Community of Refugees From Vietnam-East - Charities report

REGISTERED COMPANY NUMBER: 03783360 (England and Wales)

REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER: 1080256

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES AND

UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2025

FOR

COMMUNITY OF REFUGEES FROM VIETNAM

- EAST LONDON

Page

Reference and administrative details

1

Report of the trustees

2

to

5

Independent examiner's report

6

Statement of financial activities

7

Statement of financial position

8

to

9

Notes to the financial statements

10

to

15

TRUSTEES

Mr Quyen Banh

Mrs Tuyet Thanh Luong

Mr Kiet My Ly

Mr Quan Minh Duc Nguyen

Mr Chu Nguyen

Mr Jack Yan Ji Shieh

COMPANY SECRETARY

Mrs Bich Thi Nguyen

REGISTERED OFFICE

Old Poplar Library-Unit 3

45 Gillender Street

London

E14 6RN

REGISTERED COMPANY
NUMBER

03783360 (England and Wales)

REGISTERED CHARITY
NUMBER

1080256

INDEPENDENT EXAMINER

Leroy Reid & Co

Chartered Certified

Accountants

299 Northborough Road

Norbury

London

SW16 4TR

The trustees who are also directors of the charity for the purposes of the Companies Act 2006, present their report with the financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31st March 2025. The trustees have adopted the provisions of 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

Objectives and aims

The Charity's core purpose remains centred on supporting the Vietnamese community in East London, particularly those experiencing hardship, social isolation, or disadvantage. Our work continues to be guided by the following objectives:

1. To promote charitable purposes that support individuals within the Vietnamese community who are

in need, hardship, or distress.

2. To provide services that improve quality of life, empower individuals, and strengthen community

cohesion.

3. To support integration and participation, helping the Vietnamese community engage confidently with the wider local community and contribute positively to civic life.

4. To advance education and cultural preservation by encouraging lifelong learning, sharing traditional Vietnamese heritage, and strengthening intercultural understanding.

These objectives inform all our programmes and ensure that our services remain culturally sensitive, community-led, and responsive to changing needs.

ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE

Charitable activities

Charitable Activities Overview

During 2024-2025, the Charity continued to deliver a range of vital services focused on wellbeing, independence, and community belonging. Our programmes-comprising the Elderly Luncheon Club, Advice Service, Homecare Service, and Befriending Support-have played a crucial role in addressing isolation, improving mental health, strengthening digital skills, and helping individuals navigate essential services.

Across all activities, demand has remained consistently high, reflecting the continued need for culturally tailored support within the Vietnamese community.

Key Achievements 2024-2025

" Over 60 active participants engaged regularly in the Elderly Luncheon Club

" 100 older people supported per year through the Advice Service

" 8 individuals receiving tailored Homecare support with an average of 60 hours delivered weekly

" 5 housebound individuals receiving befriending, shopping support, and escorted outings

" Continued partnership with key organisations across Tower Hamlets, ensuring coordinated community care

These achievements reflect both the trust placed in our services and the dedication of our staff, volunteers, and partner organisations.

1. Elderly Luncheon Club

The Elderly Luncheon Club, funded by £25,000 annually from Tower Hamlets Council (Nov 2023-Mar 2027), remains at the heart of our community support. Held every Monday and Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Dockland Settlement Centre in the Isle of Dogs, the club welcomes an average of 40 attendees per session.

The Luncheon Club offers far more than a shared meal. It provides a safe, welcoming environment where older Vietnamese residents can socialise, stay active, and maintain independence through enjoyable and culturally familiar activities.

Activities include:

" Tai Chi and gentle movement sessions

" Table tennis and indoor games

" Ballroom dancing

" Cooking and cultural sharing classes

" Digital literacy and IT skills workshops

" Yoga and mindfulness

" Seasonal walking groups

" Summer outings and social trips

" Monthly dementia-friendly activities

" Health and wellbeing information sessions

" Lunar New Year celebrations and cultural events

These activities strengthen physical health, reduce loneliness, and support cognitive wellbeing-particularly for those at risk of dementia or depression.

"Coming to the Luncheon Club brightens my whole week. The laughter, the conversations, and the feeling of being valued make all the difference. It's a place where I truly feel I belong."

- Luncheon Club member

2. Advice Service

Our Advice Service, supported by £20,000 annually from Tower Hamlets Council (Nov 2023-Mar 2027), continues to be a lifeline for older members navigating complex systems such as welfare, pensions, housing, healthcare, and digital platforms.

The service operates:

" Monday-Thursday by appointment for detailed casework

" Friday as an open drop-in for urgent needs

Support includes:

" Digital literacy classes to help members access online services

" Benefits workshops and one-to-one guidance

" Assistance with forms, applications, and documentation

" Advocacy for vulnerable individuals

" Interpretation and translation support

Demand remains high due to language barriers, digital exclusion, and increasing reliance on online systems for essential services.

