Friends of ASHA (Ireland) Trustees Annual Report for the year ended 5[th] April 2025
The Trustees present their Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ending 5[th] April 2025 including the audited accounts for that period.
1.0 Reference and Administrative Details
For general matters and enquiries: For financial matters: Friends of Asha (Ireland) Friends of Asha (Ireland) c/o Mrs. Victoria Thampi c/o Mr. Norman Graham 95 Sydenham Avenue 8 Beaumont Hill Belfast BT4 2DL Ballymena BT43 6BJ
Registered Charity in Northern Ireland (NIC 101268)
2.0 Charity Trustees
The Charity Trustees who served during the year or who were trustees at the date of this report were:
Mrs. Valerie Alexander
Mrs. Pearl Donnelly Mr. Norman (Barney) Graham Mr. Freddy Martin
Mrs. Lynn Montgomery Mrs. Victoria Thampi Mr. Gareth Williams
3.0 Principal Office Bearers
Chairperson: Mrs. Victoria Thampi Secretary: Mrs. Pearl Donnelly Hon. Treasurer: Mr. Norman (Barney) Graham
4.0 Accountant
A1 Accounting 17 Millreagh Drive Dundonald Belfast BT16 1WP
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5.0 Independent Examiner
Time is Limited, Chartered Accountants 172 Grand Parade Belfast BT5 5PE
6.0 Bankers
Ulster Bank Limited
Arches Retail Park Connswater
Belfast BT5 4AF
7.0 Description and Purpose of Friends of ASHA (Ireland) [FOA(I)]
FOA(I) was formed in 2002 as the all-Ireland support group for the ASHA charity which is based in Delhi, India. FOA(I) has a strong Christian ethos and enjoys full UK charitable status under the Charities Commission for Northern Ireland. It also has HMRC Tax Emption – Ref XR 37459. All work carried out by the charity is done by unpaid volunteers.
There are currently 7 Trustees (see details above) and no employees.
8.0 Description of Asha Society
The Asha Society (www.asha-india.org) is a charity established in Delhi in 1989 that is dedicated to improving the lives of the urban poor through programmes covering health, education, empowerment, environment, infrastructure development and financial inclusion. Asha works amongst nearly one million slum inhabitants covering 95 slums in the city of Delhi. Asha’s interventions focus on the rights of slum dwellers and it works in partnership with them and the Government to bring about sustainable poverty reduction and positive change.
9.0 The year 6[th] April 2024 – 5[th] April 2025 for FOA(I)
In October of this year, a team from Dunclug College, Ballymena visited Delhi to see the work of Asha, particularly in the Kusumpur Pahari slum community. They brought 4 new laptops with them for distribution to students in the Zakhira slum | \ as i \ ug community. The team also managed to raise the , e Bi le re e yt a } fantastic sum of £11,500 which was forwarded to y Asha to help with their work in the slum communities \ Wy : of Delhi. We were also delighted to hear that two i 1 A young men from Kusumpur were coming to do their oy Masters in Queen’s University, Belfast. The trustees
and supporters of FOAI were delighted to welcome back Mr. Freddy Martin (a Director of Asha) to Northern Ireland in early 2025. Freddy stayed in N. Ireland for 1 week from
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25[th] to the 31[st] January 2025. During this time, he spoke at Holywood Parish Church, 2[nd] Broughshane Presbyterian Church, Dunclug College and Royal School Armagh.
A small team led by Mr. Tony Farquhar from the Ballymena Builders also visited the community in the Savda colony in north west Delhi in March 2025 where during their 2 week visit they helped to build an upper floor to the Resource Centre there which will give more space for learning, comfort and academic focus. The trustees are extremely grateful to the Ballymena Building team for their on-going support of Asha’s work and their commitment to help the people in this community.
Income for the year was very slightly down on the 2023-24 year. However, the trustees are delighted to report that, through a
combination of the strong base of regular personal contributors, along with Church and school donations, over £109,000 was transferred to Asha over the period, a really fantastic effort by all. The trustees are extremely grateful to all donors and we look forward to working closely with them in the year ahead. We are aware that some more schools are planning trips to Delhi and that is so encouraging! Both pupils and teachers will enjoy their visit to the slums of Delhi, where they will receive a warm welcome. The experience will be a memorable one and for some, will be life-changing.
