Docusign Envelope ID: DC6F0F85-3772-4CAD-B49B-C1F799A2D961
Asha: A Community of Hope
Annual Report and Accounts
06 September 2022 to 31 December 2023
Charity Registration Number 1200292
Docusign Envelope ID: DC6F0F85-3772-4CAD-B49B-C1F799A2D961
Contents
| Reports | |
|---|---|
| Reference and administrative details of | |
| the charity, its Trustees, and advisers | 1 |
| Trustees’ report | 1 |
| Financial statements | |
| Statement of | |
| financial activities | 6 |
| Balance sheet | 7 |
| Notes to the financial statements | 8 |
Asha: A Community of Hope
Docusign Envelope ID: DC6F0F85-3772-4CAD-B49B-C1F799A2D961
Trustees Robert Alistair Scott Scott Paul Burdsall Akik Miah Dr. Scarlett Louise Gard Abigail Virgo Registered office Husk Community Centre 649-651 COMMERCIAL ROAD LONDON E14 7LW Telephone 07710144308 Website https://ashatowerhamlets.org Charity registration number 1200292 Bankers Lloyds Bank plc 25 Gresham Street London EC2V 7HN
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Docusign Envelope ID: DC6F0F85-3772-4CAD-B49B-C1F799A2D961
Trustees’ Report 31 December 2023
The Trustees present their report with the accounts of the charitable company for the period from 6[th] September 2022 to 31[st] December 2023.
The accounts have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out on page 8 of the attached accounts and comply with the charity’s constitution, applicable laws, and the requirements of Statement of Recommended Practice on “Accounting and Reporting by Charities”.
Introduction
Asha: A Community of Hope, also known as ASHA, (Charity Number 1200292 Registered in England and Wales) is established as a Charitable Incorporated Organisation.
Asha was registered as a charity on 6[th] September 2022 and the governing document for the charity is its Constitution dated 26[th] August 2022.
Objectives
The Objects for which the charity is established are:
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The advancement of the Christian faith in accordance with the Basis of Faith and Doctrinal Foundations, primarily, but not exclusively, within Tower Hamlets and the surrounding neighbourhood; and
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Such other charitable purposes as shall, in the opinion of the charity trustees, put into practice the Christian faith in accordance with the Basis of Faith and Doctrinal Foundations, including but not limited to: the prevention and relief of need, hardship and sickness; the advancement of education; and the provision of facilities in the interests of social welfare for recreation or other leisure time occupation of individuals who have need of such facilities by reason of their youth, age, infirmity or disability, financial hardship or social circumstances with the object of improving their conditions of life.
GOVERNANCE, STRUCTURE AND MANAGEMENT
Trustees
The following Trustees were in office in the period to 31[st] December 2023.
| Robert Alistair Scott | Chairman | Appointed 6thMay 2022 |
|---|---|---|
| Scott Paul Burdsall | Trustee | Appointed 6thMay 2022 |
| Akik Miah | Trustee | Appointed 6thMay 2022 |
| Dr. Scarlett Louise Gard | Trustee | Appointed 6thMay 2022 |
| Abigail Virgo* | Trustee | Appointed 6thMay 2022 |
- This Trustee is also a member of staff. Authorisation for their employment while being a Trustee was given during a Trustee meeting on 6th May 2022. This was in line with the provisions of our constitution (Paragraph 6.6) which were fully adhered to by Asha in deciding and making the appointment.
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Docusign Envelope ID: DC6F0F85-3772-4CAD-B49B-C1F799A2D961
Trustees’ Report 31 December 2023
Trustee Induction and Training
New trustees are provided with information on their responsibilities as trustees and the activities of the charity.
Risk Assessment
The Trustees have conducted a review of the potential risks of the Charity and believe that there are satisfactory systems in place to identify and mitigate any material exposure. The risk exposure is viewed by the Trustees as being very low.
