## Walk In My Shoes (WIMS) 

Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) Foundation Charity Number: 1204479 

Charity Commission Report 

Accounting Period: 1 April 2024 – 31 March 2025 



## **1. Organisation Overview** 

Walk In My Shoes (WIMS) is a community-led charity in Gloucester that represents Black communities and promotes equality and diversity as a means of advancing health. The organisation aims to improve the experiences of Black and Asian people within local health services, ensuring they receive better care and support. WIMS seeks to amplify the voices of those who are often marginalised or overlooked.Founded in 2019/2020 following community-led discussions with the NHS in Gloucester, WIMS is committed to bridging the gap between healthcare providers and the Black, Asian and minority ethnic communities to foster understanding, trust and improved service delivery.WIMS is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) Foundation registered with the Charity Commission under Charity Number 1204479. 

## **2. Background: Why WIMS is Needed in Gloucester** 

Gloucester has a diverse population, including significant Black and Asian communities. These groups continue to experience inequalities in accessing healthcare, mental health support and wider services.Since the COVID-19 pandemic, disparities have become more visible, particularly in relation to post-COVID health conditions and access to information and services. WIMS was established to address these inequalities through engagement, advocacy and education.The organisation developed from a reverse mentoring initiative in 2020 involving Black and Asian community members and local health services. 

## **3. Governance and Leadership** 

WIMS is led by three trustees:• Valerie Simms (Diverse-City) – Programme Lead• Blanche McCalla – Trustee• Sharon Bryan – TrusteeThe trustees bring experience in healthcare, community engagement and social advocacy. 

## **4. Objectives and Activities** 

WIMS aims to:• Facilitate dialogue between communities and healthcare providers• Deliver a Two-Way Mentoring Programme (2WM)• Support engagement groups influencing NHS policy and practice• Promote awareness of Sickle Cell Disease, maternity inequalities and mental health• Deliver community health education programmes, including post-COVID recovery support 

## **5. Outcomes and Measurement** 

WIMS measures impact through:• Community sessions improving awareness and reducing stigma• Mentoring programmes improving trust and communication between NHS and communities• Engagement forums identifying service gaps and co-producing solutionsMethods include surveys, attendance tracking, feedback forms and qualitative interviews. 

## **6. Financial Information (Nil Accounts)** 

During the accounting period 1 April 2024 to 31 March 2025, Walk In My Shoes (WIMS) did not undertake any financial transactions.The charity had not yet opened an operational bank account during this period. Therefore:• No income was received• No expenditure was incurred• No assets or liabilities were heldThis represents a nil return accounting period.The trustees confirm that they have complied with their duty to keep accounting records and that appropriate steps are being taken to ensure financial governance structures are in place for future operations. 

## **7. Trustee Declaration** 

The trustees approve this report for the accounting period 1 April 2024 to 31 March 2025.The trustees confirm that they have complied with their duty to keep accounting records and that appropriate steps are being taken to ensure financial governance structures are in place for future operations. 

Chair Valerie Simms