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(A company limited by guarantee)

Association of Asian Women

REGISTERED COMPANY NUMBER: 06209806 (England and Wales)REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER: 1119239

Report of the Trustees and Financial Statementsfor the Year Ended 31 March 2013

GAN MAS

Y E A R S

ANNUAL REVIEW2012 - 2013

01

CONTENTS

Page

Reference and Administrative details . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Board of Directors. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

President's letter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Board of Directors and Subcommittee Members . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Management and Staff Structure. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Sangam Staff and Volunteers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Report of the Trustees . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Statement of Trustees Responsibilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

Report of Independent Auditors. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

Statement of Financial Activities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

Balance Sheet. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

ANNUAL REVIEW 2012 - 2013

02

REFERENCE & ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS

Patron

Office Bearers for the year 2012/2013

Members of the Board of Directors

Co-opted Members of the Board

Sangam Steering Group (SSG)

Company Registration Number

Charity Registration Number

Registered Office

Auditors

Bankers

Solicitors

The Lord Bagri CBE

Piyusha Virani, President

Nimmi Saraf, Vice President

Richa Karnani, Secretary

Rupa Mistry, Treasurer

The Lady Usha Bagri

Jyoti Shah

Sudha Sanghani

Rakhi Gupta

Anjana Sethia

Raksha Thanawala

Bina Kotecha

Leena Sheth (Accounts)

Shobhna Shah (Domestic Violence Counselling Service)

06209806

1119239

210 Burnt Oak Broadway, Edgware, Middlesex, HA8 0AP

Ripe LLP, 9a Burroughs Gardens, London, NW4 4AU

NatWest Plc, PO Box 304, 53 Burnt Oak Broadway, Edgware, Middlesex, HA8 5EU

CAF Bank Ltd, 25 Kings Hill Avenue, West Malling, Kent, ME19 4JQ

Fladgate LLP, 16 Great Queen Street, London, WC2B 5DG


03

BOARD OF THE DIRECTORS

Piyusha ViraniPresident

Nimmi SarafVice President

Richa KarnaniSecretary

Rupa MistryTreasurer

Lady Usha BagriDirector

Friends of Sangam

Jyoti ShahDirectorGrants

Sudha SanghaniDirector

Maintenance

Rakhi GuptaDirector

Education

Raksha ThanawalaCoopted Member

Seniors Club

Bina KotechaCoopted Member

Befriending Project

Anjana SethiaDirector

Hall Rental


04

PRESIDENT'S LETTER

Dear Members,

The only way I can describe my second term of Presidency is - What a

Year!

It has been a year celebrating Sangam's 40th year of community service

and reflecting with immense pride in the achievements and progress

Sangam has made today. This could not be possible without the combined

hard work and commitment of all the volunteers at Sangam, now and

through its 40 years of service. The trust and respect shown to Sangam,

reflected in the generous support and donations we have received

throughout this year, has humbled us. It has been the greatest honour to head this most worthwhile organisation.

This year has been particularly demanding for the Board of Directors. As we have had no dedicated events team,

all the directors gave their full time, energy and skills in organising the array of fund raising activities and

celebratory events held throughout the year - that is in addition to working on their portfolios at Sangam! Starting

with the fun and challenging 10K Charity Walk in July 2012 (repeating this year by public demand), the

informative and sensitive International Women's Day Seminar, the decadent Holi Brunch which was combined

with a stylish Fashion show, we had many talks and activities organised for the seniors, youth, Sangam members

and clients. Undoubtedly, the icing on the cake was our 40th Anniversary Fundraising Gala at the Park Lane

Sheraton Hotel, London in September 2012.

The 40th Anniversary Gala was remarkably one of Sangam's most successful fundraising events. The guests were

splendid in their Moghul themed attires and enjoyed the entertainments which included a mesmerising Sufiana

singer, a Kathak dancer and swirling Sufi dancers. The intermingling of the past and present members was full of

camaraderie and a feeling of revelry in this momentous achievement. Lady Usha Bagri was presented with an

award by the Board of Directors for her 40 years of continuous community service. Her unfailing commitment and

dedicated hard work is a pride to Sangam and an inspiration to us all. An Audio Visual presentation was made

showcasing our activities and we were touched to see our clients eager to express how Sangam's services have

helped them. This enabled us to raise almost £140,000 in pledges, securing enough funds to run of our Domestic

Violence Counselling Project for another 3 years.

Sangam's commitment to community service has been nationally recognised and we were extremely honoured

when I, as the President of Sangam, was invited by the Prime Minister David Cameron to his Diwali Reception at

10 Downing Street.

Behind the scenes, the Board of Directors has been continuously challenged by the arduous task of sustaining

Sangam's services during these difficult economic times, without compromising on its high standards. We have

continued to manage the Advice centre voluntarily. All expenses such as contracts, printing, electricity, phone bills

etc have been periodically reviewed to ensure we are getting the best services at optimum cost. We have hired a

Marketing Executive to increase the revenue from our hall rentals. Disappointingly, it has been a trying effort and

the figures, as yet, do not show any increment.

Our immediate concern is Sangam's building which has completed 20 years and furthermore, it has been used

exhaustively. We are having mounting bills on the maintenance of the building. A comprehensive refurbishment

project has been compiled and we now face the formidable mission to raise the much needed funds to begin the

work.

As part of our duty to keep ourselves up to date, all our policies and systems were reviewed. To keep abreast with

the changing company and charity laws, the Memorandum and Articles was replaced with a new Articles of

Sangam which was passed at the last Annual General Meeting.


05

At Sangam, we have kept up with its aims and principles and can reflect with pride at the hard work done

throughout the year. Our services and projects have grown beyond our expectations, systematically and with great

professionalism. We hope to carry on this good work and promptly adapt to the community's needs.

Before I end my report, I would like to acknowledge and thank all those who have helped to make this year

enriching and successful for Sangam:

All the members of the Board of Directors: Rupaben Mistry, Jyotiben Shah and Ushaji Bagri, the stalwarts and

pillars of my committee who have ensured that Sangam has kept to its aims and principles; Nimmi Saraf, for being

a constant support as my Vice President; Richa Karnani, for keeping us on our toes; Anjana Sethia, Sudha

Sanghani and Rakhi Gupta, for their perseverance in managing their portfolios; Raksha Thanawala and Bina

Kotecha, for joining in and getting right into the thick of things. Thank you all for your unfaltering and selfless

dedication to the team.

All the staff members for their cooperation, and the pro-active approach they have displayed throughout the year.

My gratitude to the Patron of Sangam, Lord Bagri, for his guidance and continuous support.

Leena and Sunil Sheth for helping and giving their expert advice whenever needed, Leena with the finances and

audit, and Sunil, regarding various legal issues, especially his patience in helping to update the Articles of Sangam.