Uses of funds
The Trustees hereby certify that no grant funds have been used to support terrorism; or
To cause any private inurement or improper private benefit to occur, or to take any other action inconsistent with Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code; or
To make any substantial attempt to influence legislation in any nation or other political unit; or
To influence in any nation or other political unit the outcome of any election for or against any candidate for public office; or
To violate any United States of America law including but not limited to laws prohibiting the support of terrorism.
FINANCIAL REVIEW
These financial statements represent the first period operating as an independent charity. The objectives for which Asha: A Community of Hope was established had previously been carried out by the Trustees of ASHA by setting up bank accounts in the name of Peace Media until ASHA was established as an independent Charity and set up its own bank account. The funds in the Peace Media Bank accounts (£4,719.91) were transferred to the newly established charity, Asha: A Community of Hope, at the registration date of 6[th] September 2022 evidenced in a letter signed by the signatories of the account addressed to the trustees of Asha.
Asha only opened bank accounts in its own name in February 2023, with the first transactions recorded in May 2023. Transactions in the name of Asha (both income and expenses) were made in the existing Peace Media Bank accounts.
All transactions from 6[th] September 2022 have been recorded within the records of Asha: A Community of Hope (1200292); that is both the transactions in the already existing Peace Media bank accounts and also the transactions in the bank accounts in the name of Asha: A Community of Hope opened in February 2023.
As at June 2024, in order to streamline the administration of the Asha’s funds, all the funds in the Peace Media Bank accounts have been transferred to the Asha Bank accounts at Lloyds Bank. A final amount of £5,298.71 was transferred from the Peace Media Bank account to the Asha Bank account.
Financial position and reserves policy
For the Period ended 31 December 2023 donations of £43,177 were received from supporting churches, individuals and trusts, ASHA spent £23,058 to further the objectives of the charity in the same period, and the funds at the period end were £22,401, of which funds £5,682 are restricted.
The charity is completely dependent on voluntary donations from individuals, churches, and trusts. The level of income can fluctuate throughout the year. Therefore, the trustees consider that it is appropriate for the charity to hold reserves of approximately three months adjusted budgeted expenditure.
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Trustees’ Report 31 December 2023
The total un-restricted reserves at the period end were £16,719 which represents more than three months of adjusted budgeted expenditure for 2024.
The trustees review the reserve policy on an annual basis.
Trustees’ responsibilities statement
The charity’s Trustees are responsible for preparing the Annual Report and financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Standards.
Charity law requires the Trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial period which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charitable company during the period and of the incoming resources and application of resources, including the net income and expenditure, of the charitable company for the financial period. In preparing financial statements giving a true and fair view, the Trustees should follow best practice and are required to:
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Select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;
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Observe the methods and principles of the Charities SORP
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Make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
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Follow applicable accounting standards, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements;
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Prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the charitable company will continue in operation.
The Trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records which disclose with reasonable accuracy the financial position of the charity and which enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Charities Act 2011 he Charity (Accounts and Reports) regulations 2008 and the charity’s constitution . 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.
Review of activities
“Asha” means hope in Sylheti, and we want to be a community of hope, for English-speakers, for Sylhetispeakers, for all – through Jesus the Messiah.
The Trustees, having considered the Charity Commission’s guidance on public benefit and, in particular, the specific guidance on charities for the advancement of religion have carried out the following activities in the pursuit of its aim; Sunday meetings, Tuesday evening bible studies, ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) classes, home visits, Bible studies for the community, door-to-door outreach, a bookshop and several other activities to engage with our communities and build relationships including: an arts & crafts dropin, cricket & football, book tables at local markets, Bengali music events, videos on Facebook, sharing Podcasts and holiday events for children. There are now 14 adults and half-a-dozen children forming the core team of Asha.
Our Sunday Afternoon meeting gathers men, women and children from the community. We listen to God’s word from the front and discuss it in groups, sing songs in English and Sylheti and organize children’s groups. We have had 1-50 Sylheti Speakers join us on a Sunday.
