## **Charity no. 108633** ## **www.polishsisterhood.com** # **ANNUAL REPORT 2024-2025** **Registered address: 15 Drumcairn Close Belfast BT8 8HQ** 1 ## **REPORT ON THE ACTIVITIES OF THE 'POLISH SISTERHOOD' ASSOCIATION FOR THE TAX YEAR 01/04/2024-31/03/2025** In 2024/2025, the Polish Sisterhood Association continued its commitment to enhancing the well-being of women and families within the Polish community, focusing on activities that promote self-awareness and foster creativity. Throughout the year, the association organised a variety of initiatives designed to support, engage, and empower Polish residents in Northern Ireland. One of the key components of our work was the "Circle of Women" support group, which provided a safe space for Polish women to share experiences, express their opinions, engage in meaningful discussions, and receive guidance. In total, eight such meetings were held, offering ongoing support to women in our community. The Book Lovers' Club, an integral part of the association, aimed to encourage the love of reading in Polish. We expanded the Polish-language book collection, ensuring that books were accessible to Polish readers. In addition, we promoted shared reading experiences, facilitating the joint reading of 12 books in Polish, followed by monthly discussions where participants could exchange their thoughts. The Club also hosted a special event with a Northern Ireland-based author of nonfiction books, enriching the cultural and intellectual experience of our members. To promote physical activity and well-being, we organized 12 ballroom dance classes, where participants could learn a variety of popular dance styles. These classes were open to members of the Polish community, as well as their family and friends, promoting both fitness and social engagement. In line with our mission to nurture creativity, we offered three sessions of artistic and handicraft classes. These workshops provided participants with an opportunity to express their creativity, enhance their aesthetic appreciation, and improve their emotional well-being. The sessions also encouraged intergenerational interaction, allowing people of all ages to engage in creative activities together. Our beauty salon workshops offered a relaxing environment where women could learn about natural skin care techniques. These sessions not only provided an opportunity for self-care but also fostered a sense of empowerment and well-being among the participants. To support the integration of Polish residents in Northern Ireland, we organised two coach trips to Armagh and Derry/Londonderry, which allowed participants to explore the cultural and historical heritage of Northern Ireland. These trips were a valuable opportunity for members to connect with the local community and deepen their understanding of their new home. In celebration of Polish cultural traditions, the association hosted the annual "Kupala Night" Midsummer celebration. This outdoor event offered a fun and educational experience, where participants could learn about Polish folk traditions while enjoying the festivities. Additionally, our pre-holiday cooking classes brought families together to bake and decorate traditional Polish gingerbread cookies, further promoting Polish cultural heritage. Our participation in the annual Pierogi Festival, in collaboration with the Chinese Welfare Association, provided a platform to promote Polish cuisine and culture. This event was a wonderful opportunity to celebrate Polish culinary traditions and connect with other communities. Our association worked to strengthen collaboration between various Polish organisations in Northern Ireland. In this regard, we organised a networking meeting at the Polish Consulate in Belfast, where representatives from different Polish organisations could exchange experiences, share resources, and explore opportunities for future cooperation. Finally, from February 2025, we were able to employ a part-time project coordinator, a role that significantly strengthened our capacity. With oversight of our activities, consistent representation in stakeholder meetings, and direct support for vulnerable community members, this position has become central to our mission. Having a paid staff member has allowed us to deepen our partnerships with local groups and expand our reach. 2 We based our activities on funds and support from founders: - The Heath Belfast - Belfast Citi Council - Migrant Centre NI - National Lottery Community Fund - The General Consulate of the Republic of Poland ## **EVENTS IN CHRONOLOGICAL ORDER:** ## **APRIL '24** 06/04/2024 - Management Board training on the principles of cooperation and planning 07/04/2024 – An evening of literature 14/04/2024 – Polish community integration meeting at the Polish Consulate 20/04/2024 - Women’s Circle meeting 28/04/2024 – Book Club meeting **MAY '24** 04/05/2024 – Dance classes 11/05/2024 – Dance classes 12/05/2024 – Coach trip to Derry/Londonderry 18/05/2024 – Dance classes 18/05/2024 – Women’s Circle meeting 25/05/2024 – Dance classes 26/05/2024 – Management Board training on the principles of recruitment and voluntary work 26/05/2024 – Book Club meeting ## **JUNE '24** 08/06/2024 - Coach trip to Armagh 15/06/2024 – Women’s Circle meeting 22/06/2024 – "Kupala Night" - a traditional outdoor event 29/06/2024 – Dance classes 30/06/2024 – Book Club meeting ## **JULY '24** 06/07/2024 – Dance classes 20/07/2024 – Dance classes 20/07/2024 – Women’s Circle meeting 3 21/07/2024 - Management