Shobhna Shah, for being actively involved in developing and overseeing the Domestic Violence and Mental

Health Project, and steering it in the right direction.

All the subcommittee members for giving their time, energy, and effort in serving Sangam.

All the volunteers especially the Friends of Sangam members who have come to help unconditionally whenever

asked.

The team of professional and legal advisors, and associated partners at Sangam, for their advice and commitment

to serve. Our auditor, Robert Glazer, from Ripe Chartered Accountants.

Our Human Resource Consultant, Mike Leaney, for his continuous help in keeping Sangam up-to-date in all

matters relating to Human Resources.

Our Bookkeeper, Amanda Small of Samson Accounting, for keeping our accounting figures correct.

Last but not the least a heartfelt thanks to all the members, donors, sponsors and well-wishers who have supported

and contributed to Sangam.

Thank you

Piyusha Virani


06

BOARD OF DIRECTORS & SUBCOMMITTEE MEMBERS

Chair

Vice President

Secretary

Finance

Advice Centre

Domestic Violence Counselling Project

Advice Centre Partners/Public Relations

Education

Friends of Sangam

Grants

Hall Rental

Maintenance/Green Project/Membership

Senior Citizens

Event Committees

40th Anniversary 10k Charity Walk

40th Anniversary Charity Ball

Holi Brunch

- Piyusha Virani

- Nimmi Saraf

- Richa Karnani

- Rupa Mistry (Chair) and Leena Sheth

- Nimmi Saraf (Chair) Piyusha Virani and Sudha Sanghani

- Rupa Mistry (Chair), Shobhna Shah (Coordinator),

Bina Kotecha and Sudha Sanghani

- Jyoti Shah (Chair) and Piyusha Virani

- Rakhi Gupta (Chair)

- Lady Usha Bagri (Chair) and Jyoti Kamath

- Jyoti Shah (Chair) and Anjana Sethia (Awards for All)

- Anjana Sethia (Chair), Richa Karnani (Little Pebbles Nursery) and Rupa Mistry

- Sudha Sanghani (Chair) and Jyoti Shah

- Raksha Thanawala, (Chair), Rakhi Gupta (Chair until October 2012), Bharti Shah,

Suchitra Kabra, Sejal Mamtora, Meena Malde and Lily Patel

- In addition to all Board Members

- Nimmi Saraf (Chair), Anita Kamdar, Dr Nandani Varma, Varsha

Dahad,

Varsha Golecha, Jyoti Kamath, Lily Patel

- Piyusha Virani (Chair), Anushka Dhawan, Chetna Mehta and Rashmi Virani

- Raksha Thanawala (Chair), Hansa Chatwani, Kalpana Shah, Sakina Ganatra


07

MANAGEMENT AND STAFF STRUCTURE

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Advice Centre

Marketing

Quality Mark

Grants

Advice Workers

Trainee Advisor &

Administrator

Administrator

Avinash Mandalia

Dipa Haria

Savita Bansal

Chital Shah

Mala Jethwa

Hima Modha

Shailesh Lathia

Dipa Haria

Avinash Mandalia

HR Consultant

DV Counselling

Mike Leaney

Dhanesh Sakaria

Debbie Walker

Alison Knight

Antonia Kreeger

Bhavna Purswani

Carole Simpkins

Daniela Nova

Geraldine Morson

Kashmira Kalsi

Lesley Kalish

Lillie Stout

Mandy Paxelaris

Susan Wertheim

Counselling Manager

Counsellor

Volunteer Counsellors

Cultural Classes

Activities

Caretakers

Bharatiya Vidya

Bhavan Classes

Bharat Natyam

Kathak

Hindustani Vocal

Tabla

Lalita Shah

Manish Shah

Manisha Wala

Asok Kumarasamy

Chandrakant Shah

Reinaldo Inaldoiza

Yogesh Dattani

Vishal Patel

Sewing Classes

Yoga

Legal and

Professional Advisors

Mr L Birdy

Gurprit Kaur

Money Advice Project

Safer Neighbourhood

Surgery

Kirsty Mabb

Birdy & Co Solicitors

Sethi Partnership

Barnet C.A.B.

Metropolitan Police

Cherry Lodge

Cancer Care


08

SANGAM STAFF AND VOLUNTEERS

Mike Leaney,

Avinash Mandalia,

Dipa Haria,

Savita Bansal,

Chital Shah,

Mala Jethwa,

Dhanesh Sakaria,

Debbie Walker,

HR consultant, assists in the management of the Advice Centre and since 1 August 2012, his responsibilities have increased to include day-to-day issues concerning staffing as well as maintenance, health and safety and refurbishment of the building.

full time Advice worker, specialises in all areas of Social Welfare Law and is an LSC Accredited Supervisor at specialist level in both Welfare Benefits and Debt. Avinash is a pro-active worker who is actively involved with our Grant's Department and has worked hard to secure funding from the Big Lottery Fund and Barnet Council.

part time OISC Level 2 Advice worker, specialises in Immigration Law and Welfare benefits. From November 2011 she has been given the responsibility of overseeing the Quality Mark Standards. In the next few months Dipa will be aiming to qualify for Level 3 Qualification.

part time OISC Level 2 Advice worker, specialises in Immigration Law. She is a good, steady, reliable worker who keeps abreast of constantly changing laws by attending regular training.

part-time trainee Welfare Advice Worker and Administrator, is good at multi-tasking and carries out a range of administrative duties, including assisting the Directors with book-keeping and Mike Leaney with timesheet records and payroll. Chital is a vital cog in the administration of the Advice Centre and she has confirmed her wish to further her career in Advice work.

Administrator, undertakes a number of roles and responsibilities such as managing the reception, overseeing the maintenance of the building and assisting Directors on their various tasks. She is an active and enthusiastic worker who does a great job in coordinating and multi-tasking all administrative work.

part-time Counselling Service Manager for over two years, manages the large team of Volunteer Counsellors and has her own case load as well. Dhanesh has demonstrated great commitment and dedication in providing a professional counselling service at Sangam.

part time Counsellor also joined the team in November 2011. She has her own case load and facilitates the weekly Therapeutic Group. Debbie has been very proactive and her group sessions have been enthusiastically attended.

Mike Leaney

Avinash Mandalia

Savita Bansal

Dhanesh SakariaMala Jethwa

Dipa Haria

Chital Shah Debbie Walker

Presently, Sangam has 12 paid staff members consisting of 3 qualified Advisers, 1 trainee Adviser, 2 counsellors, a

part-time Marketing Administrator, 2 part time Administrators and 3 caretakers. Sangam also has 7 volunteer

counsellors and 2 to 3 volunteers assisting our administrative staff.


