Lewisham Irish Community Centre - Charities report

REGISTERED COMPANY NUMBER: 02752450 (England and Wales)

REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER: 1014852

Strategic Report, Report of the Trustees and

Unaudited Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 March 2025

for

Lewisham Irish Community Centre

(A Company Limited by Guarantee)

Page

Reference and Administrative Details

1

to

2

Strategic Report

3

Report of the Trustees

4

to

10

Independent Examiner's Report

11

Statement of Financial Activities

12

Balance Sheet

13

to

14

Notes to the Financial Statements

15

to

25

TRUSTEES

Colum Mackey Chair

James Farrell Vice Chair (resigned 26.4.24)

Mrs Anne Mary O'Rorke Trustee

Ms Karen Duggan Trustee

Mrs Pauline Maton Trustee

Michael Mc Donnell Treasurer

Ms Martina O'Sullivan Trustee

Dominic Nicholas Fox Trustee (resigned 26.4.24)

Ruairi Cullen Trustee

Ms Dervla O'Shea Trustee (resigned 26.4.24)

David John Thomas Wilson (appointed 11.4.25)

Dr Thomas Michael Murphy (appointed 6.11.25)

Ross Matthew O'Neill (appointed 6.11.25)

REGISTERED OFFICE

2a Davenport Road

Lewisham

London

SE6 2AZ

REGISTERED COMPANY

NUMBER

02752450 (England and Wales)

REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER

1014852

INDEPENDENT EXAMINER

Kuldeep Sulh FCCA

CKR Chartered Certified Accountants

CKR House, 70 East Hill

Dartford

Kent

DA1 1RZ

BANKERS

Co-operative Bank

151 Lewisham High Street

Lewisham

London

SE13 6AA

ADVISERS

Accountants

A Star Accountancy Ltd

19 Beech Avenue

Sidcup

Kent

DA15 8NH

The trustees present their strategic report for the year ended 31 March 2025.

SECTION 172(1) STATEMENT

Governance

Lewisham Irish Community Centre is governed by a board of trustees. We focus on the principles of good governance and work hard to regularly review and develop strategies for working effectively as a management committee.

Each new Trustee is offered an induction programme that emphasizes their personal and collective responsibility to the mission and objectives of the charity. Ever mindful that Trustees with appropriate business skills and knowledge of the voluntary sector are scarce, we continue to identify gaps in skills and competencies reviewing board training and recruiting new members.

Approved by order of the board of trustees on 31 January 2026 and signed on its behalf by:

Mrs Anne Mary O'Rorke - Trustee

INTRODUCTION

Lewisham Irish Community Centre (LICC) is a dynamic, outward looking organisation based in the London Borough of Lewisham in South London. We are a registered charity established in 1992.

Our base in Rushey Green is a vibrant hub for the local community and the Irish community in Lewisham, providing advice, support and advocacy for the Irish community and specialist advice and support for Gypsy Roma Traveller (GRT) communities. The centre provides weekly clubs and classes for children and families, young people and the older community.

OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES

Objectives and activities

The principal objective of the charity is to promote the benefit of the community, particularly but not exclusively to persons of Irish descent within the London Borough of Lewisham. This objective is achieved through association with local authorities, voluntary organisations and local population to:

- Advance education in Irish culture & heritage.

- To relieve sickness & deprivation.

- Provision of social and recreational activities for the wellbeing of the community.

Main Summary

The Trustees are pleased to report that Lewisham Irish Community Centre (LICC) has experienced a highly successful year. Over the past two years, the organisation has achieved significant financial growth, with turnover now exceeding £300,000. This strengthened financial position has enabled LICC to expand its capacity and deliver advice and support services to more than 400 individuals-representing an increase of almost 100% compared to the previous year.

On average, approximately 700 individuals access the Centre each week. Of these, around 400 participate in our structured programme of activities, which includes a playgroup, youth club, Pilates and Zumba classes for older persons, a men's group, Irish language classes, a digital hub, weekly lunches, a community café, and the Irish Elders Project.

