2025-03-31-accounts

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Leicestershire Congolese Mutual Group

Annual Reports: Trustees and Financial Account

Financial Period

01/04/2024- 31/03/2025

1.	INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................. 2
2.	REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS ........................................................ 2
3.	STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE, AND MANAGEMENT ................................................ 2
4.	OBJECTS AND AIMS OF THE CHARITY .................................................................. 2
5.	SUMMARY OF MEETINGS (APRIL 2024 – MARCH 2025) ........................................... 3
6.	GENERAL ASSEMBLY 2024 .................................................................................. 3
7.	PERFORMANCE AND ACTIVITIES (2024–2025) .......................................................... 4
	7.1. Mutual Support and Community Assistance .......................................................................... 4
	7.2. Independence Day of the Democratic Republic of Congo ....................................................... 4
	7.3. “Meet Again” Project – Big Lottery Fund ................................................................................. 4
	7.4. Advocacy Support ................................................................................................................ 4
	7.5. Partnerships and Collaboration ............................................................................................ 4
	7.6. Launch of New Health Project .............................................................................................. 4
8.	OVERALL ACHIEVEMENTS ...................................................................................... 5
9.	Financial Account………………………………………………………………………………….6

1. INTRODUCTION

The Trustees of the Leicestershire Congolese Mutual Group (LCMG) present the annual report for the period 1 April 2024 to 31 March 2025. This report highlights the organisation’s achievements, governance, partnerships, community activities, and overall performance during a year marked by continued growth, successful project delivery, and strengthened community support.

Throughout this period, LCMG continued to provide essential support to migrants, refugees, Congolese people, asylum seekers, and other disadvantaged groups across Leicester and Leicestershire. Our work remained centred on promoting social inclusion, improving wellbeing, and strengthening community resilience through practical assistance, cultural engagement, and advocacy.

2. REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS

Name of Charity: Leicestershire Congolese Mutual Group Registered Charity Number: 1201225

Principal Address: Epworth Methodist Church, Blackbird Road, Leicester, LE4 0FW

Trustees during the reporting period included:

Mr. Tchimissa Bagalwa
Miss Nasha Mateko Luyindula
Mrs. Rose Panu Mudipu
Mr. Lenga Difumba
Mr. Richard Diame Lutwamuzire

3. STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE, AND MANAGEMENT

LCMG is constituted as a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) and is managed by a volunteerled Management Committee. Trustees are elected at the Annual General Meeting or appointed by the existing Board.

During the reporting year, the organisation was supported by its core trustees, a dedicated advisory team, and approximately twelve active community volunteers. Their collective contribution significantly enhanced the reach and impact of the organisation’s activities.

4. OBJECTS AND AIMS OF THE CHARITY

LCMG exists to relieve migrants, refugees, asylum seekers, and members of the Congolese community in Leicestershire who face hardship due to youth, age, ill health, disability, financial difficulty, or other forms of disadvantage. This is achieved through activities such as interpretation

and translation services, advocacy, health and housing advice, employment support, digital skills training, and a range of community support initiatives.

5. SUMMARY OF MEETINGS (APRIL 2024 – MARCH 2025)

The Management Committee held eleven formal meetings throughout the year. The following key areas were discussed and actioned:

Adoption of Charity Commission objectives and planning for annual programme delivery.
Oversight of the Big Lottery-funded “Meet Again” project, including successful completion in August 2024.
Organisation of the 2024 DRC Independence Day Community BBQ.
Preparation and delivery of the 2024 Annual General Assembly.
Evaluation of community support activities, including financial, material, emotional, and moral support to members.
Decision-making on support for members experiencing illness or significant hardship.
Feedback and review of project achievements, including the MEET AGAIN project.
Introduction of the new project on Sickle Cell Disease, Thalassemia, and Mental Health.
Coordination of food parcel distribution for members.
Progress updates on funding applications and organisational development.
Launch of the new health-focused project and approval of related action plans.

These meetings reflected a consistent governance culture, ensuring compliance, operational oversight, and the delivery of quality support services.

6. GENERAL ASSEMBLY 2024

The Annual General Assembly took place on 25 May 2024 at the organisation’s headquarters. The Assembly covered:

Presentation of the annual report on activities.
A detailed account of the MEET AGAIN project.
Review of community support provided throughout the year.
Discussion of future projects and strategic priorities.

The Assembly reaffirmed members’ confidence in the organisation’s direction and endorsed the continuation of key programmes aligned with the charity’s objectives.

7. PERFORMANCE AND ACTIVITIES (2024–2025)

7.1. Mutual Support and Community Assistance

LCMG continued to provide essential support to members experiencing significant life events. Assistance included financial, material, and moral support for bereavements, graduations, childbirth, marriages, and illness.

Food parcels were distributed to members during the winter season as part of the organisation’s hardship support commitment.

7.2. Independence Day of the Democratic Republic of Congo

The annual Independence Day celebration on 13 July 2024 brought together a diverse community. With music, traditional food, cultural storytelling, children’s activities, and community games, the event strengthened social cohesion and cultural pride.

7.3. “Meet Again” Project – Big Lottery Fund

This project remained a major success for LCMG. Designed to promote physical and emotional wellbeing among Congolese and wider migrant communities, the project delivered activities including football sessions for youth, jogging groups for families, and well-being workshops. Throughout the reporting period, approximately 165 migrant families (around 100 individuals) were supported through sports activities, nutritional guidance, and wellbeing education.

