Charity registration number: 1207540
UNITE TO IGNITE TRUSTEES' REPORT AND UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2026
Unite to Ignite Contents
| Page | |
|---|---|
| Trustees' Report | 1—4 |
| Independent Examiner's Report | 5 |
| Statement of Financial Activities | 6 |
| Statement of Financial Position | 7 |
| Notes to the Financial Statements | 8—11 |
| The following pages do not form part of the statutory accounts: | |
| Detailed Statement of Financial Activities | 12 |
Unite to Ignite Trustees' Report For The Year Ended 31 March 2026
The trustees present their report and the financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2026.
Objectives and Activities
Aims and Objectives
The objects of the charity are:
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The provision of facilities for recreation or other leisure time occupation of women and their families who have need of such facilities by reason of their age, infirmity or disablement, financial hardship, social and economic circumstances, or other disadvantage, in the interests of social welfare and with the object of improving their conditions of life, for the public benefit.
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To relieve women in North London and parts of Essex that are in need by reason of age, ill-health, disability, financial or other disadvantage in such ways as the Trustees from time to time think fit, in particular, but not exclusively by: a) the provision of neighbourhood based befriending services, practical support, respite, or signposting to relevant information and other advisory services, and b) such other means, including (but not limited to) providing emergency food, essential toiletries, and household items to individuals and families in need.
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Such other exclusively charitable purposes as the trustees may in their absolute discretion determine. Nothing in this constitution shall authorise an application of the property of the CIO for the purposes which are not charitable in accordance with the act.
In line with these objects, in 2025/26, Unite to Ignite provided support to 588 (2024/25: 463) women and their families through the launch of neighbourhood-based befriending groups, social events, advice and support, and respite for those in need by way of age, isolation, infirmity, caring responsibilities, or financial hardship.
Public Benefit
The trustees meet regularly to review charity’s affairs and are kept regularly updated. The trustees have paid due regard to guidance on public benefit issued by the Charity Commission. The charity believes it has demonstrated that it provides a public benefit through the services it provides and the target groups which it seeks to address.
Achievements and Performance
Main Achievements
During the year in review, the charity supported 588 women aged 19–90 and their families across the Boroughs of Hackney, Haringey, Barnet and parts of Essex. This work was supported by 83 volunteers and included targeted support for 106 seniors (aged over 60) and 92 young women (aged under 25).
The charity continued to promote the wellbeing and relief of marginalised women through neighbourhood-based social inclusion networks, peer support, empowering events and respite opportunities. Our work specifically supported women experiencing isolation linked to poverty, digital exclusion, language barriers, age, disability, poor mental wellbeing and caring responsibilities. By creating trusted and culturally appropriate spaces within local neighbourhoods, women were able to access friendship, practical support and opportunities for personal growth in a safe and welcoming environment.
Key achievements :
Women’s Wellness Groups
Our flagship neighbourhood-based befriending groups remained central to our work this year. These groups provide women with vital opportunities to leave the isolation of the home, build friendships and access informal peer support within their own communities. We facilitated 46 neighbourhood groups which met on average once a month throughout the year, supporting women at all stages of life.
Network-wide Community Events
Our large-scale events brought together women from across the network for learning, social connection and mutual support. During the year we delivered two major events: a personal safety awareness event attended by more than 473 women, and a wellbeing event attended by 231 women. These gatherings created rare opportunities for women to come together outside of their immediate neighbourhood circles, strengthen community ties and access information and support in an engaging and empowering environment.
Respite Retreat
Respite continued to form an important part of our work for women experiencing stress, isolation and overwhelming caring responsibilities. During the year we provided an overnight retreat for 35 women, offering rest, emotional support and the opportunity to connect with peers away from the pressures of daily life.
Launch of Seniors Division
...CONTINUED
Page 1
Unite to Ignite Trustees' Report (continued) For The Year Ended 31 March 2026
Main Achievements - continued
This year marked the launch of a dedicated seniors division for women aged over 60. The initiative was developed in response to growing levels of loneliness and social isolation among older women within the community. Through tailored outreach and age-appropriate engagement opportunities, the programme began building meaningful connections and support networks for older women who are often overlooked or disconnected from mainstream provision.
Postnatal Support Pilot
We also piloted a new programme supporting postnatal women, recognising the challenges many mothers face following childbirth, including exhaustion, isolation and limited informal support. As part of the pilot, we delivered 30 post-birth breakfast and care packages to provide practical help, emotional encouragement and a sense of community connection during the early weeks after birth.
