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Leicestershire Congolese Mutual Group
Report of the Trustees: Performances and Financial Accounts
Since the Insertion of the Charity 05/12/2022 to 31/03/2024
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Leicestershire Congolese Mutual Group Trustees Annual reports
The Trustees of the Leicestershire Congolese Mutual Group are proud to present their first annual report and detailed financial statements for the period concluding on 31 March 2024. This comprehensive report summarises our diverse range of activities and notable achievements over the past year, illustrating our unwavering commitment to serving the Congolese community and other migrant communities in Leicester and throughout Leicestershire.
Within these pages, we emphasise the significant impact of our various initiatives, detailing the support and resources we have provided to our members. From educational programmes to cultural events, our efforts have aimed to empower individuals and foster a sense of belonging. As you read through the report, you will find a thorough account of how we have navigated challenges, celebrated successes, and strived to enhance the lives of those we serve during this pivotal year.
Reference and Administrative Details of the Charity
Name of Charity : Leicestershire Congolese Mutual Group Registered Charity No: 1201225
Charity’s principal address : EPWORTH METHODIST CHURCH, BLACKBIRD ROAD LEICESTER, LE4 0FW
The Charity Registration Number is : 1201225
Registered Company Number: This charity does not have a Company Number
Names of the charity trustees who managed the charity during this period:
Mr Tchimissa Bagalwa
Miss Nasha Mateko Luyindula
Mr Lenga Difumba
Mr Richard Diame Lutwamuzire
Structure, Governance and Management
Governing document: Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO)
How the charity is constituted : Management Committee.
Trustees’ selection methods : Elected by members at the AGM and Appointed by Other Trustees
During the current financial year, the organisation has been overseen by a management committee comprising four trustees: the Chair, Secretary, and Treasurer, along with four advisors to the board. Furthermore, the organisation has greatly benefited from the involvement of 12 community volunteers and a dedicated team actively engaged in various projects.
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Objects and Aims of the Charity
The objects of the CIO are: “The relief of migrants, refugees, Congolese people and asylum seekers and their dependants living in Leicestershire who are in need by reason of youth, age, ill health or disability, financial hardship or other disadvantage, in particular but not exclusively by providing services of interpreting, translating, advocacy, health/housing advice employment advice and IT skills training.”
Performance Activities
Mutual Befriending
The Leicestershire Congolese Mutual Group is a dynamic community interest organization passionately dedicated to fostering a spirit of mutual support among its members. During the reporting period ending in March 2024, we engaged in a range of heartfelt activities that celebrated and uplifted our community through significant life events.
We took joy in presenting thoughtful gifts to our graduates, celebrating their hard work and achievements as they stepped into new chapters of their lives. When new births occurred, we extended our warmest congratulations, sharing in the joy of expanding families. On wedding days, we honored couples by recognizing their commitment to one another, creating lasting memories of love and celebration.
In times of serious illness, we stood by our members, offering compassionate assistance to help navigate their challenges. Furthermore, we provided essential food parcels to those facing difficulties, ensuring that no one in our community goes hungry.
At the heart of all our activities lies an unwavering commitment to the well-being and success of our members, fostering a strong sense of belonging and support within our vibrant community.
Independence of the DR Congo
The event was a vibrant and festive celebration, beautifully organised in partnership with various community organisations and partners of LCMG. This gathering served as a testament to our enduring commitment to fostering community cohesion, bringing together individuals from a rich tapestry of cultural backgrounds.
As attendees arrived, they were greeted by the joyous sounds of live music echoing through the air, drawing everyone into a lively atmosphere. The aroma of traditional foods wafted from colourful stalls, offering a mouthwatering selection of dishes that tantalised the taste buds. Throughout the day, captivating storytelling sessions captivated audiences, immersing them in tales that resonated with their own cultural heritage.
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Children laughed and played, bouncing from engaging games to spirited dance activities, filling the space with delightful energy. Together, we celebrated the unique diversity that defines our community, forging connections and deepening understanding among neighbours who, while coming from different walks of life, share a common space and purpose.
Advocacy Support
During this financial reporting period, we have actively engaged in providing a diverse range of specialized advice, advocacy, and comprehensive support services through our dedicated WhatsApp group. This dynamic platform serves as a vital communication tool, allowing both members and non-members to stay well-informed about a wide array of opportunities related to employment, business ventures, financial benefits, and important changes in relevant policies.
The information and resources shared within this group have profoundly impacted the lives of our beneficiaries, enabling them to make informed decisions and access valuable opportunities. As a result, our reputation has flourished as a trusted provider of holistic services, demonstrating our commitment to uplifting and empowering the community we serve.
Our partnership
We are deeply committed to supporting and engaging with our vibrant local community. Our efforts has been included collaboration with notable organisations such as the African Heritage Alliance (AHA), which we helped as they successfully navigated the process of securing an asset transfer for the African Caribbean Center through Leicester City Council. In addition to AHA, we work alongside the Afro Innovation Group, various Leicester-based French-speaking organizations, and a multitude of other community projects that enrich our shared culture.
We focused on collaborating with Congolese refugees, various community groups, and faith organizations. Through these partnerships, we aim to create an inclusive environment where individuals can develop meaningful social connections. Our goal is to empower our target group, enabling them to actively participate in community life while ensuring they feel safe and welcomed in their neighbourhoods. Our initiative seeks to cultivate a stronger, more connected community where everyone can thrive.