On Tuesday Evenings the team meets to study the bible and pray together, this is key to equip and encourage one another for ministry. 1-2 Sylheti-speakers from Sundays have occasionally been part of this (in addition to the
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Docusign Envelope ID: DC6F0F85-3772-4CAD-B49B-C1F799A2D961
Trustees’ Report 31 December 2023
Sylheti-speakers who are already members of the core team).
We run weekly women’s ESOL classes at a beginner and intermediate level on Wednesdays. Women have the opportunity to increase their English confidence, build new friendships, and hear a Bible story. We work hard to create a welcoming, peaceful, and distinctly Christian environment where women feel safe and loved.
A men’s ESOL class has yet been established, but we still make time to engage in smaller often one-to-one settings a few times a week. These engagements have been great for deepening relationships with a few men whom we hope will be open to reading the Bible and come on a Sunday.
We have small groups of individuals visit our book shop and library each day, usually men. Some visit more than once and we have interactive faith conversations with them.
We produce, edit, and send out videos onto Sylheti people’s Facebook feeds including weekly posts of videos from Matthew’s gospel along with comments and questions.
We also provide training to UK-based Christians and organise several other activities to engage with our communities and build relationships (as mentioned in the second paragraph under this heading).
We are supported by and work in partnership with St Helen’s Church Bishopsgate, Serge (a US based, nondenominational mission agency) and London City Mission.
We receive donations to fund our activities from individuals, trusts, and other churches and we are an entirely charitable organisation.
Approved by: Robert Alistair Scott, Chairman of the board of Trustees
7/31/2024 Approved on:
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Docusign Envelope ID: DC6F0F85-3772-4CAD-B49B-C1F799A2D961
Statement of Financial Activities
For the period between 6[th] September 2022 and 31[st] December 2023
| Notes Income and Expenditure Income Incoming resources from generated funds Voluntary Income 2 Income from charitable activities 3 Investment income 4 Total income Expenditure Cost of generating funds Charitable activities 5 Governance and administration 6 Total resources expended Net income for the period Transfers between funds 10 Net Movement in Funds Fund balances brought forward Total funds carried forward |
Unrestricted funds £ 29,677 2,232 50 31,959 - 10,510 1,174 11,684 20,275 (3,556) 16,719 - 16,719 |
Restricted funds £ 13,500 - - 13,500 - 11,374 - 11,374 2,126 3,556 5,682 - 5,682 |
Total for the Period September 2022 to December 2023 £ |
|---|---|---|---|
| 43,177 2,232 50 |
|||
| 45,459 - 21,884 1,174 |
|||
| 23,058 | |||
| 22,401 - |
|||
| 22,401 - |
|||
| 22,401 |
The charity has no recognised gains and losses on investment assts; therefore, no separate statement of total recognised gains and losses has been prepared.
These accounts cover all transactions from 6[th] September 2022 to 31[st] December 2023, the Charity’s bank account became active in May 2023.
The notes on pages 8 to 12 form part of these accounts.
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Docusign Envelope ID: DC6F0F85-3772-4CAD-B49B-C1F799A2D961
Balance sheet As at 31[st] December 2023
| Notes Current assets Debtors 8 Cash at bank and in hand Creditors: Amounts falling due within one year 9 Net current assets Total net assets Represented by: Funds and reserves 10 Unrestricted funds Restricted funds Total charitable funds |
31st December 2023 £ |
|---|---|
| 1,379 21,374 |
|
| 22,753 352 |
|
| 22,401 | |
| 22,401 | |
| 16,719 5,682 |
|
| 22,401 |
These accounts cover all transactions from 6[th] September 2022 to 31[st] December 2023, the Charity’s bank account became active in May 2023.
The notes on pages 8 to 12 form part of these accounts.
These accounts have been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to companies subject to the small companies’ regime.