Partnership working remains a cornerstone of our approach. During the year, LICC collaborated with a wide range of organisations, including Holbeach Primary School, St Christopher's Hospice, Lewisham Council, Lewisham Local, Community Connections, Lewisham Wellbeing Hub, the Irish Embassy, Irish in Britain, Southwark Irish Pensioners Group, Coláiste Na nGael, London Gypsies and Travellers, the Department of Work and Pensions, KWD Solicitors, and Change, Grow, Live (CGL). Looking ahead, and supported by NCIL funding for 2025-2027, LICC will work in partnership with Lewisham Local to deliver a joint initiative providing a dedicated adviser and wellbeing officer for individuals accessing the Food Hub and Community Connections drop-in service.

The Trustees wish to acknowledge that these achievements would not have been possible without the continued support of our funders and the commitment of our staff, volunteers, and fellow Trustees. Particular thanks are extended to our staff team Kathleen Sheridan, Francesca Cook, Frances McAuley, Doreen Loughney, Annette Galloway, Fiona Chambers, Tommy Lewellyn, and Vincenza Della Camera-and to our Board of Trustees for their guidance and oversight: Colum Mackey, Ruairi Cullen, Michael Mc Donnell, Martina O'Sullivan, Anne O'Rorke, Pauline Maton, and Karen Duggan. Finally, the Trustees express their sincere gratitude to the wider community for its ongoing engagement and support throughout the year.

Advice & Support Services

The advice and support service provides comprehensive information, guidance, and advocacy on welfare benefits, housing, and disability issues to members of the Irish community and the Gypsy Roma Traveller (GRT) communities.

During the reporting period, 401 individuals accessed the service, of whom 264 were residents of Lewisham. Approximately 70% of all clients were of Irish descent, and 75% were aged 55 or over.

The team delivered 1,381 advice sessions over the twelve-month period, comprising 108 home visits and 1,273 office-based appointments. Of these, 143 individuals required assistance with disability and age-related welfare matters, including applications, reviews, and appeals for Personal Independence Payment, migration to Universal Credit, and Attendance Allowance. A further 117 individuals sought support with housing issues, such as rent arrears, debt management, rehousing, tenancy disputes, and access to sheltered accommodation.

Additional areas of support included utility debt resolution, grants for essential household items, first-time means-tested benefit applications (including Pension Credit), transport schemes, safeguarding concerns, addiction and recovery support, and referrals to mental health services, counselling, and specialist legal advice. Positive outcomes achieved through the service included income maximisation via successful benefit claims, improved housing security, and enhanced financial stability through payment plans and debt management.

The service also provided vital emotional and practical support to clients experiencing mental health challenges, long-term health conditions, bereavement, and social isolation, ensuring a client-centred approach throughout. Furthermore, demand for assistance with Irish passport applications-particularly first-time applications-remained high, reflecting the increasing difficulty individuals face in accessing approved services.

SOCIAL INVESTMENTS

Irish Elders Project

The Irish Elders Project continues to provide a vital social and cultural space for older members of the Irish community. Sessions are held twice weekly, with Wednesdays dedicated to a card school for older Irish men and Fridays featuring music, dance, singing, and gentle exercise. Attendance averages 51 participants per week, rising to approximately 90 for special occasions such as Christmas and St Patrick's Day. Notable highlights during the year included a day trip to Brighton, a festive Christmas lunch, and celebrations for St Brigid's Day and St Patrick's Day.

In addition to the Irish Elders Project, LICC offers an expanding programme of activities for older people throughout the week. These include the Monday Warm Welcome community café, chair-based Pilates, chair-based Zumba, and Zumba Gold classes. These sessions remain highly popular, attracting an average of 105 participants weekly.

Playgroup

Our playgroup provides informal "stay and play" sessions for families with toddlers, fostering early development and social interaction. Coordinated by Karen Duggan, the group runs every Friday morning and remains a valued resource for local families. During the reporting period, more than 33 families accessed the service. With support from Merchant Taylor funding, recruitment is underway for a dedicated playgroup coordinator to enhance delivery and strengthen volunteer engagement.

