Docusign Envelope ID: ACAC8F53-D8B9-451C-9D3D-9EE4E9998465
Asha: A Community of Hope
Annual Report and Accounts
01 January 2024 to 31 December 2024
Charity Registration Number 1200292
Docusign Envelope ID: ACAC8F53-D8B9-451C-9D3D-9EE4E9998465
Contents
Reports
Reference and administrative details of the charity, its Trustees, and advisers Trustees’ report
Financial statements
| Financial statements | |
|---|---|
| Statement of | |
| financial activities | 6 |
| Balance sheet | 7 |
| Notes to the financial statements | 8 |
Asha: A Community of Hope
Docusign Envelope ID: ACAC8F53-D8B9-451C-9D3D-9EE4E9998465
Trustees Robert Alistair Scott Scott Paul Burdsall Akik Miah Dr. Scarlett Louise Gard Abigail Virgo Emily Tanquary 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: ACAC8F53-D8B9-451C-9D3D-9EE4E9998465
Trustees’ Report 31 December 2024
The Trustees present their report with the accounts of the charitable company for the year from 1[st] January 2024 to 31[st] December 2024.
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 |
| Emily Tanquary | Trustee | Appointed 17thJanuary 2024 |
*This Trustee became a member of staff on 1st July after a TUPE process, and as agreed in the Trustee Meetings of January and April 2024
** 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.
Asha: A Community of Hope 2
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Trustees’ Report 31 December 2024
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
Financial position and reserves policy
For the Period ended 31 December 2024 donations of £186,497 (2022-2023: £43,177) were received from supporting churches, individuals and trusts, ASHA spent £96,651 (2022-2023: £23,058) to further the objectives of the charity in the same period, and the funds at the period end were £117,382 (2023: £22,401), of which funds £4,890 are restricted (2023: £5,682).
The charity is mainly dependent on voluntary donations from individuals, churches, and trusts with a small amount of income from charitable activities and investment income. 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.
The total un restricted reserves at the period end were £112,492 (2023: £16,719) which represents more than three months of adjusted budgeted expenditure for 2025 (£45,150).
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.
Asha: A Community of Hope 3
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Trustees’ Report 31 December 2024
- 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, the 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 and Highlights for 2024
“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.
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 become more stable over 2024, with usually 20-30 people in attendance. Of these people, usually a third to a half are Sylheti-speakers. For special events like Christmas, we have had 70-80 people join us. Our teaching has mostly been from Matthew’s Gospel this year and learning what it looks like to follow Jesus the Messiah. One highlight was being able to meet throughout the summer, unlike previous years. We were able to do this due to the stable regular attendance of people each week.
On Tuesday Evenings we meet to study the bible and pray together. This is key to equip and encourage one another for life and ministry. We have looked at the Bible books of Psalms, Malachi and Exodus in 2024.
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, understand more about UK culture, and to hear a Bible story. We work hard to create a welcoming, peaceful, and distinctly Christian environment where women feel safe and loved. Around 30 women have come each week, with attendance being more regular than previously.
A men’s ESOL class has also been established this year. This is smaller than the women’s classes, with 4-8 men coming each week, but it is an encouraging start after a previous lack of interest.
We have small groups of individuals visit our Shantir Boi book shop and library each day, usually men. Some visit more than once, and we have interactive faith conversations with them. In the Spring we moved Shantir Boi from near Brick Lane into the venue where we meet on Sundays and for ESOL. This has enabled us to keep the building open throughout the working week and to serve the local community better.
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. Several thousand people have watched the videos
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Trustees’ Report 31 December 2024
posted in 2024.
We also provide training to UK-based Christians and organise several other activities with visitors from overseas to engage with our community and build relationships. In 2024 we hosted nearly 200 people at different times of training and outreach.
We are mainly supported by and work in partnership with St Helen’s Church Bishopsgate, Serge (a US based, non-denominational mission agency) and London City Mission.
We receive donations to fund our activities from individuals, trusts, and other churches both in the United Kingdom and the United States of America, and we are an entirely charitable organisation.