For the financial period ended 31[st] December 2023 the company was entitled to exemption from audit under section 144(2) of the Charities Act 2011 (the 2011 Act) and an independent examination is needed.
The Trustees acknowledge their responsibilities for ensuring that the charity keeps accounting records which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charity as at the end of the reporting period and of the net movement in funds.
Approved by the Trustees and signed on their behalf by: Robert Alistair Scott - Chairman of the Board of Trustees
7/31/2024 Approved on:
Asha: A Community of Hope Charity registration number 1200292
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Docusign Envelope ID: DC6F0F85-3772-4CAD-B49B-C1F799A2D961
Notes to the Financial Statements for the period ended 31[st] December 2023
1 Accounting Policies
i. Basis of accounting
The accounts have been prepared under the historical cost convention, and in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011. Applicable accounting standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice) and the Statement of Recommended Practice “Accounting and Reporting by Charities” (SORP 2005) have been followed in these accounts.
ii. Income
Income is recognised in the period in which the charity is entitled to receipt, when the charity as unconditional entitlement to the income and the amount can be measured with reasonable certainty.
iii. Expenses and the basis of apportioning costs
Expenditure is included in the statement of financial activities when incurred and includes VAT which cannot be recovered.
Expenses comprise the following:
a. The costs of charitable activities comprise expenditure on the charity’s primary charitable purposes as described in the Trustees’ report.
b. Governance and Administration costs represent indirect charitable expenditure. To carry out the activities of the charity it is necessary to provide support in the form of personnel development, financial procedures, provision of office services and equipment and a suitable working environment.
iv. Funds structure
The funds of the charity comprise unrestricted funds, which can be expended at the discretion of the trustees in line with the governing document of the charity and restricted funds which have been given a specific designation by the donor.
v. Taxation
ASHA is a registered charity and therefore is not liable to income tax or corporation tax on income derived from its charitable activities, as it falls within the various exemptions available to registered charities.
The charity is not registered for Value Added Tax and therefore expenditure is recorded inclusive of VAT.
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Docusign Envelope ID: DC6F0F85-3772-4CAD-B49B-C1F799A2D961
Notes to the Financial Statements for the period ended 31[st] December 2023
2 Voluntary Income
| Voluntary Income | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Donations and gifts Individuals – church giving Individuals – other partners Churches Other Charities and trusts Gift aid income tax recoverable Other income Total |
Unrestricted £ 18,120 1,800 - 654 4,383 4,720 29,677 |
Restricted £ - 1,000 12,500 - - 13,500 |
Total for the Period September 2022 to December 2023 £ |
| 18,120 1,800 1,000 13,154 4,383 4,720 |
|||
| 43,177 |
3 Income from Charitable activities
| Income from Charitable activities | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Weekends Away Catering Total |
Unrestricted £ 2,197 35 2,232 |
Restricted £ - - - |
Total for the Period September 2022 to December 2023 £ |
| 2,197 35 |
|||
| 2,232 |
4 Investment income
| Bank interest Total |
Unrestricted £ 50 50 |
Restricted £ - - |
Total for the Period September 2022 to December 2023 £ |
|---|---|---|---|
| 50 | |||
| 50 |
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Docusign Envelope ID: DC6F0F85-3772-4CAD-B49B-C1F799A2D961
Notes to the Financial Statements for the period ended 31[st] December 2023
5 Charitable activities
| Charitable activities | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Staff Costs Weekends Away Digital media costs Outreach Activities Catering expenses Compassionate Giving ESOL Training Total |
Unrestricted £ - 3,222 2,074 2,158 1,960 753 308 35 10,510 |
Restricted £ 11,056 - 318 - - - - - 11,374 |
Total for the Period September 2022 to December 2023 £ |
| 11,056 3,222 2,392 2,158 1,960 753 308 35 |
|||
| 21,884 |
6 Governance and Administration Costs
| Professional services Licences/Membership costs Safeguarding costs Other costs Insurance costs Total |
Unrestricted £ 380 358 297 78 61 1,174 |
Restricted £ - - - - - - |
Total for the Period September 2022 to December 2023 £ |
|---|---|---|---|
| 380 358 297 78 61 |
|||
| 1,174 |
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Docusign Envelope ID: DC6F0F85-3772-4CAD-B49B-C1F799A2D961
Notes to the Financial Statements for the period ended 31[st] December 2023
7 Staff Costs
| Staff Costs | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Salaries and Wages Pension Costs Social security costs Total |
Un restricted £ - - - - |
Restricted £ 10,315 702 39 11,056 |
Total for the Period September 2022 to December 2023 £ |
| 10,315 702 39 |
|||
| 11,056 |
During the period, one part-time member of staff was employed by the charity.
