2022-09-30-annual-report - Providing Hope and Light

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PROVIDING HOPE AND LIGHT

TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2022

The trustees present their annual report and financial statements for the year ended 30 September 2022.

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out in note 1 to the financial statements and comply with the charity's Articles of Association, the Companies Act 2006 and "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)".

Objectives and activities

The charity's objects are:

The relief of those in need by reason of financial hardship or other disadvantage, in particular those who are victims and survivors of human trafficking and slavery.
The advancement of human rights by the prevention and reduction of all forms of human trafficking and slavery (including, but not limited to sexual exploitation, forced labour, domestic servitude and organ harvesting); and to protect and provide assistance and support to victims and survivors of human trafficking and slavery, and also to individuals who want to exit prostitution, by any exclusively charitable means including (but not limited to) all or any of the following: (a) providing practical support and assistance and temporary and permanent refuge; (b) providing exit strategies for those who wish to exit prostitution; (c) offering rehabilitation services including access to advice, counselling, therapy, healthcare, support and social befriending to the victims and survivors of human trafficking and slavery and those seeking to exit prostitution; (d) raising awareness of the causes and effects of human trafficking and slavery and in particular the means of preventing and reducing same, and the consequences for and needs of victims/survivors; (e) supporting those affected by human trafficking and slavery by the purchase of goods made by those persons in particular overseas.

Activities in furtherance of these objects include:

Trading in jewellery made by victims and survivors of human trafficking and individuals who want to exit prostitution.
Speaking at public and private events on the issues of human trafficking and slavery.
Grant making to help achieve the objects through approved partner organisations and individuals.
Active raising of awareness through the charity’s website and social media channels.
Jewellery making classes through which stories and experiences can be shared in order to raise awareness of the issues of human trafficking and slavery.

The trustees have paid due regard to guidance issued by the Charity Commission in deciding what activities the charity should undertake.

A grant making policy has been adopted in furtherance of these objects.

The charity does not invite applications for grants. When gifts are made to external organisations, the following criteria are taken into consideration:

The consistency of the partner with the charity's objects
The potential for significant public benefit
The level of risk to the charity and associated individuals
The clarity, measurability and achievability of goals
The past effectiveness of the partner
The clarity of the partner’s governance structures
The financial accountability of the partner and existing appropriate controls
The reliability of the partner with regard to reporting
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PROVIDING HOPE AND LIGHT

TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2022

Achievements and performance

(1) Trading in jewellery: Purchases of jewellery, scarves and bags from partner organisations in Asia help to provide stable and safe work for those seeking an alternative to the sex industry. They also help women and girls in rural communities to set up small cooperatives and earn a living for themselves and their families therefore preventing exploitation and trafficking. Through this, women are receiving opportunities to work in dignity and freedom, experiencing meaningful employment and opportunities for holistic healing. As a result, the purchases of jewellery and bags made by the women opens doors to healing, restoration, and hope. These long-term, sustainable business ventures are empowering women and leading them to independence, not dependence. Through jewellery purchases of £17,390 the charity continued to support women in safe work.

The charity made jewellery sales totalling £53,629 in the year. This generated a surplus for the charity, allowing grant making and further support purchasing jewellery from the various projects which contributed towards its charitable objects. A large proportion of sales took place during speaking engagements, with a physical store also in operation. A number of volunteers were recruited to assist with sales and order fulfilment. The charity also continued partnerships with four stores who are stocking its products and developed partnerships into three others.

(2) Speaking engagements: The work of the charity and the issues of human trafficking and slavery were presented at 42 meetings and events over the course of the year, with jewellery sales taking place alongside. It is estimated that over 1,630 people were presented to. The work was also featured in external magazines, helping to raise further awareness of the charity and its objects.