Youth Club

The youth club operates on Wednesday evenings during term time for children aged 8-16 years. Over the year, 31 sessions were delivered, with attendance ranging from 16 to 26 young people. Activities include arts and crafts, quizzes, reading, and a variety of sports such as five-a-side football, air hockey, table tennis, pool, box hockey, and badminton. Members also enjoy access to gaming consoles and opportunities to explore music through dance, singing, and piano. These activities promote confidence, social skills, IT proficiency, and life skills, while encouraging interaction in a multicultural environment. The project continues to benefit from support by the Jack Petchey Foundation, which recognises and rewards young people for their achievements and contributions.

Digital Access Hub

LICC delivered weekly digital skills classes and drop-in support sessions to help individuals build confidence in using technology. Attendance ranged from 8 to 12 participants per session. Classes were tailored to individual needs and led by an experienced tutor.

Bia Food Delivery Project

Originally established during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Bia Project has now operated for 218 consecutive weeks. In the past year, 677 meals were delivered to 17 individuals, supported by a dedicated team of volunteers. Plans for 2025/26 include expanding the project to incorporate home visits for those who are isolated or housebound, with volunteers matched to service users following a detailed assessment.

Partnerships

LICC continues to strengthen collaborative working. We support FoodCycle in providing weekly community meals, which attract a diverse range of attendees, including Irish Elders and local residents. Joint events for Christmas and St Patrick's Day were well attended, with over 60 participants. Following a successful application by Lewisham Local, LICC will provide an Adviser/Wellbeing Officer to assist guests with long-term support needs. Additionally, every Thursday, the Centre hosts Lewisham Community Connections and other local organisations to deliver walk-in advice and support services, which remain consistently well attended.

Social and Cultural Events

During the year, LICC delivered ten major events, including cultural workshops, volunteer recognition ceremonies, health and wellbeing initiatives, and seasonal celebrations. Highlights included:

- A cultural workshop for Holbeach Primary School, attended by 77 pupils and teachers.

- Our Volunteer Awards celebration, attended by 70 community members.

- A health and wellbeing event offering blood pressure checks, vaccinations, and health advice, supported by

Eltham Pharmacy.

- A series of festive events, including a Family Christmas Party and an Irish Elders and Friends Christmas lunch,

which welcomed 102 guests-the highest attendance since pre-COVID.

- St Brigid's Day celebrations featuring a weaving workshop and live music.

- A successful comedy night fundraiser in February, with proceeds supporting LICC programmes.

- St Patrick's Festival events throughout March, culminating in participation in the London Parade and welcoming

281 guests .

Volunteers

We acknowledge the contributions of volunteers supporting the playgroup, Irish Elders activities, the community café, reception, and the Bia Project. Special thanks are given to Brian Hughes and Colin Duggan, who retired during the year, and to Shanique Thompson, who stepped down as Youth Coordinator but continues to contribute as a tutor.

FINANCIAL REVIEW

Principal funding sources

Lewisham Irish Community Centre (LICC) receives funding from four principal sources:The National Lottery, City Bridge Trust, Lewisham Council, and the Irish Department of Foreign Affairs.

Each of these funders supports our welfare and advice services. The National Lottery's Reaching Communities programme funds our welfare projects and full weekly programme of activities. Both City Bridge Trust and Lewisham Council have committed to five-year awards running until 2027, while Reaching Communities is a three-year award covering 2024-2027. The Irish Government's Emigrant Support Programme is providing three years funding from July 2025 to June 2028

In addition, we have secured three-year funding from Merchant Taylor for the Playgroup and continue to receive annual support from the Ireland Fund of Great Britain for specific one-off projects.

Income generation

For the year ended 31 March 2025, total income amounted to £357,345 (2024 £320,132) , with total expenditure of £288,211 (2024 £282,022). Restricted income for the period was 277,216 (2024 £264,372), set against restricted expenditure of £22,425 (2024 £251,082). This produced a restricted net income of £51,791 for the year (2024 £13,290) resulting in restricted reserves of £128,918 (2024 £77,147) at year end.

Unrestricted income, derived from class fees, events, and hall hire to local community groups and charities totalled £80,129 (2024 £55,760), with unrestricted expenditure of £62,786 (2024) £30,269. This produced an unrestricted net income of £17,343 (2024 £24,821). The unrestricted reserves at 31 March 2025 stand at £47,612 (2024 £30,269).

