2025-03-31-accounts

Al Wahda Charity – Annual Report of Trustees

• Charity Number: 1200782

• Reporting Period: 1 April 2024 to 31 March 2025

1. Purpose of this Report

Al Wahda Charity is a registered charity and a public benefit entity. The trustees have prepared this Annual Report and accompanying financial statements in accordance with the Charities Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP FRS 102) and applicable UK charity law.

This report provides:

• A summary of the Charity’s purposes, the resources available to it, how those resources have been applied, and the achievements resulting from its activities.

• An overview of the Charity’s objectives, strategies, performance, and the impact of its work for the benefit of the public.

• Information for stakeholders, including donors, funders, service users, and members of the public, to assess the trustees’ stewardship of charitable funds and the effectiveness of the Charity’s management and governance.

2. Objectives and Activities

Summary of the Charity’s Purposes (SORP 1.17)

The purposes of Al Wahda Charity, as set out in its governing document, are:

1. Advancement of Religion To advance the religion of Islam, including (but not exclusively) through the provision of facilities for worship and Islamic education in accordance with the teachings of the Qur’an and the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him), as interpreted by the Ahle Sunnah Wal Jammah school of thought.

2. Advancement of Education To advance education for the benefit of the general public, including (but not exclusively) through the provision and support of educational activities and facilities, such as a supplementary school (Madrassa).

3. Social Welfare and Wellbeing To provide or assist in the provision of facilities in the interests of social welfare for recreation or leisure-time occupation for individuals in need by reason of youth, age,

infirmity, disability, financial hardship, or social circumstances, with the aim of improving their quality of life.

1. Relief of Poverty and Hardship

2. To relieve financial hardship among people in need, including (but not exclusively) through the provision of grants, food, clean water, clothing, and other essential items, services, and facilities.

3. Public Benefit and Main Activities (SORP 1.17 and 1.19)

All of Al Wahda’s activities during the reporting period were funded through voluntary donations from members of the community. The Charity did not receive any grant funding.

Key activities undertaken to deliver public benefit included:

• Community Engagement and Digital Development Development of a dedicated mobile application to improve communication with the community, facilitate access to services, and extend outreach to a wider audience.

• Religious Services and Education Hosting congregational prayers, seminars, and religious gatherings at venues across Evington, Thurnby Lodge, Northfields, Hamilton, and Thurmaston, supporting the spiritual needs of local communities.

• Wellbeing and Educational Classes Establishment of children’s and adult wellbeing and educational classes, initially delivered online and later in person at the Charity’s premises at 15 Highview Close, Hamilton, Leicester.

• Food and Hardship Support Provision of food parcels and clothing to households experiencing vulnerability and financial hardship, particularly during the winter months and in response to the rising cost of living. Financial assistance was also provided, on a discretionary basis, to households facing severe energy bill arrears. The Charity also delivered a public awareness campaign, the “Winter Warm Zone” initiative, to promote winter wellbeing and safety.

4. Public Benefit Statement (SORP 1.18)

The trustees confirm that they have had due regard to the Charity Commission’s guidance on public benefit in carrying out the Charity’s purposes and in preparing this report.

5. Grant Making

Al Wahda Charity did not receive or distribute grant or public funds during the reporting period. All activities were supported through voluntary donations from members of the community and service users.

6. Volunteers and Staffing

The Charity relies heavily on the commitment and expertise of its volunteers, who play a vital role in delivering services and supporting operations. Volunteers contribute across a wide range of functions, including:

• Community outreach and awareness raising

• Mobile application development and maintenance

• Donation collection and fundraising

• Delivery of food parcels and hardship support

• Premises management and administration

Al Wahda has one paid staff member, who serves as a teacher within the Madrassa programme.

7. Achievements and Impact

During the reporting period, Al Wahda Charity achieved the following key outcomes:

• Digital Engagement The launch of the Charity’s mobile application significantly improved communication with service users and broadened outreach, supporting individuals with both wellbeing and religious needs.