"The advice sessions made everything so much easier. I can now handle online forms and access my benefits without feeling overwhelmed."

- Advice Service user

3. Homecare Service

Our Homecare Service provides compassionate, culturally sensitive support to 8 individuals, many of whom have limited family support or mobility challenges. Delivering over 60 hours of care per week, the service enables older people to continue living safely and independently within their own homes.

Support includes:

" Personal care

" Meal preparation

" Medication reminders

" Light household tasks

" Assistance with daily routines and wellbeing

This personalised service plays a critical role in preventing hospital admissions and maintaining dignity and independence for our most vulnerable members.

4. Befriending Support

Five housebound individuals received weekly befriending support, including home visits, escorted outings, and help with shopping. These visits provide emotional reassurance, companionship, and practical assistance-especially for those living alone or managing long-term health conditions.

IMPACT AND FUTURE GOALS

Our combined activities demonstrate the profound impact of culturally tailored support. Through social inclusion, practical assistance, and health-focused initiatives, we continue to help older members feel valued, empowered, and connected.

Looking ahead, our priorities include:

" Continuing to grow the Luncheon Club and expand participation

" Introducing new health, fitness, and cultural workshops

" Increasing digital skills training

" Strengthening partnerships with local organisations

" Reaching more isolated, housebound, or vulnerable community members

" Developing volunteer capacity to support befriending and outreach

We remain committed to ensuring that every member of the Vietnamese community in East London has access to support that respects their culture, language, and lived experience.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

We extend our sincere gratitude to Tower Hamlets Council for their ongoing support, which makes the Luncheon Club and Advice Service possible. We also thank our partners-including Tower Hamlets Dementia and Alzheimer's Service, Island Advice Centre, Age UK, Toynbee Hall, Tower Hamlets Carers Centre, Greenwich Vietnamese Women's Group, Refuge, and others-for their collaboration throughout the year.

Finally, we express our heartfelt appreciation to our dedicated staff, volunteers, and trustees, whose commitment ensures that our community continues to thrive.

Together, we remain dedicated to building a strong, inclusive, and supportive environment for Vietnamese elders and families across East London.

FINANCIAL REVIEW

Financial position

The trustees are satisfied with the performance of the charity for the year under review. The charity reported a surplus of £28,227 (2024 - a deficit of £22,380) and reserves of £199,061 (2024 - £170,834).

Principal funding sources

We extend our deepest gratitude to the London Boroughs of Tower Hamlets, London Borough of Hackney Councils and Vietnamese Mental Health Services for their generous support.

Reserves policy

The charity follows the guidance laid down by the Charity Commission as we seek to maintain adequate levels of reserves to meet the charity's needs if so required. The reserves held as at the year end was £199,061 (2023 - £193,214).

Going concern

The trustees are of the opinion that with the reserves held at the year end the charity would be able to deliver adequate services for the next 12 months and that the financial statements should be prepared on a going concern basis.

FUTURE PLANS

The charity will strive to indentify new partners within the local authority and other private grant making institution who supportive of the objectives of the charity and are perepared to provide financial support..

STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT

Governing document

The charity is controlled by its governing document, a deed of trust, and constitutes a limited company, limited by guarantee, as defined by the Companies Act 2006.

Organisational structure

The organisation is a charitable company limited by guarantee, incorporated on 7 June 1999 and registered as a charity on 10 April 2000. The company was established under a Memorandum of Association which established the objects and powers of the charitable company and is governed under its Articles of Association.

In the event the company being wound up members are required to contribute an amount not exceeding £1.

Induction and training of new trustees

Most trustees are already familiar with the practical work of the charity. Additionally, new trustees are invited and encouraged to attend a series of short training sessions to familiarise themselves with the charity and the context within which it operates.

These are jointly led by the Chair of the Management Committee of the charity and cover:

-

The obligation of the Management Committee members.

-

The main documents which set out the operational framework for the charity including the Memorandum and
Articles.

-

Resourcing and the current financial position as set out in the latest published accounts.

-

Future plans and objectives.

The charity is organised so that the trustees meet regularly to manage its affairs. There are two full time administrators, who are responsible for the day to day administration of the charity and organising fundraising activities. The remaining staff are employed at the centre and also assist with fundraising as appropriate. We are also grateful to volunteer from various sources who assist with the elderly.

Approved by order of the board of trustees on 9th December 2025 and signed on its behalf by:

Mr Jack Yan Ji Shieh - Trustee

Independent examiner's report to the trustees of Community of Refugees From Vietnam - East London ('the Company')

I report to the charity trustees on my examination of the accounts of the Company for the year ended 31st March 2025.

