Faith Welfare Trust Annual Report 2023-2024
FAITH WELFARE TRUST
THE OLD VICARAGE ACKLINGTON NORTHUMBERLAND NE65 9BL TEL 01670 760620
E-mail: fwt.news@gmail.com Web: www.faithwelfaretrust.org
Registered Charity number 327557
Faith Welfare Trust
Annual Report for year ending September 30, 2024
Introduction
Faith Welfare Trust (FWT) is constituted by Trust Deed, established in 1987. The objects of the charity are: to promote the welfare of disadvantaged and/or destitute children and young people in the area of benefit (India); and to support disadvantaged children and young people in the area of benefit in their education and training. To fulfill these objects, it provides support to 2 homes (one for girls, one for boys) for deprived children near Chennai, South India, and Faith School in Rajahmundry (also known as Rajahmahendravaram), Andhra Pradesh state, India, 350 miles to the North.
The trustees have regard to both the Charity Commission’s general guidance on public benefit and prevention and relief of poverty for the public benefit. FWT’s work is in accordance with both these guidelines and the main objects set out in the trust deed.
Governance
The Trustees of FWT for the year 2023-24 comprised:
Brian Tugwell, Elsie Tugwell, Alistair Coomer, Chris Sayers, Tessa Sayers, John Fisher, Rachel Fisher, Joanne Hutchison, David Shipley (Treasurer, from April 21). Due to continuing ill health, April Butterworth ceased to be a trustee from 11 November 2023.
Tessa Sayers is the chair of trustees and she and Chris Sayers have the role of “managing trustees”. They arrange the twice-yearly trustee meetings and oversee the financial affairs of the charity and contact with supporters, both to acknowledge donations and for information, though much of this work is carried out by other trustees (see below). They carry out the annual return for the Charity Commission.
The treasurer, David Shipley, manages the charity’s financial affairs and record keeping, including acknowledgement of donations, Gift Aid claims and preparing the accounts for the independent examiner. He is a signatory to the bank account (along with Chris and Tessa Sayers). His experience working with similar charities in the past and his competence and thoroughness in handling charity finances are a huge asset to the board.
John and Rachel Fisher prepare the once or twice-yearly newsletter to supporters which includes significant events occurring at the projects supported by FWT, the impact of work done at the projects on some of the beneficiaries of the projects and articles giving relevant background information. They manage the FWT website and update FWT’s FaceBook account with regular posts which encourage supporters and gain interest from elsewhere.
Brian and Elsie Tugwell play a major role in liaising with the charity's projects in India as they are based in India for several months each year. They attend the meetings of Nambikkai Illam Trust whenever possible and are in regular contact with the staff at the children's homes and Faith School. They keep the other trustees informed of any changes or developments.
Alistair Coomer has been on the board of trustees from the charity's inception and this long-term view, together with financial and managerial experience, is very beneficial to the governance of FWT.
Joanne Hutchison has visited the children’s homes and Faith school. She (with David) ensures that online gifts are individually acknowledged and she contributes to the FaceBook page. As a person living with a disability she brings an additional very valuable perspective to board discussions.
The trustees meet twice a year (spring and autumn). Due to their geographical dispersal in the UK, it is not always practical to meet in person and all meetings in 23-24 were conducted over Zoom. Correspondence is conducted by WhatsApp and email on relevant matters arising between meetings, to inform and consult with trustees. When vacancies on the board of trustees arise or when there is an opportunity to recruit a valuable new board member, potential new trustees are invited by the existing board. The trust deed does not specify the maximum number of trustees.
Each year, some trustees usually visit the school and homes in India to see for themselves how things are and make contact with the staff and trustees of the Nambikkai Illam Trust (NIT), the Indian charity that manages the homes and school. In the year from Oct 2023 to Sept 2024 Brian and Elsie Tugwell were able to visit India in autumn 23 and spring 24 and Brian visited again in July 24. Contact with trustees and staff at the homes and school was also conducted by phone and via email and WhatsApp.