09

Shailesh Lathia

Hima Modha

Asok Kumarasamy,

Chandrakant Shah,

Yogesh Dattani,

Mona Mann,

Reinaldo Inaldoiza Vishal Patel

started at Sangam in May 2012 as our first part-time Marketing Administrator with particular responsibility for increasing revenue from hall hiring. Shailesh has been instrumental in supervising and liaising on much of the refurbishment work.

has joined Sangam in March 2013 as a part time administrative assistant.

part-time Caretaker, is a loyal, long standing caretaker, and over the last

12 months has been asked to extend his working hours at Sangam, replacing Reinaldo on

Fridays. His contribution and support in the refurbishment work around the Advice Centre is

also much appreciated.

part-time Caretaker, coordinates the setting up of the Bhavan classes on

Saturday's. Since the restructuring of the Caretaker's team, has taken over the Tuesday shift

formerly done by Vishal.

part-time Caretaker, started with us in November 2011, carries out his duties

in preparation and support of events mostly on Wednesdays of each week.

PA to the Board of Directors, had taken the whole of 2012 as maternity leave but

following the birth of her baby she decided not to return to work at Sangam.

and were made redundant in February 2013.

Ashok Kumarasamy

Yogesh Dattani Mona Mann Vishal Patel

Hima Modha

Chandrakant Shah

Volunteer Counsellors

Kashmira Kalsi, Mandy Paxelaris, Susan Wertheim, Lesley Kalish, Antonia Kreeger, Carole Simpkins, Alison

Knight, Daniela Nova, Geraldine Morson, Lillie Stout, Bhavna Purswani

Shailesh Lathia


10

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES

STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT

Governing document

Induction and training of new trustees

Organisational structure

The Charity is a charitable company limited by guarantee and was set up by a Memorandum of Association on 11th

April 2007 and is a registered charity (Charity Registration Number 1119239). This company took over the assets,

obligations and operations from the unincorporated charity of the same name with effect from 1st April 2009.

Sangam's Board of Directors is responsible for the general control and management of the Advice Centre. The

Board of Directors are all volunteers and offer their time freely and receive no remuneration or any other financial

benefits.

The Board of Directors is responsible for all the decisions taken in relation to the running of the Advice Centre. To

ensure the smooth running of the Advice Centre, each Director has been designated a portfolio of which they are

responsible for. The portfolio reflects the particular skills that the Director can offer Sangam.

Presently, there are 9 Directors and 2 Co-opted Members to the Board of Directors who meet on a monthly basis

and make decisions regarding the administration of the Charity.

The Directors are elected every 2 years from amongst its members. The Board could have up to 15 elected

members and up to 5 co-opted members. A full list of the Directors, its Sub-Committee and their responsibilities

are set out on page 6. The Committee met 12 times during the year. The Sub-Committee members are nominated

for a fixed term of 1 year, retiring at the AGM following their appointment.

In accordance with the Constitution, the Board of Directors has the responsibility for ensuring that the objects of

the charity are pursued and policies implemented. There are sub-committees, each with terms of reference and

clear objectives and whose responsibilities are to make recommendations to the Directors covering the relevant

area of expertise.

Following appointment, the Board of Director is introduced to their new role and responsibilities and then

allocated a portfolio to manage. Initially, the Board of Director shadows an existing Board of Director, assisting on

particular activities and projects. After satisfactory feedback from the existing Board of Directors, they are then

given the task of leading a particular activity or projects, reporting progress at the next meeting.

An information pack containing all policies is given to the Director prior to the appointment. A tour of the Centre

and fire drill techniques are undertaken to ensure all Directors are familiar with the premises.

Training, workshops and seminars are offered to all the Board of Directors and Sangam staff from trained

professionals. This is to ensure that Staff and the Board are kept up-to-date with on-going changes in the law and

are aware of the latest policies and procedures.

The Charity makes all decisions through its Board, which meets regularly. Sangam is a voluntary organisation that

provides advice services to all individuals, without any distinction of race, nationality, gender, colour, creed or

religion.

It is Sangam's policy to have occasional training, workshops and seminars both for the Board of Directors and it's

staff from external trained professionals, to strengthen the organisational structure and keep it updated with the

changing times and new laws.


11

Risk management

Membership

Objectives and aims

The Board of Directors have a duty to identify and review the risks to which the charity is exposed and to ensure

appropriate controls are in place to provide reasonable assurance against fraud and error. Criminal Records

Bureau (CRB) checks are made for all those who work with clients or children or other vulnerable groups within

the community.

The membership of Sangam is 297, of which 281 are life members. Members' views and opinions, including

suggestions about services they would like the Board to consider, are welcomed at any time and can be sent to the

Board of Directors or to the President of the Association.

The management is in constant touch with members, service users and the community at large, through:

?Monthly newsletters sent to Members to keep them informed and to encourage them to engage and interact

with the Association;

?Circulars (including brochures, leaflets, flyer's and booklets), inviting them to participate in events and

activities of Sangam.

?The views and opinions of the members are welcomed and can be sent to the Board of Directors or the President

for their consideration.

The website is continuously updated to reflect the activities, events and services offered.

The aims and objectives of the charity are set out in the Charity's Trust Deed and are summarised as follows:

"To promote any charitable purpose for the benefits of the community by advancing education, protecting health,

relieving poverty, distress and sickness and to promote cultural activities and generally undertake any charitable

activities"

In furtherance of these aims, Sangam:

?Provides instruction in the English language for persons living in England but not having sufficient fluency to

express their thoughts or needs in English;

?Acts as a channel of communication between persons from abroad settled in this country and UK authorities

and various statutory agencies:

?Promotes the co-ordination of the efforts and available resources of authorities involving both national and

voluntary bodies in furtherance of its objectives; and

?Maintains and manages a centre for the activities of the Association.

Each year our Board of Directors reviews our objectives and activities to ensure that they continue to reflect our

aims. There have been no changes to the Charity's objectives during the year under review.

OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES


12

REVIEW OF ACTIVITIES AND FUTURE DEVELOPMENTS

THE ADVICE CENTRE

Training

Trainings attended from April 2012 to March 2013:

The Advice Centre is the hub of Sangam's activities. Applications for funding, fundraising events, outings, classes

etc organised by the Board of Directors revolve around sustaining and improving the services of Sangam's Advice

Centre. It is highly successful and its services have expanded accordingly.

The year 2012/2013 has been full of challenges. However, Sangam is lucky to have a dedicated and motivated

team of staff and Board of Directors who work efficiently to serve the community and its needs, which it has done

for the last 40 years. The client numbers in relation to Sangam's Domestic Violence Counseling Service have taken

a big leap in the year. Two part time Counselors are now in post and are assisted by 8 Volunteer Counsellors to help

meet the increasing need for the service.

We are proud to say that in May 2012, Sangam successfully went through its Office of Immigration Services

Commission audit without any major corrective action and has now been registered to authorise clients to charge

for casework. From June 2012 Sangam has started charging nominal fees for all immigration casework and

welfare benefits form filling.