Achievements
Receiving the Big Lottery Award for All funding was a significant milestone for LCMG and our first opportunity to expand our holistic support services for the Congolese community and other migrants across the city and county.
The project aimed to promote and maintain positive health and well-being within the Congolese and other Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic (BAME) communities living in
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Leicester City and throughout Leicestershire. It specifically targeted parents and their children by providing early intervention and prevention solutions, which helped them remain healthy, active, and independent after a prolonged period of dealing with COVID-19.
We offered a mixed portfolio of sports and activity sessions, including football for young people every Saturday and jogging activities for both parents and children. Our goal was to bring people together in groups to help them improve their health and fitness and enhance their sports-related skills.
During this reporting period, we supported approximately 165 migrant families, encompassing around 100 unique individuals. Our initiatives focused on helping these families rebuild their fitness levels through various physical activities and exercise programs tailored to their needs. In addition, we offered comprehensive information on maintaining a healthy diet, including workshops on nutrition, cooking demonstrations, and personalised dietary guidance. This holistic approach aims to empower individuals and families to improve their overall well-being and make informed choices about their health.
Report Signed by (Names and Signature):
Chair of Trustees: Tchimissa Bagalwa
The Secretary: Nasha Mateko Luyindula
The Treasurer: Lenga Difumba
Leicestershire Congolese Mutual Group
Financial
Accounts
Receipts and 6 payments accounts For the To period from 05/12/2022 31/03/2024
CC16a
| Section A Receipts and payments | Section A Receipts and payments | Section A Receipts and payments | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A1 Receipts | Unrestricted funds to the nearest £ |
Restricted funds to the nearest £ |
Endowme nt funds to the nearest £ |
Total funds to the nearest £ - 10,000 2,420 - - - 14,250 |
Last year to the nearest £ - 1,830 - - - 1,830 - - - - - - - - - - - - |
||
| - | - | - | - | ||||
| Grants & Donation | 10,000 - | - | 10,000 | ||||
| Membershipcontributions | 2,420 | - | 2,420 | ||||
| Interest | - | - | - | - | |||
| Gift and Aid Receipts | - | - | - | - | |||
| - | - | - | - | ||||
| Subtotal(Gross income for AR) |
2,420 | 10,000 | - | 14,250 | |||
| A2 Asset and investment sales, | |||||||
| - | - | - | - | - | |||
| Sub total | - | - | - | - | - | ||
| Total receipts A3 Payments |
- - - - - - - - - - |
14,250 840 1,220 1,300 500 3,850 650 560 - 8,920 |
|||||
| 2,420 | 10,000 | - | |||||
| Rent & Venue Hire | 840 | - | 840 | - | |||
| Volunteers Expenses | - | 1,220 | - | 1,220 | - | ||
| Staff Costs | 160.00 | 1,140 | - | 1,300 | - | ||
| Management and Administration | 500.00 | - | - | 500 | - | ||
| Activities Cost | 1,000.00 | 2,850 | - | 3,850 | - | ||
| Project Monitoring, Evaluation & Reporting |
- | 650 | - | 650 | - | ||
| Marketing and Promotion | - | 560.00 | - | 560 | - | ||
| - | - | - | - | - | |||
| Sub total | 1,660 | 7,260 | - | 8,920 | - |
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A4 Asset and investment purchases, (see table)
| A4 Asset and investment purchases, (see table) |
|||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| - | - | - | - | ||||
| Sub total | - | - | - | - | - | ||
| Total payments Net of receipts/(payments) A5 Transfers between funds A6 Cash funds last year end Cash funds this year end |
- - - - - |
||||||
| 760 | 2,545 | - | 5,330 | - | |||
| 760 | 2,545 | - | 5,330 | - | |||
| - | - | - | - | - | |||
| - | 1,830 | - | 1,830 | - | |||
| 760 | 4,375 | - | 7,160 | - |
Section B Statement of assets and liabilities at the end of the period
| Categories B1 Cash funds B2 Other monetary assets |
Details | Unrestrict ed funds to nearest £ 830 - - 830 Agreement Error Unrestrict ed funds to nearest £ - - - - - |
Restricted funds to nearest £ 1,000 - - 5,375 Agreement Error Restricted funds to nearest £ - - - - - |
Endowment funds to nearest £ |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Previous Cash at Bank | 830 | - | ||
| - | - | |||
| - | - | |||
| Total cash funds | 830 | - | ||
| (agree balances with receipts and payments account(s)) Details |
OK | |||
| Endowment funds to nearest £ |
||||
| - | - | |||
| - | - | - | ||
| - | - | - | ||
| - | - | |||
| - | - | - | ||
| - | - | - |
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B3 Investment assets
B4 Assets retained for the charity’s own use
B5 Liabilities
Signed by one or two trustees on behalf of all the trustees
| Details Fund to which asset belongs Details Fund to which asset belongs Computer Use Donated Office Space Donation Details Fund to which liability relates Rent Contribution Due Signature Print Name |
Details Fund to which asset belongs Details Fund to which asset belongs Computer Use Donated Office Space Donation Details Fund to which liability relates Rent Contribution Due Signature Print Name |
|---|---|
| Tchimissa Bagalwa | |
| Lenga Difumba |