None of the Trustees of FWT received any remuneration for their services.
The homes are managed locally by the trustees of the Nambikkai Illam Trust (NIT), based in Chennai, who normally meet approximately every 2 months to deal with strategic and practical issues as they arise. Trustees in 2023-24 comprised Chair Dr Livingstone (retired teacher at Madras Christian College), Dhyaneswar, Dr Esther (a GP), Brother Anthony and Mrs Sunithy Jeyakaran (runs a local old peole’s home). Brother Anthony is a new member (joined Feb 23) and is involved in Christian charity work in the centre of Chennai. NIT holds a bank account at ICICI bank to which FWT sends funds as necessary to meet the costs of the homes and Faith School. To comply with new government regulations, an account was set up with the State Bank of India in Delhi for the receipt of foreign funds, which are then transferred to the usual ICICI account. Minutes of their meetings are sent to FWT trustees as well as copies of their bank statements and their audited accounts. The manager of the homes, Chandra Rao, sends a monthly breakdown of income and expenditure to both NIT trustees and FWT trustees as well as regular updates of what has been happening at the homes, mainly via WhatsApp.
Faith School is managed locally by Dr Samuel Moses and his wife Kamala and operates under head teacher Mrs Mercy. The school's management and finance arrangements are overseen by trustees of Nambikkai Illam Trust who arrange for appropriate funds to be sent from the main Nambikkai Illam bank account to the school to pay staff salaries, food for lunches and other overheads.
Nambikkai Illam Children’s Homes
FWT supports 2 children’s homes near Sriperumbudur, just outside Chennai, Tamil Nadu State, South India. The accommodation comprises:
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Junior and Senior Boys Home at Vengadu village
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Junior and Senior Girls Home at Navalur village
The two homes are less than a mile apart. Most daily activities are conducted separately in the respective homes but the children get together regularly on free days and for special events and activities. This ensures regular contact for siblings living in the two homes, of whom there are quite a few. During the 23-24 school year there were 15 girls (aged between 5 and 16) and 21 boys (aged between 6 and 16). Two older boys who are at college continue to live at the homes and provide help and support to the warden.
The school year runs from June to end April and the annual intake is at the start of June. In May, children return to their home area if there are relatives who can take care of them for a month’s holiday. If not, the children stay at the homes but these are very few. The children normally attend the local primary school in Vengadu village and secondary schools in Vengadu (boys) and Sriperumbudur (girls), where they are taken by bus each day. The older children are found appropriate further education or training if they wish to continue their education beyond school age and, where appropriate, continue to live at the homes. At the end of the 23-24 year there were 7 older girls being supported in degree level education and 2 in vocational training and 5 older boys in degree level education and 2 in vocational training.
Ruth continued as warden of the girls home assisted by Miss Archana and later Miss Thenmozhi as assistant wardens. Chandra Rao is warden of the boys’ home and also overall manager, helped by his wife Sumathi who is assistant warden. Chandra and Sumathi have held these posts for around 15 years and in 2021 Chandra gained a masters degree in social work. Dr Esther, a NIT trustee who is a GP, held a medical camp and thoroughly checked all the children’s health.
In December 2023 a new bus was purchased to replace the very old van that had been used for around 20 years. In summer 2024 a new compound wall was built at the boys home and a roofed structure for outdoor play in the shade.
Members of the Church of God in Pernampet normally assist with the spiritual development of the children and visit the Homes regularly. In addition, other Christian activities take place from time to time, such as a weekend “camp” run at the homes by a local Scripture Union group, which is much enjoyed by the children. When FWT trustees visit the homes they also help with talks, activities and singing.
SIPCOT, the development agency, had informed NIT in April 2015 that they would require a plot of land adjacent to the boys' home where the boys currently have small gardens. As last year, there has still been no activity by SIPCOT on this plot of land in the current year and it now seems that the land will not be required. As ever, the situation is being monitored closely by NIT trustees, in order to get maximum notice of any new developments.