• Establishment of Premises The Charity established a dedicated community premises at 15 Highview Close, Hamilton, Leicester, enabling the delivery of a wide range of services, including congregational prayers, counselling sessions, educational workshops, Tea & Talk sessions with guest speakers, food bank provision, and community events during Ramadan and other significant periods in the Islamic calendar.

• Counselling and Wellbeing Support Over the reporting period, the Charity supported 40 service users through counselling services, contributing to improved mental health, wellbeing, and quality of life.

• Food Bank and Hardship Support The Charity supported an average of 18 households per month with food parcels, ensuring access to essential meals during periods of crisis.

• Community Sponsorship

Al Wahda received regular sponsorship and donations from two local businesses:

  - Bond Adams Solicitors: £1,200

  - MK Chauffeuring: £800

     - These contributions supported the Charity’s operational costs and rising premisesrelated expenses.

• Madrassa Growth

• The Madrassa programme grew to 45 students, generating approximately £1,300 in income to support running costs and strengthening the Charity’s educational impact within the community.

8. Charting Progress and Performance

A key objective for the Charity has been to work towards financial sustainability, enabling effective planning and consistent delivery of services. In the next reporting period, the Charity aims to measure the balance between donations and regular income as a percentage of total funding.

The Charity will also set realistic and measurable targets for food bank provision and free counselling services to ensure continued accountability and focus on community needs.

The trustees continue to monitor rising costs associated with utilities and rates for the Charity’s premises, taking steps to ensure best value and mitigate financial pressures.

9. Financial Review

The trustees refer to the financial statements prepared by Mr Adeel Chogtai for detailed financial information for the reporting period.

Summary (31 March 2024 to 31 March 2025)

• Opening Balance: £9,305.90

• Donations Received: £15,828.56

The increase in overheads and costs is primarily attributable to the rental of the Charity’s premises and associated utility charges, which commenced in December 2023.

10. Future Plans (April 2025 to March 2027)

Al Wahda Charity is committed to expanding its impact and strengthening its services. Key priorities include:

• Establishing a secular education facility in Leicester to meet the diverse educational needs of the wider community.

• Continuing to provide a safe and supportive counselling service for individuals facing personal and social challenges.

• Expanding food bank and hardship support services to ensure all eligible referrals are met in a timely and dignified manner.

These objectives reflect the Charity’s commitment to unity, compassion, and sustainable community development.

11. Governance and Management

Al Wahda Charity is governed by a Board of three trustees, one of whom is appointed as Chief Executive Officer (CEO).

• Strategic and Financial Decisions: Made collectively by the trustees and formally documented at monthly meetings.

• Operational Management: Day-to-day activities, including premises management, are supported by the trustees and the volunteer team.

All trustees and volunteers are subject to DBS checks and adhere to the Charity’s policies on safeguarding of children and adults, lone working, and health and safety.

12. Principal Sources of Funding

The Charity’s main sources of income are:

• Monthly Madrassa fees

• Donations from service users and members of the public

• Anonymous community donations

These combined sources enable the Charity to continue delivering essential services.

13. Principal Risks and Uncertainties

The trustees have identified the following key risks:

1. Reduction in Madrassa Student Numbers A decline in student enrolment would reduce regular income and increase financial pressure on meeting premises and operational costs.

2. Rising Operational Costs Increases in rent, energy, and utility charges may require additional fundraising to sustain services.

3. Reduced Donations and Sponsorship A downturn in community or business support could impact the Charity’s ability to meet rising demand for hardship services.

4. Volunteer Capacity A reduction in volunteer numbers may affect the Charity’s ability to deliver services effectively.

14. Contracts and Commitments

The Charity entered into a five-year lease agreement for its premises at 15 Highview Close, Hamilton, commencing on 19 December 2023. The trustees regularly review financial performance to ensure the Charity can meet its obligations and continue to deliver its objectives.

Declarations

The trustees declare that they have approved this Annual Report.

Signed on behalf of the Charity’s trustees:

Signature: Zulkarnain

Name: Mohammed Zulkarnain Raji

Position: Chief Executive Officer

Date: 30 January 2026

Signature: Firdaus Kadri

Position: Trustee

Date: 30 January 2026

Signature: Farhan Adam

Position: Trustee

Date: 30 January 2026