No employees received remuneration exceeding £60,000.
None of the Trustees received any remuneration for their services as Trustees during the period. None of the Trustees were reimbursed any expenses incurred in the performance of their duties as Trustees.
8 Debtors
| Gift aid income tax recoverable Prepayments Total |
31st December 2023 £ |
|---|---|
| 899 480 |
|
| 1,379 |
9 Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
| Creditors: amounts falling due within one year | |
|---|---|
| Taxation and social security costs Professional services Accruals Total |
31st December 2023 £ |
| 20 50 282 |
|
| 352 |
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Docusign Envelope ID: DC6F0F85-3772-4CAD-B49B-C1F799A2D961
Notes to the Financial Statements for the period ended 31[st] December 2023
10 Funds
| Funds | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Unrestricted General fund Restricted Staffing fund Digital media fund Total |
Incoming resources £ 31,959 7,500 6,000 45,459 |
Outgoing resources £ (11,684) (11,056) (318) |
Transfers between funds £ (3,556) 3,556 - 0 |
Balances at 31st December 2023 £ |
| 16,719 - 5,682 |
||||
| (23,058) | 22,401 |
Unrestricted funds are available for use at the discretion of the Trustees in furtherance of the objectives of the charity.
The Staffing fund has been established to cover the cost of the part time worker.
The Digital media fund has been established to cover the cost of digital media costs of the charity.
11 Lease commitments
As at 31[st] December 2023 the charity had no lease commitments.
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Docusign Envelope ID: DC6F0F85-3772-4CAD-B49B-C1F799A2D961
Independent examiner’s report to the trustees of Asha: A Community of Hope
I report on the unaudited accounts of the charity for the period from 6[th] September 2022 to 31[st] December 2023 which are set out on pages 6 to 12.
Respective responsibilities of trustees and examiner
The trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. The trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year under section 144(2) of the Charities Act 2011 (the 2011 Act) and that an independent examination is needed.
Having satisfied myself that the charity is not subject to audit and is eligible for independent examination, it is my responsibility to:
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Examine the accounts under section 145 of the 2011 Act
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To follow the procedures laid down in the general Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act; and
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To state whether particular matters have come to my attention.
Basis of independent examiner’s report
My examination was carried out in accordance with the general Directions given by the Charity Commission. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items of disclosures in the accounts and seeking explanations from you as trustees concerning such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit and consequently no opinion is given as to whether these accounts present a “true and fair view” and the report is limited to those matters set out the statement below.
Independent examiner’s statement
In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention:
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(1) Which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect the requirements:
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to keep accounting records in accordance with section 130 of the 2011 Act ; and
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to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records, comply with the accounting requirements of the 2011 Act and with the methods and principles of the Statement of Recommended Practice: Accounting and Reporting by Charities
have not been met; or
- (2) to which in my opinion, attention should be drawn to in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
Name: Mr. Simon Giblin
Relevant Professional qualification or body: ACA (ICAEW)
Signature:
Address: 22 Hillcrest, London, N21 1AT
Date: 8/2/2024
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