Income Generation.

LICC continues to generate income through the hire of hall facilities to local community groups and charities, as well as private bookings. While weekday bookings from partner organisations remain steady, private hire continues to present challenges due to noise restrictions associated with the building's proximity to residential properties. However this year we have seen an increase in overall hall hire income to £40,593 (2024 £26,588).

Reserves policy

LICC operates a reserves policy that aims to cover cash flow shortfalls due to uncertainty in the timing of future grant awards. Reserves are monitored regularly by the board of Trustees which remains confident current levels of reserves are proportionate to the organisation's needs.

The Trustees regard £40,000 as a prudent sum to cover running costs for three months.

Total reserves currently stand at £176,550 (2024 £107,415).

Restricted funds currently stand at £128,938 (2024 £77,147 )

Unrestricted funds currently stand at £47,612 (2024 £30,268), however £1,679 (£2024 £2,326) is required to cover future depreciation of fixed assets.

FUTURE STRATEGIC DIRECTION

Lewisham Irish Community Centre (LICC) is currently developing a five-year strategic plan for the period 2025-2030. This plan reaffirms our commitment to supporting the welfare of the diverse Irish community, preserving Irish heritage, strengthening collaboration with local services, and advancing organisational development.

The strategy will focus on five key areas:

Welfare of the Irish Community

We will maintain our core commitment to the welfare of the Irish community, with an enhanced focus on tailored care for older Irish residents, support for unpaid carers, and therapeutic services addressing mental health and wellbeing, alongside our existing housing and welfare benefits provision

Celebrating the Diversity of the Irish community

LICC will continue to champion inclusivity and openness, ensuring that services reflect the diversity of the Irish community. This includes ongoing support for underrepresented groups such as Irish Travellers, LGBTQI+ individuals, and others who have historically been marginalised.

Collaboration

Building on our strong record of partnership, we will sustain and deepen relationships with key funders and community organisations while seeking new opportunities to broaden our services and activities.

Focus on preserving our Heritage

We will expand our cultural programme to celebrate Irish traditions and heritage across the borough, strengthen the promotion of the Irish language, and highlight stories of emigration-particularly those of older Irish residents and their contributions to London.

Organisational Development

LICC will continue to modernise and professionalise its operations, setting high standards for governance, service delivery, and organisational resilience.

Post year end developments

Since the end of the financial year, LICC has significantly strengthened its financial position by securing three year funding of £389,304 from the Emigrant Support Programme for 2025/26, 2026/27 and 2027/28. This enhanced funding enables the charity to expand its welfare services across Bromley and Croydon and includes investment in a new Community Engagement Officer role, which will support further organisational growth and diversification.

LICC has also secured continued funding from Reaching Communities, City Bridge, and the PIPHC contract through to 2027, as well as renewed ESP and Merchant Taylor funding through to 2028.

Additional new income streams include two year NCIL funding for an extra adviser (£27,214 across 2025-2027) and £66,519 from Lewisham Council's main grants programme for 2026-2029. Both grants are delivered in partnership with Lewisham Local and Age UK, who act as lead partners.

The charity remains actively engaged with Lewisham Council and is in the final stages of agreeing a 25 year lease on its building, a development that will provide long term stability and security.

LICC is therefore in a strong and confident position as it prepares to implement its four year strategic plan for 2026-2030.

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.

The Lewisham Irish Community Centre (LICC) is controlled by its governing document, a deed of trust, and constitutes a company limited by guarantee (as defined by the Companies Act 2006, Company no: 2752450 England & Wales) and with the Charities Commission (Registration no: 1014852).

Recruitment and appointment of the Management Committee

Voting takes place at the AGM. Candidates for nomination must be a paid up member of LICC; in agreement with the Charities aims and objectives; willing to take up post if elected; not disqualified from being a Charity Trustee and not disqualified from being a Company Director. When recruiting people on to the management committee, members look for a balance of business skills, voluntary sector experience and knowledge of the needs of the local community required to run the charity effectively.

Structure and management

LICC is controlled by a Management Committee of up to 12 Trustees (who are also the directors of the company) for a period of one year. Each Trustee is also a paid up member of LICC. The responsibility of the day to day running of LICC and staff and volunteer management, is entrusted to the CEO who reports to the Management Committee.