The world financial crisis makes our work more important and more difficult as funding is scarce and complex. We

will continue to work closely with our existing and future funders to assure that we offer value for money. We are

all living in difficult times but the staff and the Board of Directors remain determined to ensure that Sangam can

continue to offer a lifeline to those whose difficulties threaten otherwise to overwhelm them.

In 2013 we plan to start advising on OISC Level 3 immigration work (currently we only do work up to Level 2) as

we have seen a greater need for this level of work.

Sangam takes pride in providing training opportunities to all its staff and directors. Sangam pays high regard to the

quality of advice provided to the community.

Many of the Board of Directors have attended seminars and trainings relevant to their portfolios. Most of them

have also attended a Basic Domestic Violence Awareness training to understand and be more proactively involved

in the Sangam Domestic Violence and Mental Health Counselling Project.

Sangam staff have attended various training courses in the relevant areas to keep abreast of developments.

?Benefits for People Subject to Immigration Control

?The Settlement provisions - what does it all mean

?DT 1450 Options for Graduates

?Key skills for Reception Workers in Advice Services

?Welfare Reform Training 26th March 2013

?Personal Independence payments

?Learn to dominate Google

?Options for Graduates

?Evaluating Volunteer Projects

?Welfare Reform


13

SANGAM'S SERVICES

The Advice Centre provides free and confidential advice and counselling to the wider community in thefollowing areas:

All areas of Social Welfare Law including Benefits, Education, Employment, Homelessness & Housing,

Housing/Council Tax Benefits, Tax Credits, Pensions, Marital and Family Issues and Legal Matters.

Welfare Benefits:

Debt:

Free advice on managing your finances, mortgage/ rent arrears, credit debts, utility debts, hire purchase, loans etc.

Counselling:

Confidential one to one counselling, group therapy/workshops for domestic violence and mental health and information about other organisations that can offer practical support. The full report on the Domestic Violence and Mental Health Project is on page 16.

BENEFITS CASE STUDY

Client A informed Sangam advisors that her husband had left her with 4 children and was told to leave her

marital home within a week. Client A was very depressed and distress with her current situation. She didn't

know where to go and what benefits she would be entitled to. Client A was advised about the benefits she

would be entitled to. Sangam liaised with DWP and HMRC regarding the client's circumstances. After 2

weeks, the client was awarded Income Support, Child Benefit & Child Tax Credit and was given temporary

accommodation. Client A was extremely happy and pleased with the outcome.

Immigration Advice:

Leave to enter or remain in the UK, Visitor's Visa, Spouse & Dependent Visa, Student's Visa, applications under the points based system, Permanent Residency and Nationality.


14

WELFARE BENEFITS CASE STUDY

Mr D suffers from a progressive neurological

disorder. He was originally refused entitlement to

Disability Living Allowance (DLA) and his

revision request was not successful. Sangam

assisted Mr D with written representations and

with his DLA Appeal Hearing. He was awarded

lower rate care and mobility components, with a

lump sum for backdated benefit and ongoing

weekly payment of £41.10 which made a major

difference to his daily living needs.

DEBT ADVICE CASE STUDY

Mr G approached Sangam as he was made

redundant and was struggling to pay off his credit

cards. As he was pressurised by various credit

card companies, he continued to make payments

to them instead of the rent for his accommodation.

He was assisted to stop payment to all non-

priority creditors and deal with the arrears of his

rent. Mr G with assistance from Sangam was able

to deal with his debts on his own - thus,

empowering him in the process.

IMMIGRATION CASE STUDY 1

Client X had come from Tanzania on a student

visa and while he was in the UK, he fell in love

with a British girl. They came to Sangam for

advice and we informed them how they could get

married in the UK and how the visa national could

then switch their visa to a spouse visa. While they

were getting their paperwork sorted the UKBA

announced major changes were taking place in

the immigration system and from 9th July 2012

all partners wishing to apply for a spouse visa

would need to earn a minimum of £18,600. Our

clients were in a panic as they would not qualify

under the new rules. Sangam's adviser went out of

their way to try and accommodate the client and

ensured that an application for a spouse visa was

made before 9th July 2012 so that the new

financial requirements would not have to be

satisfied and the client was granted a spouse visa.

ADVICE CENTRE STATISTICS

?Clients seen by appointment by Sangam Advice Centre Advisors and Partners totaled 2,438 and 202 respectively;

?There was a slight decrease in client appointments taken at Sangam Advice Centre compared to 2,512 in the last financial year;

?There was an increase in client appointments taken by Sangam Partners compared to 142 in the last financial year;

?This year there was an increased need for advice relating to debt, employment, housing and counselling given the current economic climate;

?There was an increase in enquiries compared to the last financial year in relation to Domestic Violence / Mental Health, Education, Disability Living Allowance, Attendance Allowance, Carer's Allowance, Employment and Immigration;

Client Mrs A approached Sangam for help in

regularising her immigration status in UK after she

fled from domestic violence at the hands of her

husband and her in laws. Mrs A has two minor daughters from the marriage and came to UK in 2008 on two

years spouse visa. When Mrs A approached Sangam she didn't have a valid visa. She was destitute and relying

on her friends and relatives for financial support as she was not eligible for any social security benefits due to

her illegal immigration status. Sangam immediately applied limited leave to remain for her under DDV

concession scheme so that she could access public funds while we helped her in her application for indefinite

leave. Thereafter, Sangam made an application for ILR for her and liaised with number of organisations to

secure supporting evidence as required for her application. Mrs A was then granted indefinite leave to remain

which entitles her to stay in UK with her minor daughters.

IMMIGRATION CASE STUDY 2


15

Advice Centre Statistics From April 2012 -

March 2013 - percentage breakdown

Welfare Benefits, 40.1%

Tax Credits, 2.1%

Disability Living Allowance, 3.8%

Attendance Allowance, 1.3%

Debt, 3.0%

Employment, 1.8%

General Enquiry, 1.0%

Marital, 0%

Family, 0.7%

Education, 0%

Immigration, 37.4%

Drugs/ Alcohol, 0%

Legal, 1.5%

Consumer, 0%

DV/ Counselling, 7.1%

Total Number of Appointments Taken

Immigration Other Welfare Benefits*

200

400

600

800

1000

1200

1400

1600

0Immigration Other Welfare Benefits*

1054

1452

Total(April 2011-March 2012)

OtherWelfare

Benefits*

*Other Welfare Benefits include: Pension Credit, State Pension, Employment and Support Allowance, Jobseekers Allowance, Income Support, Disabillity Living Allowance & Attendance Allowance

Advice Centre Statistics Comparison of Previous and Current Financial Year

200

400

600

800

1000

1200

0

Wel

fare

Ben

efit

s

ax

rd

tT

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Total(April 2011-March 2012)

OtherWelfare Benefits*


16

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AND MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELLING PROJECT

Counselling

Therapeutic group

Sangam counselling service is recognised for its service model, which

includes Out Reach, community engagement and culturally sensitive

counselling in Bulgarian, English, Greek, Gujarati, Hindi and Punjabi.