The Trustees continue to consider new and innovative fundraising ideas and partners so that we can do more to help meet the needs of the slum dwellers that Asha work with.
10.0 The year April 2024 - March 2025 for Asha
About Asha Society, New Delhi
Asha India, founded in 1988 by Dr. Kiran Martin—a visionary paediatrician—is dedicated to transforming the lives of over one million residents across 100+ slum communities in Delhi through a holistic model focused on health, education, empowerment, environment, infrastructure, and financial inclusion. At its core is a rights-based philosophy cantered on dignity, equality, and universal access to health and education, achieved via deep partnerships with both communities and government.
Friends of Asha – Northern Ireland (NI)
Friends of Asha (Ireland) was formed in the year 2000 with its administration base located in Holywood Co Down Northern Ireland. It is the all-Ireland support group for the Asha charity, which is based in Delhi India. The organisation has a strong Christian ethos and enjoys full UK charitable status under the Northern Ireland Charities Commission for
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Northern Ireland - NIC 101268, in addition to HMRC Tax Exemption. Friends of Asha NI is dedicated to promoting the impactful work of Asha India in Northern Ireland and raising awareness about Asha’s effective strategies for poverty reduction. Friends of Asha NI supports these initiatives by fundraising, fostering partnerships, and sharing success stories to inspire broader support and engagement.
Asha’s Interventons in the slums
Healthcare Programme
Antenatal Care
In 2024–25, Asha achieved 100% antenatal coverage across slum communities, reaching 486 pregnant women. Regular antenatal clinics included foetal monitoring, tetanus vaccination, and nutritional supplements (iron, calcium, folic acid). Each mother was issued a health card, and all received education on nutrition, hygiene, and family planning. Child survival rate stood at 98%.
Natal Care
Asha’s Community Health Volunteers (CHVs) ensured 100% safe and institutional deliveries, with 323 births under trained supervision. CHVs provided birth kits, facilitated hospital admissions, and accompanied women during labour. No maternal deaths were recorded over the past five years, and 95% of babies were born with healthy birth weight.
Postnatal Care
CHVs conducted 1,065 home visits, ensuring newborns were breastfed within six hours of birth and mothers received postnatal support, including supplements and regular check-ups. Mothers and infants were monitored for complications, and referred when needed. Family involvement and maternal recovery were actively promoted.
Well-Baby Clinics
Asha conducted weekly clinics for children aged 0–5, focusing on nutrition, growth monitoring, and illness prevention. In 2024–25, 2,818 children were reached and regularly weighed, with underweight children receiving iron, zinc, and vitamin supplements. Individual health cards tracked each child’s development.
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Asha ensured over 95% immunisation coverage, following WHO guidelines and partnering with the Government of India for polio drops under the Pulse Polio Programme. These efforts protected children against life-threatening, preventable diseases.
Children’s growth was tracked using “Road-to-Health” charts and mid-arm circumference measurements. Malnourished children received immediate care. All children received Vitamin A every six months, boosting immunity and reducing infection risks.
Mothers were educated on hygiene practices to prevent diarrhoea and respiratory infections. In collaboration with Mahila Mandals, Asha worked to improve sanitation infrastructure, promote clean environments, and ensure proper waste management.
Family Planning & Reproductive Health
In 2024–25, 6,842 couples received counselling, with 4,389 adopting contraception (1,224 permanent, 3,165 temporary). Services included IUDs, oral pills, condoms, and injections. Special care was provided to individuals living with HIV/AIDS.
Menstrual Hygiene & RTI/STD Awareness
Asha conducted awareness sessions for adolescent girls and women on menstrual hygiene, reproductive tract infections, and sexually transmitted diseases, empowering them with knowledge for healthier lives.
Geriatric Care: Compassion for the Elderly
In 2024–25, Asha provided consistent medical care to 293 elderly residents across its slum communities. Services included health check-ups,
medicines, and referrals for eye, ear, and orthopaedic care. Glasses and hearing aids were distributed based on medical need. Emotional well-being was supported through home visits, companionship, and practical help. The ‘Love and Lunch’ programme served daily hot meals to 159 elderly individuals, fostering connection and reducing loneliness.