Additional Note
Future Plans
In a relatively short period of time, Unite to Ignite has continued to strengthen its role as a trusted, community-led network supporting women experiencing isolation and disadvantage. Trustees remain committed to building on the charity’s achievements and ensuring that services continue to develop in a sustainable and impactful way. The following are the key development areas trustees have agreed to prioritise going forward:
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Sustainability – During the year, the charity made important progress towards strengthening its long-term sustainability, including securing grant funding from organisations such as The National Lottery Community Fund. Trustees now wish to build on this momentum by further diversifying income streams, developing opportunities for earned income, and securing more multi-year funding to provide greater long-term stability and continuity for beneficiaries.
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Efficiency and Infrastructure – The charity has begun improving its digital systems and internal processes to strengthen communication, coordination and operational efficiency across its growing network. As the organisation continues to grow, trustees are also exploring the recruitment of a part-time Volunteer Coordinator to support and manage the expanding volunteer base, strengthen volunteer engagement and improve coordination across neighbourhood groups and activities. Trustees intend to continue investing in systems and infrastructure that will support future growth while maintaining the charity’s low-cost, community-based delivery model.
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Service Development – Significant progress was made this year through the launch of the charity’s seniors division and the piloting of postnatal care packages for vulnerable women. Trustees now aim to consolidate and expand these initiatives by developing a regular programme of activities and social opportunities for older women, alongside rolling out postnatal care packages on a larger scale. The charity also plans to enhance its monthly neighbourhood meetings by investing in a range of shared activity resources focused on creativity, wellbeing and social connection, which can be circulated between groups to enrich participant engagement.
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Respite and Wellbeing – Trustees recognise the growing demand for respite opportunities for women managing significant caregiving responsibilities, stress and isolation. Building on the success of this year’s overnight retreat, the charity aims to sustain and expand its respite offer to ensure more women can access meaningful opportunities for rest, peer support and emotional wellbeing.
Financial Review
Financial Position
The results for the year are shown in the Statement of Financial Activities on pages 6-12 and are considered satisfactory by the trustees.
The charity received £38,517 (2024/25: £23,110) in donations and grants. The charity’s expenditure during the year amounted to £35,462 (2024/25: £16,255) , primarily for the delivery of charitable activities as well as associated governance, fundraising and support costs, as listed in the financial statements in notes to the accounts. Trustees are satisfied with the charity’s performance during the year.
Reserves Policy
The trustees retain reserves as necessary and where appropriate, consolidate funds in order to provide activities to its users they feel to be appropriate. At the period end, the charity held free reserves of £8,181 (2024/25: £6,855).
Reference and Administrative Details
Trustees
Mrs R Meisner Mrs L Monheit
Page 2
Unite to Ignite Trustees' Report (continued) For The Year Ended 31 March 2026
Mrs M Keiserman Mr M Meirovits
Charity Number
1207540
Principal Address
76 Fawcett Estate Clapton Common London E5 9AU
Independent Examiner
Samuel Feigenblatt FCCA LONDON ACCOUNTING GROUP LTD 26 Theydon Road London E5 9NA
Page 3
Unite to Ignite Trustees' Report (continued) For The Year Ended 31 March 2026
The trustees' report was approved by the board of trustees and signed on its behalf by:
Mrs R Meisner Trustee 17/05/2026
Page 4
Unite to Ignite Independent Examiner's Report to the Trustees of Unite to Ignite For The Year Ended 31 March 2026
I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of Unite to Ignite (the Trust) for the year ended 31 March 2026.
Responsibilities and Basis of Report
As the charity trustees of the Trust you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 (“the Act”).
I report in respect of my examination of the Trust’s accounts carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination, I have followed the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Act.
Independent Examiner's Statement
I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect:
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accounting records were not kept in respect of the Trust as required by section 130 of the Act; or
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the accounts do not accord with those records; or
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the accounts do not comply with the applicable requirements concerning the form and contents of accounts set out in the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 other than any requirement that the accounts give a 'true and fair view' which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination.