Approved by: Robert Alistair Scott, Chairman of the board of Trustees
3/17/2025 Approved on:
Asha: A Community of Hope 5
Docusign Envelope ID: ACAC8F53-D8B9-451C-9D3D-9EE4E9998465
Statement of Financial Activities
For the year between 1[st] January 2024 and 31[st] December 2024
| Year from | Period from | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Un | Restricted | 1 January 2024 | 6 September 2022 | ||
| restricted | funds | to 31 December 2024 | to 31 December 2023 | ||
| funds | |||||
| £ | £ | £ | £ | ||
| Note | |||||
| Income and Expenditure | |||||
| Income | |||||
| Incoming resources from | |||||
| generated funds: | |||||
| Voluntary Income | 2 | 174,047 | 12,450 | 186,497 | 43,177 |
| Income from charitable activities |
3 | 3,857 | - | 3,857 |
2,232 |
| Investment income | 4 | 1,278 | - | 1,278 |
50 |
| Total income | 179,182 | 12,450 | 191,632 | 45,459 | |
| Expenditure | |||||
| Cost of generating funds | 5 | 2,198 | - | 2,198 |
0 |
| Charitable activities | 5 | 74,321 | 13,242 | 87,563 | 21,884 |
| Governance and administration |
6 | 6,890 | - | 6,890 |
1,174 |
| Total resources | |||||
| expended | 83,409 | 13,242 | 96,651 | 23,058 | |
| Net income for the period | 95,773 | -792 | 94,981 | 22,401 | |
| Transfers between funds | 10 | - | - |
- | - |
| Net Movement in Funds | 95,773 | -792 | 94,981 | 22,401 | |
| Fund balances brought | |||||
| forward | 16,719 | 5,682 | 22,401 | - | |
| Total funds carried | |||||
| forward | 112,492 | 4,890 | 117,382 | 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.
The notes on pages 8 to 12 form part of these accounts.
Asha: A Community of Hope 6
Docusign Envelope ID: ACAC8F53-D8B9-451C-9D3D-9EE4E9998465
Balance sheet
As at 31[st] December 2024
| Notes Current assets Debtors 8 Cash and cash equivalents 9 Creditors: Amounts falling due within one year 10 Net current assets Total net assets Represented by: Funds and reserves 11 Unrestricted funds Restricted funds Total charitable funds |
31st December 2024 £ 7,478 115,661 123,139 5,757 117,382 117,382 112,492 4,890 117,382 |
31st December 2023 £ |
|---|---|---|
| 1,379 21,374 |
||
| 22,753 352 |
||
| 22,401 | ||
| 22,401 | ||
| 16,719 5,682 |
||
| 22,401 |
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 2024 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
3/17/2025
Approved on:
Asha: A Community of Hope
Charity registration number 1200292
Asha: A Community of Hope 7
Docusign Envelope ID: ACAC8F53-D8B9-451C-9D3D-9EE4E9998465
Notes to the Financial Statements for the year ended 31[st] December 2024
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:
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a. The costs of charitable activities comprise expenditure on the charity’s primary charitable purposes as described in the Trustees’ report.
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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.
Asha: A Community of Hope 8
Docusign Envelope ID: ACAC8F53-D8B9-451C-9D3D-9EE4E9998465
Notes to the Financial Statements for the year ended 31[st] December 2024
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 |
Un restricted £ 31,623 57,775 71,210 1,957 7,301 4,181 174,047 |
Restricted £ 4,950 7,500 12,450 |
Year from 1 January 2024 to 31 December 2024 £ 31,623 57,775 76,160 9,457 7,301 4,181 186,497 |
The period from 6 September 2022 to 31 December 2023 £ |
| 18,120 1,800 1,000 13,154 4,383 4,720 |
||||
| 43,177 |
3 Income from Charitable activities
| Weekends Away Bookshop income Catering Total Investment income Bank interest Total |
Un restricted £ 2,907 950 3,857 Un restricted £ 1,278 1,278 |
Restricted £ - 0 Restricted £ - 0 |
Year from 1 January 2024 to 31 December 2024 £ |
The period from 6 September 2022 to 31 December 2023 £ |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2,907 950 |
2,197 - 35 |
||||
| 3,857 | 2,232 | ||||
| Year from 1 January 2024 to 31 December 2024 £ 1,278 1,278 |
The period from 6 September 2022 to 31 December 2023 £ |
||||
| 50 | |||||
| 50 |
4 Investment income