Responsibilities and basis of report

As the charity's trustees of the Company (and also its directors for the purposes of company law) you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 ('the 2006 Act').

Having satisfied myself that the accounts of the Company are not required to be audited under Part 16 of the 2006 Act and are eligible for independent examination, I report in respect of my examination of your charity's accounts as carried out under Section 145 of the Charities Act 2011 ('the 2011 Act'). In carrying out my examination I have followed the Directions given by the Charity Commission under Section 145(5) (b) of the 2011 Act.

Independent examiner's statement

I have completed my examination. I confirm that no matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe:

1.	accounting records were not kept in respect of the Company as required by Section 386 of the 2006 Act; or

2.	the accounts do not accord with those records; or

3.	the accounts do not comply with the accounting requirements of Section 396 of the 2006 Act other than any requirement that the accounts give a true and fair view which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination; or

4.

the accounts have not been prepared in accordance with the methods and principles of the Statement of Recommended Practice for accounting and reporting by charities (applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102)).

I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.

Ebenezer Okai, Bsc, FCCA

Leroy Reid & Co

Chartered Certified

Accountants

299 Northborough Road

Norbury

London

SW16 4TR

11th December 2025

2025

2024

Unrestricted

Restricted

Total

funds

Notes

£

INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM

Donations and legacies

2

26,207

-

26,207

17,656

Charitable activities

4

Charitable activities

166,660

-

166,660

104,432

Investment income

3

1,132

-

1,132

975

Total

193,999

-

193,999

123,063

EXPENDITURE ON

Raising funds

5

8,716

-

8,716

6,084

Charitable activities

6

Charitable activities

157,056

-

157,056

139,359

Total

165,772

-

165,772

145,443

NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE)

28,227

-

28,227

(22,380

)

RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS

Total funds brought forward

170,834

-

170,834

193,214

TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD

199,061

-

199,061

170,834

2025

2024

Notes

£

FIXED ASSETS

Tangible assets

10

3

CURRENT ASSETS

Debtors

11

25,565

-

Cash at bank and in hand

175,573

173,269

201,138

173,269

CREDITORS

Amounts falling due within one year

12

(2,080

)

(2,438

)

NET CURRENT ASSETS

199,058

170,831

TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT
LIABILITIES

199,061

170,834

NET ASSETS

199,061

170,834

FUNDS

14

Unrestricted funds

199,061

170,834

TOTAL FUNDS

199,061

170,834

The charitable company is entitled to exemption from audit under Section 477 of the Companies Act 2006 for the year ended 31st March 2025.

The members have not required the company to obtain an audit of its financial statements for the year ended 31st March 2025 in accordance with Section 476 of the Companies Act 2006.

The trustees acknowledge their responsibilities for

(a)	ensuring that the charitable company keeps accounting records that comply with Sections 386 and 387 of the Companies Act 2006 and

(b)

preparing financial statements which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charitable company as at the end of each financial year and of its surplus or deficit for each financial year in accordance with the requirements of Sections 394 and 395 and which otherwise comply with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 relating to financial statements, so far as applicable to the charitable company.

These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to charitable companies subject to the small companies regime.

The financial statements were approved by the Board of Trustees and authorised for issue on 9th December 2025 and were signed on its behalf by:

Mr Jack Yan Ji Shieh - Trustee

1.	ACCOUNTING POLICIES

BASIS OF PREPARING THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

The financial statements of the charitable company, which is a public benefit entity under FRS 102, have been prepared in accordance with the Charities SORP (FRS 102) '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)', Financial Reporting Standard 102 'The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland' and the Companies Act 2006. The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention.

INCOME

All income is recognised in the Statement of Financial Activities once the charity has entitlement to the funds, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount can be measured reliably.

EXPENDITURE

Liabilities are recognised as expenditure as soon as there is a legal or constructive obligation committing the charity to that expenditure, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefits will be required in settlement and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably. Expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis and has been classified under headings that aggregate all cost related to the category. Where costs cannot be directly attributed to particular headings they have been allocated to activities on a basis consistent with the use of resources.

TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS

Depreciation is provided at the following annual rates in order to write off each asset over its estimated useful life.

Plant and machinery

-

25% on cost

Fixtures and fittings

-

25% on cost

TAXATION

The charity is exempt from corporation tax on its charitable activities.

FUND ACCOUNTING

Unrestricted funds can be used in accordance with the charitable objectives at the discretion of the trustees.

Restricted funds can only be used for particular restricted purposes within the objects of the charity. Restrictions arise when specified by the donor or when funds are raised for particular restricted purposes.

Further explanation of the nature and purpose of each fund is included in the notes to the financial statements.

PENSION COSTS AND OTHER POST-RETIREMENT BENEFITS

The charitable company operates a defined contribution pension scheme. Contributions payable to the charitable company's pension scheme are charged to the Statement of Financial Activities in the period to which they relate.