I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
Samuel Feigenblatt FCCA 17/05/2026 26 Theydon Road London E5 9NA
Page 5
Unite to Ignite Statement of Financial Activities For The Year Ended 31 March 2026
| Notes INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM: Donations and legacies 3 EXPENDITURE ON: Raising funds 5 Charitable activities: 5 Charitable activities Governance costs NET INCOME NET MOVEMENT IN FUNDS RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS: Total funds brought forward TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD 10 |
Unrestricted funds £ 16,267 |
Restricted funds £ 22,250 |
2026 Total funds £ 38,517 |
2025 Unrestricted funds £ 23,110 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| - (14,041) (900) |
(556) (19,597) (368) |
(556) (33,638) (1,268) |
(890) (13,152) (2,213) |
|
| (14,941) | (20,521) | (35,462) | (16,255) | |
| 1,326 | 1,729 | 3,055 | 6,855 | |
| 1,326 6,855 |
1,729 - |
3,055 6,855 |
6,855 - |
|
| 8,181 | 1,729 | 9,910 | 6,855 |
The notes on pages 8 to 11 form part of these financial statements.
Page 6
Unite to Ignite Statement of Financial Position As At 31 March 2026
| Notes FIXED ASSETS Tangible Assets 8 CURRENT ASSETS Cash at bank and in hand Creditors: Amounts Falling Due Within One Year 9 NET CURRENT ASSETS (LIABILITIES) TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT LIABILITIES NET ASSETS FUNDS OF THE CHARITY Restricted Funds Unrestricted Funds TOTAL FUNDS 10 On behalf of the board |
Unrestricted funds £ 1,149 |
Restricted funds £ - |
2026 Total funds £ 1,149 |
2025 Total funds £ - |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1,149 8,602 |
- 1,728 |
1,149 10,330 |
- 8,188 |
|
| 8,602 (1,570) |
1,728 1 |
10,330 (1,569) |
8,188 (1,333) |
|
| 7,032 | 1,729 | 8,761 | 6,855 | |
| 8,181 | 1,729 | 9,910 | 6,855 | |
| 8,181 | 1,729 | 9,910 | 6,855 | |
| 1,729 8,181 |
- 6,855 |
|||
| 9,910 | 6,855 | |||
Mrs R Meisner Trustee 17/05/2026
The notes on pages 8 to 11 form part of these financial statements.
Page 7
Unite to Ignite Notes to the Financial Statements For The Year Ended 31 March 2026
1. General Information
Unite to Ignite is a charitable incorporated organisation registered with the Charity Commission, registered charity number 1207540. The principal address is 76 Fawcett Estate, Clapton Common, London, E5 9AU.
2. Accounting Policies
2.1. Basis of Preparation of Financial Statements
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the Charities SORP (FRS 102) "Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2019)", Financial Reporting Standard 102 "The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland" and the Charities Act 2011.
The charity is a Public Benefit Entity as defined by FRS 102.
2.2. Fund Accounting
Unrestricted funds can be used in accordance with the charitable objectives at the discretion of the trustees.
Designated funds comprise unrestricted funds that have been set aside by the trustees for a specific purpose.
Restricted funds are to be used for specific purposes as laid down by the donor.
Further explanation of the nature and purpose of each fund is included in the notes to the financial statements.
2.3. Incoming Resources
All incoming resources are included in the statement of financial activities when the charity is entitled to the income and the amount can be quantified with reasonable accuracy.
2.4. Resources Expended
Expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis and has been classified under headings that aggregate all costs related to the category. Where costs cannot be directly attributed to particular headings, they have been allocated to activities on a basis consistent with the use of resources.
2.5. Tangible Fixed Assets and Depreciation
Tangible fixed assets are measured at cost less accumulated depreciation and any accumulated impairment losses. Depreciation is provided at rates calculated to write off the cost of the fixed assets, less their estimated residual value, over their expected useful lives on the following bases:
Computer Equipment
25% reducing balance
2.6. Cash and Cash Equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents are basic financial assets and include cash in hand and deposits held at call with banks, other short-term highly liquid investments that mature in no more than three months from the date of acquisition and are readily convertible to a known amount of cash with insignificant risk of change in value, and bank overdrafts.