Management Committee induction and training

Trustees are welcomed on to the Committee and introduced to other members and staff. They receive an induction pack, which includes a Trustee Declaration form, role description and an invitation to visit the various activities going on in the Centre. New Trustees are asked to complete a skills analysis questionnaire so that training needs can be identified and addressed.

Risk management

As Trustees we are aware of our responsibilities under The Charities SORP (FRS102) to undertake regular risk management reviews. A review has been completed this year and the main tasks have been identified and mitigation strategies are in place.

This report has been prepared in accordance with the special provisions of Part 15 of the Companies Act 2006 relating to small companies.

Approved by order of the board of trustees on 31 January 2026 and signed on its behalf by:

Mrs Anne Mary O'Rorke - Trustee

Independent examiner's report to the trustees of Lewisham Irish Community Centre ('the Company')

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

Since your charity's gross income exceeded £250,000 your examiner must be a member of a listed body. I can confirm that I am qualified to undertake the examination because I am a member of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants, which is one of the listed bodies.

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.

Kuldeep Sulh

FCCA

The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants

CKR Chartered Certified Accountants

CKR House, 70 East Hill

Dartford

Kent

DA1 1RZ

31 January 2026

31.3.25

31.3.24

Unrestricted

Restricted

Total

funds

Notes

£

INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM

Donations and legacies

2

11,234

242,558

253,792

241,530

Other activities & fundraising

3

68,892

34,658

103,550

78,600

Investment income

4

3

-

3

2

Total

80,129

277,216

357,345

320,132

EXPENDITURE ON

Raising funds

2,052

-

2,052

4,676

Charitable activities

Charitable Activities

60,734

225,425

286,159

277,345

Total

62,786

225,425

288,211

282,021

NET INCOME

17,343

51,791

69,134

38,111

RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS

Total funds brought forward

30,269

77,147

107,416

69,305

TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD

47,612

128,938

176,550

107,416

31.3.25

31.3.24

Notes

£

FIXED ASSETS

Tangible assets

8

1,679

2,326

CURRENT ASSETS

Debtors

9

72,789

39,561

Cash at bank and in hand

141,327

113,221

214,116

152,782

CREDITORS

Amounts falling due within one year

10

(30,400

)

(32,764

)

NET CURRENT ASSETS

183,716

120,018

TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT

LIABILITIES

185,395

122,344

CREDITORS

Amounts falling due after more than one year

11

(8,845

)

(14,928

)

NET ASSETS

176,550

107,416

FUNDS

14

Unrestricted funds

47,612

30,269

Restricted funds

128,938

77,147

TOTAL FUNDS

176,550

107,416

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

The members have not required the company to obtain an audit of its financial statements for the year ended 31 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 and delivered in accordance with the special provisions applicable to small charitable companies subject to the small companies regime.

The financial statements were approved by the Board of Trustees and authorised for issue on 31 January 2026 and were signed on its behalf by:

Anne Mary O'Rorke - Trustee

Colum Mackey - 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.

Financial reporting standard 102 - reduced disclosure exemptions

The charitable company has taken advantage of the following disclosure exemption in preparing these financial statements, as permitted by FRS 102 'The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland':

•

the requirements of Section 7 Statement of Cash Flows.

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.

Grants offered subject to conditions which have not been met at the year end date are noted as a commitment but not accrued as expenditure.

Raising funds

Cost of generating funds, are those costs incurred in attracting voluntary income and those incurred in trading activities that raise funds.

Charitable activities

- Charitable activities, include expenditure associated with the running of the events at the centre or elsewhere.

Governance costs

Governance costs include those incurred in the governance of the charity and its assets and are primarily associated with constitutional and statutory requirements.

Tangible fixed assets

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

Fixtures, fittings & equipment

-

25% on cost

Computer equipment

-

33% on cost and 25% on cost

Taxation

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

Fund accounting

General Funds are unrestricted funds, which are available for use at the discretion of the Trustees, in furtherance of the general objectives of the charity and which have not been designated for any other purpose.