2.	DONATIONS AND LEGACIES

2025

2024

£

Donations

8,924

1,100

Income from Meals

12,608

12,796

Other Incomes

4,675

3,760

26,207

17,656

3.	INVESTMENT INCOME

2025

2024

£

Deposit account interest

1,132

975

4.	INCOME FROM CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES

2025

2024

Charitable

Total

activities

£

LB Tower Hamlet Contracts - Local
Community Fund

-

17,491

LB of Tower Hamlets - Older People Project
contract

132,545

86,941

LB of Hackney

34,115

-

166,660

104,432

5.	RAISING FUNDS

RAISING DONATIONS AND LEGACIES

2025

2024

£

Food and supplies

8,716

6,084

6.	CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES COSTS

Direct

Costs (see

note 7)

£

Charitable activities

157,056

7.	DIRECT COSTS OF CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES

2025

2024

£

Staff costs

114,419

95,339

Insurance

2,935

4,404

Travel

70

2,127

Telephone, postage, printing and stationery

1,281

361

Volunteers

3,529

7,130

Premises cost

21,882

19,022

Xmas,new year and moon festival

9,239

8,582

Examiner's fee

2,080

1,981

Legal and professional

1,621

32

Bank charges

-

381

157,056

139,359

8.	TRUSTEES' REMUNERATION AND BENEFITS

There were no trustees' remuneration or other benefits for the year ended 31st March 2025 nor for the year ended 31st March 2024.

TRUSTEES' EXPENSES

There were no trustees' expenses paid for the year ended 31st March 2025 nor for the year ended 31st March 2024.

9.	STAFF COSTS

2025

2024

£

Wages and salaries

112,884

93,884

Other pension costs

1,535

1,455

114,419

95,339

The average monthly number of employees during the year was as follows:

2025

2024

Direct charitable work part time

11

Direct charitable work full time

2

13

No employees received emoluments in excess of £60,000.

10.	TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS

Fixtures

Plant and

and

Computer

machinery

fittings

equipment

Totals

£

COST

At 1st April 2024 and 31st March 2025

10,119

5,769

9,708

25,596

DEPRECIATION

At 1st April 2024 and 31st March 2025

10,118

5,768

9,707

25,593

NET BOOK VALUE

At 31st March 2025

1

3

At 31st March 2024

1

3

11.	DEBTORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR

2025

2024

£

Other debtors

25,565

-

12.	CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR

2025

2024

£

Social security and other taxes

-

457

Accrued expenses

2,080

1,981

2,080

2,438

13.	ANALYSIS OF NET ASSETS BETWEEN FUNDS

2025

2024

Unrestricted

Restricted

Total

funds

£

Fixed assets

3

-

3

Current assets

201,138

-

201,138

173,269

Current liabilities

(2,080

)

-

(2,080

)

(2,438

)

199,061

-

199,061

170,834

14.	MOVEMENT IN FUNDS

Net

movement

At

At 1.4.24

in funds

31.3.25

£

Unrestricted funds

General fund

170,834

28,227

199,061

TOTAL FUNDS

170,834

28,227

199,061

Net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows:

Incoming

Resources

Movement

resources

expended

in funds

£

Unrestricted funds

General fund

193,999

(165,772

)

28,227

TOTAL FUNDS

193,999

(165,772

)

28,227

Comparatives for movement in funds

Net

movement

At

At 1.4.23

in funds

31.3.24

£

Unrestricted funds

General fund

193,214

(22,380

)

170,834

TOTAL FUNDS

193,214

(22,380

)

170,834

Comparative net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows:

Incoming

Resources

Movement

resources

expended

in funds

£

Unrestricted funds

General fund

18,631

(41,011

)

(22,380

)

Restricted funds

Restricted fund

104,432

(104,432

)

-

TOTAL FUNDS

123,063

(145,443

)

(22,380

)

A current year 12 months and prior year 12 months combined position is as follows:

Net

movement

At

At 1.4.23

in funds

31.3.25

£

Unrestricted funds

General fund

193,214

5,847

199,061

TOTAL FUNDS

193,214

5,847

199,061

A current year 12 months and prior year 12 months combined net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows:

Incoming

Resources

Movement

resources

expended

in funds

£

Unrestricted funds

General fund

212,630

(206,783

)

5,847

Restricted funds

Restricted fund

104,432

(104,432

)

-

TOTAL FUNDS

317,062

(311,215

)

5,847

15.	RELATED PARTY DISCLOSURES

There were no related party transactions for the year ended 31st March 2025.

16.	DESIGNATED FUNDS

The trustees of the charity have decided to designate £60,000 of the charity's unrestricted funds to cover the unintended cost for any redundancy that may arise from the impact of the pandemic.