Since April 2011, Sangam's Domestic Violence counselling service has been

busy and well received by other organisations in the wider community. The

statistics for April 2012 to March 2013 show an increase in the number of

clients seeking help at Sangam counseling service with 292 people

registering for initial assessment compared with 136 in April 2011 to March

2012.

The number of individuals willing to engage with us to work through their issues has increased. From April 2012 -

March 2013 the service has supported 132 women and 39 men with a range of issues from domestic violence,

abuse, trauma, anxiety as well as depression and 96% have reported they feel an improvement in their emotional

and mental health. The clients are offered up to twenty one counseling sessions. Referral sources range from the

various departments within the Local Authority, Community Mental Health teams, various other voluntary

organizations, our in house Advice Centre through to GP Surgeries. Waiting times for an initial counseling

assessment ranges from 2-3 months and new clients are informed of this. The waiting list after assessment is

dependent on the availability of a practitioner and the client's availability times but is also on average about 2

months.

As a result of the vast increase in referrals we have recruited more volunteer counsellors and administration staff to

support both the clinical work and related administration. We believe that a more diverse volunteer base can best

meet the diverse make up of our service users and the

communities we serve and so we have volunteers from a

wide variety of backgrounds, cultures and religions. We

now currently have 8 active volunteers working with us and

are recruiting more with the aim of reducing waiting times

for appointments.

All our counsellors have one to one or group ongoing

structured and supportive supervision with clinical

supervisors who monitor, evaluate and review the quality of

their work as well as their client's progress.

At the end of counselling sessions and therapeutic group

sessions clients are given an evaluation form to fill in

anonymously.

The clients are also encouraged to attend the 12 week

therapeutic group we run as this includes a week on: Stress

and Well-being, Anger, Negative Vs Positive Thinking,

Healthy Relationships, Dreams and Aspirations, Emotional

Well-being, Money and Power, Culture & Diversity, Body

Image, Sexuality and Sensuality as well as a week at the

beginning introducing the group members and agreeing a

contract and a week at the end for closure and planning

ahead, looking at other resources of support.

CASE STUDY

An Asian female client, in her early forties, who was a victim of domestic violence by members of her family felt isolated and afraid to leave the house unaccompanied due to the hold her family had over her. Through our support group and counselling sessions, client X became empowered to start to build a life of her own. She began to leave the house unaccompanied, became more independent and experienced things she had never done so before, such as using public transport by herself. These sessions have hopefully supported her and provided insight into her previous living situation and given her the self-belief she may require to release herself from the situation of abuse.

The feedback responses we have received have been very positive. Some of the comments from our evaluation forms include:-

"Thanks for the support and for somewhere safe to be"

"I am very pleased with the positive and motivating force from the facilitators"

"I hope this support group will continue as it is very helpful in the well being of women."

"It is a very therapeutic group, better than any prescription drug in fighting depression!"


17

Befriending

Events / Seminars / Workshops

Last year Sangam's counselling service set up a

befriending service to engage and support

vulnerable adults that live in the borough of

Brent, Harrow and Barnet. The service is

designed to encourage and support independence

and to reduce isolation.

In August 2012 we ran a half day training session

as an 'Introduction to Befriending' to encourage

volunteer befrienders. A full day training session

on befriending took place in September 2012 in

which a total of 6 people participated.

The befrienders visit vulnerable clients in their

own homes offering information and support to;

reduce isolation, encourage independence,

discover new interests and activities, stay

healthy, meet new people and help sort money or

housing issues.

The befriending programme matches isolated or

lonely adults with volunteer befrienders that

have been carefully selected and recruited, CRB

checked and trained to provide a good service in

terms of a positive friendship.

We have completed 4 befriending assessments so

far and have matched two volunteers with clients

already.

The counselling service has carried out a number of awareness workshops and seminars: April-2012-March 2013

June 2012 we hosted an 'Employment and Training Fair'

December 2012 we held an 'Open Morning event'

The purpose of both of these events was to link mainstream services to potential beneficiaries, many of whom

were previously cut off or overlooked. We had a number of organisations that had booked a table / stall to promote

themselves and their services at both of these events.

March 2013 we held an awareness seminar on 'Self Harm'

March 2013, we hosted a workshop on 'Welfare Benefits'

March 2013, we carried out a workshop on 'Dealing with Debt"

One of Sangam's strengths is working successfully in partnerships which is a valuable resource to many clients.

Our partners include the Citizens Advice Bureau, Local Authorities, Job Centre Plus, Pension Service and Law

firms. One of Sangam's Directors is on the Board of Trustees of Domestic Violence Support Service. Sangam is

also represented on the Barnet Advisory Group Chaired by Chief Superintendent of the Borough of Barnet.

PARTNERSHIPS

CASE STUDY FROM SANGAM PROJECT

The client was a single parent with two dependants, who told us that she was struggling to pay her debts, including rent and council tax arrears, in respect of which recovery action had reached the point of bailiffs knocking at her door. During the interview, she was very distressed and emotional and claimed that she wanted to die. Apart from debt issues, she mentioned that her mother was terminally ill with cancer, and, as a result, she had been suffering from depression for the last two weeks, was unable to work and was only being paid statutory sick pay.

The MAP caseworker discussed several options available to the client to deal with her situation. After processing all the information provided, she decided to apply for a Debt Relief Order as this would clear the relevant debts after a year. Nonetheless, it was explained that she would have to continue to pay her rent, even if she did obtain a DRO, as otherwise she could face eviction.

The client was referred to the MAP's DRO specialist, who completed the DRO insolvency report with her and submitted a signed copy.

Additionally, the MAP caseworker assisted the client with negotiating reduced Housing Benefit arrears payments to the amount of £3.50 per week.

As a result of the MAP's advice, the client was better off financially by £3,497 and in a better position to deal with her debts. Consequently, her health and general wellbeing improved and she felt a lot more confident.


18

Birdy and Co Solicitors

Barnet CAB - Money Advice Project

Promoting Health Living Project - Cherry Hodge Cancer Care

Sethi Partnership, Metropolitan Police - Safer Neighbourhood Surgery, Advice Barnet Project

Mr Lekhraj continues to provide free advice on voluntary basis, at Sangam once every fortnight. The sessions are

well attended, with an average of 6 - 7 clients, and on occasions as many as 10 clients are seen during the session.

Most of the cases fall within the family and children category. In many cases, generally involving female clients,

the issue of housing and welfare benefits also becomes relevant. General initial advice is given or clients are

referred to the specialist advisors in those areas at Sangam.

