The Hands Up Foundation
Also known as: Action Syria
The principal activities of Action Syria, the operating name of the charity, are to make sure Syrian communities have the medical care and education they need, every day and when emergencies strike. The charity focuses on the relief and assistance of victims of war, conflict or natural disaster, through humanitarian assistance, particularly for people in Syria and surrounding countries.
Activities & Mission
The principal activities of Action Syria, the operating name of the charity, are to make sure Syrian communities have the medical care and education they need, every day and when emergencies strike. The charity focuses on the relief and assistance of victims of war, conflict or natural disaster, through humanitarian assistance, particularly for people in Syria and surrounding countries.
Areas of Operation
Where this charity is registered to operate, as self-declared to the Charity Commission. These are regulatory classifications, not a list of active programmes, and don't necessarily indicate fundraising activity in each location.
Financial Information
Financial Efficiency
Higher than 92% of UK Saving of lives charities with income £100K to £1M (sample: 155). How is this calculated?
Higher than 31% of UK Saving of lives charities with income £100K to £1M. How is this calculated?
Lower overhead than 28% of UK Saving of lives charities with income £100K to £1M. (Lower overhead is generally read as more efficient.) How is this calculated?
Latest Financial Breakdown
Income Sources
Expenditure Categories
Financial Trend
Annual Returns
As filed with the Charity Commission for England and Wales. Most recent filing covers the financial year ending 2025.
| Financial Year | Income | Expenditure | Charitable Spending | Net Assets | Reserves | Staff |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | £381,326 | £494,630 | 0 / 8 | |||
| 2024 | £504,109 | £659,041 | £579,552 | £226,406 | £226,406 | 6 / 7 |
| 2023 | £721,571 | £740,889 | £616,880 | £381,338 | £194,607 | 5 / 12 |
| 2022 | £584,041 | £515,449 | £369,806 | £400,656 | £270,963 | 3 / 4 |
| 2021 | £682,180 | £625,881 | £522,654 | £332,064 | £272,017 | 2 / 4 |
Staff column shows: Employees / Volunteers
Frequently asked questions about The Hands Up Foundation
What does The Hands Up Foundation do?
The principal activities of Action Syria, the operating name of the charity, are to make sure Syrian communities have the medical care and education they need, every day and when emergencies strike. The charity focuses on the relief and assistance of victims of war, conflict or natural disaster, through humanitarian assistance, particularly for people in Syria and surrounding countries.
How much income did The Hands Up Foundation report in 2025?
The Hands Up Foundation reported total income of £381k and reported expenditure of £495k for the financial year ending 2025, based on the most recent annual return filed with the Charity Commission.
How efficient is The Hands Up Foundation?
The Hands Up Foundation has a program ratio of 115.0%, meaning that share of its income goes directly to charitable activities. This is higher than 92% of UK Saving of lives charities with income £100K to £1M (sample of 155 charities). See our methodology for how this is calculated.
When was The Hands Up Foundation registered as a charity?
The Hands Up Foundation was registered with the Charity Commission for England and Wales on 1 April 2014 as charity number 1156491. It has been registered for 12 years.
Who runs The Hands Up Foundation?
The Hands Up Foundation is governed by a board of 7 trustees. The chair of trustees is Alexandra Lopoukhine. Trustees are legally responsible for the charity's governance and are listed in full on its profile.
Where does The Hands Up Foundation operate?
The Hands Up Foundation operates across 5 areas, including Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon and 2 others. The full list is shown on its profile.
Is The Hands Up Foundation a registered charity?
Yes — The Hands Up Foundation is a registered charity in England and Wales, charity number 1156491.
Details
Rich Mix Cultural Centre
35-47 Bethnal Green Road
London
E1 6LA
Registry Information
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Major UK charities in the same primary sector, drawn from the curated priority cohort.
Trustees
Also governs 1 other charity
Sectors & Classifications
Also Known As
- Action Syria
Data & trust
- Register data refreshed
- 14 May 2026
- Methodology
- How metrics are calculated