3. Income from Donations and Legacies
| Donations and gifts Grants |
Unrestricted funds £ 9,417 6,850 |
Restricted funds £ - 22,250 |
2026 Total funds £ 9,417 29,100 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 16,267 | 22,250 | 38,517 |
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Unite to Ignite Notes to the Financial Statements (continued) For The Year Ended 31 March 2026
| Donations and gifts Grants . Net Income/(Expenditure) he net income is stated after charging/(crediting): Depreciation of tangible fixed assets - owned . Analysis of Expenditure Raising funds Charitable activities Governance costs Raising funds Charitable activities Governance costs |
Unrestricted funds £ 23,110 - |
Restricted funds £ - - |
2025 Total funds £ 23,110 - |
|---|---|---|---|
| 23,110 | - | 23,110 | |
| Activities undertaken directly £ 558 25,747 56 |
2026 £ 383 |
2025 £ - |
|
| Support costs (see note 6) £ (2) 7,891 1,212 |
2026 Total £ 556 33,638 1,268 |
||
| 26,361 | 9,101 | 35,462 | |
| Activities undertaken directly £ 890 13,152 - |
Support costs (see note 6) £ - - 2,213 |
2025 Total £ 890 13,152 2,213 |
|
| 14,042 | 2,213 | 16,255 |
- Net Income/(Expenditure)
The net income is stated after charging/(crediting):
- Analysis of Expenditure
Page 9
Unite to Ignite Notes to the Financial Statements (continued) For The Year Ended 31 March 2026
6. Support Costs
| General administration Depreciation Governance costs Governance costs |
Raising funds £ (2) - - |
Charitable activities £ 7,508 383 - |
Governance costs £ 312 - 900 |
2026 Total £ 7,818 383 900 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| (2) | 7,891 | 1,212 | 9,101 | |
| 2025 Governance costs £ 2,213 |
7. Average Number of Employees
Average number of employees during the year was: NIL (2025: NIL)
8. Tangible Assets
| Cost As at 1 April 2025 Additions As at 31 March 2026 Depreciation As at 1 April 2025 Provided during the period As at 31 March 2026 Net Book Value As at 31 March 2026 As at 1 April 2025 . Creditors: Amounts Falling Due Within One Year Other creditors Accruals and deferred income |
2026 £ 669 900 1,569 |
Computer Equipment £ - 1,532 |
|---|---|---|
| 1,532 | ||
| - 383 |
||
| 383 | ||
| 1,149 | ||
| - | ||
| 2025 £ 673 660 |
||
| 1,333 |
- Creditors: Amounts Falling Due Within One Year
Page 10
Unite to Ignite Notes to the Financial Statements (continued) For The Year Ended 31 March 2026
10. Movement in Funds
| Unrestricted funds General: General unrestricted fund Restricted funds Restricted Total funds Unrestricted funds General: General unrestricted fund Total funds 11. Transactions with Trustees |
As at 1 April 2025 £ 6,855 - |
Income £ 16,267 22,250 |
Expenditure £ (14,941) (20,521) |
As at 31 March 2026 £ 8,181 1,729 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6,855 | 38,517 | (35,462) | 9,910 | |
| As at 1 April 2024 £ - |
Income £ 23,110 |
Expenditure £ (16,255) |
As at 31 March 2025 £ 6,855 |
|
| - | 23,110 | (16,255) | 6,855 | |
During the year the expenses reimbursed to the trustees or paid directly to third parties were as follows:
| 2026 | 2025 |
|---|---|
| £ | £ |
- Related Party Disclosures
Page 11
Unite to Ignite Detailed Statement of Financial Activities For The Year Ended 31 March 2026
| INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM: Donations and legacies Donations and gifts Grants EXPENDITURE ON: Raising funds Marketing and advertising costs Sundry expenses Charitable Activities: Charitable activities Food and refreshments Events, workshops and activities Travel costs Volunteer costs Subscriptions Printing, postage and stationery Project Management Professional fees Bank charges Depreciation of computer equipment Governance costs Insurance Telecommunications and data costs Accountancy fees Legal fees Professional fees NET INCOME |
2026 Total funds £ 9,417 29,100 |
2025 Total funds £ 23,110 - |
|---|---|---|
| 38,517 | 23,110 | |
| 38,517 (558) 2 |
23,110 (890) - |
|
| (556) (9,295) (14,086) (897) (1,469) - (2,101) (2,190) (3,211) (6) (383) |
(890) (4,711) (8,175) (250) - (16) - - - - - |
|
| (33,638) (56) (312) (900) - - |
(13,152) - - (660) (880) (673) |
|
| (1,268) | (2,213) | |
| (35,462) | (16,255) | |
| 3,055 | 6,855 |
Page 12