Restricted funds can only be used in accordance with specific restrictions imposed by donors, or which have been raised by the charity for particular purposes. The costs of raising and administering those funds are charged against the specific fund.

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

Hire purchase and leasing commitments

Rentals paid under operating leases are charged to the Statement of Financial Activities on a straight line basis over the period of the lease.

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

31.3.25

31.3.24

£

Donations

6,214

4,634

Grants

230,058

218,581

Subscriptions

20

340

Donated services and facilities

12,500

Other Income

5,000

Expenses reimbursed

-

475

253,792

241,530

Grants received, included in the above, are as follows:

31.3.25

31.3.24

£

Ireland Fund of GB

8,000

5,000

Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade; Emigrant Support Programme

102,136

105,313

Petchy Foundation - Youth Club

900

600

Southwark Irish Pensioners BSOP

1,620

2,520

The City Bridge Trust - Bridging Divides Funding

30,000

35,000

LBL Core Funding

10,000

LBL - Warm Welcome / Community Cafe

-

6,400

Community Organisations Cost of Living - phase 1

-

19,811

Community Organisations Cost of Living - phase 2

-

24,001

Awards for All - Empowering young people in the local community

-

9,936

Merchant Taylor Trust

3,070

-

Warm Welcomes Grant (via Lewisham Local)

3,380

-

National Lottery / Reaching Communities

70,952

-

230,058

218,581

3.	OTHER ACTIVITIES & FUNDRAISING

31.3.25

31.3.24

£

Ticket Sales & event income

28,299

18,869

Fees for Services

34,658

33,143

Hire of Hall

40,593

26,588

103,550

78,600

4.	INVESTMENT INCOME

31.3.25

31.3.24

£

Deposit account interest

3

2

5.	NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE)

Net income/(expenditure) is stated after charging/(crediting):

31.3.25

31.3.24

£

Depreciation - owned assets

1,139

637

Other operating leases

12,500

6.	TRUSTEES' REMUNERATION AND BENEFITS

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

Trustees' expenses

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

7.	STAFF COSTS

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

31.3.25

31.3.24

Full time

4

Part time

6

5

10

9

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

The CEO's time was split between generating voluntary income, fundraising, charitable activities and governance. The other part time members of staff spend all of their time on charitable activities.

8.	TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS

Fixtures,

fittings &

Computer

equipment

Totals

£

COST

At 1 April 2024

13,991

11,275

25,266

Additions

-

492

At 31 March 2025

13,991

11,767

25,758

DEPRECIATION

At 1 April 2024

13,943

8,997

22,940

Charge for year

-

1,139

At 31 March 2025

13,943

10,136

24,079

NET BOOK VALUE

At 31 March 2025

48

1,631

1,679

At 31 March 2024

48

2,278

2,326

9.	DEBTORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR

31.3.25

31.3.24

£

Other debtors

40,486

3,670

Prepayments and accrued income

32,303

35,891

72,789

39,561

10.	CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR

31.3.25

31.3.24

£

Bank loans and overdrafts (see note 12)

-

1,874

Social security and other taxes

3,120

Deposits

4,602

3,502

Other creditors

13,052

14,602

Credit card

302

Accruals and deferred income

9,324

9,364

30,400

32,764

11.	CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE AFTER MORE THAN ONE YEAR

31.3.25

31.3.24

£

Bank loans (see note 12)

8,845

14,928

12.

LOANS

An analysis of the maturity of loans is given below:

31.3.25

31.3.24

£

Amounts falling due within one year on demand:

Bank overdrafts

-

1,874

Amounts falling due between two and five years:

Bank loans - 2-5 years

8,845

14,928

The amount disclosed as a loan within these financial statements for £NIl (2024 £1,874) is actually expenditure paid out in respect of a restricted fund paid over after the year end date, pending the accrued income.