7.4. Advocacy Support

Using a dedicated WhatsApp platform, LCMG provided real-time information, advice, and advocacy relating to employment opportunities, business advice, financial benefits, and changes in relevant public policies.

This accessible and responsive approach strengthened LCMG’s reputation as a trusted community support organisation.

7.5. Partnerships and Collaboration

LCMG continued to collaborate with African Heritage Alliance (AHA), Afro Innovation Group, French-speaking community associations, refugee networks, and local faith organisations. These partnerships contributed to expanding local engagement, promoting cultural integration, and strengthening community safety and wellbeing.

7.6. Launch of New Health Project

On 15 March 2025, LCMG launched a new initiative focusing on Sickle Cell Disease, Thalassemia, and Mental Health. The project aims to increase awareness, improve access to support, and reduce stigma among affected families. The action plan and delivery framework were approved by the Committee.

8. OVERALL ACHIEVEMENTS

The 2024–2025 period marked a year of consolidation, growth, and strengthened community impact. Key achievements included:

Successful completion of the MEET AGAIN project.
Expansion of wellbeing, sports, and nutritional support.
Strengthened relationships with key community organisations.
Enhanced support structure for members facing hardship.
Launch of a new health-focused community project.
Continued commitment to cultural celebration and social inclusion.

Leicestershire Congolese Mutual Group

Financial Accounts

CC16a

Leicestershire Congolese Mutual Group	Leicestershire Congolese Mutual Group
6 Receipts and payments accounts
For the period from 31/03/2024	To	01/04/2025

9.1 Section A Receipts and

payments

9.1 Section A Receipts and payments
Section A Receipts and payments				Total funds to the nearest £ - 18,800 5,600 - - -	Last year to the nearest £ 10,000 4,400 - - - 14,400 - - - 840 1,220 1,300 500 3,850 650 560

A1 Receipts	Unrestricted funds to the nearest £	Restricted funds to the nearest £	Endowment funds to the nearest £ - - - - - -
	-	-	-	-
Grants & Donation		18,800 -	-	18,800	10,000
Membershipcontributions	5,600		-	5,600	4,400
Interest	-	-	-	-	-
Gift and Aid Receipts	-	-	-	-	-
	-	-	-	-	-
Subtotal (Gross income for AR)	5,620	18,800	-	24,420	14,400

A2 Asset and investment sales,
	-	-	-	-	-
Sub total	-	-	-	-	-
Total receipts A3 Payments			- - - - - - - -	24,420 1,840 2,220 1,480 2,400 9,415 1,670 1,560
	5,620	18,800	-

Rent & Venue Hire		1,840	-	1,840	840
Volunteers Expenses	-	2,220	-	2,220	1,220
Staff Costs	160.00	1,320	-	1,480	1,300
Management and Administration	1,260.00	1,140	-	2,400	500
Activities Cost	2,565.00	6,850	-	9,415	3,850
Project Monitoring, Evaluation & Reporting	-	1,670	-	1,670	650
Marketing and Promotion	-	1,560.00	-	1,560	560

	-	-	-		-		-
Sub total	3,985	16,600	-		20,585		-

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			- - - - -
	3,985	16,600	-		5,330

	1,635	2,200	-		5,330
	-	-	-	-	-
	1,635	17,535	-		1,830
	1,635	17,535	-	22,170	7,160

9.2 SectionB: liabilities at

the end of the period

Section B Statement of assets and liabilities at the end of the period

Details	Unrestricte d funds to nearest £ 2,820 - - 2,820 Agreement Error Unrestricte d funds to nearest £	Endowment funds to nearest £
Previous Cash at Bank	2,820	-
	-	-
	-	-
Total cash funds	2,820	-
(agree balances with receipts and payments account(s)) Details		OK
		Endowment funds to nearest £

B2 Other monetary assets B3 Investment assets B4 Assets retained for the charity’s own use B5 Liabilities		-
		-
		-

		-
		-
	Rent Contribution Due

Signed by one or two trustees on behalf of all the trustees

Signature Print Name Tchimissa Bagalwa Lenga Difumba	Signature Print Name Tchimissa Bagalwa Lenga Difumba	Date of approval
	Tchimissa Bagalwa	22/11/2025
	Lenga Difumba	22/11/2025

Leicestershire Congolese Mutual Group

Annual Reports: Trustees and Financial Account

Financial Period

01/04/2024- 31/03/2025

Table of Contents

1. INTRODUCTION

2. REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS

3. STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE, AND MANAGEMENT

4. OBJECTS AND AIMS OF THE CHARITY

5. SUMMARY OF MEETINGS (APRIL 2024 – MARCH 2025)

6. GENERAL ASSEMBLY 2024

7. PERFORMANCE AND ACTIVITIES (2024–2025)

7.1. Mutual Support and Community Assistance

7.2. Independence Day of the Democratic Republic of Congo

7.3. “Meet Again” Project – Big Lottery Fund

7.4. Advocacy Support

7.5. Partnerships and Collaboration

7.6. Launch of New Health Project

8. OVERALL ACHIEVEMENTS

9.1 Section A Receipts and

payments

9.2 SectionB: liabilities at

Section B Statement of assets and liabilities at the end of the period