BE WATER HONGKONGERS CIC was founded as a Community Interest Company (CIC) in May 2022 by a group of Hongkongers in Birmingham UK, carrying forward the flexible and spirit of Be Water as enshrined by the Hongkongers. Through the organisation of a wide range of community activities, BE WATER HONGKONGERS CIC aims to: Build a close-knit, supportive and empowered community of Hongkongers in the UK, promoting friendship, mutual support, health and wellbeing, and the preservation of Hong Kong's language and cultural heritage. Encourage greater engagement between Hongkongers and the wider local community, fostering mutual understanding, cultural exchange, respect and social inclusion. Activities and Community Impact Report Reporting period: 1 June 2025 to 31 May 2026 1. Activities Carried Out During the reporting period, we continued delivering activities under the LINK TOGETHER project, completed the remaining planned Activities. 2. Delivered a separate ROOTED ACROSS project Under these projects, we continued to organise regular community sports and social activities to support Hongkongers and encourage wider community participation. A. LINK TOGETHER Project During the reporting period, we continued delivering the remaining activities under the LINK TOGETHER project and successfully completed all planned activities by the end Of the project period. The project brought Hongkongers together through a diverse range of community, sporting, cultural and practical learning activities. These included first aid workshops to develop essential emergency response skills, badminton sessions, football club activities and social foot) all gatherings, Lunar New Year celebrations, and workshops supporting Hongkongers interested in starting their own businesses. The project also included a winter community market and a Mahjong competition, providing further opportunities for social interaction, cultural celebration and community participation. Through these activities, the project helped strengthen community connections, encourage mutual support, promote skills development and provide opportunities for Hongkongers to meet, share experiences and build friendships. B. ROOTED ACROSS Project The ROOTED ACROSS project supported the Hong Kong community through information sharing, cultural education and sports participation. Its activities included: 1. Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) Information Session As the first Hong Kong BN(O) visa holders approached five years of residence in the UK and became eligible to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), we organised an information session and Q&A to help Hongkongers understand the application process, address their concerns and prepare for their applications. 2. Hong Kong Language Classes We established regular language classes in Solihull, West Midlands, for the younger generation of Hongkongers living in the I-JK. The classes help children develop their Cantonese speaking and listening skills, as well as their ability to read and write in Traditional Chinese. They aim to preserve and pass on Hong Kong's language and cultural heritage to younger generations growing up in the UK. 3. Supporting a Community Basketball Team We supported the establishment and development Of a community basketball team by helping to organise training and providing financial support for the team to participate in league competitions. This initiative encourages participation in sport, promotes teamwork and strengthens community connections among Hongkongers in the local 4. Badminton Fun Days We organised a series of Badminton Fun Days on Saturdays during the autumn, winter and spring. These sessions promoted physical health, social interaction and community participation. People of different ages and backgrounds took part in a friendly and inclusive environment, providing opportunities to meet others, enjoy physical activity and build new friendships. 5. Football Fun Days We organised Football Fun Days every other Saturday, providing regular opportunities for Hongkongers to stay active, meet new people and develop friendships. Through participation in football, attendees were able to build teamwork, strengthen community spirit and maintain regular social connections. 6. Be Water Football Club Be Water Football Club continued to provide regular football sessions, training and friendly matches for members who share an interest in the sport. The club promotes an active lifestyle, teamwork and mutual support, while helping members build confidence, develop friendships and maintain a strong sense of belonging within the community. Regular gatherings and related activities also enable members to support one another beyond the football pitch. 7. Social Impact and Community Benefits During the 2025-2026 reporting year, Our CIC continued to support the Hong Kong community in the West Midlands while welcoming participation from the wider local community. More than one thousand attendances were recorded across our activities during the year, including participation by both Hongkongers and local residents. Our projects and regular community activities provided valuable opportunities for people from different backgrounds to come together, share experiences and establish lasting friendships. Through information sessions, language classes, football, badminton, basketball and Other community activities, we helped participants connect with others and take a more active role in community life. The benefits Of our work included: Health and wellbeing: Encouraging physical activity, supporting mental wellbeing and providing meaningful leisure opportunities. Social inclusion and friendship: Creating welcoming spaces for people to meet, build confidence, develop friendships and support one another. Cultural preservation: Helping younger generations maintain their Cantonese language skills, Traditional Chinese literacy and connection with Hong Kong's cultural heritage. Cultural exchange and integration: Bringing Hongkongers and local residents closer together, encouraging mutual understanding and helping to reduce cultural barriers. Skills and personal development: Providing opportunities to leam new skills and develop teamwork, confidence and communication skills. Community engagement: Encouraging greater involvement in local activities and strengthening connections with community organisations. Intergenerational participation : Providing activities for people across different age groups and backgrounds, helping to build a more connected and inclusive community. We also strengthened Our collaboration with local organisations and engaged volunteers in delivering our activities. These partnerships and volunteer contributions helped extend our reach, strengthen local relationships and build a stronger foundation for the CIC's future development. Overall, our work during the reporting period contributed to a more connected, active and inclusive community. By delivering projects alongside regular community activities, we continued to help Hongkongers settle into life in the UK while encouraging positive relationships and greater participation in the wider local community.

No consultation with stakeholders

No remuneration was received

No transfer of assets other than for full consideration