13.	ANALYSIS OF NET ASSETS BETWEEN FUNDS

31.3.25

31.3.24

Unrestricted

Restricted

Total

funds

£

Fixed assets

1,679

-

1,679

2,326

Current assets

81,843

132,273

214,116

152,782

Current liabilities

(27,065

)

(3,335

)

(30,400

)

(32,764

)

Long term liabilities

(8,845

)

-

(8,845

)

(14,928

)

47,612

128,938

176,550

107,416

14.	MOVEMENT IN FUNDS

Net

movement

At 1.4.24

in funds

At 31.3.25

£

Unrestricted funds

Other Unrestricted

28,151

17,927

46,078

Befrending project

2,118

(984

)

1,134

Back to school donation

-

400

30,269

17,343

47,612

Restricted funds

Department of Foreign Affairs and

Trade-ESP

17,494

6,877

24,371

Ireland Fund of GB

-

5,000

Back Garden Project LBL & Crowd Funding

3,687

-

3,687

ESP - GRT Project

2,309

469

2,778

Petchy Foundation

600

1,200

ESP Lewisham Irish Pensioners

2,625

(1,435

)

1,190

ESP Southwark, Lambeth & Lewisham

Outreach

2,279

6,000

8,279

Community Cafe & Wellbeing Group

2,539

(2,391

)

148

The Benevolent Society of St Patrick

385

55

440

The City Bridge Trust

38,539

(6,724

)

31,815

The National Lottery Community Fund -

EYP

6,690

(6,690

)

-

Merchant Taylor Trust

-

3,070

Warm welcome

-

1,707

The National Lottery Fund - Reaching

Communities

-

45,253

77,147

51,791

128,938

TOTAL FUNDS

107,416

69,134

176,550

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

Incoming

Resources

Movement

resources

expended

in funds

£

Unrestricted funds

Other Unrestricted

76,629

(58,702

)

17,927

Befrending project

2,500

(3,484

)

(984

)

Back to school donation

1,000

(600

)

400

80,129

(62,786

)

17,343

Restricted funds

Department of Foreign Affairs and

Trade-ESP

69,136

(62,259

)

6,877

Ireland Fund of GB

8,000

(3,000

)

5,000

LBL Rent

12,500

(12,500

)

-

ESP - GRT Project

34,658

(34,189

)

469

Petchy Foundation

900

(300

)

600

ESP Lewisham Irish Pensioners

9,000

(10,435

)

(1,435

)

ESP Southwark, Lambeth & Lewisham

Outreach

24,000

(18,000

)

6,000

Community Cafe & Wellbeing Group

-

(2,391

)

(2,391

)

LB Lewisham - core funding

10,000

(10,000

)

-

The Benevolent Society of St Patrick

1,620

(1,565

)

55

The City Bridge Trust

30,000

(36,724

)

(6,724

)

The National Lottery Community Fund -

EYP

-

(6,690

)

(6,690

)

Merchant Taylor Trust

3,070

-

3,070

Warm welcome

3,380

(1,673

)

1,707

The National Lottery Fund - Reaching

Communities

70,952

(25,699

)

45,253

277,216

(225,425

)

51,791

TOTAL FUNDS

357,345

(288,211

)

69,134

Comparatives for movement in funds

Net

movement

At 1.4.23

in funds

At 31.3.24

£

Unrestricted funds

Other Unrestricted

5,448

22,703

28,151

Befrending project

-

2,118

5,448

24,821

30,269

Restricted funds

Department of Foreign Affairs and

Trade-ESP

13,849

3,645

17,494

Back Garden Project LBL & Crowd Funding

3,687

-

3,687

ESP - GRT Project

2,309

-

2,309

Petchy Foundation

334

266

600

ESP Lewisham Irish Pensioners

1,505

1,120

2,625

ESP Southwark, Lambeth & Lewisham

Outreach

656

1,623

2,279

Community Spaces At Risk

2,580

(2,580

)

-

Community Cafe & Wellbeing Group

148

2,391

2,539

The Benevolent Society of St Patrick

250

135

385

The City Bridge Trust

38,539

-

38,539

The National Lottery Community Fund -

EYP

-

6,690

63,857

13,290

77,147

TOTAL FUNDS

69,305

38,111

107,416

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

Incoming

Resources

Movement

resources

expended

in funds

£

Unrestricted funds

Other Unrestricted

52,760

(30,057

)

22,703

Befrending project

3,000

(882

)

2,118

55,760

(30,939

)

