2025-04-30-accounts

THE ARK FAMILY FIRST FELLOWSHIP

ANNUAL REPORT AND TRUSTEES’ STATEMENT For the year ending January 2026

1. Charity Details

Charity Name: The Ark Family First Fellowship Charity Structure: Charitable Trust Registered Address: Watling Community Centre, 145 Orange Hill Rd, Edgware HA8 0TR, United Kingdom. Mobile [phone]. email [e-mail]. Reporting Period: February 2025 – January 2026 Trustees: All trustees remained in post; no resignations or new appointments during the year.

The Church meets at The Church congregation meets every Sunday at 10am for fellowship, every week for online bible a teaching on Mondays and also on Fridays for prayers. In addition, the ministry offers Monthly training programs to promote and support family life. These include Parenting Programs or trainings for building healthy family foundations and fostering healthy relationships.

Those who served during this reporting period are:

Mr Olufemi Sonuga – Pastor.

Mrs Anna Sonuga – Assistant Pastor and Safeguarding lead.

Ms Regina Ariongate – Chair board of trustee and Supervisor.

Renita Ninsiima - Youth ministry.

Mr Osita Okekearu – Men and Evangelism ministry

2. Objectives and Activities

The Ark Family First Fellowship exists to strengthen families, support communities , vulnerable individuals, and build resilient communities through scripture-based teaching, pastoral care, and practical support. The charity focuses on families experiencing hardship, including domestic abuse, substance misuse, parental separation, mental health challenges, and financial instability.

All activities are delivered in accordance with the governing document and with full regard to the Charity Commission’s public benefit guidance.

3. Public Benefit Statement

The trustees confirm that they have complied with their duty under section 17 of the Charities Act 2011 to have due regard to the Charity Commission’s guidance on public benefit.

The Fellowship provides clear public benefit by:

• Supporting vulnerable families to remain stable

• Reducing isolation for individuals with mental health challenges

• Providing practical support to families in financial hardship

• Supporting children and young people through key educational transitions

• Delivering international humanitarian and spiritual support

• Strengthening community cohesion and resilience

4. Activities and Achievements

4.1 Family Support and Teaching Programme

The Fellowship delivered regular family-based teachings rooted in scripture. These teachings helped families understand their challenges, set meaningful goals, and build emotional, spiritual, and financial resilience. Several families at risk of separation remained together, avoiding the negative impact of family breakdown on children’s wellbeing.

4.2 Mental Health and Community Support

The Fellowship provided a safe, supportive environment for individuals experiencing mental health difficulties. Through fellowship, pastoral care, and community engagement, the charity reduced isolation, encouraged emotional expression, and helped individuals reintegrate into community life.

4.3 Support for Mothers, Children, and New Births

The Fellowship celebrated new births within the community and supported mothers by providing new-baby care packages, pastoral support, and guidance on accessing health and children’s services. This ensured families felt supported during a financially and emotionally demanding period.

4.4 Support for Children and Young People

The Fellowship supported young people at key educational milestones, including GCSE completion, transition to A-levels, and starting university or vocational pathways. Support included mentoring, prayer, encouragement, and guidance for both young people and their parents.

4.5 Rehabilitation and Reintegration Support

The Fellowship supported individuals returning from incarceration by offering pastoral care, reintegration support, and a non-judgmental community. This work continues as part of the Fellowship’s commitment to restorative community support.

4.6 Seasonal Outreach and Hardship Support

During Easter and Christmas, the Fellowship provided food parcels, household essentials, gifts for children, and community celebrations. These initiatives ensured families did not have to choose between essential bills and seasonal joy.

4.7 International Mission Work in Uganda

A significant highlight of this reporting period was the Fellowship’s missionary trip to Uganda, which strengthened our three-year virtual church partnership. The mission provided spiritual, practical, and humanitarian support to vulnerable communities.

Key activities included:

• Baptisms and scripture-based teaching

• Support for families experiencing poverty

• Skills development, CV-building, and employment guidance

• Prayer and pastoral care for the sick

• A three-day prayer conference in Gulu attended by 300 people, featuring food distribution, community outreach, baptisms, and trauma-informed spiritual support

Future plans include expanding outreach into hospitals, schools, prisons, and rural villages.

The Acholi people, who have faced decades of war, economic hardship, disease, and low educational attainment, continue to live with the long-term impact of trauma and instability. This mission provided an important opportunity to minister hope, compassion, and practical support to a community that has endured significant suffering.

5. Governance and Leadership

The Fellowship maintained strong and stable governance throughout the year.

• No trustees resigned or were appointed.

• Monthly leadership meetings oversaw operational matters.

• Quarterly leadership reviews assessed progress and strategic direction.

• Trustees met twice during the year for compliance, financial oversight, and long-term planning.

Trustees and leaders worked collaboratively to maintain accountability, transparency, and alignment with the Fellowship’s mission.

6. Financial Review

Total Income (Feb 2025 – Jan 2026): £19,061.78 Total Expenditure: £18,728.05 Net Position: £333.73 surplus

The Fellowship operated within its means and ended the year with a positive balance. Funds were used to support families, deliver teaching programmes, provide seasonal support, and carry out international mission work.

The trustees are satisfied that the Fellowship remains financially stable.

7. Reserves Policy

The Fellowship aims to maintain a modest reserve to ensure continuity of services and to respond to emergencies affecting vulnerable families. The current year-end balance meets this requirement.

8. Plans for the Coming Year

The Fellowship has set the following strategic objectives:

• Establish a community food bank to support families experiencing food insecurity in the community .

• Establish a family support hub , coffee mornings designed to assist families facing domestic abuse, substance misuse, youth crime, and parental challenges.

• Develop a non judgmental support environment where families can communicate openly without concerns about stigma and receive balanced, appropriate interventions.

• Foster collaborative partnerships with churches, local councils, mental health services, and counselling providers to deliver comprehensive services for families.

• Expand international mission work in Uganda, including outreach to hospitals, schools, prisons, and villages.

• Strengthen community engagement and continue providing pastoral and practical support.

These objectives reflect the Fellowship’s commitment to addressing the complex needs of families and vulnerable individuals.

9. Trustee Declaration

The trustees declare that they have approved this report and confirm that it complies with the Charity Commission’s reporting requirements.