IBAA’s 2025 AGM & 10 years Anniversary Celebration

On 12th November 2025, IBAA proudly hosted its Annual General Meeting alongside a joyful celebration of our 10-year anniversary. The event brought together funders, trustees, volunteers, and community members to reflect on a decade of inclusive advice delivery, grassroots partnership, and transformative impact.

Event Highlights:

Opening remarks from Chair Mulat Haregot and Treasurer Sawsan Salim, sharing IBAA’s journey since 2016 and the significance of reaching this milestone.

Annual Report presentation by the Coordinator, showcasing our advice services and community projects. IBAA supported over 5,000 individuals this year, with many more engaged through group activities and classes.

Core areas of support include welfare and benefits, debt and finance, housing and homelessness, domestic violence and VAWG, and immigration.

Recognition of ongoing challenges, including rising demand and growing waiting lists and our commitment to meeting these with compassion and innovation.

A celebration of IBAA’s unique partnership model, the only one of its kind in Islington and one of very few across London.

Guest Speaker : Cllr Sheila Chapman

She expressed solidarity with the BAMER community, condemning hate and reaffirming Islington’s status as a Borough of Sanctuary. She praised IBAA’s vital work and acknowledged the challenges of rising need and tight funding, urging continued collaboration and support.

10 Years of Impact:

We marked the occasion with a special anniversary cake ceremony, honouring the dedication of our volunteers, advisers, and partners.
Cllr Chapman joined us in celebrating this milestone, highlighting the value of grassroots collaboration in borough-wide support.

Fundraising Challenges Ahead:

The Coordinator also highlighted the growing pressure on fundraising, noting that resources are increasingly tight despite rising demand. IBAA remains committed to securing sustainable support to continue meeting urgent needs across our communities.

Partner Voices at the AGM

IBAA advisers shared urgent concerns about raising demand, long waiting lists, and the the worsening housing crisis. They described feeling overwhelmed, with clients facing unbearable conditions and limited support option