Trustees’ Annual Report for the period
From April 2024 Period start date To Period end date April 2025
Charity name: Friends of Refugees London
Charity registration number: 1200601
Objectives and Activities
| SORP reference | ||
|---|---|---|
| Summary of the purposes of the charity as set out in its governing document |
Para 1.17 | To promote social inclusion for the public benefit among people who are seeking asylum, those granted refugee status and their dependents and vulnerable migrants in London who are socially excluded on the grounds of their social and economic position. |
| Summary of the main activities in relation to those purposes for the public benefit, in particular, the activities, projects or services identified in the accounts. |
Para 1.17 and 1.19 |
A befriending network that encourages and enables the above individuals to participate more effectively with the wider community. Advocacy and general support including through accompanying individuals to appointments such as medical, with the local or immigration authority. Signposting to other charities and agencies for services beyond the charity’s remit. |
| Statement confirming whether the trustees have had regard to the guidance issued by the Charity Commission on public benefit |
Para 1.18 | The trustees confirm that they have had due regard to the guidance issued by the Charity Commission on public benefit. In our decision-making processes, we have carefully considered the principle set out in that guidance to ensure our activities deliver clear and meaningful public benefit. |
Additional information (optional) You may choose to include further statements where relevant about:
SORP reference N/A Para 1.38 Policy on grant making N/A Para 1.38 Policy on social investment including program related investment
Contribution made by Para 1.38 volunteers N/A Other
Achievements and Performance
| SORP reference | ||
|---|---|---|
| Summary of the main achievements of the charity, identifying the difference the charity’s work has made to the circumstances of its beneficiaries and any wider benefits to society as a whole. |
Para 1.20 | Friends of Refugees London has made a significant impact by providing 1-1 face-to- face befriending services to refugees predominately in the London Borough of Lewisham. This in turn has helped reduce social isolation and supported the wellbeing of often marginalised individuals by fostering a sense of community and belonging. Beyond individual benefits, the charity’s efforts have contributed to a more inclusive and compassionate society. This work enriches society, encouraging diversity and empathy within the community. Recruited and trained 15 volunteers, 6 befriending matches Continued relationship with 2 organisational partners in the local area. |
Additional information (optional) You may choose to include further statements where relevant about:
| Achievements against objectives set |
Para 1.41 | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance of fundraising activities against objectives set |
Para 1.41 | |
| Investment performance against objectives |
Para 1.41 | |
| Other |
Financial Review
| Financial Review | ||
|---|---|---|
| Review of the charity’s financial position at the end of the period |
Para 1.21 | No income or funds raised. Minor expenditure funded by the Trustees. |
| Statement explaining the policy for holding reserves stating why they are held |
Para 1.22 | N/A |
| Amount of reserves held | Para 1.22 | Nil |
| Reasons for holding zero reserves |
Para 1.22 | No significant expenditure |
| Details of fund materially in deficit |
Para 1.24 | N/A |
| Explanation of any uncertainties about the charity continuing as a going concern |
Para 1.23 | N/A |
Additional information (optional)
You may choose to include further statements where relevant about:
The charity’s principal sources of funds (including any fundraising) |
Para 1.47 |
|
|---|---|---|
| Investment policy and objectives including any social investment policy adopted |
Para 1.46 | |
| A description of the principal risks facing the charity |
Para 1.46 | |
| Other |
Structure, Governance and Management
| Description of charity’s trusts: |
||
|---|---|---|
| Type of governing document (trust deed, royal charter) |
Para 1.25 | Constitution |
| How is the charity constituted? (e.g unincorporated association, CIO) |
Para 1.25 | CIO |
| Trustee selection methods including details of any constitutional provisions e.g. election to post or name of any person or body entitled to appoint one or more trustees |
Para 1.25 | In selecting individuals for appointment as charity trustees, the charity trustees must have regard to the skills, knowledge and experience needed for the effective administration of the Charity. The charity trustees endeavour to seek applications from individuals who have experience of forced displacement. |
Additional information (optional)
You may choose to include further statements where relevant about:
Policies and procedures adopted for the induction Para 1.51 and training of trustees The charity’s organisational structure and any wider Para 1.51 network with which the charity works Relationship with any related Para 1.51 parties Other
Reference and Administrative details
| Charityname | Friends of Refugees London |
|---|---|
| Other name the charity uses | |
| Registered charitynumber | 1200601 |
| Charity’s principal address | Friends of Refugees 3rd Floor, 86-90 Paul Street, London EC2A 4NE |
Names of the charity trustees who manage the charity
| 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 |
Trustee name | Office (if any) | Dates acted if not for whole year |
Name of person (or body) entitled to appoint trustee (if any) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Karen Canty | ||||
| Shaharazad Abuel- Ealeh |
||||
| Frances Ray | ||||
| Josephine Poedenphant |
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| Essette Emmanuel | September 2024 | |||
– Corporate trustees names of the directors at the date the report was approved Director name
Name of trustees holding title to property belonging to the charity
Trustee name Dates acted if not for whole year
Funds held as custodian trustees on behalf of others
Description of the assets N/A held in this capacity
Name and objects of the N/A charity on whose behalf the assets are held and how this falls within the custodian charity’s objects
Details of arrangements for N/A safe custody and segregation of such assets from the charity’s own assets
Additional information (optional)
Names and addresses of advisers (Optional information)
Type of Name Address adviser
Name of chief executive or names of senior staff members (Optional information)
Exemptions from disclosure
Reason for non-disclosure of key personnel details
Other optional information
Declarations
The trustees declare that they have approved the trustees’ report above.
Signed on behalf of the charity’s trustees
Signature(s) Shaharazad Salas Abuel-Ealeh Full name(s) Essette Gebra Emmanuel Position (eg Secretary, Trustee Trustee Chair, etc) Date 28 March 2025