Board training on the principles of collecting funds 27/07/2024 – Dance classes 27/07/2024 – Arts and Crafts – sketching 28/07/2024 – Book Club meeting ## **AUGUST ‘24** 25/08/2024 – Book club meeting ## **SEPTEMBER '24** 07/09/2024 – Arts and Crafts – painting 21/09/2024 – Women’s Circle meeting 29/09/2024 – Book Club meeting ## **OCTOBER '24** 13/10/2024 – Meeting with literary author 19/10/2024 – Women’s Circle meeting 29/10/2024 – Book Club meeting ## **NOVEMBER '24** 06/11/2024 – Women’s Circle meeting 24/11/2024 – Beauty Workshops in a Beauty Salon ## **DECEMBER '24** 01/12/2024 – Book Club meeting 02/12/2024 – Dumplings Festival 08/12/2024 – Gingerbread Cookies – traditional baking 29/12/2024 – Book Club meeting ## **JANUARY '25** 18/01/2024 - General Meeting - election of Management Board members for 2025 ## **FEBRUARY '25** 01/02/2025 - Public Consultation for residents of South Belfast 02/02/2025 – Book Club meeting 08/02/2025 – Arts and Craft – making jewellery 4 15/02/2025 – Women’s Circle meeting 22/02/2025 – Dance classes 23/02/2025 – Book Club meeting ## **MARCH '25** 05/03/2025 – Dance classes 08/03/2025 – Dance classes 15/03/2025 – Dance classes 15/03/2025 – Women’s Circle meeting ## **SUMMARY:** - 1 general meeting of members of the Association - 1 Polish Community Integration meeting - 8 meetings of the Women's Circle (support group) - 12 Book Club meetings (12 books read together) - 1 literary evening (meeting with an author) - 12 Dance classes - 2 coach trips - 1 outdoor event “Kupala Night” - 1 traditional baking event 2Gingerbread Cookies” - Cooperation in Dumpling Festival event - 3 Arts and Craft classes - 1 Beauty Salon event - - 2 Management Board trainings The Trustee Board in the tax year 1/4/2024 to 31/3/2025 consisted of the following members: 1/4/2024 – 18/1/2025 Agnieszka Cichulska Katarzyna Wdowiak-Wilk Marta Gudzowska Monika Rzadkowska Noorul Ur Rehman 18/1/2025 – 31/3/2025 Agnieszka Cichulska Barbara Snowarska Lucyna Landowska Monika Rzadkowska Noorul Ur Rehman 5 ## **REPORT ON THE CHARITY ACCOUNTS OF THE 'POLISH SISTERHOOD' ASSOCIATION** **FOR THE TAX YEAR 1/04/2024-31/03/2025** **----- Start of picture text -----**
01/04/2024 Opening Balance £8,954.60
INCOME (Deposits)
2024 Membership Fee/Workshop Fee paid by 25 members £375.00
23/04/2024 The Hearth Belfast £150.00
20/06/2024 Belfast City Council £2,000.00
15/11/2024 Migrant Centre NI £2.430.00
22/11/2024 Community Fund (TNL) £19,952.00
27/11/2024 Belfast City Council £500.00
24/01/2025 Chinese Welfare Association £320.00
Derry/Londonderry & Armagh
07/05-10/06/24 Trips £162.00
Refund – Derry & Strabane
20/01/2025 Council £90.00
03/02/2025 Donation (Gingerbread Event) £60.60
TOTAL: £26,039.60
Including Opening balance: £34,994.20
EXPENSES (OUT)
Project Coordination
£1,842.00
Catering
£591.39
Bus Trip
£945.00
QUB project cost
£1000.00
Events costs
£730.78
Room hire
£1,705.00
Equipment
£901.36
Milage expenses
£664.47
Workshops’ fees
£2740.00
Policy Insurance
£253.55
Office supply
£152.16
Marketing costs
£232.00
TOTAL: £11,757.71
31/03/25 Closing balance per statement £23,236.49
**----- End of picture text -----**
6 ## **Polish Sisterhood Assets** ## **Asset status before the year 01/04/24-31/03/25** Yoga mats x 6pcs £90.00 Litter picker grabber x 15pcs £150.00 Event Shelter £371.31 Printer £117.16 Projector £377.00 Roller banner £51.90 Cushions £400.00 Trolley x 2 £114.98 Speaker system £155.00 **Purchased between 01/04/2024-31/03/2025** Trolley £69.99 Audio System £476.88 Mobile phone £205.93 7 ## **INDEPENDENT EXAMINER REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF 'POLISH SISTERHOOD' ASSOCIATION FOR THE TAX YEAR 1/04/2024-31/03/2025** ## **Respective responsibilities of charity trustees and examiner** As the charity’s trustees you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the Charities Act (Northern Ireland) 2008. It is my responsibility to: - Examine the accounts under section 65 Charities Act. - Follow the procedures laid down in the general Directions given by the Commission under section 65(9)(b) of the Charities Act. - State whether particular matters have come to my attention. ## **Basis of independent examiner’s report** I have examined your charity accounts as required under section 65 of the Charities Act and my examination was carried out in accordance with the general Directions given by the Charity Commission for Northern Ireland under section 65(9)(b) of Charities Act. My examination included a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also included consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts and seeking explanations from you as charity trustees concerning any such matters. My role is to state whether any material matters have come to my attention giving me cause to believe: 1. That accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 63 of the Charities Act. 2. That the accounts do not accord with those accounting records. 3. That the accounts do not comply with the accounting requirements of the Charities Act. 4. That there is further information needed for a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached. ## **Independent examiner’s statement** I have completed my examination and have no concerns in respect of the matters (1) to (4) listed above, in connection with following the directions of the Charity Commission for Northern Ireland, I have found no matters that require drawing to your attention. Leanne Winters Credit Control Administrator Date: 13/01/2026 8