Asha: A Community of Hope 9
Docusign Envelope ID: ACAC8F53-D8B9-451C-9D3D-9EE4E9998465
Notes to the Financial Statements for the year ended 31[st] December 2024
5 Charitable activities
| Charitable activities | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Staff Costs Weekends Away Digital media costs Outreach Activities Catering expenses Compassionate Giving ESOL Training Bookshop costs Total* |
Un restricted £ 63,158 4,978 - 1,672 1,033 1,725 532 1,223 2,198 76,519 |
Restricted £ 12,450 - 792 - - - - - 13,242 |
Year from 1 January 2024 to 31 December 2024 £ 75,608 4,978 792 1,672 1,033 1,725 532 1,223 2,198 89,761 |
The period from 6 September 2022 to 31 December 2023 £ |
| 11,056 3,222 2,392 2,158 1,960 753 308 35 - |
||||
| 21,884 |
*Cost of generating funds
- 6 Governance and Administration Costs
| Professional services Licences/Membership costs Safeguarding costs Other costs Insurance costs Premises costs Total |
Un restricted £ 1,700 579 413 325 273 3,600 6,890 |
Restricted £ - - - - - - - |
Year from 1 January 2024 to 31 December 2024 £ 1,700 579 413 325 273 3,600 6,890 |
The period from 6 September 2022 to 31 December 2023 £ 380 358 297 78 61 - 1,174 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Asha: A Community of Hope 10
Docusign Envelope ID: ACAC8F53-D8B9-451C-9D3D-9EE4E9998465
Notes to the Financial Statements for the year ended 31[st] December 2024
7 Staff Costs
| Staff Costs | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Salaries and Wages Taxation and social security costs Pension Costs Total |
Un restricted £ 45,776 9,389 7,993 63,158 |
Restricted £ 12,450 - 12,450 |
Year from 1 January 2024 to 31 December 2024 £ 58,226 9,389 7,993 75,608 |
The period from 6 September 2022 to 31 December 2023 £ |
| 10,315 39 702 |
||||
| 11,056 |
During the period, one part-time and two full time members of staff were employed by the charity. (The two full time members were effective from 1[st] July 2024 after a TUPE process).
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 2024 £ 158 7,320 7,478 |
31st December 2023 £ |
|---|---|---|
| 899 480 |
||
| 1,379 |
9 Cash and cash equivalents
| Cash in hand Notice deposits (less than 3 months) Notice deposits (less than 6 months) Total |
31st December 2024 £ 9,318 50,543 55,800 115,661 |
31st December 2023 £ |
|---|---|---|
| 11,308 10,066 |
||
| 21,374 |
Asha: A Community of Hope 11
Docusign Envelope ID: ACAC8F53-D8B9-451C-9D3D-9EE4E9998465
Notes to the Financial Statements for the year ended 31[st] December 2024
10 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 2024 £ 5,757 0 0 5,757 |
31st December 2023 £ |
|
| 20 50 282 |
|||
| 352 |
11 Funds
| Unrestricted General fund Restricted Staffing fund Digital media fund Total |
Incoming resources Outgoing resources £ £ 179,182 (83,409) 12,450 (12,450) 0 (792) 191,632 (96,651) |
Balances at 31st December 2024 £ 112,492 - 4,890 117,382 |
Balances at 31st December 2023 £ 16,719 - 5,682 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.
12 Lease commitments
As at 31[st] December 2024 the charity had no Legal lease commitments; the charity has taken over payments under a predecessor lease for the Husk venue from St Helens Bishopsgate, however at the time of preparing these accounts the new Lease with the charity has not yet been signed. The below table represents the Lease payments the charity has committed to for the year 2025 that will be reflected in the new Lease Agreement.
| Expiring in less than one year Expiring between one and five years |
31st December 2024 £ 7,200 - |
31st December 2023 £ |
|---|---|---|
| - - |
Asha: A Community of Hope 12
Docusign Envelope ID: ACAC8F53-D8B9-451C-9D3D-9EE4E9998465
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 1[st] January 2024 to 31[st] December 2024 which are set out on pages 6 to 13.
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
Signature:
Relevant Professional qualification or body: ACA (ICAEW)
Address: 22 Hillcrest, London, N21 1AT
3/17/2025 Date:
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