Judging by the demand these sessions have been well received with no complaints whatsoever and, particularly

with some clients returning for further advice on the same issue or another matter. The advice sessions appear to

have been of benefit to the clients. Birdy and Co are happy to continue with these sessions so long as possible and

wish SANGAM all the best for the future.

During the period of 1st April 2012 and 31st March 2013, our records show that a total of 30 clients seen at the

Sangam Centre by the Barnet CAB Money Advice Project debt caseworkers, Pat Cross and Sandra Alaezi.

Clients were seen at monthly sessions by appointment, with an average of 3-4 clients being advised each month.

Usually, the sessions were scheduled for the last Monday of the month, with some exceptions, such as over the

Christmas period.

Clients were assisted with a range of matters such as mortgage arrears, utility arrears, benefit overpayments, credit

debts, bankruptcy, problems with bailiffs and debt relief orders. A file was created for all clients seen and their

details recorded on the MAP's case management software.

In terms of the MAP's experience at SANGAM over the last 12 months, prior to December 2012, the MAP

caseworkers encountered some difficulty with access to a computer and photocopier. However, latterly, these

issues have been resolved.

Kirsty Mabb, McMillan Outreach Nurse continues to run "Healthy Living Surgeries" on the last Tuesday of most

months. Here, people are seen, without appointment, for health checks-for example monitoring of blood pressure,

blood sugar etc. Urine tests are also carried out, where there is a clinical indication. There is an emphasis on health

promotion-people are encouraged to take up the free cancer screening available to them-e.g. mammogram,

cervical and bowel screening. People come to the session to discuss any health concerns, worries etc. Leaflets

relating to health issues are provided in a variety of languages. People can also discuss their cancer treatments/

cancer journey. When appropriate, I encourage people to use the free services of Cherry Lodge Cancer Care.

On average, 12-15 ladies are seen each month. Average time spent with each lady is 15-20 minutes. Referral to GP

is commonplace-for conditions such as urinary tract infections, worryingly high blood pressure etc. People are

also referred to other services such as Occupational Therapy, Continence services etc.

We are very happy with the partnership with Sangam and we are always allowed to get on with work without

disruption. I am always treated in a very professional and considerate manner by all the staff at Sangam. I hope that

I can continue to run this service for as long as it needed.

These partners run monthly surgeries at Sangam. They have been very well received and beneficial to the clients.


19

EVENTSEach year Sangam tries to create programmes that are not only different from previous ones but also ones that address the demands of its members and their guests. This year, the events were focused in celebrating Sangam's 40 years of service and raising much needed funds. On top of the many events, seminars, and workshops we had this year, we are still looking forward in June 2013, to another 10K Walk, an evening lecture on the journey of Bollywood songs, and a Summer Strawberry Tea at the House of Lords.


SANGAM'S 40th

ANNIVERSARY

CHARITY BALL

On September 22nd 2012 we

had our successful "Shaam E

Moghul" evening at the Park

Lane Sheraton. It was a great

evening, with super

entertainment and delicious

food! Our singer Simon

Sylvester, was an incredibly

versatile and talented artist and

was the ultimate winner of the

Zee TV Sa Re Ga Ma music

competition. Sufina Kalaam

was a particular forte of Simon.

Our entertainment included a

stunning dance by Neesha

Radia, a Kathak dancer who

has worked as part of the SS

Kathak project in the Cultural

Olympiad 2012. We also had

two Sufi dancers who gave us a

mesmerising performance of

Sufiana Dance. This

performance was unrivalled in

style and elegance. Sejal

Kamani, our DJ made sure we

had our dancing shoes on late

into the early hours of the

morning. We took this

opportunity to showcase

Sangam's events on an Audio

Visual presentation and were

able to raise £135,409. This

was much needed funds to

secure our Domestic Violence

Counselling Project.

22

INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY CELEBRATION

On 8th March we had a very successful International Women's Day Celebration. With powerful speakers and affluent guests it made an afternoon one couldn't help thinking about over and over again.

MATV invited Sangam that evening to talk about its activities for the community and the Domestic Violence and Mental Health Counselling service. This programme was aired live.


23

EDUCATION CLASSES

BHARATIYA VIDYA BHAVAN

One of the aims of Sangam is to promote cultural awareness and identity in our children.

We continue to run Saturday morning classes from 9am to 12pm in collaboration with Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan.

We offer Bharat Natyam (Danisha Kazi), Kathak (Dipika Kathrani), Hindustani Vocal (Tulika Pandey) and Tabla (Deeptarkha Mukhopadhyay) Classes. We are also running Spoken Hindi classes for children with Vanita Pandit. As of November 2012 we have introduced the first year Diploma Class for Tabla and Bharatiya Natyam on Wednesday evenings for our senior students! They will have their theory and practical examinations in July 2013 at the Bhavan.

We will be starting Adult Spoken Hindi Classes at the beginning of the Summer Term (April 2013) as a result of high demand!

On June 30th 2012 we held our Annual Education Performance, which gave our students the opportunity to showcase everything they had learned throughout the year! The audience really appreciated and enjoyed the experience! We will be having one later this year.

As part of our association with Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan for Indian Culture and Art, we will be presenting a free event in June 2013 - "Aagami - The Future of Our Art".

It has been agreed with BVB that as of September Sangam will be the only centre in North London running their classes. We will be starting more classes in September 2013 - violin, sitar, veena, mridangam and flute- which we hope will be as well received!

SEWING CLASSES

Sewing classes take place on Wednesday mornings from 10am-12pmin Sangam with Lalitaben Shah. Each session is 10 weeks long withapproximately 10 students.

YOGA CLASSES

To promote healthy living Sangam continues to offer yoga classes, an essential therapy to ensure the general well-being of one self.

Mixed yoga classes are run on Monday and Friday mornings from 9.45 - 11am by our longstanding and popular teacher, Manish Shah.

The classes are very well attended and appreciated by all!


24

SENIOR CITIZENS CLUB

Sangam's Senior Citizens Club for both men and women, has been

flourishing through the years by providing social, educational, recreational

and religious activities for the elderly Asian community. It is one of

Sangam's most worthwhile activities and very rewarding to all those

involved in coordinating the group.

The senior men meet every Monday from 12-3pm where they pray, have

discussions and play cards amongst themselves.

The senior ladies meet every Tuesday for Satsang after from 1 to 3pm after

the Senior Yoga classes. They organise their poojas and celebrate all the

religious events year round.

Our volunteers come on a regular basis to help and assist with the running of

the group, and organize events throughout the year.

To promote healthy living and well being amongst the seniors, yoga classes

are conducted by a qualified yoga teacher, Manisha Wala, every Tuesdays

for ladies.

The yoga session is followed by satsang and bhajans by the senior women.

The seniors celebrate all major Indian festivals like Shivratri, Holi,

Ramnovmi, Janmastami, Navratri, Mahavir Jayanti and Tulsi Vivah. They

organise events throughout the year.