Faith School, Rajahmundry
The Faith Public School opened at the start of the academic year in June 2004, with the aim of providing a free English medium education for poorer students who would not otherwise be able to afford to go to school. Those who can afford it pay the normal fee but they are a small minority. Faith School’s classes range from lower kindergarten to 7th standard, providing a high standard of education for
Signed on behalf of the Trustees: Signature Full name Tessa Sayers Chris Sayers Position Chair of trustees Trustee Date S/g/25 116/iJ
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2024 for FAITH WELFARE TRUST
FAITH WELFARE TRUST GENERAL INFORMATION for the year ended 30 September 2024 Address: 18 Field House Close Acklington MORPETH Northumberland NE65 9PE Independent Examiner: 5 Park View Felton MORPETH Northumberland NE65 9DQ Notes: 1. These accounts have been prepared on a receipts and payments basis in accordance with the SORP 2015 Accounting and Reporting by Charities and the Charities Act 2011. 2. All funds received from donors are unrestricted.
FAITH WELFARE TRUST Independent Examiner's report to the Trustees of Faith Welfare Trust I report on the accounts of the Charity for the year ended 30 September 2024, which are set out on the following pages. Respective Responsibilities of Trustees and Examiner The Charitls Trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. The Charity's Trustees consider that an audit is not required this year under Section 144 (2) of the Charities Act 2011 and that an independent examination is all that is required. It is my responsibility to.. examine the accounts under Section 145 of the Charities Act 2011, follow the procedures laid down in the general direction given by the Charity Commisslon under Section 145 (5)(b) of the Act, and state whether any particular matters have come to my attention. Basls of Independent Examiner's Report My examination was carried out in accordance with the general directions given by the Charity Commission. An examination includes review of the accounting records kept by the Charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts, and seeking explanations from you as Trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit and, consequently, no option is given as to whether the accounts present a "true and fair view" and the report is limited to those matters set out in the statement below. Independent Examinerfs Statement In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention: which gives me reasonable cause to believe that, in any material respect, the requirements: to keep accounting records in accordance with Section 130 of the Act, and - to prepare accounts in accord with the accounting records and to comply with the requirements of the 2011 Act have not been met; or 2. To which, in my opinion, attentions should be drawn in order to enable proper understanding of the accounts to be reached. 2025 Roger Watts Independent Examiner 5 Park View Felton MORPETH Northumberland NE65 9DQ
FAITH WELFARE TRUST RECEIPTS and PAYMENTS ACCOUNT for the year ended 30th September 2024 2024 2023 GENERAL FUND Income Recelpts From Voluntary Sources: Legacy Donations Donations under Gift Aid Gif Aid: Tax Claims £120,000 £11,346 £25,596 £6,570 £0 £24,816 £26,154 £6,484 From Assets: Deposit Interest TOTAL RECEIPTS £895 £164,707 £58,349 Payments.. Charitable Activity Direct Expenditure Transfers to Nambikkai Illam Trust £115,000 £95,000 Management and Administration Telephone, IT, Postage & Stationery Travel Accountancy Bank Charges £411 £0 £75 £75 £168 £0 £75 £54 £561 £297 TOTAL PA YMENTS £115 561 f £95 297 Net Receipts (Payments) Opening Bank Deposit and Current Account Balances as at 30 September Opening Bank Deposit and Current Account Balances as at 30 September £49,146 36,949 £143,365 £180,314 £192 512 £143 365
FAITH WELFARE TRUST STATEMENT of ASSETS and LIABILITIES as at 30th September 2024 2024 2023 MONETARY ASSETS: Bank Current Account £37,825 £26.687 Bank Deposit Account £154 687 £116,678 £192,512 £143,365 DEBTOR: Tax on Gift Aid Claim made Oct 24 £6,585 £6,570 TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS: £199 097 £149 935 LIABILITIES: Accountancy £0 £75 Other Expenses £0 £0 £0 £75 The ststement of accounts is approved by the Board of Trustees: Chris Sayers: Trustee David Shiplay: Treasurer Dated: 0 2 2025
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2024 for FAITH WELFARE TRUST
FAITH WELFARE TRUST GENERAL INFORMATION for the year ended 30 September 2024 Address: 18 Field House Close Acklington MORPETH Northumberland NE65 9PE Independent Examiner: 5 Park View Felton MORPETH Northumberland NE65 9DQ Notes: 1. These accounts have been prepared on a receipts and payments basis in accordance with the SORP 2015 Accounting and Reporting by Charities and the Charities Act 2011. 2. All funds received from donors are unrestricted.