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Non-Communicable Chronic Disease Management
Respiratory Diseases
Asha treated 103 patients with asthma, COPD, and related conditions using inhalers, bronchodilators, nebulisation, and lifestyle education. Patients were advised on environmental triggers and supported with occupational guidance when necessary.
Diabetes Care
336 diabetic patients received regular monitoring (FBS, PPBS, HbA1C), medication, and lifestyle counselling. CHVs promoted balanced diets, physical activity, and adherence to treatment protocols.
Hypertension Management
346 patients with high blood pressure were managed through medication, home monitoring, and dietary counselling. Emphasis was placed on smoking cessation, stress reduction, and sustained hearthealthy habits.
Dental and physiotherapy Care
Recognising the escalating healthcare needs of slum communities, Asha has significantly expanded the scope of its Polyclinic with two vital additions — a state-of-the-art Dental Clinic and a fully equipped Physiotherapy Unit. These new services mark a major stride toward comprehensive, inclusive healthcare delivery.
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The Dental Clinic has already transformed lives by delivering critical oral healthcare to 258 patients, many of whom were receiving professional dental care for the first time in their lives. From pain relief to preventive care, the clinic has filled a long-standing gap in essential services. The clinic offers expert medical care led by a highly qualified doctor and is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities and advanced diagnostic tools.
Simultaneously, the Physiotherapy Unit has become a lifeline for 823 individuals, supporting recovery from strokes, injuries, and the management of chronic conditions such as arthritis and muscular disorders. By offering sustained rehabilitative care, this unit empowers patients to regain mobility, independence, and dignity.
Educaton Programme
Asha supported thousands of slum-based students through its Education Programme in 2024–25. The Asha Resource Centres served as academic hubs, benefiting 1,350 students monthly through IT labs and providing quiet study spaces to over 1,500 school students. The team also actively guided parents during PTMs on subject and career choices, bridging educational gaps for first-generation learners.
Primary Education Programme
Asha ensured consistent school enrolment through documentation support, remedial classes, and mentoring. Parents were engaged to address barriers like child labour and gender bias, especially affecting girls.
Higher Education Programme
In 2024–25, 250 students received university entrance exam coaching, 137 students secured undergraduate admission with Asha’s support, and 84 students pursued distance education. Asha also facilitated para-medical (21) and technical (9) training programmes. Two students began their Master’s studies.
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International Higher Education
Three students pursued Master's degrees at the University of Sydney in 2024, while three others completed theirs—two from Sydney and one from Queensland. Two students are currently pursuing PhDs at the University of Melbourne, reflecting the success of Asha’s global education initiative.
Internships: Professional Exposure
18 students from new Asha communities undertook internships with top organisations, gaining valuable skills, professional confidence, and career exposure.
Online English & IELTS Coaching
Students participated in online English classes led by mentors from the UK, USA, Ireland, and Australia. Specialised IELTS coaching and personalised mentorship helped them prepare for global academic opportunities.
Empowerment Programmes
Women’s Advocacy Groups
With 17 Women’s groups and 470 members, Asha conducted 544 community meetings addressing issues like domestic violence, legal literacy, and sanitation. Women emerged as community changemakers through collective action and advocacy.
Children’s Advocacy Groups
18 Children’s Advocacy Groups with 575 members made 223 official visits, promoting civic awareness, rights advocacy, and leadership skills among children aged 6–13.
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Youth Groups
Launched in 2024, 15 youth groups with 403 adolescents received academic and digital literacy support, life skills coaching, and leadership development.
The Asha Way of Life
Asha's programmes are grounded in core values—gratitude, compassion, dignity, justice, joy, simplicity, generosity, non-violence, affirmation, and the power of touch—infusing all relationships and services with purpose and humanity.
5[th] February 2026
______ ___ Victoria Thampi, Chairperson, Friends of Asha (Ireland) Date
Victoria Thampi, Chairperson, Friends of Asha (Ireland)
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