## **PROVIDING HOPE AND LIGHT** ## **TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2023** The trustees present their annual report and financial statements for the year ended 30 September 2023. 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: 1. 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. 2. 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: 1. Trading in jewellery made by victims and survivors of human trafficking and individuals who want to exit prostitution. 2. Speaking at public and private events on the issues of human trafficking and slavery. 3. Grant making to help achieve the objects through approved partner organisations and individuals. 4. Active raising of awareness through the charity’s website and social media channels. 5. 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 - 1 - ## **PROVIDING HOPE AND LIGHT** ## **TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2023** ## **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 £16,272 the charity continued to support women in safe work. The charity made jewellery sales totalling £58,880 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 47 meetings and events over the course of the year, with jewellery sales taking place alongside. It is estimated that over 1,830 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 £19,263 were made during the year, in furtherance of the charity’s objects. This represents an increase of £3,028 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: We had the opportunity to develop a new website to focus more on the ministry work but that also has a shop section. This site clearly links the projects through to a new donation software that records donations more systematically alongside the recording of Gift Aid when applicable. The charity’s Facebook and Instagram channels have continued to remain 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 1,800 and they also receive news of the ministry, prayer points and needs from our project partners. Work is underway to develop more regular updates through blogs on the new ministry website. (5) Markets and pop-up events: 13 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. Collaborations also took place with two other anti-trafficking organisations as well as with four other business and charity collaborations. (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 are seeking to employ a sales manager this year. A grant from TBF Thompson Trust has enabled us to cover the salary. This dedicated role will hopefully enhance stock management, ensuring inventory is efficiently tracked and replenished, leading to smoother operations and increased sales, enabling us to buy more stock and in turn keeping more women in safe work. With sales and stock management under control this will enable more time and resources to focus on developing fundraising efforts allowing more effective campaigns and the ability to secure additional funds. - 2 - ## **PROVIDING HOPE AND LIGHT** ## **TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2023** ## **Achievements and performance (continued)** (8) The generous funding received has been instrumental in the development of Hope House Pattaya, transforming it into a sanctuary of support and empowerment. Donations of household items, bedding, curtains, and furniture have created a warm and welcoming environment, while contributions of cleaning products have ensured the facility remains pristine and inviting. Following extensive renovations, Hope House now stands as a beacon of light in the darkness, providing safe accommodation and a haven for women in need. Beyond offering shelter, it also facilitates vocational job opportunities and counselling services, extending its support to both women and the wider community. This holistic approach not only addresses immediate needs but also empowers individuals towards self-sufficiency and healing. (9) Donations enabled us again this year to support the Valentine's outreach in Pattaya, offering bar girls invitations to the project, gifts of love, and a rose, spreading compassion and hope, building relationships for the future. (10) We have continued to partner and develop a second 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. (11) Our ongoing Dignity Project in Central Asia has been a lifeline for women in bonded labor, providing them with essential sanitary pads and hygiene products. To date, we have distributed over 2,000 pads, significantly improving the health and dignity of these women. This critical initiative has been made possible through the dedicated efforts of numerous individuals and churches who have generously made and donated these pads. Their support has enabled us to sustain and expand this vital ministry, allowing our partners on the ground to continue their compassionate outreach and care for some of the most vulnerable women in society. A small donation was also made to support the persecuted churches and families within this area. (12) Supporters' sacrificial funds have been utilised to address various urgent needs of the Hope for a Baby project. These include payments to biological parents to secure three babies, covering medical expenses for pregnant mothers, childbirth, and the treatment of several sick and hospitalised babies. Additionally, funds were spent on essential baby items such as cribs, car seats, highchairs, walkers, strollers, and toys. Daily necessities, including nappies, wet wipes, formula, vitamins, and clothes, were also provided. A house helper for the In His Love Family was funded, along with a mobile phone to ensure vital communication. The remaining funds will be kept strictly for ongoing monthly and future needs of the Hope for a Baby project, ensuring continuous support and care. ## **Financial review** The results are set out on pages 7 to 18. During the year, the charity received donations and grants totalling £77,532 (2022 - £59,482). The charity made sales of jewellery amounting to £58,880 (2022 - £53,629) and net income for the year was £37,133 (2022 - £13,739). At 30 September 2023 the charity had total funds of £119,345, which includes free reserves of £109,494 (2022 - £77,878). 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 months' 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. - 3 - ## **PROVIDING HOPE AND LIGHT** ## **TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2023** ## **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 Mr A Hays Dr S Campbell 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: ......................... - 4 -