and Performance – UK

Womenion Women’s Club

Womenion delivered a women-only community wellbeing programme providing a safe and welcoming space for women facing multiple disadvantages.

Activities included:

Attendance figures reflect repeat participation rather than unique individuals , demonstrating sustained engagement and trust.

Volunteering and Progression

Several women progressed from participants into volunteers, supporting delivery, welcoming attendees, and creating a safe environment. Volunteering strengthened confidence, skills, and community ownership.

6. Awareness, Campaigns and Digital Outreach

Throughout the reporting period, Womenion continued daily domestic violence awareness and campaigning through its Facebook page. This digital outreach supported prevention, early intervention, and access to information for women unable to attend in person.

Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/charityforwomen

7. Achievements and Performance – International Activity

Emmanuel Foundation (Côte d’Ivoire)

The Emmanuel Foundation in Côte d’Ivoire is a separate legal entity operating independently from Womenion. During the reporting period, Womenion’s involvement was limited to information sharing, networking, and informal collaboration aimed at supporting vulnerable women, particularly widows and young women experiencing economic hardship.

Womenion did not exercise governance control over the Emmanuel Foundation. Any engagement was consistent with Womenion’s charitable objectives and focused on knowledge exchange and community empowerment.

8. Partnerships and Collaborative Working

Womenion work was supported by a range of organisations to strengthen referrals, extend reach, and improve outcomes. These included:

9. Financial Statements

For the period 1 May 2024 – 30 April 2025

Receipts and Payments Account Receipts Grant income – Community Fund: £16,772.12 Bank interest received: £40.91

Total Receipts: £16,813.03

Payments Office deposit – Make It: £1,100.00 Salary payments: £2,177.20 Office equipment and catering: £1,000.00 Website and stationery: £300.00 Rent and venue costs – Make It: £2,031.45 Coffee and Conversation (refreshments): £200.00 Volunteer expenses: £69.00 Bills and utilities: £167.36 Advertisement and promotion: £200.00 Total Payments: £7,245.01

Net surplus for the year: £9,568.02 Opening balance at 1 May 2024: £131.99 Closing balance at 30 April 2025: £9,700.64

Statement of Assets and Liabilities As at 30 April 2025 Assets Bank balance: £9,700.64 Total Assets: £9,700.64 Liabilities Outstanding liabilities: £0.00 Net Assets: £9,700.64

Approved by the Trustees on 26 February 2026

Signed on behalf of the Trustees:

Maimouna Joanna Emmanuel Trustee

10. Reserves and Risk

Womenion recognises the risks associated with short-term grant funding. Trustees actively monitor financial risk and continue to diversify income and strengthen partnerships.

11. Plans for the Next Period

Womenion will:

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