The seniors celebrated Diwali on 6th October 2012 at Sangam with music

provided by Durgesh Melodies and a tasty lunch provided by Chandni. They

all really enjoyed themselves. Jilly Shawl from Great Ormond Street

attended the afternoon where Sangam donated a sum of £600 to the hospital.

On Tuesday 19th November, they celebrated 'Tulsi Vivah' at Sangam. It was

a colourful and grand affair.

On 18th December 2012 Sangam organised a Christmas lunch for the

Seniors. Jay Kumar provided the entertainment. 178 seniors attended the

event. Table seating was organized and Jay Kumar had the seniors dancing

to Bollywood music all afternoon. There was a full Gujarati lunch, a large

cake and a variety of drinks for everyone to enjoy, which were all kindly

sponsored by a few ladies.

On Tuesday 26th February, Satish Shah and his group provided an extensive

range of Bhajans for the seniors to enjoy.

We are currently planning a day trip in June to four Mandirs in Leicester.


25

SENIORS YOGA

We currently have approximately 140 members of yoga which takes place every Tuesday from 11.45am - 12.45pm in Sangam.

Our teacher is Manisha Wala and the seniors enjoy the peace, calm and serenity every week!

Yoga classes are proving to be very popular as people are becoming more aware of both the mental and health benefits of this exercise. One of Sangam's objectives is to increase awareness and improve the quality of life through 'Healthy Living.'

Huge improvements have been noticed by seniors and a survey conducted found the following results:

?Bending, sitting down and getting off the floor has been made easier

? Improvement in muscle tone

?oIncrease in self confidence

Friends of Sangam (FOS) are a group of former and present Board Members who meet regularly to network, socialise and organise outings. The FOS group meet very informally which gives the members an opportunity to spend an afternoon with each other.

First group meeting was held on the 9th of May, kindly hosted by Neena Dhama.

On the 11th of July another informal meeting was held at Sangam.

The next meeting was on 7th 0f November, again at Sangam, when we not only celebrated Diwali but also Jyotiben Kamath's 70th birthday. She treated us all with a festive lunch. We took this opportunity to congratulate Manjuben Karia who had recently celebrated her 50th Wedding Anniversary.

Members were actively present for the Charity Walk, organized by Sangam on the 1st of July, as participants and volunteers. They were as enthusiastically present to support the 40th anniversary Gala Ball.

As usual the FOS members have shown their support during Saturday Classes and at the Seniors Diwali Lunch.

Due to the current economic climate, demand amongst the Black and Minority Ethnic communities in Barnet, Brent and Harrow has continued to grow for legal advice in all areas of social welfare law which Sangam tries to meet.

Project funding for Black & Minority Ethnic Advice Network (BAN) - delivering advice, information and legal representation services in all areas of social welfare law is due to terminate on 31 March 2013. A new funding application was made by AdviceUK to London Councils on behalf of the BMER 24 pan London organisations to continue funding from 1 April 2013 to 31 March 2015. Unfortunately, this application was not successful at a time of unprecedented levels of need for target groups with some of the highest levels of need. According to 2011 Census BMER communities make up 40% of London's population. Without this provision, BMER Londoners will be left without vital frontline accessible service at a time of increasing need for these services.

The Domestic Violence and Mental Health Counselling has completed its second year and continues to exceed expectations. Besides the Big Lottery Board funding received, Sangam has contributed just under £20,000.00 toward this project from its general reserves to sustain the increased demand. The Big Lottery Funding for this project ends in 2014.

Sangam was successful in securing grant funding of £8,000 from Barnet Council for its 'Personal Budgeting Programme' for 1 year from April 2012. This is a programme of training in personal budgeting for people at risk of slipping into debt. It has assisted 47 people.

FRIENDS OF SANGAM

GRANTS


26

Sangam continues to research for funding from Trusts, Charities, London Councils, donors and makes applications for grants to enable it to continue providing its invaluable services to the community at large.

Sangam continued to fulfill the objectives of its ' Young Dragons Project' from the £10,000 funding secured during 2011/2012. This was part of the Awards for All programme under The Big Lottery Fund to assist young people into employment. This was specifically targeted towards young people aged between 15 -25 years from White and BME backgrounds.

During the course of 2012-13, Sangam held Hindi and Mandarin classes, and CV Writing and Interview Skill Workshops.

This project was very well received and Sangam will endeavour to apply for grants for such worth causes.

The 2012-13 Hall rental figures of Sangam have not been satisfactory.

Little Pebbles Nursery does provide Sangam with a regular rental income but the uptake on other bookings has been poor.

We continue to have a number of church groups with annual block booking. A few departments of NHS also continue to have regular booking with us. We have a permanent block booking of the Bagri Hall as a nursery and there are some signs recently of an increase in bookings for the MMA Hall.

With the view to increase sales and promote the marketing of the halls, we have appointed a Marketing Executive for this purpose.

We have also been building contacts with various restaurants to give us regular bookings for private events.

In order to boost out efforts to sell our halls we have also freshened our upstairs halls with a fresh lick of paint.

In today's world of viral marketing we have listed our premises on various websites and community spaces. We have started to get a lot of enquires through these websites.

The economic downturn as well as stiff competition from neighboring halls is proving to be a challenge for hall rentals. However, with redecorating and refurnishing now complete we can be more optimistic regarding the appeal of Committee Rooms 1 and 2 as Meeting / Training Rooms.

As such we have been unable to raise the charges of our halls due to these shortcomings.

LPN are now into their second year and seem to have settled in well. The rent they pay us was reviewed in January 2013 and we have increased it to £51,000. We look forward to a long relation with them.

In January 2013 our daily cleaning contract was reviewed and given to Ashley Cleaning. We have been satisfied with their services. The cleaning is checked every week by their supervisor.

In December we had the whole building professionally cleaned, both of the kitchens were deep cleaned. The walls on the staircase, first floor foyer and doors have been repainted and the floor polished. The stage lights in the MMA Hall have been fixed.

Last year our lead flashing was stolen from both the roof and balcony area. We have replaced the ones on the balcony and are now waiting for Insurance claim for the roof.

We are in the process of repairing pipes in the disabled toilet.

The building is in need of a lot of refurbishment and repairs. We have had a comprehensive refurbishment project plan compiled by our architect, Mr Naren Kotak.

Awards for All

Little Pebbles Nursery (LPN)

HALL RENTAL

MAINTENANCE


27

Health & Safety

Green Project

Reserves policy

The safety of everyone in Sangam is paramount. Sangam is aware of its obligations under the new Health and Safety Regulations and all procedures are maintained and recorded regularly.

Periodic fire drills are carried out with all the users of the building and any incidents are recorded by the staff. Weekly tests on our fire alarm system are carried out as well as maintaining checks on our security systems regularly.

Our caretakers and staff have also been sent for Health and Safety Training.