24,821

Restricted funds

Department of Foreign Affairs and

Trade-ESP

72,313

(68,668

)

3,645

Ireland Fund of GB

5,000

(5,000

)

-

LBL Rent

12,500

(12,500

)

-

ESP - GRT Project

33,143

(33,143

)

-

Petchy Foundation

748

(482

)

266

ESP Lewisham Irish Pensioners

9,000

(7,880

)

1,120

ESP Southwark, Lambeth & Lewisham

Outreach

24,000

(22,377

)

1,623

Community Spaces At Risk

-

(2,580

)

(2,580

)

Community Cafe & Wellbeing Group

6,400

(4,009

)

2,391

LB Lewisham - core funding

10,000

(10,000

)

-

The Benevolent Society of St Patrick

2,520

(2,385

)

135

The City Bridge Trust

35,000

(35,000

)

-

The National Lottery Community Fund -

phase 2

24,001

(24,001

)

-

The National Lottery Community Fund -

phase 1

19,811

(19,811

)

-

The National Lottery Community Fund -

EYP

9,936

(3,246

)

6,690

264,372

(251,082

)

13,290

TOTAL FUNDS

320,132

(282,021

)

38,111

Further information on funds.

Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: The Emigrant Support Programme received a grant of £102,136 for the year from 1st July 2024 to 30th June 2025 (2024 £105,313). The funds were restricted for the following projects:

2025

2024

Information, Advice & Support

£58,000

Gypsy Roma Travellers Outreach Service

£11,136

£14,313

SLL Outreach Advice Partnership Project

£24,000

Elders Project

£9,000

Lewisham Irish Pensioners Association, was merged into LICC during 2018/19. The balance of funds at the time of its cessation were donated to LICC. These funds are unrestricted but have been denoted as a designated fund.

Ireland Fund of Great Britain this relates to funding of £3,000 for language & music , plus £5,000 from the Community Impact fund 2025 for befriending & outreach work to the elderly in the community.(2024 £2,500)

LBL Crowd Funding Award - Back Garden Project £3,687 brought forward with no expenditure during the year due to Covid in affected years, & pending additional funding that would be required to complete the project.

City Bridge Trust funding was awarded November 2022 for £150,000 in phased quarterly instalments. This is over five years towards salary costs of a Senior Advice Worker to support, supervise and lead the advice team delivering services to the Irish Community and Gypsy, Roma, Traveller Communities in the London Borough of Lewisham, supported by City Bridge Trust, the funding arm of The City of London Corporation’s charity, Bridge House Estates (1035628). £30,000 was awarded 24/25 (2024 £35,000)

Jack Petchy Foundation relates to annual funding awarded to the youth club members to spend on the club through the year 2024 /25

Merchant Taylor Trust this is three year funding towards the playgroup coordinator . The funding was awarded in 2024 and deferred to 2025 due to delays with recruitment .

The National Lottery - Reaching Communities - is three-year funding towards LICC welfare services and community activities , awarded in November 2024 , this is a three-year award totalling £268,345, of which £70, 952 was receivable 2024-25.

Warm Welcome Funding this is Lewisham Borough Council funding to support local groups and provide warm spaces with access to refreshments and activities specifically throughout the winder months .LICC uses the funds to contribute to the Warm Welcome Community Café.

LBL Core Funding -

Lewisham Council Core funding refers to a three year partnership grant of £30,000 in total across three years This grant concluded in 2025

Awards for All - Empowering Young People (EYP) £9,936 as awarded 2023/24 but expended during 2024-25 in respect of delivering Youth Club services.

15.	CONTINGENT LIABILITIES

In respect of individual restricted funds held, whilst there are no time limits stipulated on expenditure thereof, should expenditure not ultimately be incurred in line with the original intended use outlined in the original funding applications, or should an alternative use for those specified funds not be agreed, the funders reserve the right to request repayment of restricted funds held.

16.	RELATED PARTY DISCLOSURES

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

17.	INDEPENDENT EXAMINATION

Lewisham Irish Community Centre has appointed Kuldeep Sulh F.C.C.A. of CKR Chartered Certified Accountants to independently review its annual accounts for the period. The cost of the Independent examiners fee is £350 (2024 £350),

.