(3) Grant making: By the end of the period, partnerships were in place across 6 countries in Asia and 11 separate projects. Most partnerships primarily involved the purchase of jewellery and other items produced by victims and survivors of human trafficking and slavery and those seeking to exit prostitution. However, grants and donations totalling £16,235 were made during the year, in furtherance of the charity’s objects. This represents an increase of £10,465 on the previous year. Grants were used to support women and their children, to enable further production of jewellery in a safe working environment with a fair wage, and to also to relieve poverty through the distribution of food, and other essential items. One focus project was to assist and furnish a home in South-East Asia. This was very successful and continues to enable a safe place for women who would otherwise be in vulnerable positions. Grants also supported outreach into red-light districts; counselling and vocational programs; and anti-trafficking awareness classes.

(4) Website and social media: The website continued to enable the sale of jewellery items. The site has also enabled the raising of awareness through a ‘Story’ page highlighting the background of the charity and a ‘Journal’ page which shares news updates. The charity’s Facebook and Instagram channels were also very active, highlighting needs and marketing jewellery on a regular basis. The charity’s weekly / bimonthly Shopify email mailing list audience continues to grow, with over 900 recipients receiving jewellery news, offers and information on the projects. Our Mailchimp recipients grew to over 1,300 and they also receive news of the ministry, prayer points and needs from our project partners. Work is underway to develop the online presence by hosting separate commerce and ministry websites, with the goal of better promoting the charitable side of the organisation.

(5) Markets and pop-up events: 18 stalls took place over the course of the year, providing an informal setting in which to not only sell products but also to awareness of the issues of human trafficking, slavery and prostitution through discussion with individuals. Opportunities were also taken to share of the work in the Rep of Ireland and meetings in the South of England. The Charity also exhibited at the ‘Big Church Day Out’ Festival in June in West Sussex, providing many opportunities to sell jewellery and share about the ministry.

(6) This year our social media platform has grown in reach and numbers. Through collaboration with others, we have been able to deliver the message and vision of our work to a wider audience. This has been supported by a new part-time social media officer.

(7) We were excited to partner and develop with a new project in Myanmar. Together we have been able to partner to extend God’s love to people who have been trafficked for the purpose of sexual exploitation. Profits from jewellery sales directly benefit the women within this project, supporting various program including outreach, drop-in centres, emergency shelters, trauma counselling, vocational training, economic empowerment and community education.

PROVIDING HOPE AND LIGHT

TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2022

Financial review

The results are set out on pages 6 to 16.

During the year, the charity received donations and grants totalling £59,482 (2021 - £26,768). The charity made sales of jewellery amounting to £53,629 (2021 - £53,309) and net income for the year was £13,739 (2021 - £23,814).

At 30 September 2022 the charity had total funds of £82,212, of which £1,426 related to restricted funds. Free reserves of the charity at 30 June 2022 amounted to £77,878 (2021 - £62,754).

It is the policy of the charity that unrestricted funds which have not been designated for a specific use should be maintained at a level equivalent to between three and six month’s expenditure. The trustees consider that reserves at this level will ensure that, in the event of a significant drop in income, they will be able to continue the charity’s current activities while consideration is given to ways in which additional funds may be raised. This level of reserves has been achieved by the balance sheet date.

The trustees have assessed the major risks to which the charity is exposed, and are satisfied that systems are in place to mitigate exposure to the major risks.

Structure, governance and management

The charity is a company limited by guarantee that was incorporated under a Memorandum of Association which established the objects and powers of the company and is governed under its Articles of Association.

The trustees, who are also the directors for the purpose of company law, and who served during the year and up to the date of signature of the financial statements were:

Mr G Stewart Mrs N Russell (Resigned 19 September 2022) Mr A Hays Dr S Campbell (Appointed 14 October 2021)

None of the trustees has any beneficial interest in the company. All of the trustees are members of the company and guarantee to contribute £1 in the event of a winding up.

The charity is governed by the Trustees who meet every month.

Responsibility for day to day management of the charity is delegated to Mrs L Rainey.

Small companies exemption

In preparing this report, the directors have taken advantage of the small companies exemptions provided by section 415A of the Companies Act 2006.

The trustees' report was approved by the Board of Trustees.

Mr G Stewart

Trustee

Dated: 31 July 2023