Mike has successfully completed the annual Health & Safety Audit and Fire Risk Assessment. He has also taken the lead in the annual appraisals and ensured that staff attend relevant training courses in the advice areas to keep abreast of developments.

Our aim for the Green Project is to reduce Sangam's carbon footprint and save on resources. We have implemented several procedures to help eliminate wastage by encouraging all our members to communicate via email so that we can save on administration and postage. Staff are also cooperating by recycling stationery, sending more documents via email and using the photocopier instead of the colour printer to save on costs.

Members email list is now up to date and only some members who have paid £7 postage receive information via post. This has saved us on cost and administration time.

To save on energy, we replaced our light fittings with carbon efficient lighting which in due course will reduce our bills and carbon impact.

The telephone system at Sangam has been upgraded to be more efficient and user friendly. We have changed our contract from BT to Gamma business communications and have made a big saving on our bill.

The generosity of all our donors, sponsors and well-wishers during this year has been a great encouragement to the Sangam volunteers. We thank all of you.

?Women's India Association of UK donated £3000.

?10K Charity Walk sponsorship £3599.

?40th Anniversary Charity Ball pledges received £135,409.

The Board of Directors have established a policy whereby the company should hold unrestricted funds not committed or invested in tangible fixed assets, (being "the free reserves"), equating to six months worth of the resources expended, being £109,210. At this level, the board feel that they would be able to carry on the company's activities in the event of a reduction in funding. A step taken to increase the level of reserves is proving positive, but continuous assessment and new resources are needed.

At present, free reserves which amount to £32,698, do not reach the target level and the Committee is looking into strategies to raise additional funds. Designated funds have been set up to cover costs of expected expenditure.

We see many opportunities to help weaker sections of the community. However, with limited resources at our command, we feel constrained by government cut backs, due to the tightening of monetary policies and hence the shortage of available funding.

PLEDGES AND DONATIONS

FINANCIAL REVIEW


28

STATEMENT OF TRUSTEES RESPONSIBILITIES

The trustees (who are also the directors of Sangam Association of Asian Women for the purposes of company law) are responsible for preparing the Report of the Trustees and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).

Company law requires the trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charitable company and of the incoming resources and application of resources, including the income and expenditure, of the charitable company for that period. In preparing those financial statements, the trustees are required to

?select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;

?observe the methods and principles in the Charity SORP;

?make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent;

?prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the charitable company will continue in business.

The trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records which disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charitable company and to enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charitable company and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.

In so far as the trustees are aware:

-there is no relevant audit information of which the charitable company's auditors are unaware; and

-the trustees have taken all steps that they ought to have taken to make themselves aware of any relevant audit information and to establish that the auditors are aware of that information.

So far as the trustees are aware, there is no relevant information (as defined by Section 418 of the Companies Act 2006) of which the charitable company`s auditors are unaware, and each trustee has taken all the steps that they ought to have taken as a trustee in order to make them aware of any audit information and to establish that the charitable company`s auditors are aware of that information.

The auditors, Ripe LLP, will be proposed for re-appointment at the forthcoming Annual General Meeting.

Date: 24-06-2013

STATEMENT AS TO DISCLOSURE OF INFORMATION TO AUDITORS

AUDITORS

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD:

R Mistry - Trustee


29

REPORT OF THE INDEPENDENT AUDITORS TO THEMEMBERS OF SANGAM ASSOCIATION OF ASIAN WOMEN

We have audited the financial statements of Sangam Association of Asian Women for the year ended 31 March

2013 on pages 23 to 30. The financial reporting framework that has been applied in their preparation is applicable

law and the Financial Reporting Standard for Smaller Entities (effective April 2008) (United Kingdom Generally

Accepted Accounting Practice applicable to Smaller Entities).

This report is made solely to the charitable company's members, as a body, in accordance with Chapter 3 of Part 16

of the Companies Act 2006. Our audit work has been undertaken so that we might state to the charitable company's

members those matters we are required to state to them in an auditors' report and for no other purpose. To the fullest

extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the charitable company

and the charitable company's members as a body, for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we have

formed.

As explained more fully in the Statement of Trustees Responsibilities set out on page 21, the trustees (who are also

the directors of the charitable company for the purposes of company law) are responsible for the preparation of the

financial statements and for being satisfied that they give a true and fair view.

Our responsibility is to audit and express an opinion on the financial statements in accordance with applicable law

and International Standards on Auditing (UK and Ireland). Those standards require us to comply with the Auditing

Practices Board's Ethical Standards for Auditors.

An audit involves obtaining evidence about the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements sufficient to

give reasonable assurance that the financial statements are free from material misstatement, whether caused by

fraud or error. This includes an assessment of: whether the accounting policies are appropriate to the charitable

company's circumstances and have been consistently applied and adequately disclosed; the reasonableness of

significant accounting estimates made by the trustees; and the overall presentation of the financial statements. In

addition, we read all the financial and non-financial information in the Report of the Trustees to identify material

inconsistencies with the audited financial statements. If we become aware of any apparent material misstatements

or inconsistencies we consider the implications for our report.

In our opinion the financial statements:

?give a true and fair view of the state of the charitable company's affairs as at 31 March 2013 and of its incoming

resources and application of resources, including its income and expenditure, for the year then ended;

?have been properly prepared in accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice;

and

?have been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006.

In our opinion the information given in the Report of the Trustees for the financial year for which the financial

statements are prepared is consistent with the financial statements.

Respective responsibilities of trustees and auditors

Scope of the audit of the financial statements

Opinion on financial statements

Opinion on other matter prescribed by the Companies Act 2006


30

Matters on which we are required to report by exception

We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters where the Companies Act 2006 requires us to report

to you if, in our opinion:

?adequate accounting records have not been kept or returns adequate for our audit have not been received from

branches not visited by us; or

?the financial statements are not in agreement with the accounting records and returns; or

?certain disclosures of trustees' remuneration specified by law are not made; or

?we have not received all the information and explanations we require for our audit; or

?the trustees were not entitled to prepare the financial statements in accordance with the small companies

regime and take advantage of the small companies exemption in preparing the Report of the Trustees.

(Senior Statutory Auditor)

for and on behalf of Ripe LLP

Statutory Auditor

9a Burroughs Gardens

London

NW4 4AU

Robert Glazer (FCA)

Date: 26-06-2013


31

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIESFOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2013


32

BALANCE SHEET AT 31 MARCH 2013

R Mistry - Trustee

P Virani - Trustee


210 Burnt Oak Broadway, Edgware, Middx HA8 OAPTel: 020 8952 7062 Fax: 020 8952 0322

[email protected]

www.sangamcentre.org.uk

Charity No: 1119239

The Queen's Award forVoluntary Service 2006

BANBlack & minority ethnic Advice Network

Delivering Advice, Information AndLegal Representation Services

REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER: 1119239 de

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n &

prin

ted

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