FAITH WELFARE TRUST Independent Examiner's report to the Trustees of Faith Welfare Trust I report on the accounts of the Charity for the year ended 30 September 2024, which are set out on the following pages. Respective Responsibilities of Trustees and Examiner The Charitls Trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. The Charity's Trustees consider that an audit is not required this year under Section 144 (2) of the Charities Act 2011 and that an independent examination is all that is required. It is my responsibility to.. examine the accounts under Section 145 of the Charities Act 2011, follow the procedures laid down in the general direction given by the Charity Commisslon under Section 145 (5)(b) of the Act, and state whether any particular matters have come to my attention. Basls of Independent Examiner's Report My examination was carried out in accordance with the general directions given by the Charity Commission. An examination includes review of the accounting records kept by the Charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts, and seeking explanations from you as Trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit and, consequently, no option is given as to whether the accounts present a "true and fair view" and the report is limited to those matters set out in the statement below. Independent Examinerfs Statement In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention: which gives me reasonable cause to believe that, in any material respect, the requirements: to keep accounting records in accordance with Section 130 of the Act, and - to prepare accounts in accord with the accounting records and to comply with the requirements of the 2011 Act have not been met; or 2. To which, in my opinion, attentions should be drawn in order to enable proper understanding of the accounts to be reached. 2025 Roger Watts Independent Examiner 5 Park View Felton MORPETH Northumberland NE65 9DQ
FAITH WELFARE TRUST RECEIPTS and PAYMENTS ACCOUNT for the year ended 30th September 2024 2024 2023 GENERAL FUND Income Recelpts From Voluntary Sources: Legacy Donations Donations under Gift Aid Gif Aid: Tax Claims £120,000 £11,346 £25,596 £6,570 £0 £24,816 £26,154 £6,484 From Assets: Deposit Interest TOTAL RECEIPTS £895 £164,707 £58,349 Payments.. Charitable Activity Direct Expenditure Transfers to Nambikkai Illam Trust £115,000 £95,000 Management and Administration Telephone, IT, Postage & Stationery Travel Accountancy Bank Charges £411 £0 £75 £75 £168 £0 £75 £54 £561 £297 TOTAL PA YMENTS £115 561 f £95 297 Net Receipts (Payments) Opening Bank Deposit and Current Account Balances as at 30 September Opening Bank Deposit and Current Account Balances as at 30 September £49,146 36,949 £143,365 £180,314 £192 512 £143 365
FAITH WELFARE TRUST STATEMENT of ASSETS and LIABILITIES as at 30th September 2024 2024 2023 MONETARY ASSETS: Bank Current Account £37,825 £26.687 Bank Deposit Account £154 687 £116,678 £192,512 £143,365 DEBTOR: Tax on Gift Aid Claim made Oct 24 £6,585 £6,570 TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS: £199 097 £149 935 LIABILITIES: Accountancy £0 £75 Other Expenses £0 £0 £0 £75 The ststement of accounts is approved by the Board of Trustees: Chris Sayers: Trustee David Shiplay: Treasurer Dated: 0 2 2025