MASH COMMUNITY SUPPORT NETWORK
MASH COMMUNITY SUPPORT NETWORK
Annual return FOR the period
1 January 2024 to 31 December 2024
- Trustees: Virgine Kouam (Chairman), Phanie Fotso (Secretary), Reine Kamdem
President: Virgine Kouam
Resigned: Nicette Tchuenkam, Trustee
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Chairwoman’s Report – Virgine Kouam
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a. The Chairman started her report by thanking Trustee and volunteer for their hard work over the year.
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b. The Chairman thanked the Trustees, volunteers and carers who have been fantastic over the last year, without their help the charity could not operate.
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c. We were very saddened when withdrawing Nicette Tchuenkam as a trustee for reasons of commitment and ethics. We appreciate her as a person.
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d. There is a need for volunteers, Social Workers with cultural sensitivity, as indicated at the last General Meeting, to help address families’ emotional and psychological needs. At the moment, the Chairwoman is acting as a councillor.
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e. We have 8 Children, 2 Activity Leaders and 6 wonderful volunteers who has been a great asset.
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f. Fund raising has gone well this year with donation and fundraising. Thanks to the community for their donation. Thank you to all who have helped us Support African and Caribbean Families living with Special Needs Children. Listening to families' fears and anxieties, understanding their culture and beliefs, helping to explain diagnoses and a way forward and, offering Mental Health support.
MASH COMMUNITY SUPPORT NETWORK
3. The Accounts for the financial year ended 31st December 2024
| 2024 | |
|---|---|
| INCOME | |
| Donations/Legacies | 3325 |
| Fundraising Activities | 4155 |
| Other trading activities | 2950 |
| TOTAL INCOME | 10430 |
| EXPENDITURE | |
|---|---|
| Grant to individual | 2185 |
| insurance | 120 |
| DBS | 102 |
| Advertising | 750 |
| Building | 2500 |
| Equipment | 2300 |
| Fundraising | 1750 |
| Volunteers | 320 |
| Clothing | 170 |
| Training | 208 |
| TOTAL EXPENDITURE | 10405 |
| Annual Surplus/(Deficit) Fund |
25 |
| Balance at 31 December 2023 |
30 |
| TOTAL SURPLUS | 55 |
| BALANCES 31ST DECEMBER | |
| 2024 | |
| Cash in Hand | 0 |
| Current Account | 55 |
| TOTAL | 55 |
NOTES
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✓ These are private donations, there are no government grant or legacies to report.
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✓ Primary fundraising activities were handmade sale during event such as Christmas event and festival.
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✓ This is handmade is done by our volunteers.
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✓ Trustees Declare that Expert accountant will be reviewing current account no later than the end of week beginning 28/07/2025
MASH COMMUNITY SUPPORT NETWORK
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Safeguarding Report: No issues to report this past 12 months. Virginie Kouam, Safeguarding Lead, is well known by all volunteers or individua in contact with the service for easy approach, and volunteers are clear on actions to be taken.
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Activity Leaders Report: As part of our mission to support disabled children and their families in the African and Caribbean community, Mash Community Support Network contacted more families and outreach efforts over the past year. This report documents our interactions, key findings, the needs expressed by families during this crucial first step, and the action plan for the following years. Also, how it was grateful to be supported by those who share our causes.
✓ We used multiple strategies to connect with families such as:
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Collaborated with local churches, School, African and Caribbean businesses Owner, attending community events and advocacy groups.
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We also targeted neighbourhoods with known accessibility challenges.
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We Hosted online meeting with families who are uncomfortable with in-person meetings.
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Gather professional to help identifying families in need.
✓ As we progressing when interacting with families, below are Key Findings
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Many families are not aware of services available to support they family needs. And for families who are aware of those services, they struggled to access them
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In most of the families, we have a single mum due to the numerous challenge that come with a special needs child
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Mum reported feeling alone, with limited support networks. They avoided seeking help due to misconceptions about disabilities in the African and Caribbean community.
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High costs of caregiving impacted parents is one of our findings. Mum are not able to work or, work full-time due to the time giving as carer.
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✓ Action plan identified for the following years are as follow:
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Set up a respite care with recreational activities for children with needs to allow parents to take break from caring
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Help navigating Education and Health Care Plan system
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Support families with adaptive activities, toys and learning materials for their special needs child and sibling
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Creating culturally competent support group to share experiences
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Works in partnership with professional to ensure that healthcare, educational, and support services are culturally sensitive and tailored to the needs of those families
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Provides access to culturally competent mental health services to address families’ emotional and psychological needs
Our contact with families revealed deep needs. This has laid a strong foundation of love, advocacy, and tangible support for children with disabilities and their families in the African and Caribbean communities. With continued collaboration and a faith-driven commitment, we will continue to break barriers and nurture brighter futures. Seeds for lasting change have been planted.